Greatest in-person autograph???

[bradanddabears]

hi all ..just curious about your best celeb/sports/famous...meeting that they were really great to you or your family?...iguess you really cant say famous on my encounter:D:D..but sweet anyway!!!

David Terrel...met him at ford field after the game...he came out, took pictures with me and a friend and chatted for about 25 minutes!!....class act!!....actually very shy guy, which threw me for a loop!!...signed an idex card for me and hollered at anthony thomas to come from the security gates and meet a fan!..he came out also but definetly wasnt the most friendliest guy!..but still got a pic...david said he had to get on the bus but thanked us for"paying to watch such a butt kicking" ...CLASS ACT ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!


lets hear yours!!

brad

[madden821]

Jim Valvano. I was working for the NM Lobo basketball team in the early 90's and he came back to "The Pit" as an announcer for a game. We were in the office up stairs making Jim faces to hand out to all the fans and when we heard he arrived a couple of us went dowm and had him autograph a face for us. We didn't talk real long since he was pretty busy but it was cool to just say Hi and see just how happy he was with life and to be back in that building.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c393/madden821/jimmyv.jpg

I also got an autograph from Tiger Woods at a college tourney but he just signed and kept sitting in the cart so it wasn't that great.

[bradanddabears]

ozzie newsosme!!...meant him in the town i grew up in that has an athlete/coach once a year show up for dinner and a meet and greet..theyv had a few big names( mr and mrs hockey!!!!!, bernie kosar, coach cooper, archie griffin)....took his time signing and really liked the " down hope hospitality"...dont know if he was calling us a bunch of bumkins:D:D in ohio...but still a real great guy!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zombie Spawn]

Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson was very cool. When I told him it was an honor to meet him he looked genuinely proud that someone would say that to him. Got a 2006 WS ball. Very cool.

Most of the time i don't get a whole lot of time to mix it up with the athlete.

Pistons forward Antonio McDyess has my favorite autograph. His A has a big loopy swoosh that crosses both the A and T in Antonio. Then he hits you up with another loopy swoosh coming off the M that cradles the lower case c. Then there's a fatty loopy D and a liitle line for yess and his number. Got an 8 x 10 of him dunking.

Scored Lions Kicker Jason Hansen for a Ridell mini helmet, which is just about the coolest thing on Earth. Those mini helmets have a great deal of detail. What's wierd is that Hansen signed it but also wrote Lions after his name. Really? It's clearly a Lions helmet and he's our #1 franchise point leader. Which means a) we have one of the best kickers in the league, b) we can't find the endzone or c) all of the above.

c

[bradanddabears]

Jim Valvano. I was working for the NM Lobo basketball team in the early 90's and he came back to "The Pit" as an announcer for a game. We were in the office up stairs making Jim faces to hand out to all the fans and when we heard he arrived a couple of us went dowm and had him autograph a face for us. We didn't talk real long since he was pretty busy but it was cool to just say Hi and see just how happy he was with life and to be back in that building.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c393/madden821/jimmyv.jpg

I also got an autograph from Tiger Woods at a college tourney but he just signed and kept sitting in the cart so it wasn't that great.



JIMMMY V!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....friggin sweet!!!...the 8x10's a bit scarey:p....but thats awesome!!!!!

[madden821]

JIMMMY V!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....friggin sweet!!!...the 8x10's a bit scarey:p....but thats awesome!!!!!


Just imagine 18,000 of those looking at you. :eek:

[deogg]

Mario Lemieux. Met him after a Blue Jackets-Penguins game in '02.

[bradanddabears]

Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson was very cool. When I told him it was an honor to meet him he looked genuinely proud that someone would say that to him. Got a 2006 WS ball. Very cool.

Most of the time i don't get a whole lot of time to mix it up with the athlete.

Pistons forward Antonio McDyess has my favorite autograph. His A has a big loopy swoosh that crosses both the A and T in Antonio. Then he hits you up with another loopy swoosh coming off the M that cradles the lower case c. Then there's a fatty loopy D and a liitle line for yess and his number. Got an 8 x 10 of him dunking.

Scored Lions Kicker Jason Hansen for a Ridell mini helmet, which is just about the coolest thing on Earth. Those mini helmets have a great deal of detail. What's wierd is that Hansen signed it but also wrote Lions after his name. Really? It's clearly a Lions helmet and he's our #1 franchise point leader. Which means a) we have one of the best kickers in the league, b) we can't find the endzone or c) all of the above.

c

thats awesome!!!...i got the chance to meet hanson and jeff backus last year/2007 at ford field last year...jason also signed my index card with "lions" after it....must be something he does:D...the guy is amazing to watch though!!...its fun , in pre game, to watch him line up and hit 55 plus!!!....
i hope to get nate someday( bears and tiggers fan:p)...everyone iv talked to said he really is one of the greats!!...just a humble guy, who seems overwhelmed by any attention:D..next time hes in gibraltor hope to get him on mlb ball!!!....glad you had such good luck!!!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

Just imagine 18,000 of those looking at you. :eek:

freeky!!!...thanks...now i wont be able to sleep !!!!!!:D:D

[SlayKnotV1]

I met ALOT of wrestlers and 98% of them were MAD COOL. as far as non sports guys i met johnny knoxville, Bam, marky mark ect and they were all AWESOME

[bradanddabears]

Mario Lemieux. Met him after a Blue Jackets-Penguins game in '02.

super mario!!!...thats awesome!!...iv heard hes pretty straight forward as a signer.M squiggle and a hand back...hope you had better luck!!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

I met ALOT of wrestlers and 98% of them were MAD COOL. as far as non sports guys i met johnny knoxville, Bam, marky mark ect and they were all AWESOME


thats awesome!!...i dont know how far back into wrestling you go...but..any chance to meet george the animal!!....its said this former gym teacher would lecture kids on staying in school and the downfall of drugs...top notch all the way from a guy who ate turnbukels:D:D...anyone wrestler that sticks out?...that would be sweet to meet knoxsville and bam!!!...were they by chance doing a signing of jackarse 2?..heard the whole crew was basically do shows up and down the east coast together when it came out!!!!!!!!!!...im waiting for a wee man signing:D:D:p

[lwagner57]

Being a Michigan alum and M club member every Wolverine i have met was cool. Baseball wise i have to say Sean Casey, Willie Stargell and Johnny Bench. I met Jennie Finch as well when she played Akron in the fast pitch league and Football Sammy Baugh even at the age of 88 at the time was the nicest.

[RogueRebel]

bein in LA, you run into a bunch of celebs. the one time i was surrounded by a bunch was in 04 when nba all star weekend was around. got to see barkley and swartzenager rollin around in their suv's. steve gutenbert (sp?) aka "mahoney" walkin outside of niketown. and in niketown met vince carter but wasn't able to get an auto from neither. the one person i got to actually got an auto from was one of my fav lakers of all time...derek fisher!!! he was real cool...not only that, he and his agent was surprised that i came up w/ a pair of his nike air uptempo pe's to get auto'd.

but my latest run in w/ a celeb was probs michael epps and ti at the mall...oh and the snoop's homie on his show.

