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

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