4/29/09: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Pawtucket (Boston's AAA affiliate) came in for a short two game series. Unfortunately, the first game rained out, so we had only today's single game. It started off ok, grabbing a few guys pregame from Pawtucket. Luckily, this game was a typical early season game, even with Boston's affiliate here. Come mid-June until the end of the season, any Scranton or Pawtucket game will be a total madhouse, with little chance to get good autographs. In a shocker, Clay Buchholz was charting and actually signing during the game. I was actually even able to get him during and right after the game, too. Then outside they had the obnoxious gates, still. They actually worked to our favor, allowing me to only miss a few less important autographs! I was thoroughly happy with today, especially getting my Team USA Daniel Bard game used signed! I was even able to get a few Syracuse players after the Pawtucket players were mostly boarded.

Books:

Pawtucket Red Sox
Travis Denker (2006, 2008)
Jeff Corsaletti (2006)
Paul McAnulty (2006)
Daniel Bard (2008, 2009)
Clay Buchholz (2008)
Michael Bowden (2008)

Cards:

Pawtucket Red Sox
Paul McAnulty - 4
Clay Buchholz - 4
Jeff Corsaletti - 1
Rocky Cherry - 1
Daniel Bard - 2 (Including Team USA game used)
Michael Bowden - 1
Billy Traber - 1
Sean Danielson - 1
Chris Carter - 1

Syracuse Chiefs
Corey Patterson - 1
Jesus Colome - 1
Lastings Milledge - 1
Darnell Coles (Hitting Coach) - 2


Cards Today: 21, Overall: 121

4/22/09: Lehigh Valley Ironpigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

Decided to go to the Syracuse side before this game, as I needed Jason Donald and Rod Nichols from Lehigh Valley and I was blown off by both before the game the night before. Of course, they both signed before the game, frustrating me. We were able to get a few before the game, though. Rehabbing Willie Harris signed, as well as Lastings Milledge who signed TWO for me (without help). That was shocking. He refused to sign after the game, however, since many of the 50 or so fans who showed up for this raining game had booed him. Ouch.

I also lucked out and since it was so dead, I got two foul balls.

Also, there was major drama, as Carlos Carrasco (very nice the night before) suddenly would not sign for anyone. It was caused by one of the autograph people, who apparently wanted to screw everyone over, while making himself look helpful. He made security bring him in from charting and then the guy wouldn't even look at anyone after the game. What a difference less than 24 hours makes.

Books:

Lehigh Valley Ironpigs
Jason Donald (2008, 2009)

Syracuse Chiefs
Freddie Bynum (2006)
J.D. Martin (2006)

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Ryan Wagner - 1
Lastings Milledge - 2
Willie Harris - 2
Luke Montz - 1
Freddie Bynum - 2 (INCLUDING 100TH OF THE YEAR!)


Lehigh Valley Ironpigs
Tyler Walker - 1

Cards Today: 9, Overall Cards: 100

4/21/09: Lehigh Valley Ironpigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

This is the first of a short two game series between Syracuse and the Philadelphia Phillies' AAA affiliate from Lehigh Valley. My goal for this series was to make sure I got the guys who I felt would not be around in a couple months when this team returns. After the game ended up great as Kyle Kendrick signed a whole page and Carlos Carrasco signed all three books at the same time. Not bad since they were about the only ones who signed on the way to the bus.

Books:

Andrew Carpenter (2008, 2009)
Carlos Carrasco (2006, 2008, 2009)
John Mayberry (2006, 2008)
Kyle Kendrick (2006)
Jake Woods (2006)
Jeremy Slayden (2006)

Cards:

Lehigh Valley Ironpigs
Pablo Ozuna - 3
Jason Ellison - 3
Carlos Carrasco - 3 (Including a Game Used card)
Kyle Kendrick - 6

Cards Today: 15, Overall: 91

4/19/09: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

This turned out to be the last game of the series (the next day was rained out). Decided that since I only really needed Niese and Sullivan, that I would go to the Chiefs side. Overall, it went ok. Was happy that Casey Fossum decided to sign after he charted. He was a bit attitude the day before, but fine after this game. The only person I really missed was pitching coach Ricky Bones, who should be around this season +.

Books:

Jon Niese (2006, 2008, 2009)

Cards:

Buffalo Bisons
Jon Niese - 3
Casey Fossum - 2
Cory Sullivan - 2

Syracuse Chiefs
Jorge Padilla - 1
Lastings Milledge - 1
Seth Bynum - 2

Cards Today = 11, Overall = 76

4/18/09: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Second game of this series, and I decided to go after Buffalo again. With it being a day game, they weren't in as big of a rush to leave, although I missed Niese who came out with his phone to his ear and a finger in the other, as well as Cory Sullivan avoiding and yelling tomorrow. Nick Evans was relatively interesting and shockingly signed for me before and after the game (before the game he asked someone, "didn't I sign for you yesterday?" Not too bad of a day, though.

