6/22/09: Columbus Clippers vs Syracuse Chiefs

Finale of the home series against Columbus. More of the same, although, the team was a bit nicer on the last day. I was finally able to score my Matt LaPorta, but I missed Michael Brantley actually signing a few autographs, which sucks. In the stands again was Mitch Webster scouting (I was given a few more of him), as well as Bob Boone, who has a higher position with the Washington Nationals and is a former player and manager in the majors. It's nice to be able to snag random people in the stands!

Ticket Stub:

Wes Hodges - Columbus

Cards:

Columbus
Masahide Kobayashi - 1
Rob Mackowiak - 3
Chuck Lofgren - 2
Matt LaPorta - 1
Andy Marte - 2

Misc
Bob Boone (Nationals Front Office/ex-major leaguer) - 3
Mitch Webster (Scout/ ex-major leaguer) - 3

Cards Today - 15, Overall - 361

6/21/09: Columbus Clippers vs Syracuse Chiefs

After a rainout on Saturday, Syracuse and Columbus played a doubleheader today. Syracuse University basketball coach, Jim Boeheim, was signing autographs today. I was able to get him on a magazine cover and an old team photo I had (previously signed by John Wallace). The team was a bit better today, but big prospect Matt LaPorta was signing few and far between, still leaving me with none. Was successful with my books aside from LaPorta and Michael Brantley, whom would not even acknowledge people besides when his family showed up today. One positive was that early in the doubleheader we realized that there was an ex-major leaguer scouting. Everyone scattered to get their cards of him (Mitch Webster). Luckily, I was given a few extras.

Books:

Columbus
Chuck Lofgren (2006, 2008)
Tony Sipp (2006, 2008, 2009)
Masahide Kobayashi (2008)
Wes Hodges (2008, 2009)

Cards:

Columbus
George Lombard - 2
Scott Radinsky (Pitching Coach) - 2
Andy Marte - 4
Rob Mackowiak - 2
Masahide Kobayashi - 1

Misc
Mitch Webster (Scout) - 2

Cards Today - 13, Overall - 346


Misc:
Jim Boeheim Magazine Cover - 1
Jim Boeheim on Team Photo - 1

6/19/09: Columbus Clippers vs Syracuse Chiefs

First game of the lone series against Columbus (Triple A affiliate for the Cleveland Indians). Pregame wasn't bad, however postgame was a joke. Columbus literally walked out 15 men strong when the hotel van showed up. It was a total joke, and most of them were rude as hell. At least I killed off some before the game, or else I would have been close to shut out.

Books:

Columbus
Mickey Hall (2006)
Frank Herrmann (2008)
Jon Meloan (2009)
Jordan Brown (2009)

Cards:

Columbus
Michael Aubrey - 1
Zach Jackson - 1
Jack Cassel - 1
Torey Lovullo (Manager) - 2
Jonathan Nunnally (Coach) - 1
Tony Graffanino - 3
Ken Ray - 1
Vinnie Chulk - 3

Cards Today - 13, Overall - 333

6/16/09: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Awful decision making on this day. Before the game I was only able to get Mike Lamb and Adam Bostick. After the game, I went to the Syracuse side in hopes of getting a few extra Scott Olsens I found. Well, I missed out on Wily Mo Pena signed down the line, doing near everything that everyone had. Instead, I got snubbed by Olsen. Bummer postgame.

Books:

Buffalo Bisons
Adam Bostick (2008)

Cards:

Buffalo Bisons
Mike Lamb - 2

Syracuse Chiefs
Rich Gale (Pitching Coach) - 2
Ryan Langerhans - 2
Seth Bynum - 1
Horacio Ramirez - 1

Cards Today - 8, Overall - 320

6/15/09: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another doubleheader. As I walked in, I noticed that no one was waiting on the Buffalo side. I then looked over and noticed most of Syracuse pitchers were still on the field, so everyone was on that side. Only got 2 guys, but at least it was a good start. Buffalo now has Lance Broadway (all-prick team). He, of course, acted the same jerk way as usual. The thing that makes me happy is that the guys who are the real pieces of work have been putting up awful numbers and probably will never make it to the majors full time. Buffalo has a lot of kinda washed up vets, but at least majority at least signed one.

