July 6, 2005: I went to yet another new stadium: PGE Park in Portland, Oregon.
The Tacoma Rainiers were playing the Beavers in Portland during my
family vacation. The access inside the stadium is a bit tricky.
You definitely need to be one of the first people in the stadium as
the dugouts are only accessible by a stairway where people line up
to get autographs. Luckily my brother and I showed up early enough
to be one of the first people in line so we were able to get some of
the rising prospects in the Mariners organization, namely Felix
Hernandez and Rafael Betancourt.
Access after or before the game is pretty decent for the home team.
The players come through the pass gate on the corner of 20th and
Morrison. We were able to get guys like Josh Barfield and Jon
Knott. After the game we got 1 each from Pedro Astacio who did not
seem happy at all to either be signing or to be in the minors. We
didn't stay too long after the game, after all I did have family
with me and they don't understand the word "patience" when it comes
to waiting for autographs. Here's my haul (one each unless
otherwise noted):
Portland: Dustin Delucchi
Josh Barfield: 1 card, 1 program
Pedro Astacio
Brandon Emanuel
Jesse Garcia
Brian Sweeney 2/2
Jon Knott 2/2
Chris Oxspring 2/2
Bobby Scales 1/2
Wilson Valdez: 2/2
Tacoma: Felix Hernandez: 2/2
Masao Kida
Justin Leone: 2/2
Dan Rohn
Rob Nodine
Jeff Harris
Abraham Nunez: 2/2
Ramon Santiago
Shin Soo Choo: 1/2
Greg Dobbs: 3/3
Aaron Rifkin
Wiki Gonzalez
Chris Buglovsky
Hunter Brown: 2/2
Yuniesky Betancourt
Jared Thomas
Cha Seung Baek
Andrew Lorraine
June 24, 2005: Went to another Daytona Cubs game, this time against the St. Lucie Mets. Great night of baseball with the Mets topping the Cubs by the score of 3-1. Great pitching on both sides and got to see a few long balls hit by Tony Ritchie, Brett Harper, and Shawn Bowman. Ritchie also made a great play by catching an attempted bunt and throwing out Bowman at third base for the double play.
An added bonus was getting Vince Carter’s autograph for the first time. The Cubs had a special pre-game activity where Carter signed autographs before the game for 30 minutes. I’ve commented before how much I can’t stand him for always ignoring the autographers and his attitude carried over to this signing as well. When I asked him to sign my photo in silver (since the pic was really dark), he kind of snarled at me and then signed like crap on my photo. Other people who were getting his signature on balls and other items were getting some nice autographs.
Before the game I was able to get Jake Fox to stop on the Cubs side. He signed 6 cards for me. Then, we went over to the Mets side and got Milledge (1 card, 1 full page photo from “At The Yard” magazine). Milledge is a strict 2 per person and I’m sure it won’t be too long before he’s a strict one per. Also got Tim Teufel and Randy Niemann for some additions to my 1986 Mets collection and added some autographs from some of the bright prospects of the Mets including Brett Harper, Kole Strayhorn (cool as heck), Tyler Davidson, and last year’s 1st Round pick Philip Humber. We also chatted with Dan Foli for about 10 minutes who was asking me how I made my customized baseball cards and commenting on Evan Maclane’s fantastic game among other things.
After the game I stuck around long enough to get a few autographs from Brian Dopirak, Matt Creighton, Tony Ritchie, Yorkin Ferraras and a few other Cubs. Overall, it was a wonderful night of autographs and baseball and hanging out with Steve who is moving to Pennsylvania. Steve, if you’re reading this, it was always a pleasure hanging out with you. Best of luck to you and your family on your new adventure.
Here’s my haul:
NBA: Vince Carter
Cubs: One each from Clay Rapada, Nate Sevier, Scott Moore, J.R. Mathes and
Juan Mateo
Jake Fox 6/6
Tony Ritchie 3/3
Matt Creighton 3/3
Scott Moore
Brian Dopirak 2/2
Yorkin Ferreras 2/2
Mets: one each of Yunir Garcia, Corey Ragsdale, Dan Foli, Philip Humber, Evan Maclane, Chuck Smith, Brian Walker, Vincent Cordova, Jonathan Slack, Jamar Hill
Kole Strayhorn: 2/2
Tyler Davidson: 2/2
Brett Harper: 2/2
Shawn Bowman: 2/2
Lasting Milledge: 2/2
Randy Niemann: 3/3
Tim Teufel: 5/5
May 27, 2005: Took a vacation day to drive to Tampa Bay to see my beloved Mariners play against the Devil Rays. Since I had the entire day off from work, I went early to get a few D-Rays since many of the Rays players will stop to sign near the parking lot. I was able to get autographs from Nomo, Damon Hollins, Phelps, to name a few.