Books:

Rene Rivera (2006)
Dillon Gee (2009)
Eddie Kunz (2009)
Nick Evans (2009)

Cards:

Buffalo Bisons
Nick Evans - 1
Eddie Kunz - 2
Ken Oberkfell (Manager) - 2
Robinson Cancel - 1
Jonathan Malo - 1

Cards Today: 7, Overall: 65

4/17/09: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

First game of a four game series, welcoming the New York Mets back to the International League, after they signed with Buffalo last year. Had to work during most of the game, so only was able to get a few after the game. Stupid barricades were up..yes, for a 1-8 team.

Books:

Connor Robertson (2006)
Fernando Martinez (2009)

Cards:

Buffalo Bisons
Connor Robertson - 1
Fernando Martinez - 2
Jose Coronado - 1

Cards Signed Today: 4, Overall Cards: 58

4/11/09: Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch

Used the season finale for Syracuse as a way to shore up any loose ends I had. Luckily, I was also given a bunch of Syracuse player photos, so I was able to get a bunch of things signed. The weird autograph was Kyle Wharton, whom has a broken finger on his writing hand. I didn't realize which hand was injured, but he was still very determined to sign it.

Cards:

Rochester Americans
Chris Beckford-Tseu - 1

Syracuse Crunch
Dan Smith - 1
Kyle Wharton - 1
Sebastian Dahm - 1

FINAL TOTAL CARDS SIGNED IN 2008-09 HOCKEY SEASON: 220


Photos:
Trevor Frischmon
Dan Smith
Dan LaCosta

4/10/09: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

Second and final game of this early series, I decided to try the Chiefs side pregame, as well as after the game. I did go to the Rochester side in order to finish off my books for their current roster. We lucked out, as the Chiefs were travelling to Rochester for an early game the next day, so they were all getting on the bus. It also was nice that Jordan Zimmermann was signing in the gift shop before the game.

Books:

Rochester Red Wings
Jose Mijares (2006)

Syracuse Chiefs
Jason Bergmann (2006)
Craig Stammen (2009)
Marco Estrada (2009)
Jordan Zimmermann (2008)
Kory Casto (2008)
Garrett Mock (2009)
Justin Maxwell (2006, 2008, 2009)

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Corey Patterson - 2
Ryan Langerhans - 1
Josh Towers - 2
Tyler Clippard - 1
Kory Casto - 1
Garrett Mock - 1
Jason Bergmann - 5
Tim Foli (Manager) - 3
Darnell Coles (Hitting Coach) - 4
Jorge Padilla - 3
Kip Wells - 1
Justin Maxwell - 2

Cards Today: 26, Overall Cards: 54

4/9/09: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

Opening day for the new affiliate of the Washington Nationals, the Syracuse Chiefs. They were facing Minnesota's AAA affiliate from Rochester. What a difference a sport makes, as I totally remembered that it was much more of a challenge in baseball, than hockey. Overall, a pretty good set of results, as I was all over the place before and after the game.

Books:

Rochester Red Wings
Jose Mijares (2008, 2009)
David Winfree (2006, 2009)
Justin Huber (2006, 2008)
Kevin Mulvey (2009)
Anthony Swarzak (2009)
Luke Hughes (2009)
Trevor Plouffe (2009)
Matt Tolbert (2009)

Syracuse Chiefs
Gustavo Molina (2006)
Roger Bernadina (2006, 2008, 2009)
Jordan Zimmermann (2009)
Luke Montz (2009)

Cards:

Rochester Red Wings
Justin Huber - 2
Carmen Pignatiello - 1
Bob Keppel - 1
Ben Julianel - 1
Sean Henn - 1
Matt Macri - 1
Matt Tolbert - 2
Alejandro Machado - 1

Syracuse Chiefs
Gustavo Molina - 1
Tyler Clippard - 2
Ryan Langerhans - 2
Corey Patterson - 2
Kory Casto - 1
Alex Cintron - 3
Steve McCatty (Pitching Coach) - 5
Collin Balester - 1
Brad Eldred - 1

Overall Cards Signed: 28

4/8/09: Binghamton Senators vs Syracuse Crunch

Ottawa's AHL affiliate from Binghamton finally returned for their last game against Syracuse. Didn't really bother too much, just tried to get cards I had signed. Was able to get a couple injured Syracuse players in the stands.