Books:

Syracuse Chiefs
Cory Doyne (2006)

Buffalo Bisons
Pat Misch (2006, 2008)
Tobi Stoner (2009)

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Cory Doyne - 1
Wilfredo Ledezma - 1

Buffalo Bisons
Mike Lamb - 4
Ricky Bones (Pitching Coach) - 7 (Including 300th signed of year)
Jonathon Niese - 1
Ken Oberkfell (Manager) - 1
Kyle Snyder - 1
Pat Misch - 1
Emil Brown - 1
Wily Mo Pena - 1

Cards Today - 19, Overall - 312

6/13/09: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Didn't go to the game. Purchased 2 Javier Lopez cards while I was out, then went to get autographs after the game. Those were the only two cards I got signed. Period. Awful. And even better, the final game of the series is played in Cooperstown, so that was my last one.

Cards:

Pawtucket Red Sox
Javier Lopez - 2

Today - 2, Overall - 293

6/12/09: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

With round 2 of the Smoltz obsession occurring, as well as me showing up a couple minutes later than I wanted, I decided to skip Pawtucket pregame and go to the Chiefs side. It turned out to be a great decision. We noticed a guy throwing with the manager without a uniform on. I was lucky because Foli came over to sign (something he doesn't do often pregame). I ended up asking him and he told me it was Scott Olsen and that he was going to make two rehab starts with the team. I just so happened to have his cards on me, since I had all the possible rehabbers in my box, just in case. I was disappointed as he walked by me when I yelled his name and did not stop. Well, after the game started the guy I was standing next to told me that Olsen was sitting in the stands behind the bullpen. So I went over and sat in a different section to scope it out. Olsen got up less than 5 minutes later so I asked him if he'd sign. He signed everything I had, including a double I had which I got for the girlfriend. I have to say, it was quite nice to be the only one to have anything of him and I am guessing that's why I got all 10 items signed. Didn't get too much with Pawtucket after the game, but Jonathan Van Every actually signed, so that was a shock in itself.

Books:

Syracuse Chiefs
Zech Zinicola (2008)
Scott Olsen (2006)

Pawtucket Red Sox
Enrique Gonzalez (2006)

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Scott Olsen - 8
Justin Maxwell - 1
Tim Foli (Manager) - 1
Darnell Coles (Batting Coach) - 1
Kory Casto - 1

Pawtucket Red Sox
Carlos Maldonado - 1
Jonathan Van Every - 1
Javier Lopez - 1
Freddy Guzman - 1

Cards Today - 16, Overall - 291

6/11/09: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

A rather interesting day occurred for this scheduled doubleheader from a previous rainout. Game time was 5pm, but a bunch of us showed up as early as 11am due to the fact that John Smoltz was making a rehab start for Pawtucket in the first game. Well needless to say, Smoltz got snuck in. I was able to get a couple guys arriving at the stadium, but definitely not worth my early arrival! Well things got even more interesting as they put the tarp on the field before Smoltz even started warming up after stretching. He starts to come on due to the tarp and the expectation of rain. I was able to yell at Smoltz as he came in, and he came over to start signing! The problem is, he walked towards me, then turned a few people to the side of me. After watching him sign about 30 balls and such, he looked ready to stop. I was able to plead and out stretch about 3 people and finally he signed for me. Overall, that was an awful experience. I doubt I could do this hobby in a major league city, that's for sure. The doubleheader was cancelled about an hour later, so Smoltz (and the lovely crowd of random people) would be around for the next day.

