10/10/09: Adirondack Phantoms vs Syracuse Crunch

This was opening night for the Crunch. Adirondack is Philadelphia Flyers AHL affiliate. I tried to get the guest, Ralph Macchio, to sign but it was an utter clusterfuck. Not worth missing half the game to get a has been who came off as a bit of a prick. Oh well. Was able to kill off a bit, but still had a few left over, especially of Kjell Samuelsson.

Cards
Randy Jones - 1
Kjell Samuelsson (Coach) - 2
Greg Gilbert (Coach) - 3

Cards Today - 6
Overall Cards - 8


Adirondack Phantoms Logo Sheet (15 Players Signed):
#7 - Oskars Bartulis
#20 - Josh Beaulieu
#24 - Rob Bellamy
#5 - Marc-Andre Bourdon
#26 - Sean Curry
#6 - Randy Jones
#37 - Jonathon Kalinski
#23 - Lukas Kaspar
#12 - Garrett Klotz
#16 - Patrick Maroon
#4 - Kevin Marshall
#11 - Jon Matsumoto
#14 - Andreas Nodl
#35 - Nic Riopel
#18 - Jared Ross (Top of Logo)

Preseason: Syracuse Crunch Season Ticket Pickup

I'm not positive of the date, but for the season ticket holders, we had a day to pick up our tickets. They had a few players there and I was able to start off my hockey season for autos.

Cards
David Liffiton - 2

Overall Cards This Season - 2


Photos
Jon Mirasty - 1

FINAL 2009 BASEBALL STATS

Different cards signed this 2009 season - 732



2006 Book:
Started 2009 with: 172/900
Ended 2009 with: 241/900
Total Gained in 2009: 69 Signatures

2008 Book:
Started 2009 with: 112/900
Ended 2009 with: 199/900
Total Gained in 2009: 87 Signatures

2009 Book:
Started 2009 with: 0/900
Ended 2009 with: 118/900
Total Gained in 2009: 118 Signatures

9/6/09 and 9/7/09: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Last series of the year. The last game, I had to show up midway through, which was awful. Thanks work!... It wasn't a bad year, set my new high (oh so tough to do when this is only my 2nd full year since getting back into autographs lol). Overall.. there were a lot of high and lowlights. I wish I had gotten out to Binghamton more often, as well as going to the golf tourney in Cooperstown. I think I will have to invest some money and time and head out there next year. I'll make a post after this just putting up my total stats involving the cards and books, for an easier lookup next year. PS - Angel Chavez is a douchebag.

Books:

Pawtucket
Randor Bierd (2008)
Dustin Richardson (2008)
Mark Wagner (2008, 2009)
Bubba Bell (2008)
Aaron Bates (2008)

Cards:

Pawtucket
Aaron Bates - 1
Bubba Bell - 2
Randor Bierd - 1
Enrique Gonzalez - 1
Norris Hopper - 1
Jed Lowrie - 2
Russ Morman (Coach) - 2
John Otness - 3
Mark Wagner - 1

Syracuse
Matt Whitney - 1

Cards This Series - 15, Overall - 732


Syracuse Chiefs Yearbook (4 Signed):
Marco Yepez
Brad Eldred
Marco Estrada
Gustavo Molina

9/2/09: Batavia Muckdogs vs Auburn Doubledays

Made our last trip out to Auburn for the year to see them take on Batavia (Short A for St Louis). Didn't get too much on the logo sheet, got a couple things signed so it wasn't too bad. Can't believe that I'm still finding cards from the 1991 AAA Line Drive set to get signed lol.

Books:

Batavia
Niko Vasquez (2009)

Cards:

Batavia
Niko Vasquez - 1
Mark DeJohn (Manager) - 1

Cards Today - 2, Overall - 717


Batavia Muckdogs Logo Sheet (11 Players Signed):
#41 - Matthew Adams
#45 - Daniel Calhoun
#44 - Kyle Conley
#14 - Jon Edwards
#6 - Devin Goodwin
#40 - Deryk Hooker
#13 - Ryan Jackson
#17 - Tyler Leach
#23 - Travis Mitchell
#28 - Jesse Simpson
#1 - Michael Swinson (Signed with no number)

8/31/09 and 9/1/09: SWB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

This series was the typical Yankees clusterfuck. Of course, the fair weathers love the fact that Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena were there, at least for the first game. The shitty thing about the date of this series, is that Sept callups occur on Sept 1st, and the Yankees are the type of team that says fuck it, lets call up whoever we want..we got the money. Lines down the whole 1st base side, made this shitty. They had security on the field *rolleyes* and even Yankees player Mike Dunn and I had a laugh about them being up the players' asses. AAA ballplayers shouldn't be treated like $20 million dollar men. But I digress. PS - Cervelli blew everyone off, Ramiro Pena was a douche, as was Ivan Nova. Over three months later, I can remember this..if that shows how douchey they were. On the contrast, Jason Hirsh was hilarious.

