Which athlete has disapointed you in person?

[rocketsan22]

I loved college baseball due to Clemens and Spike Owen coming out of UT. Up here we only got the NCAA championship game on television so I only got to see a rare few college teams play when I was a kid. I would have to follow teams through Baseball America (which I spent my entire allowance on) or the daily that went under The National. One year LSU was on and I started following their team.

Ben McDonald coming out of LSU was all the rage. He came to Toronto with the Orioles in his rookie season and was running sprints in the outfield. Two of us were standing two feet from where he had stopped and was stretching. He got up and looked around, I said "Mr. McDonald, could I trouble you for an autograph?" He looked at me and walked away...

Anyone ever disapointed you when you approached them or saw/met them at a public appearance?

[zurita54]

are you that ugly?

[amador_o]

Joe Crede. He acted like he was the **** after coming off the world series win, ingoring me as he was signing for me at Soxfest.

[rocketsan22]

are you that ugly?

you've seen the thread, I'm America's Next Top Model :)

[quiggle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnjFqUkTf0o

[Tarheelfan44]

Marcus giles- he has little man syndrome.

[Toyfan85]

Marshall Faulk, Steve Smith, Tom Brady,

[raltherr]

The New York Mets. I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. The only sports teams we had were the Tides ( Mets Triple A ball) and the Admirals (AHL).

Every year the Mets would play an exhibition against the Tides. One year I got to go. I can't remember what year exactly but it was late 80's early 90's. After the game was over the entire Mets team walked right through all of us kids and just got on their bus. Not one single player stopped to sign or say hi. They didn't even look in oue direction. Even as a kid I thought it was classless to ignore kids for autographs. Especially since it was a once a year trip for them to come. I've had a healthy dislike for the Mets ever since.

[raltherr]

Marshall Faulk, Steve Smith, Tom Brady,

I can see how people would think Smitty is a jerk. He's not to keen on signing for adults who are going to sell it on eBay later. He's always been great with the kids though (from what I've seen). So I'm cool with him being the way he is.

[mikedanger]

hank aaron...biggest jerk ever.

[sigep001]

Roy Williams (Cowboys) - big-time ******bag

[sigep001]

It's not even about whether or not they'll sign for you. Emmitt Smith won't sign for anybody for free, but he makes you feel special because he'll talk to you and shake your hand.

[Malfunktion]

Shannon Sharpe - I never talked to him personally but I used to work at the airport, and everyone that tried to talk to him, he ignored.

[raltherr]

It's not even about whether or not they'll sign for you. Emmitt Smith won't sign for anybody for free, but he makes you feel special because he'll talk to you and shake your hand.

Exactly. I feel the same way. If someone doesn't sign autographs, no biggie. I just hate it when they act like Butt holes. It only takes a second to be nice to someone.

[Poochiesdead]

Mark Prior. Pretty much what happened in the Ben McDonald story.

[zurita54]

you've seen the thread, I'm America's Next Top Model :)

I forgot about your coke bottle body.

[Hckeynut1]

Jaromir Jagr...he was an real putz to my kid

[rocketsan22]

I forgot about your coke bottle body.

you know me and rice cakes...


drop the rice...

[DJBurnside]

I loved college baseball due to Clemens and Spike Owen coming out of UT. Up here we only got the NCAA championship game on television so I only got to see a rare few college teams play when I was a kid. I would have to follow teams through Baseball America (which I spent my entire allowance on) or the daily that went under The National. One year LSU was on and I started following their team.

Ben McDonald coming out of LSU was all the rage. He came to Toronto with the Orioles in his rookie season and was running sprints in the outfield. Two of us were standing two feet from where he had stopped and was stretching. He got up and looked around, I said "Mr. McDonald, could I trouble you for an autograph?" He looked at me and walked away...

Anyone ever disapointed you when you approached them or saw/met them at a public appearance?


What ever happened to Lyle Mouton and Eddie Furniss. Those guys were great sluggers for LSU

[Vandy58]

Kordel Stewart. It was right after he was drafted. I went to Buff camp in Boulder and he came by to "see us" everybody went up to him for an autograph and told everybody to get lost! Complete RENOB!

[biteyahard]

I've met several athletes, Dan Marino, Shaquille O'Neal, Lawrence Taylor, Jerry Rice, Cornelius Bennett, JP Montoya, Sterling Sharpe, Johnny Bench, Chris Chambers, Ray Lucas, most of the LSU football team in the late 80's early 90's, Tim Wakefield, Roberto Luongo, Mike Keenan, Shannon Briggs, Juan Pierre, Rollie Fingers, Reggie Jackson, Emmitt Smith, Trace Armstrong, Zach Thomas......maybe a few more that I can't think of and only ONE of them was a jerk! I'll let you guys guess for a while before I name him, you may be surprised.:o

[rozy1991]

Bobby Orr. When I was a kid he had a hockey camp just outside of town and spent a lot of his summers here.At that time he was a miserable drunk and treated all the kids like crap,Allthough I understand he cleaned up his act in later life.

[Toyfan85]

I can see how people would think Smitty is a jerk. He's not to keen on signing for adults who are going to sell it on eBay later. He's always been great with the kids though (from what I've seen). So I'm cool with him being the way he is.

Ive met Smitty lots of times, i got his auto plenty of times before his break out season and aint ever sold any of them and never will, all i ask for is a photo with him, he always says no... so oh well...

[jackliveshere]

Brendan Shanahan - met him for the first time during a trip to Nashville a few years ago and he was a complete arrogant *****.

[jonsoriano08]

TO. not sure how many times i've told this story. but i was at a 49er training camp, we already knew he was a pain in the arse. i tried to get a TO1 SP chase signed as he signed footballs, helmets, and auth jerseys for some of the fans. the figure was for my now ex-girlfriend, who found that figure herself.

he looked at the and then told me "i'm not signing that"....ok that's fair, maybe he thought i was a collector/scapler....so i held up the FREE poster of TO that they gave out at the camp (the Sharpie TD catch) and asked if he could sign this one. he looked at it, looked me, backed up, openned his arms, and said to the crowd "that's right, you all came to see me." then walked away towards the buses.

at that point, every fan around me Booed him. i shold have crumpled the poster and threw it at him. what a JERK.:mad:

[dbrooks55]

I've met several athletes, Dan Marino, Shaquille O'Neal, Lawrence Taylor, Jerry Rice, Cornelius Bennett, JP Montoya, Sterling Sharpe, Johnny Bench, Chris Chambers, Ray Lucas, most of the LSU football team in the late 80's early 90's, Tim Wakefield, Roberto Luongo, Mike Keenan, Shannon Briggs, Juan Pierre, Rollie Fingers, Reggie Jackson, Emmitt Smith, Trace Armstrong, Zach Thomas......maybe a few more that I can't think of and only ONE of them was a jerk! I'll let you guys guess for a while before I name him, you may be surprised.:o

It has to be Marino or Rice

[Roy-fan]

Just went to an autograph show this past Saturday..Met Lenny Dykstra Wally Backman and Robin Ventura ..They were all great but Dykstra went out of his way to be nice chatted to him for about 10 min ..He actually talked to everyone while signing the promoters of the show seemed more annoyed than anyone else was.It was a great day..Here are my pics

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid004-2.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid002-1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid003-1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid005-1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid001-2.jpg

[jonsoriano08]

It has to be Marino or Rice


Rice was awesome to me and all the fans at a signing. although i did hear different. haven't heard anything about marino though.

[biteyahard]

It has to be Marino or Rice

nah, Marino was meh, but Jerry Rice was awesome, he was one of the coolest by far. ;)

[Joe Bruin723]

You know- it was kind of cool at the same time, but it really made me hate him then. Probably some of heard of this Wilt story, but this was about 10 years ago, I was younger and I was with my friend his mom at the supermarket. Then through the automatic opening door comes in the Stilt! He was all hunched over trying to get in. His mom recognized him, and we went up to him asked for his auto. He said with a stern and angry face- "I don't do that no mo'..." Then walked away. I was furious at the time but now I think, that he has got to be a god in his own mind to turn down an autograph to 2 kids and a mother.

[bjk311nh]

Grady Sizemore............I won't get into it again but he wasn't even a star yet.

[sigep001]

nah, Marino was meh, but Jerry Rice was awesome, he was one of the coolest by far. ;)

I'd bet my testicles it was Reggie Jackson.

[Philly 5-0]

When I was younger I used to go to the flyers and eagles and phillies games early to get auto's, with my buddies. And got a bunch, but I remember getting sigs when the 93 phillies team went to the world series, that whole team was great for sigs except dykstra and daulton, they would walk past and act like you were not even there, like their ****** did'nt stink. That always got to me, but then I started to relize that all these guys do is play a sport and they can't take 2 minutes to sign a couple of auto's for people, maybe I am the stupid one for coming down here early or staying later just for a autograph so I pretty much stopped doing that. But as a sport in genral I think hockey players were the coolest by far to get auto's by, most of them were pretty much down to earth, even the superstars.

[Noles3232]

Great thread rocket!
Spring Training 1999ish
Mike Piazza-I live 15 mins away from the spring training complex for the Nats..at the time it was the marlins..anyhow.. Piazza was on the Mets, waiting to get his autograph..after the game by the bus...i was reaching over the fence holding one of those 8x10 baseball card..and i guess he didn't like the way i had it in front of him, and he pretty much gave me the finger getting on the bus!! what an ***hole!!

Albert Belle-at spring training...he had just signed with the O's..I was getting autographs before the game and he wouldn't sign a card i had of him in a white sox uniform..lol

[maxxlouie]

I've met several athletes, Dan Marino, Shaquille O'Neal, Lawrence Taylor, Jerry Rice, Cornelius Bennett, JP Montoya, Sterling Sharpe, Johnny Bench, Chris Chambers, Ray Lucas, most of the LSU football team in the late 80's early 90's, Tim Wakefield, Roberto Luongo, Mike Keenan, Shannon Briggs, Juan Pierre, Rollie Fingers, Reggie Jackson, Emmitt Smith, Trace Armstrong, Zach Thomas......maybe a few more that I can't think of and only ONE of them was a jerk! I'll let you guys guess for a while before I name him, you may be surprised.:o

I'll pick a real dark horse........Keenan?