[bradanddabears]

Being a Michigan alum and M club member every Wolverine i have met was cool. Baseball wise i have to say Sean Casey, Willie Stargell and Johnny Bench. I met Jennie Finch as well when she played Akron in the fast pitch league and Football Sammy Baugh even at the age of 88 at the time was the nicest.

friggin sweet!!!...sammy baugh is one of the best signers!!...even for his age hes always got an opinion :D and i know he could kick my butt:D...thats a hof ballet youv meant!!..do you guys have a dinner once a year, as a member of the M club?...if so , thats sweet!!!...i know they have a similar thing at ohio state..that once a year, you get the chance for dinner, speakers, and a meet and greet???

ps...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...jenny finich!!!!!!!!!!!..

[bradanddabears]

bein in LA, you run into a bunch of celebs. the one time i was surrounded by a bunch was in 04 when nba all star weekend was around. got to see barkley and swartzenager rollin around in their suv's. steve gutenbert (sp?) aka "mahoney" walkin outside of niketown. and in niketown met vince carter but wasn't able to get an auto from neither. the one person i got to actually got an auto from was one of my fav lakers of all time...derek fisher!!! he was real cool...not only that, he and his agent was surprised that i came up w/ a pair of his nike air uptempo pe's to get auto'd.

but my latest run in w/ a celeb was probs michael epps and ti at the mall...oh and the snoop's homie on his show.


MAHONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...i love it!!...derek fisher !!!!...thats awesome!...really hope you still have the nikes that were autod:D:p

[jweber26]

Leroy Butler - GB packers

Met him a few years back at a bank opening. He took his time with each an every fan. No rush at all. He signed about a dozen items for me with no problem. Talked about the Super Bowl and best of alll....

.....

He let me wear the Super Bowl Ring! It was HUGE! The size of a plum! It wouldn't have fit on my thumb. The guy is just a class act.


Worst experience: Sterling Sharpe

I was 12, asked for his auto he told me, "Sterling don't give autographs" and laughed. His entourage of training camp regulars (older kids) all laughed too. I was devastated. 16 years later and I still think he's a jerk.

[Hardcore Legend]

Cal Ripken Jr. Before an Orioles game, I went down to the railing to see if I could get Cal's autograph. Stood there for about an hour. Finally, he came out and was working his way up the wall. He got almost to where I was standing and said "Sorry guys, I gotta go, I can only do a few more". He reached out and took a ball and pen from a kid standing next to me to do an auto for him. The kids pen didn't work, so I handed the kid my Sharpie and Cal signed his autograph. After he signed the ball for the kid, he said "Here, give me yours", signed my SI 1995 Baseball Preview Issue (with him on the cover) and shook my hand. My autograph ended up being the last he did before the game.

[RogueRebel]

MAHONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...i love it!!...derek fisher !!!!...thats awesome!...really hope you still have the nikes that were autod:D:p

HAHA...MAHONEY!!! that's what all of us in front of ntla yelled every time he past us by the store...even accross the street...ah...good times. and of course, i have every piece of d fish memorabilia i've ever acquired. he's one of my fav all time lakers!!! i'm very happy that he's back...and so are the lakers.;)

[bradanddabears]

Leroy Butler - GB packers

Met him a few years back at a bank opening. He took his time with each an every fan. No rush at all. He signed about a dozen items for me with no problem. Talked about the Super Bowl and best of alll....

.....

He let me wear the Super Bowl Ring! It was HUGE! The size of a plum! It wouldn't have fit on my thumb. The guy is just a class act.


Worst experience: Sterling Sharpe

I was 12, asked for his auto he told me, "Sterling don't give autographs" and laughed. His entourage of training camp regulars (older kids) all laughed too. I was devastated. 16 years later and I still think he's a jerk.

ohh i know leroy butler very well:D:p...being a bears fan and watching him pick of everything we threw his way:p...thats awesome!....even trying on a suberbowl ring!!!..thats one of the coolest things by far!!!...its amazing how a bad experience sticks with you!...especially sharpe...your a pack fan and root for the guy but when you meet him he and others act like that...really makes it hard!

[bradanddabears]

HAHA...MAHONEY!!! that's what all of us in front of ntla yelled every time he past us by the store...even accross the street...ah...good times. and of course, i have every piece of d fish memorabilia i've ever acquired. he's one of my fav all time lakers!!! i'm very happy that he's back...and so are the lakers.;)


thats awesome!!!...wish i could of heard the mahoney chants:D...thats awesome when you able to meet up with an idol...and i too am glad hes back...he never grabed the headlines but was a key piece to the big pictue!...and hope he still is !!!!!!!

[vinb]

I think the nicest guy I ever got to meet for an autograph was Brooks Robinson. He's so down to earth!

My favorite autograph was when I got Deion Sanders to sign my football at the Ravens training camp. I was out there a good 4 hours holding down my spot with my dad waiting for them to finish. Then Ray Lewis and Deion came literally like right next to me and started working their way down the line to sign. So I left there with 2 seperate footballs, one signed by Ray and the other by Deion.

2 future hall of famers signed for free...not a bad day ;)

[bradanddabears]

Cal Ripken Jr. Before an Orioles game, I went down to the railing to see if I could get Cal's autograph. Stood there for about an hour. Finally, he came out and was working his way up the wall. He got almost to where I was standing and said "Sorry guys, I gotta go, I can only do a few more". He reached out and took a ball and pen from a kid standing next to me to do an auto for him. The kids pen didn't work, so I handed the kid my Sharpie and Cal signed his autograph. After he signed the ball for the kid, he said "Here, give me yours", signed my SI 1995 Baseball Preview Issue (with him on the cover) and shook my hand. My autograph ended up being the last he did before the game.


sweet!!...thats one of the coolest!!!...especially the fact that you went out of your way to pass your sharpie on...iv seen many a times where a kids got nothing to sign with ...hands it to the player, and then the player gives it back cause nothing to ink it with...!!!!!!...very top notch on your part and way to go on getting a cal auto!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tjcurrie]

Here's a long story but if you like hockey, you should appreciate this.
Back in 93' the North Stars were in town. I was just 14 and I had the idea to call every hotel in edmonton to see where they were staying so maybe I could get some autos. After a bunch, I got ahold of the Westin. The receptionist asked for a name, I gave her Mike Modano. She says" would you like me to put you through to his room ?" What the he** do I say to that so I panicked and said no thanks and hung up. I called back in abit and asked for Bob Gianey. He wasnt in but I left my #. Went out front to shoot on my net and 5 min later my big bro calls me in for a phone call. Its Bob freakin Gianey phoning my house. He asked if he knew my and I said no Im just a fan. We chatted about the team for 5 or so and he asked if I was going to the game that night and of course I was.

My Pops drove me and a buddy to edmonton and dropped us off at my Grandpa's and we spent theday going to card shops in the area. When I was gone, Bob Gainey actually called my house again looking for me to get my Pops to bring me to the hotel to meet the players. My Pops said I wasnt around but he said to bring me down to the bench before the game. I went down there with my Pops and my buddy and met him and he brought over Modano to meet me. He told us to come down after the game so we did and he let us down by the dressing room and I met all the players. Modano ( signed the 9 on my new jersey ) , Neal Broten, Derian Hatcher, Bobby Smith, etc etc. Got lots of auto'd cards. Amazing experience.

