The Autograph Connection: Random Thoughts April 2003

Random Thoughts & Autograph Experiences
April 2003

Where did everybody go?

I was looking at an old version of this web site, circa 1999, complete with links from other autographers announcing their latest additions. I decided to try out some of the links. Surprisingly, nearly all of the links no longer worked or the pages hadn't been updated in years. My own links page has a few links that don't work or haven't been updated in some time. I'm just too lazy to change that page.

I guess I'm not the only who's contemplated leaving the hobby, or at least not updating my successes on the Internet like I do (see last's month random thought for more info).

What are the reasons that these sites are no longer valid? Did they get fed up with athletes of today? Did they realize that selling autographs will never get them rich? Did they find that their own audience shrank or didn't provide the positive feedback they craved? I can attest to that fact. Did you know that in my "heyday" when I had my own domain name, that I averaged nearly 2,000 hits per month? My page views average about 300 a month now.

In an effort to still reach my "audience" who regularly visited my site, I decided to set up a Yahoo group in October but the response has not been entirely positive. Only 28 members have signed up and only four or five regularly contribute to the group. Not exactly the community of sharing I was expecting.

Which brings up another point. Are the autograph sites disappearing because the autograph hounds don't want to give up "their secrets?" True, I'm not always forthcoming about where I get my autographs (I've been sworn to secrecy as to where the NBA teams stay in Orlando) but is that a valid reason? Or, are the autograph hounds of today lazy and not willing to take chances? For instance, do you send off an autograph request because you've heard from other autographers that the player will sign in the mail? Or, do you send off to a player that you want an autograph from and take the chance that your card will be lost forever?

I throw these questions out because I want to hear from YOU! Email me at the_autographer@hotmail.com or post your response at the Yahoo Group if you're a member.

Music of Today and Why I Love Paul Westerberg

This topic is a bit off the normal "Random Thoughts" about autographing and the sports world but I find it relevant, especially since a few people have asked me why I haven't tried to get autographs of bands playing in my "back yard." Simply put, I can't stand most new bands that are out and the bands that I like won't step foot in Florida because this state caters to R & B, Dance, and loud senseless rock. In fact, I'm so far out of it when it comes to new bands that I only know about half of the bands on the current Rock charts. From someone who prides himself on his knowledge on music (I kick butt at Rock 'N Roll Jeopardy), this is especially disheartening.

That's why my autographed copy of Paul Westerberg's "Stereo" CD means so much to me. And a big kudos goes out to my best friend, Jeff, for getting me the CD autographed (though I'm still jealous that he got to see Paul perform during his in-store apperance in Anaheim). Paul was one of the godfathers of rock and roll music. None of the bands today would be where they are without bands like The Replacements and The Clash. They were groundbreaking. Can you call Linkin Park groundbreaking? Trapt? Good Charlotte? I can answer that with a resounding "no."

I just wish bands like the 'Mats and the Clash got more kudos than they do. However, this year's Grammy Awards did show some love to the Clash. In one of the greatest Grammy moments, "London Calling" was performed by Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Little Steven, and the bassist from No Doubt. It brought chills to my back. I loved it.

Mike Weir Made Me Do It!

OK, last month I said in my Random Thoughts that I would not watch the Masters as my way of protesting all parties involved (i.e., Hootie, Martha, Jesse Jackson, et al). Then, something happened.

BYU alum Mike Weir was on top of the leaderboard.

I have a soft spot in my heart for former Cougars (other than their football team) so when Mike was perched atop of the leaderboard, I positioned my remote control and tuned into CBS. By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Augusta told all the sponsors to keep their money and that they would pay for CBS' broadcasting costs. By doing so, it made the telecast commercial free.

Maybe we need more protests at other sporting events, especially the World Series. How many "Malcolm in the Middle" and "24" commercials did we all endure during the last World Series?

Letter to the Mailman: Shut Your Piehole

I've been thinking about adding a section to my monthly rants dedicated to the athlete that just needs to close his or her big trap. This month is Karl Malone. He's thinking of moving on to LA or San Antonio and voiced this all publicly during the last week of the regular season, just in time for the playoffs. Poor timing.

Having lived in Utah, that state absolutely adores Karl. I'm not sure why. I think he's always been a big crybaby. Then he gets mad when Larry Miller, the rotund owner of the Jazz, says publicly that this is not the time to discuss moving on to another team.

As Run DMC once said..."I said you talk too much...and you never shut up!"

In-Person Autographing

Only autographing I did in April was the Detroit Pistons when they were in town to play the Magic. Since I don't have much faith in the Magic getting out of the first round, this will probably be the last NBA autographing for the year. Next month, it's all minor leagues.

Ben Wallace was the prize of the day. He signed the ESPN Magazine for me and he attracted the dealers from around Tampa (guys, please stay home). Jon Barry and Mehmet Okur blew us all off so Jon still alludes me. I was able to get Danny Manning on a photo I made for him. Helpful Hint: Danny doesn't sign cards but he will sign magazines, photos, balls, etc. Be prepared.

Here's my haul:
Wallace and Manning as previously indicated
Pepe Sanchez, Rip Hamilton, Cliff Robinson: 1 card each
Don Reid, Tayshaun Prince: custom index cards

This month's mailbox

Doug Creek: 1/1, pitched briefly with the Mariners in 2002, now with the Blue Jays

Eric Weaver: 1/1, now with the Phillies Triple-A team

Chris Snelling: signed 2 cards. I only sent one Topps Chrome and Chris signed the back of the card (guess he thought the autograph would smudge on the card) and also sent one Topps card that he provided, signed on the front.

Victor Williams: Another King of Queens success. Victor plays Doug's best friend Deacon. Sent one signed 8 X 10. Took about 3 months. Email me if you need the address (I don't have it handy as I'm posting this message).

Jim Bullinger: had his best years with the Cubs, pitched briefly with the Mariners. Signed 2/2.

Brick Smith: First baseman that made a few appearances in Seattle in 1987 and 1988. Kept one of my index cards but signed the other.

Tony Fossas: Journeyman reliever who played briefly with the Mariners, as well as the Red Sox, Cards, Rangers, Yankees, Brewers, and Cubs (see what I mean about "journeyman"). Signed 2/2.

Yamid Haad: Last year was with the Orlando Rays, now with the Padres organization in Portland. Signed 1/1.

Ramon Soler: Also with the Rays last year, he was cut by the Devil Rays after they found out he was one of the visa players who lied about his age (turns out he was 25, not 22 as he indicated). He is now with the Mets organization in Double-A. Signed 1/1.

Rafael Soriano: Seattle Mariners prospect, now pitching for Tacoma but will be the first one called up if there are any problems with the pitching staff in Seattle. Switched the card I sent him, sending me a Topps Heritage instead of the Fleer card I sent him. Note: only will sign one so don't send more than that...he will keep any extras.

Marv Harshman: Former head coach of the UW Basketball team. He is in the Basketball Hall of Fame, which is where I sent the two photo printouts I made. He kept one (at my request) and sent a nice letter thanking me for my kind words and for the printout.

Paul Mirabella: An effective middle reliever, Paul had some good years in the bigs with the Mariners and the Brewers. Signed 2 cards. I sent him some extra cards and told him to keep them, which he did.

Final Thoughts