[Tarheelfan44]

As a note for great guys- Brian McCann was very cool, met him in mertyl Beach and in atl too, he was a pleasure both times, as was Jeff francoeur, who i have met twice in atlanta. Also, Big kudos to any of the guys who played for the rome braves about a a year and a hlaf ago. i had conenctions and got to got through the clubhouse, and WIll startup was so incredible pleasent and down to earth, as was brian jordan, who was on a rehab assignment- he's so jackd it's not even funny. as well as yunel escobar who spoke spanosh with me for a bit. all of the guys in that organization were top notch- the only one who really wasn;t was the manager's duaghter- she was friggin hot, but was a total ***** to everybody.

[Hornz Over Halos]

I can't think of an athlete that disappointed me in person, but if I had to chose *A* person who disappointed me in person it would be Chad Gray, lead singer of Mudvayne.

Met him after a show and he seemed really happy around his buddies, but when a whopping FIVE fans came and asked for pics and auto's, he got so moody like we just destroyed his only way out of town.

I said to him "Thanks for making the music we love to listen to" or something to that effect and his response was "You keep buying the CDs and paying my bills, I'll keep pushing out **** for you to keep giving me your money."

I was dumbfounded and grabbed my Sharpie out of his hand and said, "Nevermind. I don't think I like your band anymore" and left. Never even turned around to see his reaction.

[rocketsan22]

Just went to an autograph show this past Saturday..Met Lenny Dykstra Wally Backman and Robin Ventura ..They were all great but Dykstra went out of his way to be nice chatted to him for about 10 min ..He actually talked to everyone while signing the promoters of the show seemed more annoyed than anyone else was.It was a great day..Here are my pics

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid004-2.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid002-1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid003-1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid005-1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k195/metsjerseys/elsid001-2.jpg

Way to ruin my thread with kindness :) Loved Nails as a kid...

[GoNiners]

I can't think of an athlete that disappointed me in person, but if I had to chose *A* person who disappointed me in person it would be Chad Gray, lead singer of Mudvayne.

lol its funny you say that. The drummer for Mudvayne is an ass too. Tried to get a picture and he talked down to me while saying no. Ive had a dislike for the band since(also because Chad was just constantly ignoring fan requests). But members of Nonpoint, Shadows Fall, KsE, Unearth, Hatebreed, ect have been cool. Overall the nicest were Christina of Lacuna Coil, Marta of Bleeding Through, and Trevor of Unearth. Also the Black Dahlia Murder are cool guys too. The singer spent 30 mins one time talking to me and my friend. Also gave me free merch cause I didnt rip them off(the guy I was buying a shirt from gave me too much change. I didnt notice but they did and I gave it to them without argument)

I havent met too many atletes in person. But one of the nicest guys is former UFC and current IFL fighter Mike Whitehead. Same goes for most MMA fighters actually. Some wrestlers are good with fans(hulk hogan for example). And back when the real ECW was around I had good experiances with Al Snow, Little Guido, Nova, Jack Victory, and Sal Graziano. Only bad stories at shows I went to were Ric Flair and Steve McMichael.

As for other celebs Opie and Anthony are very good to their fans(Ant is a bit anti-social but still good with fans). Jim Norton is one of the nicest people ever. Bob Kelly is very good with fans. Nick DiPaolo and Colin Quinn too.

[Bravescat]

Great guys:

Andres Galarraga
Dennis Martinez
John Rocker
Kirk Muller
Chris Benoit
Rob Van Dam
Bobby Smith
Jamie Macoun
Gary Leeman
Tom Browning
Norm Charlton
Bernie Nicholls
Dale Hawerchuk
Bobby Hull
Guy Lafleur
Rocket Richard
Henri Richard
Steve Shutt
Gaston Gingras



Jerks::mad:

Marcel Dionne
Eddie Shack
Tiger Williams
Patrick Roy
Tim Wallach
Tim Raines
Bryan Trottier

[lwagner57]

I have met alot of Hall Of Famers back in the day when they would sign autographs induction weeke in Cooperstown. Some would charge for autographs like Dimaggio, mantle, Aaron, Mays Spahn, Stargell ect there is a big misconception though alot of them would sign but would be moody and not say hello or anything but i wouldn't say that would qualify them as a jerk though. I mean they did take time to sign in the hot weather for 3 or 4 hrs. I have came across more jerks in the minor league system going to Columbus Clipper games. The biggest jerk had to be Mike Mussina when he was coming up with Rochester or Ryan Klesko when he played for Richmond. They wouldn't sign for anyone or even acknowledge fans.

[icee82]

I have met a lot of athletes coming through Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte during their minor league career. I have also been fortunate enough to meet several Hall of Famers. The two jerks that I remember were Reggie Jackson and surprisingly enough Ernie Banks. Banks was in Winston-Salem for the Crosby golf tournament and he was at Ernie Shore Field. He walked away from his autograph table and never signed for anyone at the stadium. I finally stalked him down in the parking lot and he signed both a bat and ball but he was a class jerk. In fact he put my baseball in his pocket before he finally signed it. What is it with former Orioles? They are absolutely fantastic signers. Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer, Boog Powell...the list goes on and on. They are fabulous in person. They talk to you and really seem impressed that you are a fan of theirs.

[billy52]

Miguel Tejada.

I was at a FREE Orioles promotion for the 50th anniversary of the team. He was over an hour late, but things happen, I understand. So there were about 30 people in line when he started signing. I had a bat, ball, and Orioles Tejada SP for him to sign. The Orioles rep. their said that each person was allowed 1 auto. and then once everyone had their turn you could get back in line and get whatever else you wanted signed.

OK?

I'm in line and I can already see that he's signing 3 or 4 things at a time for each person but I figure I'll just get 1 at first because of the items bulkiness. My turn comes and I set the SP on the table, he proceeds to brush it off of the table on to the floor. So I bend over to pick it up and he's already signing for the next person in line. So he says "Go to the back of the line".

What the hell? No sorry, excuse me, kiss my *** or nothing.

I go to the end of the line and I'm standing for 30 seconds when the O's rep. comes up to me and says "You are only allowed 1 auto. Please leave!"

At this time there are about 5 people total in line and they have already got something autographed. I said no I'm not leaving, I haven't got 1 thing signed yet. After arguing for 5 minutes she let me get my stuff signed.

I was the only person left when Tejada signed my stuff.

Great Guy!

PS
I still have all 3 items, no Ebay!

[trojansc]

Stan Javier once turned me down for an autograph. I must have been a kid because for the life of me I can't remember why I would want a Stan Javier autograph...

[trojansc]

Reggie Jackson was walking around a card show and I got him to sign one of those Upper Deck Looney Tunes hologram cards (remember them?) When my brother approached him moments later he told him to leave him alone as he signed the card anyway. :confused:

[1SG_TWTHOMAS]

John Stockton..... Horses Azz!

Bo Outlaw, coolest guy in pro sports in my opinion. VERY nice to me and my military buds.

Greg Biffle was kinda a jerk but I think I caught him needing to pee. :)

Mark Martin, Dale Jr., Dale Jarrett all pretty nice.

Michael Jordan... elusive? Smiled and waved back at me. Might have been nice but only got to within about 10 feet of him.

Vince Carter, nice.

Not many others I can recall being anything but quiet and seemingly rushed.

[chandlerbing311]

Booger Mcfarlane =Jerk
Karl Malone=Jerk

[M-41A]

Michael irvin is one of the biggest piles of "you know what" I have ever met.

Mike Ditka was a ***** as well.

The biggest ever would be Dennis Rodman though.

Met him at a strip club in Vegas last year.

A-Hole.

My A+ List goes as follows:

Jerry Rice
Tony Gwynn
Ladainian Tomlinson
Phil Mickelson

[animal _x_ca]

Cam Neely - twice for refusing to sign any Vancouver Canucks stuff. Tard

[kim]

Pete Rose.....hands down......I was a big Reds (and Red Sox:) ) fan in the early 70's......I idolized Rose since I was 9 years old......I used to co-promote card and comic shows around the country with a guy out of Florida....he had the connections for athletes....I had the comic artists.....Rose did a show for us in Miami....an absolute horses bee-hind....totally ruined my admiration for him......I wish I had never met him....treated people (show customers) like complete crap...was even worse to the people staffed to work the show, etc.....I even told him he was an ******* after the show;)

[HazMan]

Crazy!!!

I've golfed with both Marcel and Tiger Williams and they were great guys, Marcel even ended up sending one of my coworkers an old purple Kings jersey that he signed for her son.

Trottier was also great, I met him a few years ago and he was really great, took the time to talk to lots of people and signed stuff and stood for pictures.

Weird how they can be so different at dfferent times.




Jerks::mad:

Marcel Dionne
Eddie Shack
Tiger Williams
Patrick Roy
Tim Wallach
Tim Raines
Bryan Trottier

[Bluzfn5]

Keith Tkachuk=worst for me. Met him at several events including the annual Blues breakfast banquet, a jerk every time.

Al MacInnis, Barret Jackman, and Doug Weight were all exceptionally cool. Tyson Nash has to be the funniest and coolest hockey player that I have met.

[jPoD]

I havent met too many pro athletes, but when I sat courtside at the Sixers game, Eduardo Najera was really nice. High fives, waves, thumbs ups, smiles, etc.

Anyway, not that I met him personally, but we have a family hatred towards Muhammad Ali. It's kinda a long story though.

[rollin_20_2]

Hate to say it, but Roethlisberger is SOOO arrogant! I thought maybe his accident would bring him down a notch or two, but he's still an *** everytime I've ever seen him!

Wow, I can't believe that I have to mention another Steeler, especially this one, but....... a couple of years ago I had my son at the Penn State Blue/White game, we were parked beside the soccer field. Soon enough, my buddy notices that standing at the fence watching the soccer game that was going on, RIGHT beside our vehicle, was Franco Harris!!! My kid and his buddy went over to him and said, "Mr. Harris"? (They were asking for a picture, not even an autograph). He never even looked down at them or anything, said "Go away, I'm not signing anything." My kid, 10 or so at the time, was crushed!
I was pretty mad, so I went around the whole parking lot and started telling everyone that Franco Harris was right over there and he's signing anything you want!! He took off pretty quick after the first 6 or 7 people started bugging him!
I knew there was a reason that I always liked Bleier more than him!