Books:

SWB
Jason Hirsh (2006)
Kevin Whelan (2006, 2008)
Mike Dunn (2008, 2009)

Cards:

SWB
Shelley Duncan - 1
Jason Hirsh - 3
John Rodriguez - 1
Josh Towers - 1
Butch Wynegar (Coach) - 1

Cards This Series - 7, Overall - 715

8/29/09: New York State Fair

We had gone to the State Fair, in hopes of watching Shinedown's free show. Needless to say, when it poured most of the day, we gave up. Ended up watching the last game of the Chiefs/Leigh Valley doubleheader. But while we were there, just so ended up that there was a WWE autograph signing. It was free, brought to us by Time Warner. So I said, why not? WWE personalities Jimmy Hart and Hacksaw Jim Duggan were there. Talk about bringing back childhood memories from when I actually used to watch this stuff lol. Ended up running into a guy I knew who gave me a Jimmy Hart card, which was cool. They also handed out photos of an empty ring, which both signed for me.


Cards:

Jimmy Hart - 1

Other:

Photo of wresting right, signed by Jim Duggan and Jimmy Hart

8/28/09-8/30/09: Lehigh Valley Ironpigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

As you can tell, I slacked off about 5 months, so now I get to makeshift very quickly. This was the last series between Lehigh Valley (Philly AAA) and Syracuse. I don't remember much..soooo here goes.

Books:

Lehigh Valley

Jack Taschner (2006)
Joe Savery (2008, 2009)
John Mayberry (2009)


Cards:

Lehigh Valley
Gustavo Chacin - 1
Rodrigo Lopez - 3
John Mayberry Jr - 2
Rod Nichols (Pitching Coach) - 1
Joe Savery - 1 (nice numbered card)
Jack Taschner - 1

Cards This Series - 9, Overall - 708

8/23/09: Frank Caliendo Show @ Turning Stone

I lucked out and won two $50 tickets on twitter for Frank Caliendo's comedy show at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. It was a great show, and you were able to meet Frank after the show. Was able to get in line quickly and get a picture with him, along with him signing my ticket stub. Nice little pickup of a popular guy!

Misc
Autographed Ticket Stub = Frank Caliendo

8/22/09-8/25/09: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Although I hate to do this, I am going to group this whole series in one post. How sad is it that two weeks before the end of the season, the Syracuse Chiefs play Durham (Triple A affiliate for Tampa Bay) for the ONLY time this year. This four game series was interesting. Rob Ducey (scout) was there, as well as a rehabbing Akinori Iwamura! I was able to kill off a lot for this game one. It rained during game two, and I left it early. They weren't bad, except for Fernando Perez, who is a douchebag. Thanks for ruining my pen, dick. Also, game two (Saturday 8/23) was autograph night for the Chiefs. I was able to kill off my remainder with them, even with the rain, since they signed in the concourse.

Books:

Durham
Jeremy Hellickson (2006, 2008, 2009)
Andy Sonnanstine (2006)
Shawn Riggans (2006)
Desmond Jennings (2008, 2009)
Wade Davis (2009)
John Jaso (2009)
Fernando Perez (2009)
Reid Brignac (2009)

Syracuse
Luis Atilano (2009)

Cards:

Durham
Xavier Hernandez (Pitching Coach) - 3
Akinori Iwamura - 11
Reid Brignac - 2
Elliot Johnson - 3
Fernando Perez - 1
Desmond Jennings - 3
Ray Olmedo - 1
Jeremy Hellickson - 1
Joe Nelson - 3
Matt Joyce - 2
Shawn Riggans - 6
Andy Sonnanstine - 5

Syracuse
Ross Detwiler - 1
Kory Casto - 1
Shairon Martis - 2

Other
Rob Ducey - 5

Cards This Series - 50, Overall - 699

8/19/09: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Final game between these two teams, so I tried to shore up my remaining. Did well except Ricky Bones decided ignore everyone. Weird. Not bad otherwise. Was able to kill off my extra Mike Lamb's that I thought I wouldn't be able to get, since he usually didn't sign after games.