The next year was their first in Dallas and me and another buddy went to the game here in edmoton. We went down by the bench and Bob came over and remebered my name and all. Even recognized I had the same Stars jacket. He brought Modano over and he signed my Beckett magazine which I have incased and among my Modano wall of fame.

Long story I know but man what an experience. Gainey is the classiest guy in sports. Modano is great too as Ive met him a few times and he always signs everything for everyone and acts like he appreciates his fans.Great guy.

[Thorondor 33]

That is a great story tjcurrie! :) I should call the Edmonton hotels next time the Avs are in town. :D


When I was 10 I met Bobby Hull when he was in LLB for a signing and charity dinner. I had him sign my goalie mask. What an idiotic child I was. The auto wore off as more pucks bounced off of me. Eventually, the auto was gone. :( Still though, I met Bobby Hull and shook his hand. You see his right hand? I shook that hand. :cool:
http://www.legendsofhockey.net/graphspot/pin_hull01.jpg

Ken Dryden was in LLB last spring for the same annual charity dinner. To my dissapointment, he did not have a private signing. If you wanted to pay $50 for a plate at the dinner you could meet him though. I would have liked to meet him, but not for $50 and some food I wouldn't like. Now, if it was Patrick Roy on the other hand, I would have payed the $50. :D

This fall in LLB Rene Bourque was home (he is from LLB) for a charity hockey game. I had nothing for him to autograph, but I did go down to the ice to shake his hand and ask if he remebered my sister. He did, which was cool. I got a picture with him, a picture my friend has yet to email me. :p I scored a Rene Bourque card so hopefully when he is back I can get his autograph. I know someone who lives right next door to him, so I have an "in" in case he does no signings.

[RickyWilliams34]

Marty Turco by far the best for me.

[SlayKnotV1]

thats awesome!!...i dont know how far back into wrestling you go...but..any chance to meet george the animal!!....its said this former gym teacher would lecture kids on staying in school and the downfall of drugs...top notch all the way from a guy who ate turnbukels:D:D...anyone wrestler that sticks out?...that would be sweet to meet knoxsville and bam!!!...were they by chance doing a signing of jackarse 2?..heard the whole crew was basically do shows up and down the east coast together when it came out!!!!!!!!!!...im waiting for a wee man signing:D:D:p

i have ALOT of pics with old school guys but i never met george the animal steel. just click on the link in my sig and it'll take u to my Flickr album and the albums are on the right. the best wrestlers are Foley, Austin, Kane

[cniles]

I had heard horror stories about Emmitt,So when he flew into San Antonio for training camp I was on cloud 9 when he signed and took a picture with me.Could have been its was their 1st year here for camp or the fact he was about to break Payton's record that year but he was extremely nice and far from what I had heard.

[OilyLeafKing]

I've met and got autos from a number of hockey players over the last few years. It's funny how players are more accessible here in SoCal than they are in Toronto... but that's another story...

One of, if not the best, for me was Jeremy Roenick. I met him on three different occasions during the 2005-06 season when he was with the Kings -- before the Frozen Fury game in Vegas (the same game where he danced on the ice during a long break in play -- they had to change one of the glass panels), at a store signing and at the Kings annual charity event.

Super-nice guy, who actually talks to you. Smiles in photos (a lot of athletes don't), and a great autograph too. He's one of the few men who I'd let call my wife "sweetheart" in front of me. :D

I wish things worked out better with JR here in LA, but that's another story... :(

There's been other stories I've read on the board where people say he's a great autographer as well. I remember another boardie mentioned how after signing for a bunch of fans outside a hotel, he said to the group: "does anybody else need anything signed by Jeremy Roenick?!" :)

[ruggerx]

So many good ones:
Flo Jo
Anthony Munoz
Frank Gifford
Barry Sanders (shy, but nice)
Tommy McDonald
Ray Nitschke
Deacon Jones
Ron Mix
Chuck Bednarik
Gino Marchetti (one of the best)
Jim Brown
Jim Kelly
Bobby Bell (a riot)
Ray Berry
Joe Namath
Steve Young
Archie Griffin
Herschel Walker
Ty Detmer
Darren Woodson
Roger Craig (great guy)
Bill Bergey
Randall Cunningham (after retirement, something of a headcase/jerk when playing)
Andre Rison
Mark Bavaro
Brian Dawkins
Ron Jaworski
Buddy Ryan
TO (believe it or not, but that was prefame)
Mike Alstott
Mark van Eeghen
Bonnie Blair

As far as complete jerks, no one can touch Sterling Sharpe, although Keith Byars, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Eddie Murray, and Mike Schmidt are trying to make up the lost ground.

[SDhalcon]

Nashville is great for autographs. I had a lot of interaction with Preds players, but two of the best were Tomas Vokoun and Chris Mason. Vokoun would just sign and sign until you either ran out of stuff or told him that he didn't have to sign every single card. Mason would always pull his car over, stop and chat for a few mins after nearly every practice. Preds also had one of the worst I've ever met - Kariya - What a ****! As far as opposing players, OilyLeafKing has it right. Roenick is the man!
Best non-athelete, VINCE GILL. He and Amy Grant are Preds season tix holders. I've had a few brief chats with him walking through the concourse. He is one nice, down to earth guy.
I also worked groundscrew for the Sounds baseball team for 3 seasons. I've meet way too many cool players to list, as well as Titans players, and Celebrities when they had charity softball games on our field.

[J3-M8]

For me its Chone Figgins. He did an apperance at a Furniture Store. Usually when we go to these, the player shows up and does little to interact with the fans. But Figgie, was awesome, with everybody. He even joked with my son as you can see in the pic below(perhaps my sons Figgie shgirt, helped out as well:D).

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1914224/3733243/274321234.jpg

[OilyLeafKing]

Long story I know but man what an experience. Gainey is the classiest guy in sports.

Great story there! I remember reading that... you've posted that before, haven't you?

I'll definitely agree that Gainey is a total class act. My wife and I went hounding for the Habs a few years back. We were the only fans at the hotel. We got a bunch of autos (the coup for me was Jose Theodore signing an SP base for me -- he's a class act too), but the best part was meeting Bob Gainey.

Gainey saw my wife and I sitting on a bench with our stuff waiting for players to come out, and he walked over to us and engaged us in conversation. We talked for a good 10-15 minutes before the bus was getting ready to leave. This was a few months after the Heritage Classic game, so we talked about that for a while.

My wife didn't actually know who he was. When I told her later that it was Bob Gainey and rifled off some of his accomplishments, she was floored that he spent that amount of time with us. I'm still kicking myself for not getting a photo with him. We didn't ask him for an autograph, and to be honest I'm glad we didn't. I just really enjoyed talking hockey with the man. :)

[OilyLeafKing]

Nashville is great for autographs. I had a lot of interaction with Preds players, but two of the best were Tomas Vokoun and Chris Mason. Vokoun would just sign and sign until you either ran out of stuff or told him that he didn't have to sign every single card. Mason would always pull his car over, stop and chat for a few mins after nearly every practice. Preds also had one of the worst I've ever met - Kariya - What a ****! As far as opposing players, OilyLeafKing has it right. Roenick is the man!

Good stuff, man. Yeah Roenick is always a great experience.