[Durstlimpbizkit]

I'd get on pro athletes more for just wanting to be another face in the crowd but I can't imagine how many people must ask them for auto's or pictures all the time, I mean if they wanted to sign things or take pics they'd do it at predetermined times

[ruggerx]

I'd bet my testicles it was Reggie Jackson.

I've heard lots of Reggie stories, most bad, some where he wanted money on the street to sign, and a (very) few that were good. My money would be on Sterling Sharpe hands down, who I've never heard a good word about and watched him lean into a kid's face and yell "NO!" at the football HOF when he was with the Packers.

I watched Cris Carter shoot everyone down at the HOF, but sign for me because I waited until the TV light came on (this was when he was playing).

Pete Rose is the A-hole King. The worst thing is that so many people idolize him, and he craps on them anyway if you say much of anything beyond "Thanks Pete" to him at signings.

Kareem has always been sour when I've seen him at signings, which has always been when he's there to endorse a product. Not hostile, just sour and uninterested in people.

Howie Long mocked people in line to his buddy while they waited.

Hank Aaron was angry as he signed, and wanted to leave in the worst way.

Willie Mays is basically a signing machine who might not even realize actual people put the items to be signed in front of him.

Donovan McNabb gave my brother, his friend, and me a hard time before signing his first week in Philly before signing one thing for each of us, then proceeded to stand around for 10 minutes waiting for a car to pick him up- we were the only ones around.

Mike Schmidt is high on my list. I volunteered to work his golf tournament one year, which was a mistake because it was the day after a 7's tournament I played in. So after a Saturday of 9 to 6 rugby and sunburn, I showed up Sunday to walk the course all day with some retired baseball player I can't even remember. I had hoped to get a bunch of sigs after I was done working, but by the end I thought I'd just get Schmidt and leave.

I found him on the course and waited for him to finish his hole. I went up with an 8x10 in my tourney volunteer polo (which we had to pay for) and asked politely. He rolled his eyes and signed without acknowledging me. He's earned his reputation.

Keith Byars was the greatest jerk of all time. I loved to watch his creative ways of snubbing people at Eagles camp. The best was when he blew off a 12 year old without looking at him as the kid pleaded "Keith, Keith..." When he was about 10 feet past the kid he turned around and said, "It's not Keith..." -everyone looked dumbfounded- "...it's MR. BYARS." he was about to continue on his way when the kid gave him an f bomb and Italian salute. My buddy and I still crack each other up just by saying "IT'S MR. BYARS."

Some of the nicest guys I've met- Roger Craig of the Niners, Gino Marchetti, Andre Waters, and Bud Carson. Exceptionally nice every time I saw them.

[ruggerx]

I'd get on pro athletes more for just wanting to be another face in the crowd but I can't imagine how many people must ask them for auto's or pictures all the time, I mean if they wanted to sign things or take pics they'd do it at predetermined times

I agree that they don't need to be on call 24-7, but it's also part of the deal they make, especially when they trade on thier celebrity by doing commercials or appearing on TV shows after they retire.

Personally, I can't think of 5 times out of the 1000 sigs I've gotten where I've approached someone at a time they weren't "working" in some capacity, and I don't think I've done it at all in the last 15 years.

[donbeebe]

I have met a lot of guys and have had a few bad experiences.
Rasheed Wallace, but hell he is a jerk all the time on TV.
Lynn Swann, but I know I am not the first to say this.

[jumpman1144]

For me I will always have my Keyshawn Johnson Story. So, I thank him for that. I live in Tampa and when we got Key I was so pumped, I go to training camp to see if I would have any luck there and He runs to the locker room and makes this comment. " I don't sign after Practice!" I am like ok cool he doesn't sign after practice. Well, I am in the military and right after 9-11 they wanted military members to do the National Anthem at a Bucs game it was the 4PM game against the Green Bay Packers. OK looking back on it I probably should have tried to get Brett Farves Auto but I love my Bucs so we were allowed into the stadium at noon to practice one time. So, I packed like 6 Buc cards in a little holder and put it in my pocket and I was like sweet I will get Key's auto. So, there I am just me and Key and I am in my military Uniform standing there no one else and I ask him for and Autograph and I quote again he said " I don't sign before games!" I was like man I have seen your autograph on the net and in Upperdeck cards because I bought one, so I know he signs it was just a matter of when he signed. I finally got his autograph at his radio show for a donation if you dontaed a toy for keys kids he was give you an autograph. I was waiting for the "I don't sign for you quote!" He did sign a mini-helmet but he just kind of knocked himself off the podum so to speak. Sorry for the long read.

[astros86]

Roy "@#$%" Oswalt. This piece of human garbage left my 8 year old (at the time) standing alone in the absolute pouring rain. We were at spring training two years ago in Kissimmee. The Astros had just started a game with the Cardinals and the rain came down in buckets. All of the 'stros had either gone in the clubhouse or in the dugout and were stuck. Roy was the last to leave the field and my son was the only soul standing out in the pouring rain waiting for just a high five from his hero. Roy passed no more than five inches from him and refused to high five him. Now, keep in mind, Roy is not running to get out of the rain, he is walking and looked right in my son's eyes and still walked right by him like he was nothing. I love the Astros but I hope that Roy O is run over by an elephant one day. He is scum and I hope I am there when he blows his arm out. I just hope he's with another team when that happens.

No, I am not bitter at all.

[rocketsan22]

That sucks about Oswalt. I was in Jupiter, Florida for Spring Training the spring after McGwire broke the record. My roomate worked on the radio so we were down there covering the Expos who share a facility with the Cards. I had a press pass and free reign on the facility and watched Mcgwire blow off people all week, even groups of kids. It was brutal to watch. You would see him pick up a couple bats for each hand so he could feign that look like "sorry, my hands are full with these three bats..." brutal..

[astros86]

Pete Rose.....hands down......I was a big Reds (and Red Sox:) ) fan in the early 70's......I idolized Rose since I was 9 years old......I used to co-promote card and comic shows around the country with a guy out of Florida....he had the connections for athletes....I had the comic artists.....Rose did a show for us in Miami....an absolute horses bee-hind....totally ruined my admiration for him......I wish I had never met him....treated people (show customers) like complete crap...was even worse to the people staffed to work the show, etc.....I even told him he was an ******* after the show;)

Oh my goodness, let me echo these sentiments as well. Pete Rose has to be the biggest horses's @$$ I have ever met. My dad is one of the biggest Pete Rose fans ever. My dad had the distinct pleasure of catching a Rose foul ball and it is (was) one of his most treasured possessions. Way back in 1993, I had the great idea of getting Rose to autograph my dad's foul ball. I contacted his restaurant and spoke with his management. They instructed me to send the ball and Pete would autograph it. Now, keep in mind, I didn't ask him to do it for free. I offered to pay for it. The management said they didn't know if he would charge for this signing or not.

I have yet to receive this ball back, signed or unsigned. Oh, I forgot to mention, I even paid for the return postage. And still NOTHING. My dad is out his treasured ball and Pete Rose is still a giant **censored**. Stinking objectional content policy!!!

[astros86]

That sucks about Oswalt. I was in Jupiter, Florida for Spring Training the spring after McGwire broke the record. My roomate worked on the radio so we were down there covering the Expos who share a facility with the Cards. I had a press pass and free reign on the facility and watched Mcgwire blow off people all week, even groups of kids. It was brutal to watch. You would see him pick up a couple bats for each hand so he could feign that look like "sorry, my hands are full with these three bats..." brutal..

Yes, it does suck and it pains me to say that about my team's ace.

That is brutal about McGwire but not surprising. I can promise you this...If I was ever to become famous (fat chance of that happening), I will sign or take pictures until the cows come home. I will never forget what it's like to be the fan. Some of these guys forget who pays for their fame - the fans.

[gratzi]

The wrestler known as Vader.

Back when we were about 16 we came to the city to see wrestling for the first time and ended up staying at the same hotels as the wrestlers (we had an inside tip). The whole weekend we were running aroung getting their autographs and all signed for us except for Vader. Now that's fine and all cause we were 16 but the jerk wouldn't even sign for the little kids. Even back then I thought that was cold.

[rocketsan22]

That is brutal about McGwire but not surprising. I can promise you this...If I was ever to become famous (fat chance of that happening), I will sign or take pictures until the cows come home. I will never forget what it's like to be the fan. Some of these guys forget who pays for their fame - the fans.

Cal Ripken Jr. epitomized what you just wrote...

[utgrad92]

Worst- Tony Dorsett

Best-Nolan Ryan I worked at a hotel in Austin and Nolan was there with his family looking at the University of Texas (his son later attended). I asked him if I could bring something the next day for him to sign. He said " I 'd be glad to do it". The next day he signed cards and a couple balls and even personalized them and stood in the lobby so we could take pictures! Great guy!

[jumpman1144]

Mike Alstott is also a very stand up guy. Here is the difference. I am at a magic Pistons Playoff game sitting in the upper Bowl and I saw Warren Sapp. I was watching him and a couple of people came over to get an autograph and he said no then he had the usher stand by him and paid the guy money so that he would not be bothered. Stanley cup finals Alstott is on the glass with his family and signed for everybody that asked.

[Noles3232]

haha i was just about to do the the same thing rocket, Ripken is BY FAR the BEST! After a Spring Training game in FL. I would say about 300 people were line up around the sides of the baseball field waiting for his autograph.Not only did he sign for 2 hrs... he did it in the dark! that's right... the dumb*** field manager didn't realize Ripken was out there still after a hour..and he turn off the lights on Ripken while he was signing autographs. like i said didn't stop him...he still kept signing!

[astros86]

My A+ List goes as follows:

Jerry Rice
Tony Gwynn
Ladainian Tomlinson
Phil Mickelson

You have to be the first person I have ever heard to say that Jerry Rice is on their A+ list. Most people, not me personally, I have heard put Jerry on their A hole list. Again, I have no experience in this matter, just what I have heard.

[rocketsan22]

I watched Ripken sign for 45 mins during the regular season two nights in a row...

Should have brought a ball, but...took more away from the fact that he gave of his time with the fans, wish other athletes would learn from his example...

[sigep001]

Roy "@#$%" Oswalt. This piece of human garbage left my 8 year old (at the time) standing alone in the absolute pouring rain. I love the Astros but I hope that Roy O is run over by an elephant one day. He is scum and I hope I am there when he blows his arm out. I just hope he's with another team when that happens.