Cards:

Syracuse Crunch
Jon Mirasty - 1
Andrey Plekhanov - 1

Binghamton Senators
Denis Hamel - 1
Ilya Zubov - 1

Autographed Cards Today: 4, Overall: 216

4/3/09: Rockford Icehogs vs Syracuse Crunch

Under a week and a half before the end of the season, and the Rockford Icehogs (Chicago Blackhawks AHL affiliate) make their first appearance. It was wet out and a bunch of loud and obnoxious Rockford fans were screwing up most of the autograph attempts inside, so I ended up outside. Did happen to get one of the Crunch players I missed and got most of what I needed from Rockford, although I did miss some.

Cards:

Syracuse Crunch
Brian McGuirk - 1

Rockford Icehogs
Corey Crawford - 1
Jordan Hendry - 2
Akim Aliu (On OPC Chicago Blackhawks logo card) - 1

Cards Today: 5, Overall: 212

Atlanta Thrashers Program (1 Today, 13 Overall):
Jimmy Sharrow

Rockford Icehogs Logo Sheet (22 Players):
#20 - Akim Aliu (Bottom Left Logo)
#14 - Dan Bertram
#5 - Mike Brennan
#8 - Tim Brent
#7 - Evan Brophey
#22 - Joe Charlebois
#38 - Jeff Christian
#11 - Brian Connelly
#29 - Corey Crawford (Bottom Right Logo)
#28 - Jake Dowell (Bottom Right not touching logo, looks like 29)
#4 - Danny Groulx (Top Left Corner Logo)
#6 - Jordan Hendry
#23 - Adam Hobson
#37 - Rob Klinkhammer
#15 - Pete MacArthur
#32 - Sean McMorrow
#40 - Tyler Mosienko
#30 - Antti Niemi (Signed as #31)
#10 - Adam Pineault
#33 - Mike Radja
#3 - Jimmy Sharrow
#21 - Logan Stephenson

3/28/09: Lake Erie Monsters vs Syracuse Crunch

Syracuse Crunch card night, added to the fact that I had nothing I wanted from Lake Erie meant that the only thing I even attempted to do was to get cards signed by Syracuse. Overall, a great result for those + my other cards.

Cards:
Mike York - 3
Craig MacDonald - 1
Alexandre Picard - 1
Derek MacKenzie - 1
Trevor Frischmon - 1
Kevin Lalande - 1
Grant Clitsome - 1
Mike Blunden - 1
Kevin Harvey - 1
Ryan Garlock - 2
Stefan Legein - 1
Dan LaCosta - 1
Tom Sestito - 1
Nikita Filatov - 1
Maksim Mayorov - 1
Nick Holden - 1
Jonathan Sigalet - 1

Cards Today: 20, Overall Cards: 207

3/27/09: San Antonio Rampage vs Syracuse Crunch

The only time San Antonio (Phoenix Coyote's AHL affiliate) came to town. Just as Houston did, San Antonio was apparently staying at the hotel, so they were all leaving in all sorts of directions. Did not get any cards, which was disappointing, however I did print off a nice pic of Karl Goehring for him to sign.

Photos
Karl Goehring

San Antonio Rampage Logo Sheet (18 Players):
#15 - Alexander Nikulin
#4 - David Schlemko
#16 - Simon Ferguson
#24 - Jonas Ahnelov
#17 - David Spina
#37 - Sean Sullivan
#10 - Garth Murray
#25 - Kevin Porter
?? - Chris Frank???? (to right of logo)
#11 - Wyatt Smith
#31 - Joel Gistedt
#27 - Adam Keefe
#8 - Sean Zimmerman
#93 - Alex Bourret
#30 - Karl Goehring
#7 - Jeff May
#19 - Brett MacLean (Bottom right corner from logo, looks like a 36 in there)
#22 - Francis Lessard

3/21/09: Albany River Rats vs Syracuse Crunch

Final trip by Carolina's AHL affiliate from Albany. Not many players I didn't already have, but finally Bobby Hughes made an appearance. Finally was able to get him to sign, so at least it wasn't a waste.

Cards:
Bobby Hughes - 1

Overall Cards 2008-09 Season: 187

Albany River Rats Logo Sheet (4 New Players, Overall: 30 Players, 1 Coach):
#19 - Bobby Hughes
#9 - Tomas Pospisil
#25 - Cory Quirk
#14 - Yannick Tifu

3/20/09: Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch

Another game between these two rivals. Pretty much only went after my Shawn Matthias cards, as well as a few on my logo sheet.