I've heard good things about Nashville players too. Another boardie from Nashville, gailey5, has posted some nice things about their players, especially Vokoun. William even gave a Vokoun a custom SP too. Search for his threads for the pics, it's probably still around the board somewhere. :)

And I will agree with you on Paul Kariya. I got him a few times when we was with the Ducks. Unpleasant, rushes through everyone, doesn't talk or maintain any kind of eye contact either. And he usually carries his own Sharpie too!

Notice how his signature (on the crest) on my Ducks 2003 team jersey differs in color from all the others:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb81/OilyLeafKing/ducks-2003-cu.jpg

[SDhalcon]

Good stuff, man. Yeah Roenick is always a great experience.

I've heard good things about Nashville players too. Another boardie from Nashville, gailey5, has posted some nice things about their players, especially Vokoun. William even gave a Vokoun a custom SP too. Search for his threads for the pics, it's probably still around the board somewhere. :)

And I will agree with you on Paul Kariya. I got him a few times when we was with the Ducks. Unpleasant, rushes through everyone, doesn't talk or maintain any kind of eye contact either. And he usually carries his own Sharpie too!

Notice how his signature (on the crest) on my Ducks 2003 team jersey differs in color from all the others:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb81/OilyLeafKing/ducks-2003-cu.jpg


I know Bill well. Talked to him yesterday :D. Spent many an hour hounding autos with him outside the arena. You're too right about "PK9." That's all you got from him. He would grab one sharpie and steamroll through the line. When he figured he had signed enough, would toss or hand the sharpie to some random person in the crowd and bolt.

One of the greatest quotes I ever heard from a player came from Peter Forsberg. We were waiting after practice for the guys to leave the parking lot. Forsberg drives slowly by, rolls down the window, and says, "Sorry guys. If I stop Kariya will kill me." Rolls the window back up and drives away. We were rolling after that one!

[tjcurrie]

Great story there! I remember reading that... you've posted that before, haven't you?

I'll definitely agree that Gainey is a total class act. My wife and I went hounding for the Habs a few years back. We were the only fans at the hotel. We got a bunch of autos (the coup for me was Jose Theodore signing an SP base for me -- he's a class act too), but the best part was meeting Bob Gainey.

Gainey saw my wife and I sitting on a bench with our stuff waiting for players to come out, and he walked over to us and engaged us in conversation. We talked for a good 10-15 minutes before the bus was getting ready to leave. This was a few months after the Heritage Classic game, so we talked about that for a while.

My wife didn't actually know who he was. When I told her later that it was Bob Gainey and rifled off some of his accomplishments, she was floored that he spent that amount of time with us. I'm still kicking myself for not getting a photo with him. We didn't ask him for an autograph, and to be honest I'm glad we didn't. I just really enjoyed talking hockey with the man. :)

Thats awesome. I really felt for him last year when he lost his daughter. I wanted to contact him somehow but didnt know how. He is a great guy. Its things like that that make you a fan for life. I know what you mean by not asking for an auto.It makes the experience just a little more personal and puts the sports thingy aside and you go on feeling like the guy probably just appreciates chatting with genuine people. Not that asking for an auto makes you less genuine, but you know what I mean.

Me and my ex gal actually saw Jere Lehtinen in West Edmonton Mall a few years back. I just walked up and sat next to him on a bench and just chatted with him for a few minutes. He was a nice guy. Okay ya I got an auto, but it was cool just to sit and chat.

Oh and ya, Ive posted my story before. I think I should just save it in my email and paste it.It takes like 10 min to write out !

[OilyLeafKing]

I know Bill well. Talked to him yesterday :D. Spent many an hour hounding autos with him outside the arena. You're too right about "PK9." That's all you got from him. He would grab one sharpie and steamroll through the line. When he figured he had signed enough, would toss or hand the sharpie to some random person in the crowd and bolt.

One of the greatest quotes I ever heard from a player came from Peter Forsberg. We were waiting after practice for the guys to leave the parking lot. Forsberg drives slowly by, rolls down the window, and says, "Sorry guys. If I stop Kariya will kill me." Rolls the window back up and drives away. We were rolling after that one!

Good stuff man. Will's a good guy, very passionate Preds fan... I've talked with him a few times on the board (PK9 being one particular discussion).

That's a hilarious Forsberg story. My wife's gonna get a kick outta that one! :)

Our nickname for Kariya is "green sharpie" -- one time during the 2003 playoffs he came over to the fans carrying his own green sharpie. That same night there was a couple next to us. The woman didn't actually want an auto (she was just there with her bf/hubby) but before she could say anything, Paul reached over and signed the Ducks jersey she was wearing. This was a clean jersey with no autos on it. The three of us had a nice laugh -- though she wasn't particularly amused with one lone autograph in green on her white jersey... ;)

[OilyLeafKing]

Thats awesome. I really felt for him last year when he lost his daughter. I wanted to contact him somehow but didnt know how. He is a great guy. Its things like that that make you a fan for life. I know what you mean by not asking for an auto.It makes the experience just a little more personal and puts the sports thingy aside and you go on feeling like the guy probably just appreciates chatting with genuine people. Not that asking for an auto makes you less genuine, but you know what I mean.

Me and my ex gal actually saw Jere Lehtinen in West Edmonton Mall a few years back. I just walked up and sat next to him on a bench and just chatted with him for a few minutes. He was a nice guy. Okay ya I got an auto, but it was cool just to sit and chat.

Oh and ya, Ive posted my story before. I think I should just save it in my email and paste it.It takes like 10 min to write out !

We felt the same way last year... what a horrible tragedy. That man's gone through a lot in his life with his wife's passing as well. Even though it's been a few years, my wife and I still have been meaning to send Gainey a card or something to show our appreciation (and perhaps belated condolences) via the Habs.

Yeah, we just really enjoyed the experience of talking to him. Not that it would have lessened it if we asked him for an auto... But like you said, not asking for an auto -- just talking with him -- made that particular experience more enjoyable.

Nice Lehtinen story too! I had a similar experience with Mathieu Schneider a few years back when he was with the L.A. Kings. We saw him at a Tragically Hip concert at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. I just went up to him, said hello and asked him if he was a fan. He was with another player who I couldn't quite place. It didn't look like anyone else recognized him but us! :)

[trojansc]

Great story about Gainey!

Growing up in LA and going to Kings games pre-Gretzky was a lot of fun for my brother and I; all of the players were great about signing, plus they walked out to their cars from an entrance with no fence so all you had to do was walk up to them. When Gretzky first arrived, it was no different- he would walk out to his car (usually with Janet) and while he signed for people, it was never a mob scene like you see now. We used to get to the Forum early, park our car near the player lot, and wait for the players to walk by. I'll never forget the Great One signing our posters on the hood of our car after a game one night. :D

My favorite autograph story though is about Muhammad Ali: As an adult I met him three times; the first time he came to my work- he performed magic tricks, goofed around with the crowd by pretending to box with them, and passed out autographed cards of himself. The second and third time were at autograph shows. Because of his Parkinson's disease, he communicates with his eyes and through gestures. I got him to sign the large famous color photograph of him standing over Sonny Liston. He was tired and distracted, and I could see it in the way he weakly signed his name on my photo. I quietly thanked him and as I was walking away, he gestured for me to come back. He had seen the disappointment in my eyes at the poor signature. He took the photo back and signed it again, this time perfectly. Athletes rarely take time out to care about things like that, so I thought it was pretty special.