No, I am not bitter at all.

Tell us how you really feel...this time, don't hold back.

[astros86]

Tell us how you really feel...this time, don't hold back.

LOL!! I love it. :D

Okay, next time I will let you guys in. I will tell you all about my true pain. :D I just need to feel safe to share my innermost feelings. You guys make me feel safe and secure.

[93leafs]

Mike Bossy
Joe Thornton (get off the cell phone)

On a side note, Got Lanny McDonald to sign a photo this a.m. What a great guy in person w/ a great sig. He thanked me for asking....

[rocketsan22]

Cool, not sports related, but Jon Spencer (former lead singer of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion) signed a pic I took of him the last time he came to town with his new project Heavy Trash. Was lucky enough to get in to see the sound check before the show.

Girl said to me "Sorry, we're not open yet.." I said "Okay, thanks." and just kept walking into the club :) No one said anything so I listened to souncheck and had an opportunity to approach Jon before the show...

[Durstlimpbizkit]

I watched Ripken sign for 45 mins during the regular season two nights in a row...

Should have brought a ball, but...took more away from the fact that he gave of his time with the fans, wish other athletes would learn from his example...

Ripken was great to the fans, my brother was in line to get a sig from him in the early 90's and the it started pouring down rain, Cal was my brother's favorite player and he had been following him his entire career and was absolutely crushed that he wouldn't get a chance at Cal's sig, considering we lived a ways away from Baltimore. So there my brother was crying in the rain, when Cal walked up to him and told him to send whatever he wanted to to the address on the paper, he shook my brother's hand and off the legend went. My brother sent him his rookie card, a jersey, and a few other cards from his collection, they call came back with sigs.

Ripken is the greatest player to grace the game.

[Yankeevin]

The nicest guy I have meant at a signing would have to be Bobby Richardson and Clete Boyer, both were extremely nice. Clete was trying to hit on my g/f. Robinson Cano didn't seem to acknowledge anyone, when meeting him. Stottlemyre, Zimmer, Gooden, Brian Boehringer, Stawberry, Cone, Girardi, Wally Whitehurst were all cool at a 96 reunion show I went to. I meant Steve Howe a year before he passed and that guy was a character. Julius Peppers hasn't done a signing since the one I saw him at and he looked extremely unhappy. Mario Williams was pretty cool, as I became cool with him at school. Philip Rivers was also a great guy to meet. Julius Hodge was pretty rude at a signing also.

[goosepatry]

Keith Tkachuk=worst for me. Met him at several events including the annual Blues breakfast banquet, a jerk every time..


Actually, I met Tkachuk three times. The first was at a signing at Afton where he was with Dan Hinote and Perry Turnball. He was not near as nice as the other two, but he signed for my daughter and son. The next time I saw him was at the Dream Night with the Blues. All proceeds go to the Dream Foundation. I paid five dollars to have him take a picture with my kids. He was friendly (only negative is he was the only player not wearing a jersey). The final time I met him was after a practice on game day. He drove out of the garage and stop to sign for the 5 of us that were there. He signed two 8 x 10's that I blew up with him and my kids. Prior to meeting him and seeing how he interacted with my kids, I thought he was a jerk. He actually made big points with me!

[GoNiners]

The nicest guy I have meant at a signing would have to be Bobby Richardson and Clete Boyer, both were extremely nice. Clete was trying to hit on my g/f. Robinson Cano didn't seem to acknowledge anyone, when meeting him. Stottlemyre, Zimmer, Gooden, Brian Boehringer, Stawberry, Cone, Girardi, Wally Whitehurst were all cool at a 96 reunion show I went to. I meant Steve Howe a year before he passed and that guy was a character. Julius Peppers hasn't done a signing since the one I saw him at and he looked extremely unhappy. Mario Williams was pretty cool, as I became cool with him at school. Philip Rivers was also a great guy to meet. Julius Hodge was pretty rude at a signing also.

lol mentioning Robinson Cano. Jim Norton of O and A went to a Jeter function and pretty much every yankee there were bad about taking pics with him. One in particular he pointed out was Cano. The only two he said were nice to him were Giambi and Torre.

[Heater]

Not so friendly: Billy Williams, Frank Robinson, Willie Mays, Ernie Banks, Steve Carlton(no suprise)

Very Friendly: Mantle, Dimaggio, Johnny Bench, Nolan Ryan, Biggio, Ted Williams (very suprised)

I have a pretty solid collection of autographed mem. I think the nice guys outweigh the jerks. I payed for all those listed above and a bunch more and I think that I can say that I have been pretty happy, but those top 5 really sucked.

[Deuce26]

Reggie Bush, probably the biggest AZZ out of everyone here on the list. The guy does not sign period. I can understand not signing for the adults, but when they have kids waiting around for his auto and blows them off, total ^%%#$^%. I've been to about 4 events and 3 of them they were less than a dozen people, kids included, around and he didn't sign:mad: The only time he did sign was when the local newspaper was taking his pic, and the pic was printed in the newspaper, "Bush signing for the fans", total BS. Forget about training camp, I think he signed twice last year for about 5 minutes total.

[quiggle]

what makes an athlete refusing to sign for a child any different than an adult? you all seem to have more contempt for an athlete when they snub a child

[Creation88]

i'd probably pissed off too if i always had grown men coming up to me asking me for my signature constantly.

pro athletes, as much as they're in the public eye, want to have a life too. people need to learn how to understand that.

[Wardo30]

Kevin Youkilis...met him twice wanted to kick him in the head both times....

[kwk63]

I use to collect autographs when I was a kid and by far the worst guy I ever came in contact with was John Vanbiesbrouck. It doesn't even come close to #2, just a jerk. It wasn't just to me either, everyone got a piece of this jerkoff.

[astros86]

what makes an athlete refusing to sign for a child any different than an adult? you all seem to have more contempt for an athlete when they snub a child

My contempt is equal for the snubbing of an adult and a child. I understand that an athlete needs down time and just to be anonymous sometimes. I really do understand that, but you know what, it's the price of fame. You don't have to be my buddy, or my pal, or my best friend, I (not me personally, the voice of the fan) just want you to say hi, be cordial, and maybe sign something for my memory banks. Is it really that hard?

Don't even get me started on the professional autograph hounds who will sell a 'graph on the bay. SO WHAT????? What does it matter to the guy who makes millions that a guy may actually get $20 for an athletes' hand hiccup??? What does it matter to the pro that drives a Bentley that another guy driving a Focus will make $100 on his signature? It all seems really silly to me.

To the pro sports star: If you are good enough to take my dollars for tickets and jerseys, then be good enough to me when we meet face to face.

[Sumner]

Have not met many athletes here in SA, but I saw an @%$ who played an athlete.Tommy Lee Jones (Tye Cobb) was at a local McDonalds here a few years back - I was in line a few customers back, he payed for his stuff, and dropped some money, the person behind him picked it up and went to hand it to him and he said pretty loudly "I don't sign autographs" the guy just said you dropped this, Jones didn't even thank him. What an jerk!

On the plus side I have seen several Spurs players around town at variou tores, restaurants, etc..and they all seem to be nice and courteous and most people leave them alone and don't hound them for autographs.

[ejames43]

My contempt is equal for the snubbing of an adult and a child. I understand that an athlete needs down time and just to be anonymous sometimes. I really do understand that, but you know what, it's the price of fame. You don't have to be my buddy, or my pal, or my best friend, I (not me personally, the voice of the fan) just want you to say hi, be cordial, and maybe sign something for my memory banks. Is it really that hard?

Don't even get me started on the professional autograph hounds who will sell a 'graph on the bay. SO WHAT????? What does it matter to the guy who makes millions that a guy may actually get $20 for an athletes' hand hiccup??? What does it matter to the pro that drives a Bentley that another guy driving a Focus will make $100 on his signature? It all seems really silly to me.

To the pro sports star: If you are good enough to take my dollars for tickets and jerseys, then be good enough to me when we meet face to face.

I agree completely.

[Durstlimpbizkit]

what makes an athlete refusing to sign for a child any different than an adult? you all seem to have more contempt for an athlete when they snub a child

Personally I remember being a child and you hold a different kind of love for professional athletes because you're still infatuated with people who can do things that are a little out of the ordinary, when I was a child I was much more interested in my favorite players hitting homeruns than I was my dad working his butt off to provide for our family.

Now I have a different appreciation for my dad as a person and I respect baseball players differently than I did when I was a child, adults are different because athletes provide them entertainment, children don't know how the business works, that's the difference.

[agubuan]

In the late 80's I watched the Flames lose to the Minnesota North Stars at at the saddledome. After the game, me and my buddy got access to the player's exit to get some autographs. I ended up getting Joel Otto, Joe Nieuwendyk, Theoren Fleury, Tim Hunter, Gary Suter and Gary Roberts. All were very cordial and super friendly, especially Roberts and Fleury.

Bad experiences: I met Kevin Duckworth at a strip club and he was nice up until my friend called him fat. Rasheed Wallace ignored me when I greeted him when he came into my work, more than once. Bonzi Wells and his Dad were Eh-wholes too.

Other famous people: DMX, very cool, autographed a CD for me. Cypress Hill, they were awesome to my brother. The Dogg Pound (Daz and Kurupt), Daz was surprisingly articulate and Kurupt was wasted. Ron Jeremy at the Vegas airport, very nice.

[Sugartank]

My contempt is equal for the snubbing of an adult and a child. I understand that an athlete needs down time and just to be anonymous sometimes. I really do understand that, but you know what, it's the price of fame. You don't have to be my buddy, or my pal, or my best friend, I (not me personally, the voice of the fan) just want you to say hi, be cordial, and maybe sign something for my memory banks. Is it really that hard?

Don't even get me started on the professional autograph hounds who will sell a 'graph on the bay. SO WHAT????? What does it matter to the guy who makes millions that a guy may actually get $20 for an athletes' hand hiccup??? What does it matter to the pro that drives a Bentley that another guy driving a Focus will make $100 on his signature? It all seems really silly to me.

To the pro sports star: If you are good enough to take my dollars for tickets and jerseys, then be good enough to me when we meet face to face.

If I was an athlete or some of that stature I would be pissed if some jerk scalps my autograph on Ebay, there are a few ******s that ruin it for everyone else. And to make matters I'm sure those same individuals send their kids in order to get a sig to scalp, that's why if I want an autograph I'll pay for it because it's something for me, and not ebay.