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Corey Patterson -1
Pete Orr - 2 (Including Topps Heritage team card)

Pawtucket Red Sox
Chris Carter - 1
John Smoltz - 1
Jeff Bailey - 1

Cards Today - 6, Overall - 275

6/1/09: Gwinnett Braves vs Syracuse Chiefs

This was the last time we see Gwinnett for the season. Pretty good ending, with the only card left unsigned was an Alvin Colina, who signed for the first time that I saw this series, but with limited numbers. Interesting stuff happened following this but before I got to put this entry in. Jordan Schafer was sent down to Gwinnett, which sucked since I have a lot of him. However, Tommy Hanson was recalled, Charlie Morton was traded, and Chiefs coach Steve McCatty was signed as the pitching coach of the Washington Nationals. What a difference a few days make!

Cards:

Gwinnett Braves
Tommy Hanson - 1
Tony Armas - 2
Alvin Colina - 2
Brian Barton - 2
Jamie Dismuke (Hitting Coach) - 1

Syracuse Chiefs
Corey Patterson - 1
Jorge Sosa - 1
John Poppert (Bullpen Coach) - 1

Cards Today: 11, Overall: 269

5/31/09: Gwinnett Braves vs Syracuse Chiefs

After missing the second game, I was back for the third game of this series. I was very happy to finish off my books for the series, as well as finally getting current Gwinnett radio announcer and former WCW announcer, Tony Schiavone, to sign an index card for me.

Books:

Gwinnett Braves
James Parr (2006, 2009)
Todd Redmond (2006, 2008, 2009)
Van Pope (2006, 2008)

Cards:

Gwinnett Braves
Brandon Jones - 3
Boone Logan - 1
Clint Sammons - 1
James Parr - 1

Cards Today: 6, Overall: 258


3x5 Index Card:

Tony Schiavone - Gwinnett Announcer (Former WCW Announcer)

5/29/09: Gwinnett Braves vs Syracuse Chiefs

The Gwinnett Braves (Triple A affiliate for the Atlanta Braves) came in for their only four game series of the season. Tommy Hanson, their big prospect, was charting for the game. He was doing one per after the game, but ended up signing both of my prospect books. That was a good one to kill off, for sure. He is one of those, "Didn't I get you yesterday" type of guys. Between the first busload leaving for Gwinnett and the bus returning for the second load, I was able to kill off my Corey Patterson for the day by running to the Syracuse side.

Books:

Gwinnett Braves
Tommy Hanson (2008, 2009)
Brooks Conrad (2006)
J.C. Holt (2006)
Brandon Jones (2006, 2008)
Brian Barton (2008)

Cards:

Gwinnett Braves
Antonio Perez - 3
Tony Armas - 1
Brooks Conrad - 1
Charlie Morton - 2
Juan Perez - 4

Syracuse Chiefs
Ryan Langerhans - 1
Corey Patterson - 1

Cards Today: 13, Overall: 252

5/28/09: Scranton-WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

After missing the 3rd day of this 4 day series, I was able to make the finale to try to kill off some remaining items. I still have all of my coach cards left as to put it frankly, Scott Aldred is a bit of a douche. Glad I don't have any Dave Miley cards..he is more stuck on himself than even Aldred. Seems like once you become a coach for the Yankees Triple A team, you become stuck on yourself (see: Espinosa, Alvaro). Even better for me, was that the Syracuse Chiefs' team set came out. This made it easier to skip my remaining Juan Miranda and coach cards after the game, to go after the Chiefs. With only one other person over there, it was relatively easy to get who I needed. I did find it funny to find my Josh Towers card in my new team set and having him sign while he was charting for the opposing team. Goes to show how many moves this team has made this year.

Books:

Scranton-WB Yankees
Juan Miranda (2009)

Cards:

Scranton-WB Yankees
Josh Towers - 1
Jonathan Albaladejo - 1

Syracuse Chiefs
Collin Balester - 2
Tyler Clippard - 2
Brad Eldred - 1
Marco Estrada - 1
Preston Larrison - 1
Wilfredo Ledezma - 1
J.D. Martin - 1
Garrett Mock - 1
Pete Orr - 1
Jorge Padilla - 1
Corey Patterson - 2
Jorge Sosa - 1
Steve McCatty (Pitching Coach) - 1

Cards Today: 18, Overall: 239

5/26/09: Scranton-WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

Game ended up raining out. A few of us went down after the game, as it was only sprinkling. We ended up inside the building, outside the locker room exit door, since there was shelter from the bit of rain. We ended up getting the majority of what we needed before being kicked out behind the barriers. Pathetic that we are pretty much the only organization to pull the barrier BS. At least the rain kept the crowds of fairweathers far away. Overall, not too bad compared to what it could have been.

