7/30/09: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

I waited for Charlotte pregame, while going to the Syracuse side afterwards. I was annoyed to find out that my old favorite (see early season 2008 post for sarcasm) John Van Benschoten had actually signed and did whole pages. Instead, I was able to finally get some Ross Detwiler cards. Oh darn. Add that sarcasm in again. By the time I made it to Charlotte side, I was also blown off by Tyler Flowers. I lucked out to get a couple pitchers right after the game from their side, though..on their way in from the bullpen after the completion of the game.

Books:

Charlotte
Jon Link (2009)
Jhonny Nunez (2008, 2009)

Cards:

Charlotte
Wilson Betemit - 4
Chris Chambliss (Manager) - 2

Syracuse
Elijah Dukes - 1
Ross Detwiler - 3
Horacio Ramirez - 1

Cards Today - 11, Overall - 543


Index Cards:

Syracuse
Yunior Novoa

7/29/09: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

Awful day, full of rain. The only reason I really showed up was because Frank Howard was signing autographs. He was the 1960 National League Rookie of the Year, and led the American League in home runs for two seasons. Of course, as is the case with most Syracuse promotions, it was total chaos. I was, however, able to grab him before the assinine 1/2 hour before the game that they made him leave to throw a first pitch. Relatively stupid, but that's Syracuse management. Unfortunately, we also found out today that Corey Patterson took his release. A nice guy, he will be missed around the ballpark!

Cards:

Charlotte
Norris Hopper - 2
Chris Chambliss (Manager) - 2
Brent Lillibridge - 1

Syracuse
Elijah Dukes - 1

Misc
Frank Howard - 2

Cards Today - 8, Overall - 532

7/28/09: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

This starts the first of a four game series between Syracuse and Charlotte (Chicago White Sox's Triple A affiliate). For this game, six NBA player were signing autographs. This was due to Syracuse University hosting SportscasterU, a program for these players to learn to work in the media, for when their careers were over. Not bad, as many didn't know about it, so I was able to get everything signed (thanks to Dave Ryan telling me to keep going thru the line!) We also got a printed sheet of paper with the pictures of all 6 guys on it, which I got signed too. Pretty good day, especially since pitching coach Richard Dotson was one of the nicer coaches I've met.

Books:

Charlotte
Adam Russell (2006, 2008, 2009)
Josh Kroeger (2006)
Lucas Harrell (2008)
Aaron Poreda (2008, 2009)
Ehren Wassermann (2008)
Carlos Torres (2009)
Cole Armstrong (2009)
Brent Lillibridge (2009)

Cards:

Charlotte
Keith Ginter - 1
Michael Restovich - 2
Kelvin Jimenez - 1
Chris Chambliss (Manager) - 1
Norris Hopper - 3
Wilson Betemit - 2
Richard Dotson (Pitching Coach) - 9
Derek Rodriguez - 1
Ehren Wassermann - 1
Gary Ward (Hitting Coach) - 1
Daryle Ward - 2

Baseball Cards Today - 24, Overall - 524


NBA Cards:
Donyell Marshall - 3
Anthony Parker - 1
Tony Battie - 3
Brevin Knight - 4

Overall NBA Cards - 11


NBA Signed Player Sheet
Anthony Parker
Brevin Knight
Donyell Marshall
Malik Rose
Mike James
Tony Battie

7/27/09: Louisville Bats vs Syracuse Chiefs

Final game of the series. I went as far as to get a few index cards signed of some of the nice Cincinnati prospects, just because I had so little I needed signed. I did, however, get my 500th different card signed for the year. That honor goes to Kip Wells. And it took some persuading. I had one card left and I asked him to sign it since I figured I wouldn't ever see him here again. His response was either a diss to Louisville or Syracuse, as he said. "I hope not either, at least not with this team." Ouch. At least he was nice to me, felt better than the way he acted when he played here! Also, Devon White was here again doing his job for the Nationals.

Cards:

Louisville
Corky Miller - 2
Ted Power (Pitching Coach) - 1
Kip Wells - 4 (Including 500th different autographed card of season!)

Misc
Devon White - 2 (Washington Nationals Rover)

Cards Today - 9, Overall - 500


Index Cards:

Louisville
Drew Stubbs
Chris Valaika

7/26/09: Louisville Bats vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another iffy day. Didn't get a whole lot of anything done, but I didn't have much either. Killed off the rest of my books, which was great. The really cool thing is that I got Drew Sutton. Sutton had been sent down when the series began. He just showed up this day and by the next game was called up. So he was only there for one whole game, so it was a nice signature to get!