[otter05]

As a kid I got Willie McCoveys auto at a Grocery Store opening, for such an imposing man he was really nice and joked around with me and my friend. Reggie Jackson lives up the road from me in Carmel and he is a complete a- hole!

[HOF66]

Ken Griffey Jr

[Tanner2126]

Reggie freaking Jackson!!! Me and my father went early to get autographs before Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium and Reggie Jackson stopped to sign a bunch of autographs. Reggie Jackson kept skipping over my ball and signing others. Ive hated him ever since.

[rocketsan22]

Bad experiences: I met Kevin Duckworth at a strip club and he was nice up until my friend called him fat.

Do you blame him???

[ruggerx]

I'm not sure how to categorize Reggie White. Back when he was an Eagle, I went to voluntary camp and training camp pretty often and hounded for autographs (that was when I got started collecting). Reggie always had some kind of excuse- his hands were full, he was late to practice, he was late for meetings, he'd get people after whatever... At training camp (back in the West Chester days), he and some of the d linemen would jump in an SUV and drive up to the locker room from the field- everyone else walked and signed as they went (it was a long walk and great opportunity to get guys). I can't remember ever seeing Reggie sign.

The year he signed with the Packers, he played in the HOF game and did a walk-through of the Hall with the team. Everyone else strolled and signed (except Sterling Sharpe), bt Reggie and Favre practically ran through and didn't sign (Favre was still basically a nobody then). It wasn't until Reggie did an appearance at the Sportswear Supershow in Atlanta (a goldmine for sigs) that I finally got him, and he didn't look happy to be there.

He was never outright rude, just harried looking or uncomfortable looking (in the case of his paid signing), and with his public image I have a hard time putting him into a category.

Another great guy is Ron Jaworski- a terrific, down to earth guy who seems to realize how lucky he is. For a guy who was a pretty good NFL QB in his day, and remains in the spotlight to an extent, he's been a super nice guy when I've seen him.

[Durstlimpbizkit]

Another great guy is Ron Jaworski- a terrific, down to earth guy who seems to realize how lucky he is. For a guy who was a pretty good NFL QB in his day, and remains in the spotlight to an extent, he's been a super nice guy when I've seen him.

I'd be stoked to have his job, I know the life of an ESPN contributer is hard but you'd have to have fun talking to athletes and doing all of that kinda stuff.

[supermark_2875]

Mike Schmidt... My brother and I attended spring training in the late 80's and everyone around the batting cage was signing (Parrish,Daulton,etc). Schmitty was approached by someone from the teams personnel and practically got into an arguement before he would even come over. He grabbed someones sharpie and flew thru the autographs and left.

[bigblu89]

If I was ever to become famous (fat chance of that happening), I will sign or take pictures until the cows come home. I will never forget what it's like to be the fan. Some of these guys forget who pays for their fame - the fans.


It's easy to say that now, but I bet you'd feel differently when people are interrupting your meals when you're out with your family, crowding around you when you're trying to shop in the mall, following you in their car as you leave the ball park, then running up to you at a red light.

I mean, and this is a silly example, but imagine sitting at your desk at work, and for the first hour that you're there, there's 40 people standing 10 feet away from you, yelling at you for an autograph. Gonna get annoying after a while.

I played both football and baseball in highschool, and I was beat after a game. I could imagine these players feeling 10 times as bad. The last thing they want is to have 100 people badgering them for an autograph, when all these players want to do is go home, or to their hotel and have a meal or take a nap.

You can sign 1000 autographs, but if there's 1001 people there, someone's still going home thinking you're a terrible person.

So, these stories of guys just passing by or saying no when you ask for an autograph, I wouldn't consider that as "being a jerk".

Now, a guy at show being a jerk is a different story. People are paying to get your autograph, and you're getting paid by the promoter. The least you can do is shake a few hands and acknowledge the people that came out to meet you.

[astros86]

It's easy to say that now, but I bet you'd feel differently when people are interrupting your meals when you're out with your family, crowding around you when you're trying to shop in the mall, following you in their car as you leave the ball park, then running up to you at a red light.

I mean, and this is a silly example, but imagine sitting at your desk at work, and for the first hour that you're there, there's 40 people standing 10 feet away from you, yelling at you for an autograph. Gonna get annoying after a while.

I played both football and baseball in highschool, and I was beat after a game. I could imagine these players feeling 10 times as bad. The last thing they want is to have 100 people badgering them for an autograph, when all these players want to do is go home, or to their hotel and have a meal or take a nap.

You can sign 1000 autographs, but if there's 1001 people there, someone's still going home thinking you're a terrible person.

So, these stories of guys just passing by or saying no when you ask for an autograph, I wouldn't consider that as "being a jerk".

Now, a guy at show being a jerk is a different story. People are paying to get your autograph, and you're getting paid by the promoter. The least you can do is shake a few hands and acknowledge the people that came out to meet you.

It is indeed easy to say, but I honestly don't think I would mind if someone asked me for an autograph. I would consider it an honor. Let me take your post line by line if I can.

I guess the difference is that I would be grateful if I ever became famous. I wouldn't mind if someone interrupted my meal at the finest restaurants, came up to me shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue or Barneys, following me in my Ferrari as I left the stadium. I wouldn't mind that at all because I would remind myself that I am eating there, shopping there, driving that car because of THEM, the fans. As long as they didn't harm me, my family, or my property, it's all good.

As in your example, if I ever find myself with 40 people across from my desk, I would just hope that I am being compensated properly to put up the minor (as you put it) annoyance. If I am being paid $5.50 an hour and putting up with that nonsense, yes, it would get annoying. If I am being paid $550,000 an hour, then bring on the masses baby. I don't mind at all.

You bring up great points but I can promise beyond all promises, it would NEVER get old for me. I would sign until I had to play and then I would sign after I played.

[bigblu89]

Fair enough. I was just playing Devil's Advocate.

[Durstlimpbizkit]

Fair enough. I was just playing Devil's Advocate.

There's just as much of your side at work as there is the other sometimes, it just depends on which athlete chooses to go that route or not

[shawnspookcity]

Michael irvin is one of the biggest piles of "you know what" I have ever met.

Mike Ditka was a ***** as well.

The biggest ever would be Dennis Rodman though.

Met him at a strip club in Vegas last year.

A-Hole.

My A+ List goes as follows:

Jerry Rice
Tony Gwynn
Ladainian Tomlinson
Phil Mickelson
Ditka? My mom goes to his restaurant in Chicago all the time and runs into him like maybe every other month. She just walks up and talks to him. He gives her free stuff and autographs. He even took a plate from the restaurant (nice plates with a cartoon drawing of him on it) and signed it to me and my wife for our wedding.

I used to work at the United Center (where the Bulls play). Pippen is a big azz. We got to meet some of the players while they were doing shoot arounds and loosening up and what not. Kerr was nice, Kukoc was nice, RODMAN was great...he would hang out with us sometimes, Jordan was nice, but private. Pippen would tell us to go away and leave him alone and then proceed to clean under his fingernails while sitting on a chair courtside.

[shawnspookcity]

I'd get on pro athletes more for just wanting to be another face in the crowd but I can't imagine how many people must ask them for auto's or pictures all the time, I mean if they wanted to sign things or take pics they'd do it at predetermined times
There's a nice way of getting your privacy and the jerk way.

I saw Ryne Sandberg at Cheesecake Factory once. He was in line waiting to be seated. I walked up and just said "it's nice to meet you, mr. sandberg". He said "you, too.", then made the "shhhhh" sign with his finger on his lips and said "I want to have a quiet evening".

I can respect that he wants to enjoy a quiet meal out and he gave me respect, so I respected him and his wishes.

[Durstlimpbizkit]

I had to watch A-Rod strike out 4 times last year, I'd say that was disappointing, and it was in person. lol

[shawnspookcity]

another GREAT GUY was Carlton Fisk. He lives by my dad and my dad ran into him at K-Mart. He was in front of my dad in line and my dad said something about hating the white sox but liking fisk and he laughed, shook my dad's hand and said "go cubs" and they chatted the rest of the time in line.

[RickeyB]

Hate to say it, but Roethlisberger is SOOO arrogant! I thought maybe his accident would bring him down a notch or two, but he's still an *** everytime I've ever seen him!

Sorry to hear about your experience with Ben. I go to training camp a few times every year and have never had anything but good luck with Roethlisberger. On one occasion he was the 1st to sign after practice and the last to leave, these are the pics I attached. He must have signed for 45 minutes that day. I haven't had many bad experiences at Steelers camp but the worst of all had to be Plaxico Burress, total jerk! Even Mean Joe Greene was pretty cool and signed lots of autos.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/rickey76er/Steelers016.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/rickey76er/Steelers017.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/rickey76er/Steelers018.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/rickey76er/Steelers023.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/rickey76er/Steelers048.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/rickey76er/100_0665.jpg

[rdjohnso]

Tiger Woods!! Gave him an SI.... he took it from me to sign it.... Looked at it and dropped it on purpose (without signing it), then grabbed a hat from a kid to sign.....

[biteyahard]

I've met several athletes, Dan Marino, Shaquille O'Neal, Lawrence Taylor, Jerry Rice, Cornelius Bennett, JP Montoya, Sterling Sharpe, Johnny Bench, Chris Chambers, Ray Lucas, most of the LSU football team in the late 80's early 90's, Tim Wakefield, Roberto Luongo, Mike Keenan, Shannon Briggs, Juan Pierre, Rollie Fingers, Reggie Jackson, Emmitt Smith, Trace Armstrong, Zach Thomas......maybe a few more that I can't think of and only ONE of them was a jerk! I'll let you guys guess for a while before I name him, you may be surprised.:o


OK sorry this took so long to expose the ONE jerk, it was actually two but I'll explain. I was at a signing with a buddy in the late 80's and it was for Johnny Bench! After ths signing he was walking around the show looking at exibits and a buddy of mine was a BIG BIG fan so we decided to "say HI" so as he walked near the display we were at my buddy says to him, "Hey Johnny hows your golf game?" Since he knew Bench had been golfing locally recently as he read in the paper. Well, Johnny said "Not good, now F*#K OFF and leave me alone!" No exaggeration, not another word was said before or after that. That was the entire conversation.:o :rolleyes: :mad:

The other was Reggie Jackson back in spring training, I was with my grandparents and was like 10 at the time. We got seats in right field on purpose so we could see him. He was getting heckled by some guys near us and exploded with an obscenity laced blast that would make a sailor blush, needless to say my Grandparents were shocked and furious. I thought it was kinda cool as a 10 year old but looking back he was a *****!:o

[biteyahard]

I also forgot I met and spent about 30 minutes with Scottie Pippen and my first impression was, he's shorter and not as ugly as I expected him to be. :o ;)

But he was an OK dude but couldn't get off his bluetooth for more than a few seconds at a time.:p

[biteyahard]

. My money would be on Sterling Sharpe hands down, who I've never heard a good word about and watched him lean into a kid's face and yell "NO!" at the football HOF when he was with the Packers.