[ChargerChris]

Great ones:

Ladainian Tomlinson - he and his wife were sitting in the booth next to my girlfriend and I in a TGI Fridays in San Diego. He saw that I had a LT jersey on so he invited us to eat with them. Then he hooked me up with an autograph. Nicest guy ever. So humble. I'll always be a huge fan.

Doug Flutie - He hosts and runs in a 5K every year for the Doug Flutie Foundation. After the race there is always a banquet that he attends and will sign autographs all day and night. He truly enjoys being around fans and loves to talk football. I scored an autograph on his Bears rookie card.

MMA fighter Rich Franklin - Signed a glove for me at UFC 68 in Columbus, OH. He spoke with me for about 30 minutes about martial arts and fighting. He said that he was honored to be speaking with a fellow teacher. I was stunned. Hell I was honored being able to talk with him as he's my favorite fighter.

MMA fighter Tim Sylvia - I got to meet him in Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel chillin' poolside with Kendal Grove. He was carrying around his Heavyweight Championship belt and loved to talk fighting. Very cool guy.

MMA fighter Bas Rutten - "El Guapo" will sign anything you give him and will always make your time with him as individual as possible. He is one of the greatest ambassadors for the sport.

Jerkoffs:

Roger Clemens - enuff said
Josh Beckett
Dominique Wilkins (although he will always be my favorite basketball player)
MMA fighter Matt Hughes
MMA fighter Andrei Arlovski

[sub4]

Gus Zernial

[cisc2121]

Darren Woodson. Nicest celebrity I've ever met. Was cool, talkative, interacted with my wife and kids. Didn't mind spending 5 minutes with each fan asking what they did for a living and how long they've been a Cowboys fan.

Also met Ali at a show. He was walking around the eatery looking for a place to sit. No seats were available so I said he could have mine. After putting his tray down he did his shadow boxing with me and put his arm around me. This was only a few years ago so he wasn't in great shape and didn't speak, but it was an honor to meet him in an area where I wasn't paying for an auto.

[Y Ted Ginn Y?]

We have an Independent League Team here and Al Bumbry Is a base coach. It was like the second weekend of theier firts season and it was a heck of a game, 0-0 in the 14th. I was in the first row and Al came out to coach first and I said Hey Al, why dont ya take a few swings this inning?? He walks over to our group, shakes our hands and says I would but if i homer someone on the team will lose their job. Just a great guy!

[guyute0147]

As far as the greatest in-person autograph..it would have to be the "Boss" Bruce Springsteen. I'm not a huge fan by no means but he is a music legend. I met him at a mall in WPB where he lives during Polo season. My wife, two year old, and I sat next to him and his family at the food court. He chatted with us the whole time. Kids played together. Really down to earth guy. Didn't get an autograph then, but later at a Sam Goody where we ran into each other again.

[MarkG]

I was able to get Yao Mings auto after he finished doing pregame drills. He was not in a big hurry at all. He signed a 3" McFarlane Yao that was a giveaway for that nights game.
I got E.Campbells auto at a UT store here in Houston. He wasn't really into it, but signed for about an hour. Looked like he was in some pain so I can understand.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a87/markg23/mark_beca398.jpg

[bradanddabears]

tons of great stories here and pics here!!!!!!!!!!!!...lets keep it going!!!!!!!!

[Attack2000]

I attended a charity hockey game in B.C. once. an hour before game time I walked up to a merchandise booth and asked the lady about a special autograph session that was supposed to be going on. She told me it was an hour ago. She then told me to hang on and when into the back, she came back out 2 minutes later and told me to go back there. I walked in the back, near the locker rooms, I turned a corner and standing right freakin there was, Guy Lafleur. What an experience that was, he didn't have to do that, neither did she for that matter. I got Guy's auto on my 8x10, and thanked him.

My dad and I also got to have a few drinks with Bobby Hull. He was a coach for a legends game, and my dad was lucky enough to get to be his driver. Dad calls me up in the middle of the afternoon wondering if I was upto anything (I didn't know about this, and I was bored that day) he told me to not go anywhere. He drove up, and told me to get in. Only to be shocked to see Bobby Hull sitting in the passenger seat. sweet stuff.

[daboltz]

George Gervin, Bob Hope, Rocky Bleier, Bill Bates, Junior Seau, Natrone Means, Steve McNair, Dale Ellis, etc...but my favorite was the DISCO DUCK man himself.....Rick Dees! :p

[Jimmysru]

I have two
Barry Bonds when he was breaking out with the Pirates and was still a some what happy good guy

George the Animal Steele because I was little and he licked my face with his green tongue it was great

[donbeebe]

I have met a lot of guys living here in Arkansas, which still amazes me. I have met Yao Ming, Steve Francis, Shaq, T-Mack, Robet Parrish, George Gervin, Harmon Killebrew, Brooks Robinson, Jerome Bettis, Charles Barkley.

One of my favorites had to be Barkley. When I was a kid I would always read that Charles was a jerk and never signed. He came here for a Tip-Off club meeting for our local basketball team. Joe Kline, former Razorback and teammate of Charles brought him in. They did a talk at a local hotel and a buddy of mine called me and asked if I wanted to try to get his signature, I said yes! So mind you I am wearing a Brewers t-shirt and shorts and everyone else is wearing suits. We found out that Charles was signing autographs next door to the room where the speech was held, so I just walk right into the room. I am standing behind Joe Kline, wiating and then he turns around and says, "Hey man do you want Charles to sign your ball?" and I siad, "Yes I would really like that". So Joe takes the ball and hands it to Charles and says this guy would like for you to sign his ball, Charles said sure signed it and I said thanks and he had a huge smile and said "No problem". He was super nice and I loved mmeting him. Still funny that my buddy and I went from hearing that he was here, to getting his autograph in abotu 2 hours. Here is a pic of the ball.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/100_1870.jpg

[donbeebe]

Here are some pics from other great guys I have met.
Tony Dorsett
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/tony.jpg

Randy White
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/Randy.jpg

Drew Pearson with me holding his Super Bowl ring!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/fb.jpg

Rickie Weeks
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/WeeksandI.jpg

Takeo Spikes, still wish he was with the Bills!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/1TakeoandI.jpg

[H. Lecter]

I have a bunch:

David Wright
Chris Campoli
Mike Bossy
Clyde Frazier
Bryan Trottier
Beniot Hogue
Darryl Strawberry
Mick Vukota
Ron Darling

Also at Jets training camp, I got Jonathan Vilma, Mike Nugent, Ty Law, Kevin Mawae, Jerricho Cotchery & Nick Mangold among others not worth mentioning.

[TheFigureFanatic]

I got Papa Bear, George Halas' autograph in person along with Red Grange!

[Joe Bruin723]

Being in L.A. I see a lot of celebs, but never really get a chance to chat with them...

The one autograph I got was Tim Conway's. I was a kid, and I was with my mom at Sav-On, and I'm like look over there.

So now we go into the stationary area, open up a package of pens, then we wait for him to come by.

So he walks up and we ask him, and he says, "I was waiting for you to ask me. I saw you stalking me back in the other aisle."

He was so gracious, and funny, it was very cool.