Cards:
Shawn Matthias - 3

Overall hockey cards: 186

Rochester Americans Logo Sheet: (New: 4 Players, 2 Coaches Overall: 21 Players, 2 Coaches):
#3 - Jason Garrison
#25 - Jordan Henry
#21 - Shawn Matthias
#5 - Janis Sprukts
Head Coach - Benoit Groulx
Asst Coach - Jason Cipolla

3/17/09: Syracuse Crunch Autograph Appearance @ Tullys

Another Tullys appearance, where the only reason we were going is because I still had Alexandre Picard cards that I have owned for over a year that were still unsigned. I figured I might as well bite the bullet and head over to get them done and over with. He was actually very friendly, a contrast from past years that we had seen him around. He seems much happier after his latest demotion from Columbus.

Cards:
Alexandre Picard - 2

Overall Cards: 183

3/17/09: Syracuse Crunch Bartending Appearance @ Chadwicks

Since it was a boring we, we decided to make a bunch of these appearances, after not going to basically any all year. Appearing at this were newly signed Nick St. Pierre, as well as Stefan Legein and Nikita Filatov. This appearance was actually fun, since it was a relatively down to Earth crew who at least chatted a bit.

Photos:
Nikita Filatov signed draft day photo

Pucks:
Puck signed by all 3 (Stefan Legein, Nick St Pierre, and Nikita Filatov)

3/16/09: Syracuse Crunch Autograph Appearance @ Tullys

While we were out, we stopped by this appearance at Tullys. We weren't sure who would be there, as there were a lot of roster changes. Turns out that the only thing I bothered getting was a pocket schedule signed by Dan Smith, since he is the cover player for it.


Syracuse Crunch Schedule signed by Dan Smith

3/16/09: Syracuse Crunch Bartending Appearance @ Quaker Stake And Lube

We were out driving and decided to head out to Quaker Stake and Lube's bartending session for the Syracuse Crunch. Appearing were Kevin Harvey, Steve Kelly, and Michael Blunden. None of them seemed in the best of moods, to say the least..oh well.

Cards:

Michael Blunden - 1

Overall 181

Pucks:

Steve Kelly

3/14/09: Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch

Even though Syracuse plays Rochester (Florida's AHL affiliate) 6 times at home, this is the first time we have seen them since October. After this night, there are 3 more games against them. Yawn. Overall, not a bad deal. Everyone was pretty good, of the players who were there. Interestingly enough, I didn't bother getting Rochester either of the first two games, so this is the start of my logo sheet for them.

Cards:
Drew Larman - 1
Tyler Plante - 2
Kendal McArdle - 1
David Brine - 1

Overall Hockey Cards This Year: 180

Rochester Americans Logo Sheet (17 Players):
#29 - Mike Brodeur
#35 - Tyler Plante
#2 - Michael Caruso
#7 - Drew Larman
#8 - Keaton Ellerby
#10 - Stefan Meyer
#12 - Peter Aston
#14 - Michael Duco
#17 - Dan Collins
#18 - Andrew Sweetland (Looks like 8 on right)
#19 - Karl Stewart
#22 - Kendal McArdle
#26 - Michal Repik
#28 - Judd Blackwater
#34 - David Brine
#42 - Randall Gelech
#45 - Riley Emmerson

3/13/09: Lake Erie Monsters vs Syracuse Crunch

Didn't really need much from Lake Erie. Only thing I really bothered with was logo sheet, as I didn't have much for anyone. Not really much to say here, lol.


Lake Erie Logo Sheet (5 Players, 1 Coach Today...29 Players Overall, 2 Coaches)
#17 - Josh Aspenlind
#21 - Mike Bartlett
#23 - Matthew Ford
#38 - Per Ledin
#24 - Robert Snowball
Asst Coach - Sylvain Lefebvre (Under Logo)

3/11/09: Toronto Marlies vs Syracuse Crunch

Last game of the season against Toronto. Missed out on Jeremy Williams and Mark Bell was traded a few days before. I was deciding between continuing my Toronto Marlies logo sheet or using a new one. See, earlier this year, the photo paper I used was flimsy and easily smearing. The new brand I have been using is great with little or no smears since I've started with them. Unfortunately, I chose to continue on the old sheet. My LAST signature on it, I was about to leave when I saw Greg Gilbert. I had him sign my final card I found of him. Unfortunately, while trying to get my binder open, I pressed the logo sheet against my chest. Yep, smeared the whole signature. Bad ending to some god awful photo paper!

Cards:

Ryan Hollweg - 3
Bates Battaglia - 1
Greg Gilbert (Coach) - 1

Cards Today: 5, Overall: 175

Misc:

Adam Munro Syracuse Crunch Photo

Toronto Marlies Logo Sheet: (4 New Players, 31 Players Overall + 1 Coach)
#2 - Jeremy Swanson (Bottom #2)
#7 - Todd Perry
#10 - Jay Rosehill (signed #8, his old number)
#15 - Andrew Martins