Yeah I wouldn't classify my meeting with him as him beeing a jerk but he was by no means cool. I was at a signing and being a bigtime Packers fan I wanted him to personalize it to me. Just asked him to put my freakin name on it............"Nope I don't do that, signature only."

You'd think they'd be happy that it was not to scalp or resell to someone if it had my name on it. :( This was while he was playing and getting paid to sign so I was bummed but he wasn't rude or a jerk about it it was like a business transaction. :rolleyes:

[bnb_16]

I haven't asked an athlete to sign something since Wade Boggs final season- he was not to bad about it, but I though- man this is brutal- meet the public and all they want is your signature... so whenever I meet an athlete now, I just try and talk to them.

Chipper Jones is one you rec. this well- I was underneath Comerica to see John Smoltz (with some buddies who coached him in high school) - I stopped Chipper as he walked by and just talked- he was cool.

Mike Maroth is cool, Joel Zumaya will talk to you- Marcus Thames is also in this group. Ok, apparently every Tiger I have talked to :)

Terry Fair once picked my nephew up and put him on his shoulders while he was signing autographs...

Kirk Gibson is not fan friendly- if you meet him and want an auto- you better be polite and keep it short!!!

[midway monster]

Ozzie Guillen, When my brother and i were younger ithink i was 11 and he was 9 we would go to the sox games and after wait by the players parking lot for Auto's when crossing the lot here comes Guillen flying in this truck and almost hits me,does he ask if i am ok,say he's sorry?No. Get out of the way Kid, can't you see?Then drove away. a couple of years later saw him @ Oakbrrok mall @ the Clubhouse and He was completely different Nice as can be.

[midway monster]

Of the subject,But when Jim Abbot was pitching for the Sox he drove by in his Truck stopped and i handed him a Ball and a Sharpie in a sort of upset voice he said can ya take the cap off!

[ejames43]

Of the subject,But when Jim Abbot was pitching for the Sox he drove by in his Truck stopped and i handed him a Ball and a Sharpie in a sort of upset voice he said can ya take the cap off!

He could flip that mitt under his arm fast enough - but he couldn't get the pen cap off? :rolleyes:

[rocketsan22]

I haven't asked an athlete to sign something since Wade Boggs final season- he was not to bad about it, but I though- man this is brutal- meet the public and all they want is your signature... so whenever I meet an athlete now, I just try and talk to them.



when I was a kid, my brother went to Cooperstown as the Sox were playing there. He tried to get Clemens' autograph for me and Boggs gave him the finger as he approached the players...

[SeattleMariners51445]

Barry Bonds (surprisingly enough) turned down an auto request that was going to be handled by a close friend of his in Los Angeles that my father and I also happen to know. Our friend gave Barry his word that the auto was going to be kept in our own personal collection and he could use an inscription if he really wanted to make sure it wouldn't be sold. He declined anyways. Reggie Jackson is also a ****** and thinks he is the ****!

[SeattleMariners51445]

I've had great experience with back-up catchers in the Majors especially with my hometwon Mariners. The Mariners aren't ones to usually decline an autograph to a true fan but back-up catchers always are friendly and talkative. For example: Jamie Burke,Tom Lampkin and Pat Borders (not noteworthy autos but hey I'll take whoever's there).

[Scooby8917]

Two words.

Steve Yzerman, class A Jerk, long story, but the jist of it was I ask him for an autograph as he was signing for a bunch of people, he then just decided to stop as I was the next person in line and I asked him again and he told me that it was too bad that I had never got his autograph.

[srv2miker]

Two words.

Steve Yzerman, class A Jerk, long story, but the jist of it was I ask him for an autograph as he was signing for a bunch of people, he then just decided to stop as I was the next person in line and I asked him again and he told me that it was too bad that I had never got his autograph.

Tell the rest of the story, because to me it would seem like the guy has to decide to stop somewhere, and you were just unlucky.

[93leafs]

Scobb,

Stevie's the Man....:)

[SocialD72]

Marcus Allen-I went to the National last year and got his autograph. He spent the whole time talking to the guy collecting autograph tickets, and didn't make eye contact or acknowledge anyone. I would hate to see how he acts when he is not getting paid to sign.

Bo Jackson was at the same show and he was awesome. He was very friendly and was talking to everybody and would pose for pictures if you asked him to.

[RickyWilliams34]

Modano....IF he chooses to come out to sign after practice he'll sign everything but if theres more than 20 people he will take the back way out. He also wears his hat way down over his face and won't get off his cell.

Marty Turco is by far the best. He will have a little conversation with you and is especially good with kids. Eric Lindros is pretty good too.

[Philly 5-0]

Damm you guys are killing me, my favorite player of all time is yzerman, and one of my favorite football players growing up was sterling sharpe and you guys are saying their jerk ***s. That sucks to know.

[gailey5]

Well... like some of the rest of you, it's not even a matter of whether a guy will sign or not. Zetterberg did not sign one time this year in Nashville (that I saw) but he was always freindly about simply telling people, "No" or "Sorry". Also with alot of guys, you grow to understand they're people just like us who have good days and bad days. Take Sakic for example, the first time he was here this year he signed multiples for everybody. The next time, you could just tell he didn't wanted to be bothered. With that said, I think timing is sometimes a factor too as to how we see our favorite athletes.

Anyway, moving on now, one person that does kinda urk me is Paul Kariya. This past year I tried to get figures signed for a few boardies. Anytime Paul signs things, everything is done with the same marker. The first marker he gets, is what he signs everything in. If you've got a puck you want signed in silver and he's got a black marker... it's just to bad. And whoever the last guy is that gets a sig, Paul will hand the marker to that person like they're the one who should give it back to the person he got it from. The guy never says one word while signing either. There's never a "you're welcome", a "what's up buddy (to a kid)" or anything. Also... if there's several players already signing things, he goes straight to the locker room. And while all that sometimes upsets me, I still wouldn't go as far to say Paul Kariya is a jerk. I guess "letdown" would be more of the word I would use for him.

Last but not least... I would say Chris Chelios has to be the guy I despise the most. I honestly think the guy has split personalities. One day you see him, he just ignores everybody and doesn't say a word. Another day you see him, he's got the hateful "NO GUYS!" to him as he walks off. Then on yet another day, he'll sign one or two things and take a picture with somebody so... Honestly, I never even try to get the guy's auto now. I figure if its that much trouble, its just not worth it.

P.S. Tomas Vokoun is one of the coolest guys you could ever meet! Class act all the way! :D

[ruggerx]

It is indeed easy to say, but I honestly don't think I would mind if someone asked me for an autograph. I would consider it an honor.

Okay, I'm a normal guy who's been asked for his autograph, so let me share the stories.

In college, our rugby team had a cult following within the school and to an extent the community for whatever reason. I was a good player, and, as the scrumhalf, calling out the forward plays, I stood out as a sort of QB. From time to time I would get asked for an autograph and/or picture.

There was an older local couple who would come to our games (I never did learn their connection to the team), and I ran over the woman along the sideline once. I apologized profusely, but they said it was fine and I was their favorite player. I made a point to say hello to them before or during games after that, and a few weeks later they asked for my autograph. It was very sweet and I was extremely flattered.

The first time I was asked stands out a lot. After a game, I was on the sideline and I noticed a father nudging his son toward me and saying "Ask him." The kid came up and asked for my autograph. I couldn't believe it, and of course I spoke to the kid for a bit. His father was beaming and said I was his favorite player and asked if he could take a picture of us together. You have to be made of stone not to think that was as cool as it gets.

Sometimes girls would ask for my autograph, but I always got the feeling it was more about getting the hook up than anything. After college I'd get asked for a picture or autograph on occasion, but mostly people just wanted to chat at that point.

I'd also get asked for autographs a lot at the Eagles training camp and the football HOF during induction week. It happened so much that my brother still talks about it. It was usually one of those kids with a million sigs on a ball that will get any player that walks by. I'd always laugh and tell them I was nobody- sometimes they'd say "Are you sure?" Of course my brother and buddies always tried to get me to sign.

I've only been asked a handful of times or so when people actually knew who I was, and was astounded each time. How long does that feeling last when the demand is all the time? I'll never know, but I suppose it's got to wear thin after a while, so I try to be respectful of the pros.

Now here's where I might have been a jerk- you decide. I'm not sure if I've posted this story before, but 2 years ago my buddy and I drove out to St. Louis from Indy to see the Eagles play the Rams. I was wearing a game-worn Al Wallace Eagles jersey from back in the day.

On the drive home after the game, we stopped at Starbucks in some little southern Illinois town. As we walked up to the door, a group of 4 or 5 kids in their late teens/ early twenties was looking at us and talking. I said "Look at these jack***es to my buddy," thinking they were going to be smart***es. When we went to the counter, one of them said "Are you a real football player?"

Now, I was tired from driving and not in the mood, and, assuming they were being jerks, I said "Yeah, are you?" Instant buzz among them. Now again, I was tired and paying them no mind, kind of like the too cool pros. So one asks if I sign autographs. I told them I was very generous with my autograph. More buzz. I'm basically ignoring them when one comes up with a Sharpie!

I STILL think they're being ***es, but I play along. I say "What do you want me to sign?" and he says his shirt sleeve. I make a production out of telling him to make a muscle so I have something to sign against, then start to write CL (which is how I start my sig), then remember I'm supposed to be Al Wallace. I'm thinking W-A-L-L-A-C-E as I finish up. The dudes were ecstatic, high-fiving the one who got his shirt signed and thanking "Mr. Wallace" profusely. As we left, there were more thanks and "Great to meet you Mr. Wallace"s. I thought about telling them to stay off crack as I walked out, but thought better of it.