Books:

Louisville
Danny Dorn (2008, 2009)
Ramon Ramirez (2009)
Drew Sutton (2009)

Cards:

Louisville
Kip Wells - 3
Ted Power (Pitching Coach) - 2

Cards Today - 5, Overall - 491

7/25/09: Louisville Bats vs Syracuse Chiefs

An awful weather day. Just as the game ended, the rain decided to come. Luckily, since the security cronies weren't around, the few of us around were able to stay undercover, which was also extremely helpful on killing off the majority of Louisville items I needed. I was even able to get to the Syracuse side before Dukes and Patterson left, which was even better! Glad I got Manuel and Roenicke as they were called up before the next day's game!

Books:

Louisville
Travis Wood (2006, 2008)
Zach Stewart (2009)
Josh Roenicke (2008, 2009)
Sam Lecure (2006, 2008)
Matt Maloney (2009)
Daryl Thompson (2006, 2009)
Robert Manuel (2009)
Pedro Viola (2008, 2009)

Cards:

Louisville
Kip Wells - 2
Justin Lehr - 4
Ted Power (Pitching Coach) - 3
Corky Miller - 2
Drew Stubbs - 1

Syracuse
Corey Patterson - 1
Elijah Dukes - 1

Cards Today - 14, Overall - 486

7/24/09: Louisville Bats vs Syracuse Chiefs

Home for a couple of four game series on this homestand of teams we haven't seen. We start off with the Louisville Bats (Triple A affiliate for the Cincinnati Reds). Pregame wasn't too great, but I was able to get some in my books from Louisville. Since none of the regulars who might have known the Bats were there, I decided to go for Syracuse after the game. Not too bad, but overall it wasn't a great first day.

Books:

Louisville
Wes Bankston (2006)
Chris Valaika (2008, 2009)
Drew Stubbs (2008, 2009)
Chris Heisey (2009)

Syracuse
Ross Detwiler (2008, 2009)
Ian Desmond (2006, 2008, 2009)

Cards:

Syracuse
Elijah Dukes - 1
Corey Patterson - 1

Cards Today -2, Overall - 472

7/23/09: Williamsport Crosscutters vs Auburn Doubledays

On a whim, we went to the game between Auburn and Williamsport (Short Season A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies). Ex-Yankee Bobby Meacham is a coach with Williamsport and was wicked cool. Definitely a class act. Overall, not a bad team..though my logo sheet didn't get much done!

Books:

Williamsport
Zach Collier (2009)
Anthony Hewitt (2009)

Cards:

Williamsport
Bobby Meacham - (Hitting Coach) 4
Zach Collier - 1
Tom Filer (Pitching Coach) - 1

Cards Today - 6, Overall - 470


Williamsport Logo Sheet (7 Total: 6 Players, 1 Coach)
#28 - Sean Grieve
#47 - Nicholas Hernandez
#45 - Siulman Lebron
#35 - Jonathan Pettibone
#9 - Sebastian Valle
#24 - Jeremy Barnes
Manager (No #) - Chris Truby

7/20/09: Connecticut Defenders vs Binghamton Mets

My first and possibly only trip to Binghamton, this year. I love it there. As I've noted before, you can kill off so much during BP, it's insane. I had to make sure I made it to see Connecticut (Eastern League AA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants). They were so great that I finished every single thing except one Baumgarner card, which I didn't both trying to get the rest of the day. What a great group of prospects. Baumgarner is only 19 and looks like he will be an ace sooner rather than later. He was really nice, too. I got some of Binghamton (Mets AA affiliate), but they always seem tough for me. I lucked out that Kirt Manwaring, the Giants' spring training catcher instructor/east coach type rover, not only showed up, but was the first one there before BP. Then, their coach was the 2nd to show up..not arriving on the bus because he was visiting with family. Definitely helped production, since I had a lot of them and we had them alone!