Inside, I was able to get Ichiro for the first time since his first Spring Training in the states. I had to forearm a few people who were pushing to get the autograph. The poor guy next to me was getting pushed so much that he was bent over the divider and couldn't breathe. I had to play the role of security guard and get people off of him which didn't make some people happy. Safety is more important than a stupid autograph. Was also able to get Eddie Guardado inside on a Baseball America and a Tacoma News Tribune (has him, Ibanez, Spiezio, and Aurilia on the cover...not sure why I would want to start a multi-player item but I did it anyway). I also finally got Randy Winn on a Mariners card.
Outside after the game I got Pinella, Greg Dobbs, and Wilson Valdez. I waited around forever to get Hargrove but got tired of waiting, especially considering the two and a half hour drive ahead of me and it was midnight at that point. Here's my haul:
Rays: one each from Jorge Cantu, Trever Miller, Seth McClung, Josh Phelps, Alex Gonzalez, Matt Sinatro (in my 1995 Mariners playoff program) and Lou Pinella. Got three signed from Nick Green and Damon Hollins.
Mariners: Ichiro (first Sports Illustrated from 2001), one each from Randy Winn, Pat Borders and Wilson Valdez, 2/2 from Eddie Guardado and 3/3 from both Ron Villone and Greg Dobbs.
May 13, 2005: I went to a Daytona Cubs game for the first time in Daytona. Didn't get quite as many graphs as I would
have liked. They didn't open the gates until 6:20 which cut into the
autographing. Then, the home team side has a huge fence that makes
it difficult to pass items to the players without looking stupid.
Because of that, I decided to stay after the game to get some more
autographs since the players parking lot is right behind the stadium
and is open access.
However, I left after 12 innings. The Tigers ended up winning in the
14th inning. If I would have stayed for the entire game, I probably
would have made it home around 2:30 a.m.
Tony Richie: 12/12
Brian Dopirak: 2/2
J.J. Johnson
Randy Wells
Kyle Boyer
J.J. Johnson
Chris Walker
Scott Moore
Lakeland: Justin Verlander 2/2 and Nate Bumstead 1/1
 | Spring is here! That means it's also time for the annual Spring Training Journal. Click here for the journal. |
 | January 22, 2005: I took a drive out to the Champions sports complex in Orlando. It is a sports facility owned by Barry Larkin, Dee Brown (basketball), and Tony McGee (football). The grand opening was during that weekend and I was able to get Barry on a photo and three cards after a sports clinic.
I asked about his plans for this season, since the Reds did not resign him. He said he's done and that he is devoting his time towards his new passion, namely teaching young people about baseball.
Nice complex and I plan on taking my kids there when they're old enough to appreciate the facility.
January 1: Happy New Year everyone! My first update in over two months. Hope everyone is great. I finally have access to a scanner so I'll be trying to put more scans on the site. I still need some help resizing the photos for the web but you can at least enjoy the scans of Grant Hill, Vijay Singh, and Dwight Howard. If you want to know the stories behind the autographs, please sign up for my Yahoo Group. |
| Year 2004 |
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Since I moved to "Blog" format, this is where all the archives for 2004 will be located. Click here for the ongoing random thoughts and autograph successes (and some failures). |
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My 2004 Spring Training Journal is now posted. Highlights include my first ever trip to Port St. Lucie where I got, among others, Jose Reyes (pictured). Click here for the journal. |
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My first trip to Bay Hill brought me autograph opportunities with Adam Scott, Charles Howell III, and Sergio Garcia(pictured), which helped me to complete a program from 2000. Click here for the journal or click on the program to see a full page scan of a great looking program. |
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| Year 2003 |
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I attended the Office Depot Father/Son Golf Tournament. Good times, good autographs, including Arnie and Jack. Click here for the feature. |
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August 2003 Random Thoughts include in-person autographing for the Tacoma Rainiers on my vacation and also my decision to discontinue the monthly updates. Click here for August's feature. |
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July 2003 Random Thoughts include in-person autographing for the basketball summer league, thoughts on Darrell Armstrong's arrest, and "You've Got Balls, Part 2." Click here for July's feature. |
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June 2003 Random Thoughts includes another "Shut Your Pie Hole," in-person autographing at Doc Rivers Golf Tournament. And, mmm, biscuits. Click here for June's feature. |
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May 2003 Random Thoughts include the age old debate of COAs, an open letter to Josh Hamilton, and some minor league autographing, including rising star Dontrelle Willis, pictured on the left. Click here for May's feature. |
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April 2003 Random Thoughts continue my debate of retiring my blue sharpie considering how other autograph web sites are drying up like a used sharpie. Also In-Person autographing with the Pistons as well as my tribute to Paul Westerberg and the Clash. Click here for April's feature. |
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March 2003 Random Thoughts mostly center on my dilemma of retiring my blue sharpie. Also In-Person autographing with the Heat, Knicks, and Jazz. Click here for March's feature. |