Cards:

Buffalo
Nick Evans - 1
Mike Lamb - 4
Ken Oberkfell (Manager) - 1



Cards Today - 6, Overall - 649

8/18/09: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

This is the final two game series between Syracuse and Buffalo (NY Mets AAA affiliate). Didn't bother staying for the game, just got autos pregame and after. Was very happy to finally get Jon Switzer on my dual jersey card of him and Mike Gosling. When I received the card, both players were to be in Syracuse within the next month. First Gosling got traded, then called up. Then Switzer was called up. A bit frustrating to say the least!


Cards:

Buffalo
Jason Dubois - 1
Pat Misch - 1
Chip Ambres - 1
Nick Evans - 1
Jon Switzer - 1 (Jersey Card)

Syracuse
Justin Maxwell - 1



Cards Today - 6, Overall - 643

8/15/09: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

Last game of the year between these two teams. It was a great finish for the team, with little left over. I even lucked out and got Jose Lugo in my book, when we didn't expect him to be around. It was also Wall of Fame night. It sucked, as Rick Leach no showed, however Geno Petralli and Jon Ratliff showed. Ratliff was in the stands a bit, while Petralli never made it to the stands, instead being in the Chiefs dugout. After the game ended, I spotted him and was able to get him to come sign from the field. Was a great spot by me!

Books:

Syracuse
Chris Everts (2006)

Rochester
Anthony Slama (2008)
Jose Lugo (2009)

Cards:

Rochester
Juan Morillo - 4
Rich Miller (Coach) - 1
Philip Humber - 1

Syracuse
Daryle Ward - 2
Kory Casto - 1

Others
Jon Ratliff - 1
Geno Petralli - 6

Cards Today - 16, Overall - 637

8/14/09: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

This was the beginning of the final two game series between Syracuse and Rochester (Minnesota's Triple A affiliate). I only showed up for the late part of the game and to grab players after. Didn't go too bad.

Books:

Rochester
Juan Morillo (2006, 2008, 2009)
Anthony Slama (2009)

Cards:

Rochester
R. A. Dickey - 2
Jose Morales - 2
Matt Tolbert - 2

Cards Today - 6, Overall - 621

8/13/09: Jimmy Wayne Concert @ Turning Stone

Went to the Jimmy Wayne concert. Was a great concert. Afterwards, there was a bit of a meet and greet in the hall. I was able to get a photo, as well as my ticket stub signed. We also got a picture with him. It was a nice little surprise.


Autographs:

Jimmy Wayne Photo
Jimmy Wayne Ticket Stub

8/12/09: Toledo Mud Hens vs Syracuse Chiefs

My last day of the 3 day series. At least today, one of the rehabbers actually stopped. Nate Robertson was alright. Bonderman told us no, Willis snuck out again. Oh well. They killed my rehab streak, but at least I got something out of one of em. What sucked was that the main dealer of the group was able to get Bonderman from the vehicle. It's so annoying that they will tell real fans no, but the dealer with balls to go up to the window gets the auto.

Books:

Toledo
Wilkin Ramirez (2008)
Scott Sizemore (2008, 2009)
Jeff Larish (2009)

Cards:

Toledo
Leon Durham (Coach) - 2
Don Kelly - 3
Nate Robertson - 3

Cards Today - 8, Overall - 615

8/11/09: Toledo Mud Hens vs Syracuse Chiefs

Only time we see Toledo (Triple A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers), and the great schedule maker allows only 3 days for 4 games. This means that today's game is a scheduled doubleheader. What a rip off. Rehabbing with Toledo: Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis. They snubbed or hid today. Bob Boone showed up again, so I was able to kill off my remainder of his.