Now, if I hadn't been there I would have sworn those kids were messing around, but they were sincere. They thought Al Wallace, a large black man who plays DE/LB for the Panthers now, played against the Rams that afternoon for the Eagles and was now driving through Illinois in a mini van- wearing his game jersey- with a Pakistani dude. And he's a 43 year old white guy.

I've often wondered how many people they shared their celebrity encounter with before someone set them straight.

[rollin_20_2]

I don't know how to post someone else's quote, but someone mentioned Ben signing alot at camp.

I have been to camp as well, 7 years now, and have seen Ben sign plenty, it's just his attitude when doing so that bugs me. As a rookie it was awesome, then it went downhill from there.

Speaking of camp, up until last year, Cowher would stand and sign for HOURS!! I was at the end of a very long line one year, waited 2 hours to get to him, he signed anything, had pics taken and actually thanked my son for coming out on such a hot day. It was over 100 degrees out! (Yeah, I know, I waited for 2 hours in that heat, I'm an idiot!) Point is, he stood out in the same heat!

[rocketsan22]

I think the best experience I've had at a show was in South Bend when I met my favourite Irish player ever Chris Zorich. When I was in High School, Chris' mom died, so I switched jerseys to #50. That season, I got double teamed and jammed my neck, they had to cut my pads and jersey off to strap me to the board. All I could think about was coming back strong, wrote a little number 50 in the corner of the new #55 replacement jersey I had to wear the rest of the season... Told Chris that he and his Mom were an inspiration to me when I was a kid, he was awesome.

Same show, Tony Rice was there. He was loving our accents (as if :) ) and asked where we were from. When we said Canada, he was off the map awesome due to the fact that he played up there. He was full of funny questions about Tim Horton's and the CFL, it was great...

[coupler]

Ken Griffey Jr
I was at spring training Winter Haven -- by tunnel waiting for Indians players signing autographs -- Griffey must have gotten lost,came thru the small crowd waiting for Indians players.
Must have been 20 to 30kids waiting.Not one person asked for an autograph from Griffey -- Kids were just saying "hello" -- Mr. "high and Mighty", would not even acknowledge the kids.
I lost all respect for him.
This past weekend,when the Reds were in town playing the Indians-- My grandson and I were getting autographs from the Reds player signing -- Griffey reach for my grandson's ball. I would not let him sign the ball. In no certain terms I told him why.
I think Griffey got a little upset. HA HA

Scott

[rocketsan22]

This past weekend,when the Reds were in town playing the Indians-- My grandson and I were getting autographs from the Reds player signing -- Griffey reach for my grandson's ball. I would not let him sign the ball. In no certain terms I told him why.
I think Griffey got a little upset. HA HA
Scott

I'm sure he and Adam Dunn had a good cry about it after the game...

[SeattleMariners51445]

Ken Griffey Jr
This past weekend,when the Reds were in town playing the Indians-- My grandson and I were getting autographs from the Reds player signing -- Griffey reach for my grandson's ball. I would not let him sign the ball. In no certain terms I told him why.
I think Griffey got a little upset. HA HA



Wow, this makes no sense. Turn down a future HOFer's auto due to a childish grudge you have on him because he ignored you! I'm sure he was nothing short of devastated!
P.S. Your grandson will thank you later,HAHA

[Patsfan]

I've met several athletes, Dan Marino, Shaquille O'Neal, Lawrence Taylor, Jerry Rice, Cornelius Bennett, JP Montoya, Sterling Sharpe, Johnny Bench, Chris Chambers, Ray Lucas, most of the LSU football team in the late 80's early 90's, Tim Wakefield, Roberto Luongo, Mike Keenan, Shannon Briggs, Juan Pierre, Rollie Fingers, Reggie Jackson, Emmitt Smith, Trace Armstrong, Zach Thomas......maybe a few more that I can't think of and only ONE of them was a jerk! I'll let you guys guess for a while before I name him, you may be surprised.:o

If it hasnt been guessed yet I would have to say Johnny Bench. He has a reputation for not being very "fan friendly"...

[kwk63]

Reggie freaking Jackson!!! Me and my father went early to get autographs before Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium and Reggie Jackson stopped to sign a bunch of autographs. Reggie Jackson kept skipping over my ball and signing others. Ive hated him ever since.

I have sort of the same story with Steve Yzerman. So that could be another one that was already mentioned.

[Patsfan]

Marty Brennaman was really snotty when signing at the Reds caravan during the off season.

Best experience = Tom Browning for sure, absolute class act.

[RickeyB]

I don't know how to post someone else's quote, but someone mentioned Ben signing alot at camp.

I have been to camp as well, 7 years now, and have seen Ben sign plenty, it's just his attitude when doing so that bugs me. As a rookie it was awesome, then it went downhill from there.

Speaking of camp, up until last year, Cowher would stand and sign for HOURS!! I was at the end of a very long line one year, waited 2 hours to get to him, he signed anything, had pics taken and actually thanked my son for coming out on such a hot day. It was over 100 degrees out! (Yeah, I know, I waited for 2 hours in that heat, I'm an idiot!) Point is, he stood out in the same heat!

Yes, Cowher was always a great signer.

And to post someone else's quotes just click the little quotation marks in the bottom of the post you would like to quote.

[Sk8er Boy]

Best: Anyone but Pronger.

Worst: Pronger. The guy's an ass.

[redman4192]

Great experiences: Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson, Marvin Lewis, Sean Casey, 2005 NC TarHeels and Roger Clemens.

I was fortunate enough to land Clemens this past year when he pitched for the Lexington Legends on his way back to the Astros. After following him for years, I knew that he never signed on the day he pitched. To my suprise, he signed for over an hour after the game and was very cordial. In fact, I got a jersey and SI autographed. It was a big thrill for me. Also, the UNC basketball team was really great about signing after their game with UK at Rupp. The best part was seeing the upper classmen push the freshmen to set their bags down and go sign for the fans.

[Noleman]

I can honestly say I have never really met a jerk. I have been turned down for autos a couple times but they were nice about it. I have had tons of great experiences though.

Ripken - An A+ guy. I went to a book signing of his and he signed for 1.5 hours when he was only scheduled for 1. Plus he signed 200 books beforehand and on his way out went down the line of people still waiting and shook everybody's hands. Then you could exchange your unsigned book for a signed one, so that everybody who went got to meet Cal and get his sig, even if they weren't at the same time.

One guy who was nice when I met them but is on people's jerk lists is Steve Carlton. He was friendly and willing to talk to fans. A couple people mentioned Keyshawn and from what I have heard and from personal experience he is cool when it is a charity signing or something like that. I was too poor to afford a ticket but he was nice to everybody he signed for at a charity signing I went to.

Other guys who were nice and on people's good lists included Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Rollie Fingers and a few others.

Guys not mentioned who were cool include
Bill Walton who signed for a bunch of people after he was done with a broadcast
Frank Gore and Carson Palmer who were the last 2 signing at the NFL experience in the evening and made sure everyone in line got a sig (it was a really long line)
Larry Fitzgerald at the NFL Experience in Jacksonville.
Pretty much all the Jacksonville Jaguars are very cool and sign for pretty much everybody and like to talk with the fans. Jimmy Smith was always real cool, and Maurice Jones Drew is fun to talk to and likes to joke with fans.
Bart Starr was very nice and a class act all the way.
Grant Hill signed for a ton of people at training camp.
Dwight Howard continues to sign for everybody even as he has become an all star.
Derrick Brooks is a class act all the way.
Lots of others that I am not thinking of off the top of my head as well.

I have found that as long as you are polite and not pushy, do not approach atheletes at dinner or other times when they deserve to be left alone, and do not feel entitled to an auto from them, getting sigs is a very fun and rewarding hobby.:)

[SanchC]

Blue Edwards...straight up gangsta-wanna-be...I love it when athletes use the "Do you know who I am?"

[93leafs]

Gordie Howe is becoming a worst.

[jiggacrazy]

According to my dad Mickey Mantle was the worst.

My dad was at the Dallas Palm at the bar waiting for a table when he realized he was sitting next to him and his two women for the evening. My dad said that the Mick initiated a conversation with him that lasted a few minutes until my dad's table was called. Before parting my dad asked him if he could sign something for his son (me) because he would never believed that he had had a drink with one of the best ball players ever. Mickey responded by calling my dad "just another one of them".

He did oblige though and signed a Dallas Palm wine list made out to me (great, because I love enscribed auto's). It was one of the coolest collectibles I ever had, especially since Mick was a notorious drunk. The sad ending to the story is that the auto was stolen from off of the wall during a party I had during highschool. It was a sad example of karma.

He was drunk at the time, if that's any consolation.

I still have my Billy Martin ball. He was super cool, and was the second of my two headed dragon of drunkard ball player autos I had.

[biteyahard]

If it hasnt been guessed yet I would have to say Johnny Bench. He has a reputation for not being very "fan friendly"...


It wasn't guessed but I did post it a few posts ago, and yes it was Bench!;)

Nice call if you didn't cheat! :p :D

[lwagner57]

I'm surprised people say they had a bad expereince with Johnny Bench. The time i met him he was very cordial and even shook my hand at a signing at a card show here in Columbus. I know people mention Mickey mantle too, he wasn't nasty when he signed for me in Coopestown for 85.00 for any item (this of course was in the late 80's or 90 or 91.) he would just sign and not look up but he was also signing between 500-1000 autographs. I do have to say it was always a pleasure asking and meeting Willie Stargell because i will never forget how kind he was and the smile he always had on his face the 3 tims i met and got his autograph.

[creeves33]

I had a bad experience with Jim Brown he basically told me to get the F out of his way in Vegas. Ironically I met Mike Tyson there as well and he was the nicest guy who wanted to take pictures with his fans.

[ruggerx]

I've been close to Jim Brown twice, once at a signing and once on the field after a college football game. Both times he was incredibly nice and had a very good understanding of what he meant to people- I was very impressed with him. It's easy to see how he could go the other way, though- he's a baaadddd man!

[Msteg45]

I was thought Aikman and Novacek were complete jerks.

I was actually very surprised how nice and friendly Reggie Jackson was. He's got the rep for being a complete jerk, but he was really nice to me and everyone i saw in line before me.