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My Annual Spring Training Journal includes my visits to Tampa Bay, Detroit, Atlanta, and Houston. I didn't get to visit as many facilities as I wanted to this year but still some useful information. Click here for the journal. |
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February 2003 Random Thoughts include my thoughts on how Martha Burk and the other political agendas are destroying Augusta. Also In-Person autographing with the Spurs and Nets. Click here for the update. |
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January 2003 Random Thoughts include my thoughts on Orlando losing their minor league team, and my battle with the University of Washington for an autograph of Marlon Shelton (pictured here). In-Person autographing with the Knicks, Rockets, and Pacers. Click here. |
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| Year 2002 |
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December 2002 Random Thoughts include my thoughts on eBay, "You got balls" to go to court, and In-Person Autographing with the Bucks, Warriors, and Celtics Click here. |
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November 2002 Random Thoughts include my thoughts on Frank Thomas, Lou Pinella leaving Seattle for Tampa, why I dislike Heathcliff Slocumb and In-Person Autographing with Desmond Mason's Seattle Sonics and Toronto Raptors. Click here. |
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October 2002 Random Thoughts include my thoughts on the Ryder Cup and the lack of patriotism exhibited by athletes, Vanderbilt's Bobby Johnson, and In-Person Autographing for the start of the NBA season, including Shareef Abdur-Rahim (pictured). Click here. |
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September 2002 Random Thoughts include my thoughts on Patrick Ewing, Shawn Kemp, the Florida Instructional League and my first foray into Fantasy Baseball. In mail successes from Dan Meyer (pictured) and some other former Mariners. Click here. |
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August 2002 Random Thoughts include Orlando Rays autographing experience including Jace Brewer (pictured), the WNBA, and my frustration with major league baseball. Click here. |
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I'm back writing monthly updates. This time around I'm calling them "My random thoughts" to include autograph news, my views on the sports world, and anything else I deem worthy for print (this is my web site after all). Read July's random thoughts by clicking here. July includes the Mariners and a trip to Richmond. |
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Spent a nice Friday as a volunteer at Doc Rivers' Celebrity Golf Tournament. Highlights include getting autographs from Dr. J, Thurman Thomas and Davey Johnson. Click here. |
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Minor League Baseball in Orlando to watch Wily Mo and a chance to get some autographs from some former Mariners. Click here. |
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Can you say "Pitchers and Catchers report?" My Spring Training 2002 Journal is right here. Among the highlights for me was meeting one of my boyhood idols, Spike Owen.
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| Year 2001 |
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Spring Training 2001 in Arizona AND in Florida. Read about my trip, Ichiro, George Brett, et al here.
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Sundance Film Festival time again! Read about my days autographing the Hollywood stars, including Julia Stiles, here.
BONUS COVERAGE! For all you NBA fans out there, my autographing experiences for January are posted here. |
| Year 2000 (Y2K) |
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A small break from the NBA for me took me to an autographing experience with musician Shawn Mullins. Read about my experience here. |
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November I had success and failures with NBA teams including Orlando, Chicago, Dallas (with Dirk pictured here) and the New Jersey Nots, er, Nets. Read about my experience here. |
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The NBA season is back! October's experiences were with Cleveland, Philly, and the Clippers (including Lamar Odom pictured here). Read about my experience here. |
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September marked the end of the Minnesota Twins minor league era in Salt Lake. Information on how well Oakland A's prospects Jason Hart and Eric Byrnes sign. Also, included in this month's report is my dilemma as an autograph hound. Read about my experience here. |
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Sometimes Mother Nature isn't kind to autograph hounds. My rude awakening happened as the Senior PGA Tour made a stop in Park City. Read about my experience here. |
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Every Summer Utah welcomes the NBA (and hopeful NBA players) to play in the Rocky Mountain Revue. Michael Ruffin (pictured here) was one of the second year players participating. Read about my experience here. |
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To the green grass of the golf course, the Champions Challenge brought the Golden Bear, Trevino, Johnny Miller, the Stocktons, and Sergio to Utah for two days of golf. Read about my experience here. |
 | How well does Padres top prospect Ben Davis sign? I'll let you know my less than favorable experience. Click here for the report. However, to Ben's defense, he does sign in the mail. |
 | Read about the A's and other guests at the 2000 Big League Weekend in Vegas. Click here for the report. |
 | February's autographing experience including meeting Uma Thurman and her beau, Ethan Hawke, at the Sundance Film Festival. For a full report, click here.
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