Books:

Toledo
Jeff Frazier (2006)
Wilkin Ramirez (2006, 2009)
Don Kelly (2006)
Brooks Brown (2008, 2009)
Casey Fien (2009)
Dusty Ryan (2009)
Will Rhymes (2009)

Cards:

Toledo
Wilkin Ramirez - 3
Ruddy Lugo - 2
Larry Parrish (Manager) - 2
Leon Durham (Coach) - 1
Jeff Larish - 2
Don Kelly - 2

Misc
Bob Boone - 2

Cards Today - 14, Overall - 607

8/8/09: Aberdeen Ironbirds vs Auburn Doubledays

Awful day out, but it was Auburn baseball card night, so it was a must to attend. Was able to complete all but one player. This, of course, meant I had little time for Aberdeen (short season A for Baltimore Orioles)...which was ok, since I needed no one in my books.

Cards:

Aberdeen
Brian Conley - 1

Auburn
Zach Anderson - 1
Austin Armstrong - 1
Casey Beck - 1
Markus Brisker - 1
Evan Crawford - 1
Lance Dunham - 1
Eric Eiland - 2
Kyle Gilligan - 1
Brad Glenn - 1
Ryan Goins - 1
Yan Gomes - 1
Jimmy Gonzalez - 1
Scott Gracey - 1
Chris Hopkins - 1
Brian Justice - 1
Jamie Lehman - 1
Willy Mendez - 1
David Miller - 1
Matt Morgal - 1
Kevin Nolan - 1
Sean Ochinko - 1
Zach Outman - 1
Welinton Ramirez - 1
David Sever - 1
David Slovak - 1
Egan Smith - 1
Karim Turkamani - 1
Steve Turnbull - 1
Josh Wells - 1
Matt Wright - 1
Dennis Holmberg (Manager) - 1
Vince Horsman (Coach) - 7
Charlie Poe (Coach) - 1

Cards Today - 41, Overall - 593

8/4/09: Vermont Lake Monsters vs Auburn Doubledays

Always interesting to see a lower level team affiliated with Syracuse. This time we got to see Vermont (Short Season A affiliate of Washington). They have more prospects than Syracuse, sadly...which at least means good things for the future of the franchise, I'd think. I was able to get most of what I wanted, thanks to getting Graham Hicks after the game, however the guy I needed in two books was the starter for them. Oh well.


Books:

Vermont
Destin Hood (2009)
J.P. Ramirez (2009)
Graham Hicks (2009)

Cards:

Vermont
J.P. Ramirez - 1
Graham Hicks - 1

Cards Today - 2, Overall - 552


Vermont Lake Monsters Logo Sheet (14 Players Overall):
#4 - Jay Sferra
#22 - Kyle Morrison
#27 - Clayton Dill
#10 - Justin Bloxom
#24 - Adam Amar
#32 - Matt Swynenberg
#19 - Jack Walker
#2 - Sean Nicol
#8 - Daniel Killian
#37 - Mitchell Clegg
#34 - Evan Bronson
#23 - J.R. Higley
#5 - Yhonson Lopez
#18 - Destin Hood (Bottom Right, No Number)

7/31/09: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

Final game of the series and for a good bit in Syracuse. Not a whole lot left to get, but I had decided I would try to get Van Benschoten. Yeah, swift move. I yelled his name three times while he was in the dugout. We assumed the first two times, since there was no reaction, that he could not hear due to the loud soundsystem in the stadium. Well, we realized we were wrong when he screams "WHAT" after my third call. Yup, still a prick. Surprisingly, however, after the game, someone got him to sign, so I was able to get my book. Well, he wasn't able to fit in the hotel van (weird on the final game of the series that they didn't have a bus to leave in), which helped me as someone else asked him to sign on his trip out for the second arrival of the van, and he signed what I had left. Yeah, the autograph means little to me except that I finally conquered the jerk. Also, we lucked out to realize that Justin Cassel, whom had been called up to Charlotte a few days before, was actually charting in the stands. We figured he'd be like most and just show up at their next stop.

I had hoped to get one more Elijah Dukes, as he was called up mid-game, but I was unable to get to him. Also, I missed an Aaron Poreda card, as by the time I heard he was traded, the hotel van was at the gates picking him and the others up, whom were traded. Bummer, but oh well.

Books:

Charlotte
John Van Benschoten (2006)
Tyler Flowers (2008, 2009)
Justin Cassel (2008)

Cards:

Charlotte
Daryle Ward - 2
John Van Benschoten - 3
Chris Chambliss (Manager) - 1

Syracuse
Ian Desmond - 1

Cards Today - 7, Overall - 550