Cards:

Scranton-WB Yankees
John Rodriguez - 1
Austin Jackson - 2
Jonathan Albaladejo - 2
Shelley Duncan - 1
Justin Leone - 1

Syracuse Chiefs
Corey Patterson - 1

Cards Today: 8, Overall: 221

5/25/09: Scranton-WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

This is always the most hectic and usually most disappointing team to come in for the year. With Scranton (AAA Affiliate of the New York Yankees) you draw the fairweather and bandwagon Yankee fans, who often take up a lot of space and aren't even wanting autographs. This is also the team that will bring in whiny mothers who assume that everyone getting an autograph above the age of 8 is going to sell it. That, along with the guarantee for fencing/barriers being up for when they exit (though the morons in Syracuse are seemingly leaving it up for nearly all teams) makes it even tougher to get autographs.

That being said, it was a surprisingly good night for autographs. The biggest issue was after the game. It seems Shelley Duncan and a few others parked on the Chiefs side. So they were exiting on that side. Luckily I got wind of it, and was able to get Duncan (suddenly a tougher autograph, having signed about 5 pregame..as he did last year also). While I was over there, I was able to get the two newest Syracuse players, too. Good stroke of fortune to go over while they were there, especially one whom I brought the cards along just in case he ever showed up.

Books:

Scranton-WB Yankees
J.B. Cox (2006, 2008)
Austin Jackson (2006, 2008, 2009)
George Kontos (2008, 2009)
Anthony Claggett (2009)
Mark Melancon (2009)

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Logan Kensing - 2
Jorge Sosa - 1

Scranton-WB Yankees
Casey Fossum - 1
Kevin Russo - 1
Anthony Claggett - 1
Eric Duncan - 1
George Kontos - 2
Josh Towers - 2
Shelley Duncan - 1

Cards Today - 12, Overall This Season - 213

5/15/09: Norfolk Tides vs Syracuse Chiefs

Was pretty pointless to even go to this game, as I had basically nothing to get signed. I tried to get Wieters before the game, but he stopped two people before me. Luckily my one person left in the book decided to sign right when we came in...and he was the starter. That was some good luck there. I then went to the Syracuse side and got a whole one that I needed. After the game, I was able to get the other two players I needed.

Books:

Norfolk Tides
Jason Berken (2009)

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Mike Vento - 1

Norfolk Tides
Matt Wieters - 2
Radhames Liz - 3 (Including 200th of Year)

Cards Today - 6, This Year - 201

5/13/09: Norfolk Tides vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another day, another crowd thanks to Wieters being around. Was able to pretty much grab what I needed, with a few small exceptions. This was good since I was going to miss the 3rd game of the series. The positive was killing off some Rich Hills and my Nolan Reimold books, since both were gone by the series finale. The players weren't as great as the day before, but luckily I took good advantage on that first day. I was also able to get Josh Bard for the first time from Syracuse, asked him if he could sign a specific card and yep..he signed the one next to it. Thanks Josh...

Books:

Norfolk Tides
Chris Tillman (2008, 2009)
Nolan Reimold (2006, 2008, 2009)
Justin Christian (2006)

Cards:

Syracuse Chiefs
Josh Bard - 1

Norfolk Tides
Rich Hill - 3
Justin Christian - 1
Matt Wieters - 1

Cards Signed Today - 6, Overall This Year - 195

Ball:

Matt Wieters - Official International League Ball - Sweet Spot

5/12/09: Norfolk Tides vs Syracuse Chiefs

First of a four game series between Syracuse and Norfolk (Baltimore Orioles AAA affiliate). Big crowd on hand as the #2 top minor league prospect, Matt Wieters, is on Norfolk...at least for now. Also, Rich Hill is rehabbing with Norfolk, making it a good game to snatch up some autographs. It started off great pregame with both Wieters signing (not unusual) but also Rich Hill coming out and signing. Overall great first day, killing of much of what I needed easily.