[Cowtown]

Gordie Howe at last year's NHL All Star Fanfest . . . he drew on my son's ear when posing for a picture....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/stookey/IMG_2255.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/stookey/IMG_2257.jpg . . .

and, he provided me with an impromptu lesson on how properly to teach my son how to shoot a hockey puck . . .

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/stookey/IMG_2256.jpg

[TastySweetNutz]

There are so many good experiences that it's tough to narrow it down to just one but if I had to it would probably be Kellen Winslow Sr. He was the nicest guy I've ever met and when he saw my Yankees hat he asked me what I thought about the whole Joe Torre thing. Considering how his son is, I didn't expect him to be this approachable. I'll have to say that my other favorites have been Brian Dawkins, Tony Gwynn, Todd Heap and Charles Oakley.

Pete Rose actually surprised me at how nice and down to earth he is. I was expecting this tough guy meathead who could care less, but he actually took the time to pose for 3 pictures.

My worst experience was by-far Marcus Allen. The guy is a hosebag and a complete feminine hygeine product.

[Balco Scientist]

Roy Jones Jr
Clinton Portis
Carson Palmer
Derrick Brooks (On the retro uniform sp)
Frank Gore
Rusty Wallace (On Nascar sp)
Anquan Boldin

all nice guys when I got there autographs

[kwk63]

I was in Hartford with a buddy for a game. We were walking down the hall and there was Chris Berman with his two kids. My buddy says something like hey Chris we are from Buffalo. To our amazement he says he loves Buffalo, comes over to us (with his kids) and talks to us for about 15-20 minutes. He signed a white card I had. He was probably the nicest guy (celeb wise) that I have met. The second would be Pat Lafontaine, a true gentleman. Third would be working on a commercial that Jim Kelly was doing for the new HSBC arena. He wasn't as cool as the other guys, but it was still cool meeting one of your favorites.

[donbeebe]

I was in Hartford with a buddy for a game. We were walking down the hall and there was Chris Berman with his two kids. My buddy says something like hey Chris we are from Buffalo. To our amazement he says he loves Buffalo, comes over to us (with his kids) and talks to us for about 15-20 minutes. He signed a white card I had. He was probably the nicest guy (celeb wise) that I have met. The second would be Pat Lafontaine, a true gentleman. Third would be working on a commercial that Jim Kelly was doing for the new HSBC arena. He wasn't as cool as the other guys, but it was still cool meeting one of your favorites.

What is Jim Kelly like?

[Point65]

All the ones I got were varying levels of nice guys, some nicer than others, but they were all pretty accommodating. My favorites: Goose Gossage in Colorado Springs. Even at autograph signings he showed everyone in line he appreciated them being fans. Harmon Killebrew was great. Eddie Hill (former NHRA points champion - Pennzoil) in Wichita Falls. I don't think you could ever take the Texas boy out of him. Deuce McAllister signed everything we had, posed for everyone's camera and talked until everyone left. Even waved goodbye to the kids. I know he won't remember us but we won't soon forget how nice he was. Clyde Drexler was really friendly. Way after the kids' camp was over and his handlers were aiming him toward the car he stopped for me for a couple of pics, listened to my autograph request (I told him I had a fig of him at home and I'd love it if he could sign the back of a business card for me to display with it), shook my hand while saying it'd be his pleasure. He went back to the signing table to pick up a pen, signed, shook my hand again and thanked me for bringing my daughter to the camp. I would've hugged him, but I didn't want him to get the wrong idea.

I should scan some pics and post them.

[Ronzie]

1) Evel Knievel
2) Clive Barker

[Cowtown]

I've heard good things about Nashville players too. Another boardie from Nashville, gailey5, has posted some nice things about their players, especially Vokoun. William even gave a Vokoun a custom SP too. Search for his threads for the pics, it's probably still around the board somewhere. :)

Nashville is great for hockey autographs, and William (gailey5) is a great guy.
My son's prized, signed SP is his NHLPA Patrick Roy . . . . signed in Nashville as Roy walked into the arena

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/stookey/IMG_0251-1.jpg

[TastySweetNutz]

Here are some pics from other great guys I have met.
Tony Dorsett
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/tony.jpg

Randy White
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/Randy.jpg

Drew Pearson with me holding his Super Bowl ring!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/fb.jpg

Rickie Weeks
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/WeeksandI.jpg

Takeo Spikes, still wish he was with the Bills!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/donbeebe/1TakeoandI.jpg

What's Takeo like? He's a guy I'm hoping to meet soon. I've got a Spikes Bills jersey that needs his auto since it's pretty much useless now.

[cniles]

Some of my son's favorite's..........
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/cedkobe.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/IMG_0306.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/Picture104.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/Picture163.jpg

[ruggerx]

I got Papa Bear, George Halas' autograph in person along with Red Grange!

I'm so jealous! :mad: :D

[ruggerx]

What is Jim Kelly like?

I've seen Kelly at least 3 times. He always signed more than 1 thing (he's a collector himself). He's cool with the guys, flirty with women. I never tried to chat him up, but people do, and he seems cool about it.

[ruggerx]

There are so many good experiences that it's tough to narrow it down to just one but if I had to it would probably be Kellen Winslow Sr. He was the nicest guy I've ever met and when he saw my Yankees hat he asked me what I thought about the whole Joe Torre thing. Considering how his son is, I didn't expect him to be this approachable. I'll have to say that my other favorites have been Brian Dawkins, Tony Gwynn, Todd Heap and Charles Oakley.

Pete Rose actually surprised me at how nice and down to earth he is. I was expecting this tough guy meathead who could care less, but he actually took the time to pose for 3 pictures.

My worst experience was by-far Marcus Allen. The guy is a hosebag and a complete feminine hygeine product.

Winslow Sr. is nice, but I found him to be almost professional, if you know what I mean. Maybe it's because he has such a calm demeanor.

Every time I've seen Rose, he's been an absolute *hole. If you kept moving, he was cool; if not, he'd brush you off like you weren't there. Unless you were an average or above woman, in which case he acted like he'd just gotten out of jail (come to think of it, maybe he had).

I know what you mean about Marcus. I've had good experiences with him, but I've seen him blow many people off. His thing is that his time is his own, and he doesn't like to be bothered unless he's at a signing. I thought he was reasonably polite about it, but I can see why you'd react the way you did.

[Balco Scientist]

Some of my son's favorite's..........
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/cedkobe.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/IMG_0306.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/Picture104.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/Picture163.jpg


dude your son is the man , those will be good memories for him . thanks for sharing brother .

[kwk63]

What is Jim Kelly like?


He was kind of arrogant, but not to bad, I can understand. This was a job for him so he was all business. His brother was the one that was really cool.

[TalonDM]

I met Ken Griffey Jr & his mother (on separate occasions) at my work as both are local residents in my community and they were both very nice.

Ken was very quiet but he did not come off as a celebrity at all and was by no means arrogant. I met his mom only a few days ago as she is a more regular customer. We had a short conversation where I mentioned even though I am a steadfast Red Sox fan, that I in fact idolized and looked up to her son when I was a child (I am in my mid 20's now) - to which she said "He's getting old....I'M getting old" which resulted in a good laugh, she then said that she & Ken Sr really enjoy going to Boston when the Reds play there and that Fenway is a really nice park. I know it's not as cool as some of these other experiences but it's my unique experience.

