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

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