Books:

Norfolk Tides:
David Hernandez (2008, 2009)
Kam Mickolio (2008, 2009)
Matt Wieters (2008, 2009)
Justin Turner (2008, 2009)
Jeff Fiorentino (2006, 2008)
Matt Albers (2006)
Rich Hill (2006)


Cards:

Norfolk Tides
Gary Allenson (Manager) - 2
Mike Griffin (Coach) - 1
Rich Hill - 3
Jolbert Cabrera - 1
Jeff Fiorentino - 2
Nolan Reimold - 1
Scott Moore - 3
Joey Gathright - 2
Ross Wolf - 1
Matt Albers - 1
David Pauley - 1

Signed Today - 18; Overall 2009 Season - 189

5/11/09: Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs

Final game we will see Indianapolis and it was a morning game. A god awful day of brats running around. Luckily, I was looking through cards for Norfolk's updates..I found THREE new cards for Indianapolis that I somehow missed. I was also give a few McCutchen cards that I didn't have. Gorzelanny was in a fine mood after the game, which is interesting as I heard he was just as bad yesterday. I also took a trip to the Syracuse side but was only able to get one player.

Books:

Indianapolis:
Tom Gorzelanny (2006)

Cards:

Indianapolis:
Ray Searage (Pitching Coach) - 1
Chris Barnwell - 1
Chris Bootcheck - 1
Miguel Perez - 1
Luis Cruz - 1
Andrew McCutchen - 2
Tom Gorzelanny - 6

Syracuse:
Mike MacDougal - 1
Saul Rivera - 3

Cards Today: 17, Overall Cards: 171

5/9/09: Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs

Game two of this series, I figured I would try to finish what I could, since I would be unable to go to the game tomorrow and you never know how Syracuse weather will be. In fact, it was awful for the whole game. Wind was massive, with bits of sprinkles around. It made for an interesting attempt after the game, with players wanting to avoid signing, while we all were inside and undercover. Tom Gorzelanny was miserable compared to the first day. The positive was that I was able to finish basically everything I had, including a few Jack Wilson cards I found.

Books:

Indianapolis:
Juan Mateo (2006)
Neil Walker (2009)

Cards:

Indianapolis:
Jason Davis - 1
Jack Wilson - 4
Adam Melhuse - 1
Jeff Salazar - 2
Tom Gorzelanny - 2
Juan Mateo - 3

Cards Today: 13, Overall Cards: 154

5/8/09: Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs

The Indianapolis Indians (AAA Affiliate for Pittsburgh Pirates) came in for the first of their four game series. This is the only time they come to Syracuse, so the hope was to kill off as much as I could on day one, since you never know how the weather will be. A huge surprise was found out, right when I walked down pregame. Jack Wilson was doing a rehab assignment for the next couple days. I had nothing for him, but luckily one of the other graphers gave me a blank sweet spot card. Besides that, things went great before and after the game.

Books:

Indianapolis:
Miguel Perez (2006)
Jeff Salazar (2006)
Daniel McCutchen (2008, 2009)
Shelby Ford (2008, 2009)
Romulo Sanchez (2009)
Andrew McCutchen (2009)

Cards:

Indianapolis:
Jack Wilson (Blank Sweet Spot Card) - 1
Jeff Branson (Hitting Coach) - 3
Neil Walker - 3
Jeff Salazar - 3
Chris Bootcheck - 1
Romulo Sanchez - 1
Jason Davis - 1
Andrew McCutchen - 1
Denny Bautista - 2
Tom Gorzelanny - 4

Cards Today: 20, Overall: 141