[Steelcurtain78]

Hmmmmmm, a few that I can think of would be.............


Joe Montana
Mel Blount
Jim Brown


Montana would have to be the worst imho. What a tool.

[Pack_Man]

This is nothing bad but I was at a signing with some Mississippian football players and I was getting a football signed by all the players and everyone else signed it with my silver Sharpie but when I handed it to Deuse Mcallister he was kinda talking to Todd Pinkston and not really paying attention and he put my Sharpie down and picked up a black one and signed the ball. He didn't do it on purpose but it would have looked better with all silver autographs instead of all silver except Deuse Mcallister.

Also is Jerry Rice a nice guy? I'm exposed to be seeing him this summer and want to know what hes like.

[tgtown]

Here's my list of athletes who were good/jerks. I guess it depends on what day you catch them.

Good

Craig Biggio
Jeff Bagwell
Wade Miller
Roy Oswalt
Octavio Dotel
David Weathers (signed a ball in the bullpen and tossed it up to my wife)
Nolan Ryan
Rafael Palmeiro
Fred McGriff
Robert Horry (played 1 on 1 with him when he played for Houston)
Shaq
Matt Bullard
Otis Thorpe
Moses Malone
Avery Johnson (truly a classy guy)
John Lucas
Eddie George
Jabar Gaffney
Dat Nguyen
Lester Hayes
Earl Campbell
Josh McCown


Jerks
Pete Rose (King of the Jerks)
Mike Schmidt (Close Second)
Kelli Gruber
Ruben Sierra
Julio Franco
Juan Gonzalez
Mario Elie
Penny Hardaway
Scottie Pippen

[srv2miker]

Here's my list of athletes who were good/jerks. I guess it depends on what day you catch them.

Jerks
Kelli Gruber


Kelly Gruber was a jerk? Where the hell does he get off being a jerk? How does a borderline player get an attitude?

[Pistons04]

Ron Artest from the Kings. They lost and I asked him to punch me. Then he looked at me and walked away. I was disappointed cuz he didnt punch me. lol.

[bigblu89]

The people that everyone lists as "Jerks", I'm interested to hear why you think that.

I've seen people at the ballpark ask a player for their autograph during BP, and when they respond with "I can't right now, I gotta go hit.", the fan then grumbles about how much of a jerk the player is for not signing.

[cale1510]

Good-

Craig Biggio
Tony Amonte
Doug Weight
Jeff Bagwell
Bobby Lashley (wwe)
Batista (wwe)
Mic Foley (wwe)
Kurt angle (wwe, tna)
Larry Johnson- great 4 of 5 times
Levi Brown
OJ Mac
Ki Jana Carter
Joe Torre
Don Zimmer- ball ,book and photo
Derek Jeter
Doc Gooden- talked for 20 minutes to a group of like 6 kids
Jorge Posada
Bernie Williams
Gerald Williams


Bad ( i was a kid during all this about 12)

Wade Boggs- blew eveyone off
Chad Curtis- had pre-signed cards and wouldn't speak
Mo Rivera- asked how we could afford to stay at a 5 star hotel. Was the hotle the team was at in Toronoto. Jeter and Posada told him to be quiet. Loved Jeter and Posada since!
Paul O'niel- not sure if this is really bad because he admitted he was having an bad morning and didn't want to sign. At least he talked on his way out of the hotel
HHH and Shawn Micheals (WWE)- both asses that have refused to sign 4 times for me! I have a WWF belt and wanted some great champs to sign it. They don't even speak to fans!

[Heathcliff]

Lowry from the Giants.

Was at Spring Training in Scottsdale and wife and daughter wanted to see the team entrance after the game - the team walks from the main gates across the flow of traffic into the clubhouse.

Well, Lowry was called up from the minor that game - this was before his first regular season on the Giants, and he comes out, and my wife doesn't recognize him, but has all the Giants autographs on our girls baseball hat, so asked him for his autograph. NO ONE wanted his autograph - everyone just looked at him like he was the trainer or something. He signed it, but didn't say thanks, or talk or anything - he had this look of annoyance on his face.

Then of course, he had a great first season. Looking back, we thought, that he should have been more appreciative that people were interested in talking and getting his autograph - especially since we were the only ones interested in him. Felt like he was ****y well before he got any sort of fame, and as a ball player, you should relish in that activity more - heck, how many people take that kind of interest in you, when they don't know you..... If your famous, or trying to be, just enjoy it and put a smile on your face.

[EddyZone]

Tom Brady. He didn't do anything personally to me, but I was at the Pebble Beach tourny he was playing in. I was just disappointed there weren't that many hot girls in his gallery.

[Mevins31]

Adam Dunn, every time.
Darryl Strawberry (as a kid)

[biteyahard]

This is nothing bad but I was at a signing with some Mississippian football players and I was getting a football signed by all the players and everyone else signed it with my silver Sharpie but when I handed it to Deuse Mcallister he was kinda talking to Todd Pinkston and not really paying attention and he put my Sharpie down and picked up a black one and signed the ball. He didn't do it on purpose but it would have looked better with all silver autographs instead of all silver except Deuse Mcallister.

Also is Jerry Rice a nice guy? I'm exposed to be seeing him this summer and want to know what hes like.


I met Jery Rice when he was with the 49ers and pretty early in his career for that matter but he was one of the all time best! And I'm not talking about how he played, he was a truly class guy! ;)

[Patsfan]

Adam Dunn, every time.
Darryl Strawberry (as a kid)

Dunn ? Really ?? I have met Dunn like 4 or 5 times and every time he was cool as hell, first time was when he played for the Dragons and then last time was before last season. Thats really surprising :eek: :confused: :eek:

[icee82]

I had great luck with Marty Brennaman. I have several items autographed by him at the Reds' Caravan. He posed for a pic too. Tom Browning is a class act. He was managing the Florence Freedom and I got his autograph at a team practice in Hamilton, OH. I had driven up to see the Reds and Yankees several years ago at GABP.

[hazmat31]

I cannot believe I missed this thread:

Best:Cal Ripken Jr, Mark McGuirre, Josh Beckett,Jeff Conine,Mark Kotsay

Worst:Ken Griffrey Jr
I took my nephew to a Celebrity Benefit at FAU in Boca Raton,Fl years back.Tons of celebrities,most very friendly and signed all kinds of autographs.My nephew was a huge Ken Griffrey Jr fan.We even happen to sit next to Ken Griffrey Sr in the stands,who was very nice. When the autograph session started,I went with my nephew to the floor(basketball gym) to get Ken Griffrey Jrs auto. He signed dozens of autos but refused to sign one ball or photo for the white kids. I was completely stunned, my nephew was completely shattered. I even asked him nicely several times to sign for my nephew and some of the other kids standing in line.He just looked at me,and moved on. Complete jerk!

Best time:
I work for the Fire Department and we were contacted by a local charity event to send firefighters to a benefit golf tournament to caddy for celebrities.I volunteered(got a free round of golf and luncheon for doing it:D ).There were several movie stars,actors and sports figures there. I stood by waiting to get my cart assignment. I got my number, went to the cart.I was driving/caddying for Mike Schmidt. He was on the host team ,so I got to hang around some of the big shots of the event.
He was incredibly nice! Very personable,super friendly and man could he hit the snot out of the golf ball.They used Mr. Schmidts drive every hole but one and they won the tournament. We talked about girls softball alot. His daughter plays and was at college playing,I believe at UF(Gators).My niece plaed lots of tournaments and ead getting ready to attend LSU(she graduated there last year and is going for her Masters and assistant coaching on the LSU softball tam,where she played the last four years) It was a great afternoon and I never even asked him for his autograph.
I just enjoyed the day!
Thomas

[rdjohnso]

Tiger Woods - Had my SI in his hand, looks at it and just drops it to grab a kids hat....couldnt even hand it back... said nothing...

Johnny Bench - An azz when asking him to sign a ball....

Kewl Guys:
Pete Rose: Signed a ball, shook my hand, chatted for a bit.
Rob Blake: stayed for 3 hours to sign for everyone (almost all Avalanche do the same)
Few others Ive met but cant remember.

[ChargerChris]

I'd have to say Brady

[STARBUCK]

I watched Ripken sign for 45 mins during the regular season two nights in a row...

Should have brought a ball, but...took more away from the fact that he gave of his time with the fans, wish other athletes would learn from his example...


Cal always signed because he wanted to please the fans and also "flood the market" with his auto. so people who chose to buy it didn't have to pay an arm and a leg. Cal was a last of dying breed.

[Voodoo Chylde]

I'd have to say Nate Newton is the biggest asshat athlete I ever met because he made a 7 year old cry. To retell the story, I was working security for a World of Wheels show back in '95 and Newton was one of the star athletes signing autos. Well, needless to say the lovefest for any and all Cowboys personnel was in full force, so all us security and event staff were allowed to get all our autos before the public was let in. I got his on an 8x10 and a few other people's on various items. Even then, he seemed like he didn't want to be there.

Well, long story shorter, the line for his auto was the longest. I was milling around and noticed the cutest little boy with this blond hair and these huge blue eyes, wearing a Newton jersey and staring at Newton like he was something holy the entire time he was in line. Newton was scheduled for 3 hours. At 2 hours and 59 minutes exactly, he put down the sharpie and said "that's it; I'm done." The only person still in line was the little boy and his mom. Of course, the boy fell to pieces.

I had to escort Newton to his vehicle so I asked him to please sign a photo for the boy. I told him I would be more than happy to have my partner bring him and his mom to the back so he wouldn't get mobbed. His response? "Nope. I was paid for 3 hours. If you want me to stay longer, it's going to cost another $2000 for another session."

I told him to have a nice day, shut the door to his car and promptly went back inside, found the boy and his mom, took him to the lockerroom and gave him my photo. He lit up like a Xmas tree, gave me a big hug and his mom even kissed me on the cheek.

It was both one of the best and worst days of my life. It also showed me that some of these "Stars" do not deserve our adoration.

[MCWHITEY]

Worst - Wille Mays!!!!!!!!!!!!
DisHonorable Mention: Arnold Palmer, Patrick Ewing

Best: Richie Ashburn
Good Guys: Juan Gonzalez,,Harry Kalas, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Tom Glavine
Mike Mussina, David Robinson, Chuck Wepner, Earl Monroe