Oh Patrick Ewing is also a regular at my work but he's very quiet and really does not interact with anybody (although everybody knows who he is because he's just so tall)

[SEAHAWKS ROCK!]

Jerome Iginla by far, and this is coming from a Canucks fan!!

[Therman Merman]

I used to work at a BC Sports Collectibles, and we had a in-store signing with Mookie Wilson during the 2000 season. He couldn't have been any more friendly to the fans who showed up. He made small talk, took pictures, and was happy to personalize any autograph. (something many athletes won't do)

After the signing was over, he hung out in the store for a bit to look around, and then had a nice conversation with the staff that was there. He and I went back and forth about the Mets and Yankees, (who were playing that night) and he returned my smack talk with some of his own! (although it was all in good fun)

Just a great guy. Very gracious, and he appreciates what baseball has given him. A true gentleman.

[roundhouse]

When i was a little kid my Dad took me to an Oilers game and after we walked by the locker rooms (it was 20 years ago so the exact spot i cant remember) but all the players were out there signing..i got Messier,Semenko,Coffey,the whole 9 yards..and just as he was leaving "the great one" he was just about to make his way down the hall and my Dad "said ,"hey Wayne,could you please do one more for the kid" i was about 6 and couldnt say anything...:D but he came back bent down took my program and signed it,talk to me for a couple minutes and was gone...but ill never forget that,classy guy,as im sure he had been signing for 30 mins already and just wanted to go home.

Since then as ive gotten older through playing and knowing different people ive met alot of hockey players,both minor league guys and NHL players...im a fan of the tough guys who in my experiance always seem to be the nicest guys on the team...

Wade Belak- friend grew up with him,so i met him at a bar,talk to him for a couple hours,good dude..have since made a few fight tapes for him,which he lost his mind over..lol

Chris McAllister- played football againest him,ran into him at a WalMart,good guy brought that up to him and we had a laugh over a play that had happened in one of our games,which he remembered so that was cool

Tony Twist- was in town for a golf tourny,good guy,just a monster but great guy have heard from some he was a jerk,but he was cool to me,talked for about 10 mins. about fights and stuff.

Dave Brown(hockey,not the QB)- When i worked in the rental car biz. he was renting a car from us,came to our head office to pick it up and it was at the airport waiting for him and we were sold out at the time !! :confused: so our car cleaner ripped out to the airport to get it so he had to hang out at the office with me for 10 mins...but he was cool about it,said it was his mistake,which it was but i wasnt going to tell one of the toughest guys to ever play that....funny enough i could tell he didnt like talking about the fighting much so i didnt push the issue even though i had a ton of questions for him,nice guy very quiet.

Tie Domi- during is Jets days they played a netural site game vs the Sens,he was great,again i had heard he was a clown but very nice to me,and laughed when i said please kick Peluso's ass tonight !! "said i dont think Mike will act up tonight,but i might have to" ..they didnt fight that night though..

lots of minor league guys,who have always been cool...
only guy i ran into that was a jerk,oddly enough was Kelly Chase who has won many community awards while playing and ive always heard he was cool...again out at the airport i saw him in the rental lot by himself,i was walking by, "Hey Chaser,how is it going,im a big fan," or something like that,i went to shake his hand and he just sorta looked at me " oh ya" gives a high brow and sorta turns his back to me,i just kinda laughed and said "well,whatever then" and kept walking..i later learned he and his crew had just got in and Budget had messed up their booking and was short a van for them so i can understand why he was pissed....to bad he hadnt said anything to me,i could've hooked them up,for cheaper but whatever...

anyway those are a few of mine,sorry to ramble but thought i would share.

[icee82]

There are several that were really great. I think that Josh Hamilton would have to be the greatest. This was in Durham this past summer while he was on a rehab assignment with Louisville. He had a 3 P.M. press conference at the ball park. He arrived at approximately 2 P.M. or so. He stood outside of the park and chatted for ten minutes or so with the four fans that were there. It mattered to him that we were waiting for him to show up.

I have no idea why this is true but any Baltimore Oriole or former Oriole is a great guy. Jim Palmer, Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Boog Powell, etc.

[lefty100]

I met my boyhood idol Chris Mullin when I was a kid. He was signing at a Nordstroms and was totallly cool with all the fans.

[RipkenFan8]

I have a pretty extensive autograph collection all whom I got in person at the BallPark, Spring Training, or at Signings. As said before Brooks is an all time class act. My other personal favorites are:

:D Cal Ripken (of course), Jim Palmer, Brady Anderson, B.J. Surhoff, Eric Davis, Lenny Webster, Adam Lowen, Jaime Walker, Elrod Hendricks, Brian Roberts, Ben Zobrist, Jason Michaels, Jake Westbrook, Bob Feller, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Phil Rizzuto, Joe Dimaggio, Monte Irivin, Gary Carter, and Al Kaline.

All these guys were just great, made eye contact, took the time to talk, and were just really cool guys. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few of the nice ones. Unfortunatley its the ones who weren't so nice that really stand out. The real d*uche bags of all time are/were:

:spawnskul Carlton Fisk, Carl Yastremski, Willie Mays, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt, and Hank Aaron.

[sabressixx]

a few seasons ago i went to see a friend play in columbus for the avs.he always gets the superstars to come over to sign or gets them in the locker room.this trip they were staying in town so he invited us to go to a bar with them after the game.we got to hang out with rob blake ,dan hinote,andrew brunette ,john lillies and boughner and may who are my friends from buffalo.they were so cool to us,treated us like we were part of the team.rob blake is an awesome guy off the ice.hinote is one of the funniest people ive ever met.the next day at practice they were still cool..signing everything we had and handing out some sticks

[lwagner57]

We have alot of chances to go to dinners with the other members of the M club and players in all sports though we are not allowed to pay for their dinners nor are they allowed to charge for the autographs and we have to sign a agreement saying the autographs are not going to be sold . We also do alot of the tailgate parties at Ann Arbor on the golf course before games with former players like Anthony Carter, John Wangler to name a few.

[wibubba]

I met Fuzzy Thurston at a signing a few months ago. Very very nice guy and enthusiastically signing for everyone. Jerry Kramer also gave me crap about being a RAIDER fan. I liked him immediately.

[GOAL]

My favorite is Ryne Sandberg. Met him on a couple occasions @ ST and had the chance to talk ball with him for a few moments last year. He signed a couple items for my son & I and put his arm around my son for a pic. Always a class guy!

My 'best' day ever for autos was at the Olympic taining camp back in 2002. I was able to get all these guys on one day:

Gretz
Lemieux
Yzerman
Roy
Cujo
Belfour
Brodeur
Recchi
Nieuwendyk
Blake
Smyth
Lindros
Nolan

[HenRoc]

By Far.............this thread:

http://board.spawn.com/forums/member.php?u=5420

post #21

[bradanddabears]

I got Papa Bear, George Halas' autograph in person along with Red Grange!



WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!>>>>>>>you sir, are my idol!!!!!!!!!!....

[bradanddabears]

Some of my son's favorite's..........
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/cedkobe.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/IMG_0306.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/Picture104.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/cniles/Picture163.jpg



cedric has all the hook ups!!!!!....thats awesome!:D

[bradanddabears]

I met Fuzzy Thurston at a signing a few months ago. Very very nice guy and enthusiastically signing for everyone. Jerry Kramer also gave me crap about being a RAIDER fan. I liked him immediately.


bubba...kramer was right...you should catch crap from all sides for being a raiders fan:D..and you liked it....thats even better:D:D:D:p:p

[donbeebe]

What's Takeo like? He's a guy I'm hoping to meet soon. I've got a Spikes Bills jersey that needs his auto since it's pretty much useless now.