Books:

Connecticut
Tim Alderson (2008, 2009)
Madison Baumgarner (2008, 2009)
Mike McBryde (2008, 2009)
Henry Sosa (2008, 2009)
Jackson Williams (2008, 2009)
Dan Griffin (2006)
Brent Pill (2008)
Waldis Joaquin (2006, 2008, 2009)

Binghamton
Emmanuel Garcia (2006, 2008)
Michael Antonini (2008, 2009)
Josh Thole (2009)
Ike Davis (2009)
Mike Nickeas (2006)
Brad Holt (2009)

Cards:

Connecticut
Steve Decker (Manager) - 10
Kirt Manwaring (Roving Instructor) - 4
Henry Sosa - 3
Madison Baumgarner - 2
Ross Grimsley (Pitching Coach) - 1
Jackson Williams - 2

Binghamton
Ike Davis - 1

Cards Today: 23 , Overall: 464

7/14/09: Oneonta Tigers vs Auburn Doubledays

Another freebie night, so I figured I'd go out during the long stretch of no Syracuse games. This was Detroit's NY-Penn League affiliate. Unfortunately, I found 4 more cards of the hitting coach after the game, so I only got the one I had with me. Nice group of guys. Luckily grabbed the guy I needed in my book in the stands, as he was charting. Auburn is not an easy place to grab a visiting pitcher, unless he is charting!

Books:

Oneonta
Jeff Gerbe (2008)

Cards:

Oneonta
Luis Quinones (Hitting Coach) - 1

Cards Today: 1, Overall: 441



Oneonta Tigers Logo Sheet (16 Overall - 15 Players, 1 Coach):
#1 - Christopher Sedon
#23 - Jeff Gerbe
#17 - Rawley Bishop
#15 - Matthew Mansilla
#29 - Adam Wilk
#22 - Jimmy Gulliver
#24 - Michael Rockett
#57 - Luis Sanz (Left of Tigers, Looks like #32)
#44 - Alexis Espinoza
#13 - Eric Roof
#20 - Keith Hernandez
#7 - Carmelo Jaime
#40 - Jamie Johnson
#18 - John Murrian
#9 - Wade Gaynor
#28 - Howie Bushong (Manager)

7/9/09: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

My last game of this 4 game series, as I was stuck working the first and last of it. Due to the lack of position players that I needed from Rochester, I ended up going for Syracuse before and after the game. Things went decent. I was also able to get Humber on a card for the first time, since he was charting again. Got ignored by scout and ex-major leaguer Dave Hollins. Also fun to see Mike Morse consistently avoiding the fans, while having Mike Vento pick him up at the office doors. Impressive...

Books:

Syracuse
Elijah Dukes (2006)
Shairon Martis (2006)

Cards:

Rochester
Philip Humber - 1

Syracuse
Darnell Coles (Hitting Coach) - 1
Zack Segovia - 4
Brad Eldred - 1 (Pirates Team Photo Card)
Dave Williams - 2
Corey Patterson - 2
Horacio Ramirez - 4
Mike Vento - 1
Elijah Dukes - 1

Cards Today = 17, Overall = 440

7/8/09: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

First return to Syracuse by Rochester (Minnesota AAA affiliate) since the opening two games. A totally different team than the beginning of the season. Overall, not a bad team pregame, but they were iffy after the game, like most teams have been. Was able to get my Humber, as he was charting. He's actually at least a little bit more accessable than last year, but still not very personable. Also, Devon White was in the stands (apparently he was there the two games before, however I had to work). He wasn't exactly nice, but I got one of my cards signed.

Books:

Rochester
Danny Valencia (2008, 2009)
Rob Delaney (2009)
Philip Humber (2009)
Steven Tolleson (2009)

Cards:

Rochester
Steve Tolleson - 1
Trevor Plouffe - 1
Brock Peterson - 1
Justin Huber - 2 (Including game used card)
Sean Henn - 5

Misc:
Devon White (Washington Roving Instructor) - 1

Cards Today = 11, Overall = 423

7/5/09: Lehigh Valley Ironpigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

My last game of this series. I killed off a bit pregame, thanks to pitchers coming off the field late on the Lehigh Valley side. I then saw Elijah Dukes signing on the Syracuse side and just lucked out to be the last person he signed for. I waited late and was happy to get most of my Kyle Kendrick cards signed. Not a bad day in the end.

Books:

Lehigh Valley
Pat Overholt (2009)

Cards:

Syracuse
Elijah Dukes - 2

Lehigh Valley
Kyle Kendrick - 5
Gustavo Chacin - 2 (400th card signed)
David Newhan - 3
Andrew Carpenter - 1
Paul Hoover - 1

Cards Today = 14, Overall = 412

7/4/09: Lehigh Valley Ironpigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

The start of a three game series with the Phillies' AAA affiliate from Lehigh Valley. Not a whole lot to really go for, though a few guys were new, like Miguel Cairo. Gustavo Chacin, was as "pleasant" as normal, but at least he picked up a pen for once. I lucked out at Shairon Martis was put in the souvenir store to sign autographs..his first day in Syracuse.

Books:

Lehigh Valley
Lou Marson (2008, 2009)
Steven Register (2008)

Syracuse
Shairon Martis (2008, 2009)

Cards:

Lehigh Valley
Gustavo Chacin - 2
Carlos Carrasco - 1
Miguel Cairo - 1
Terry Tiffee - 2
Mike Spidale - 1
Jake Woods - 2

Cards Today = 9, Overall = 398

6/27/09: State College Spikes vs Auburn Doubledays

Since it was a freebie night and there wasn't much to do, we decided to take our first trip to Auburn this year. I needed a few guys on each team, so I figured why not. State College (Pittsburgh's New York/Penn League affiliate) was facing Auburn (Toronto's affiliate). I decided to go for the logo sheet again this year, as well as my Auburn player profile program insert. So basically, the same plan as last year. Not too bad, as I got everyone I needed except one guy got called up that morning, that I needed in my book. I was happy to get one of Pittsburgh's 1st round picks from this year (49th pick in sandwich part of the round) Victor Black. Overall, good and fun outing!

Books:

State College
Justin Byler (2008)
Nelson Pereira (2009)

Auburn
Eric Eiland (2008, 2009)
Markus Brisker (2009)

Cards:

Auburn
Eric Eiland - 1

Cards Today - 1, Overall - 389


State College Spikes Logo Sheet (22 Overall - 20 Players, 2 Coaches signed)
#25 - Steven Suarez (Coach)
#11 - Brock Holt
#29 - Jason Erickson (Top of Page)
#8 - Victor Black
#15 - David Rubinstein
#29 - Maurice Bankston (Left of Logo)
#13 - Carlos Silva
#57 - Aaron Baker
#39 - Pat Irvine
#18 - Nelson Pereira
#10 - Alan Knotts
#38 - Michael Felix (Below Logo, could look like 39)
#7 - Butch Biela (No Number, Right of Logo)
#19 - Kyle Saukko
#32 - Kyle Morgan
No Number Gary Robinson (Manager) (Bottom Left, Looks like 12/13 but is no #)
#3 - Craig Parry
#47 - Ty Summerlin
#53 - Jose Hernandez
#22 - Justin Byler
#23 - Matt Payne
No Number Phillip Irwin (Bottom Right)


Auburn Players Profile Insert (4 Today, 4 Overall)
Evan Crawford
Scott Gracey
Jonathan Fernandez
Eric Eiland

6/26/09: Scranton/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

The last game of the small 2 game series went relatively easily. Didn't stay for the game at all the day before, leaving after pregame autographs and coming back at the end, this time I stayed a few innings and came back in the final inning. Luckily found out the one Yankee I wanted (Sergio Mitre) was in the stands, along with Bob Boone again. So I basically went for the Chiefs before and after the game. Syracuse was boarding their bus after the game to travel right away, so they were pretty easy to get afterwards. Plus Scott Olsen was still around, though he was to be called up to start soon in a series, so it was clutch to get the rest of mine done. Also got Jason Bergmann, who has been up and down so much, you never know if and when the last time will be. I was also happy to get Corey Patterson to sign both of my game used cards that I received the day he was recalled.

Cards:

Scranton/WB
Sergio Mitre - 2


Syracuse
Corey Patterson - 2 (Both Game Used Cards!)
Logan Kensing - 1
Kory Casto - 1
Collin Balester - 1
Gustavo Molina - 1
Darnell Coles (Coach) - 2
Scott Olsen - 2
Pete Orr - 1
Jason Bergmann - 2

Misc
Bob Boone - 1

Cards Today = 16, Overall = 388

6/25/09: Scranton/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

The second series for the Yankees against the Chiefs. This one was scheduled for two games, and I figure the first series was our best shot at guys. Xavier Nady rehabbed for Scranton, however, got re-injured and is out for the season. This was his only game he played. Luckily, even though he injured his signing elbow, he did sign after the game. I will assume he did this knowing that his season (and possibly next season) is over. Besides that, things weren't too bad for the first series after schools let out. I gotta figure the last series (in Sept) will be pure hell. One positive is that I only needed one person in my books and finished him quickly. Also, a huge shocker that Kevin Cash signed all 4 of my cards. Every other experience he has blown me off and all of the regulars were shocked because he will only do 1 per usually.

Books:

Scranton/WB
Colin Curtis (2008)

Cards:

Scranton/WB
Xavier Nady - 2
Chris Stewart - 1
Kei Igawa - 1
Justin Leone - 1
Kevin Cash - 4
John Rodriguez - 1

Syracuse
Ryan Langerhans - 1

Cards Today - 11, Overall - 372

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