Spikes was really cool. That pics is in the players and family area at Texas Stadium. I got in there thanks to Jon Dorenbos the Bills old long snapper. Takeo was talking with two ladies and I waited to speak with him. He was very quiet and nice. One of my favorites still! I bought a throwback Spikes jersey cheap off ebay and wanted to get it redone as POZ, but I think I am going to keep it Takeo and try to get it signed!

[bradanddabears]

I used to work at a BC Sports Collectibles, and we had a in-store signing with Mookie Wilson during the 2000 season. He couldn't have been any more friendly to the fans who showed up. He made small talk, took pictures, and was happy to personalize any autograph. (something many athletes won't do)

After the signing was over, he hung out in the store for a bit to look around, and then had a nice conversation with the staff that was there. He and I went back and forth about the Mets and Yankees, (who were playing that night) and he returned my smack talk with some of his own! (although it was all in good fun)

Just a great guy. Very gracious, and he appreciates what baseball has given him. A true gentleman.


thats awesome!!!!!...glad to hear mookie is as cool as i thought he would be!!!!..one of my favorites!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

Spikes was really cool. That pics is in the players and family area at Texas Stadium. I got in there thanks to Jon Dorenbos the Bills old long snapper. Takeo was talking with two ladies and I waited to speak with him. He was very quiet and nice. One of my favorites still! I bought a throwback Spikes jersey cheap off ebay and wanted to get it redone as POZ, but I think I am going to keep it Takeo and try to get it signed!


sweet!!!!..spikes is one of the first athletes that i sent cards to through the mail!!!....he kept one and of the two and sent me an 8x10 signed!!!!!!!!!!!!...with a little letter about how he didnt have the card and hoped i wont mind if he kept it for his collection....how cool is that!!!!!!!...thats awesome to know that one of your cards in such a great lbs own collection:D:D

[kiapooh]

I would have to say Joe Theismann and Jake Delhomme. I have never seen either of these guys turn anyone down and I have seen them plenty of times .

Worst has to be Marshall Faulk, he is a true jerk.

[wibubba]

bubba...kramer was right...you should catch crap from all sides for being a raiders fan:D..and you liked it....thats even better:D:D:D:p:p
I liked HIM....not the crap. That dude has the biggest hands I've ever seen...his fingers are like bratwurst!

[wibubba]

I'm hoping at some point in the next few years to be able to get Colt Brennan's autograph irregardless of what team he plays for. I've got a 12 inch custom I painted of him that is just itching for an auto'd nameplate on it!

[roody pooh jabroni]

As Brad, and a few other boardies can attest to, I have met my fair share of pro athletes (some people would call me a "name dropper :) ).

My all-time favorite player/story, was when I was a freshman in HS (1986). My mom's insurance man's/brother was the coach for the Bulls (Stan Albeck). His brother calls us one morning, and ask if we were busy that day, and wanted to go to Cleveland to watch the Bulls-Cavs game.....heck yeah!!

We get there, and we are literally sitting in the last row during pre-game. George (Stan's brother) says he is going down to talk to Stan. He is gone for a few minutes, and then waives us down to the court!! The owner of the Cavs, is talking with Stan/George, and tells us to pick any seat, in the front row...COURT SIDE. So we are literally sitting right next to the Bulls bench. Now Michael Jordan has just returned from the broken foot that caused him to miss 64 games, and he has a usual MJ game.

We wait around for a little bit, and then get to go into the locker room!! MJ comes out of the shower, get's dressed, and tells Gene Banks, he forgot to pack a shirt. I told him, he could wear mine, jokingly. He says...alrighty....uhhh?? So I give him one of the two shirts I was wearing, and he signs a poster, and a banner I had made up for him, and a pennant.

We talked for about 10 minutes, got my picture with him (and he was my idol way back then), and tell him to bust loose in the play-offs against the Celtics. He says, "I'll try and get 50, how does that sound?" So he goes out and drops 49, and 63 in the 1st two games, so I will take credit for his offensive explosion :)

The greatest sports day of my life.....the only thing in my collection left, that I would give anything short of my wife/daughter to get (but the wife is still a possibility...hey I can always get another one :) ), autographed.

Sorry for the long read...

Terry

[VickBrady12]

Some of the great people I have met and all nice guys and enjoy interacting with fans.

Basketball-Gilbert Arenas, very nice guy.
Baseball-Mariano Rivera
Hockey-Jarome Iginla and Mats Sundin
Football- Osi Omenyora

[Sea Trout]

The Best:
Mickey Mantle - took his Hall Of Fame ring off and handed to me to look at. With his big hands the ring was heavy and impressive
Ernie Banks - as friendly a person as you would ever want to meet
Lou Brock - quiet and unassuming, but a gentleman and a half

The ABSOLUTE Worst:
Kareem Abdul Jabbar - would not talk or look at anyone while signing
Reggie Jackson - same as above but would look up if a good looking woman walked by
Pete Rose - both the above

[bradanddabears]

I'm hoping at some point in the next few years to be able to get Colt Brennan's autograph irregardless of what team he plays for. I've got a 12 inch custom I painted of him that is just itching for an auto'd nameplate on it!

you know bubba that the bears are going to draft him:D:D...if they do im sure ill have your hookup...sun times signings all the way:p

[roody pooh jabroni]

Last year, when I got an autograph of Eric D-i-c-k-erson at the National, I was very nervous, as he is my all-time favorite NFL player. I was worried that he might turn out to be a jerk, and I never wanted to meet one of my idols, and them to be a jerk.

I bought a Falcons mini, to get signed, as that was the last mini-helmet to get signed for my E.D. mini-helmet collection. I finally got up there, and he grabbed it to sign it...stopped dead in his tracks, looked up at me and said......"FALCONS???.....FALCONS???" I told him, that it was the only one left to get, and he said, "Oh I see". He started to sign it, then he stopped again, and gave me that puzzled, what the hell, are you spending $70 to get a Falcons helmet autograph look on his face, and again said....."FALCONS????......FALCONS???? :)

I have been very fortunate in my lifetime to meet all of my idols, in each perspective sport/activity (with the exception of a professional poker player):

MLB: WALLY JOYNER/ROD CAREW
NFL: ERIC D-I-C-K-ERSON
NBA: MICHAEL JORDAN
NHL: WAYNE GRETZKY/STEVE YZERMAN
PBA: EARL ANTHONY/PETE WEBER
WWE: STACEY KEIBLER

Terry

[bradanddabears]

As Brad, and a few other boardies can attest to, I have met my fair share of pro athletes (some people would call me a "name dropper :) ).

My all-time favorite player/story, was when I was a freshman in HS (1986). My mom's insurance man's/brother was the coach for the Bulls (Stan Albeck). His brother calls us one morning, and ask if we were busy that day, and wanted to go to Cleveland to watch the Bulls-Cavs game.....heck yeah!!

We get there, and we are literally sitting in the last row during pre-game. George (Stan's brother) says he is going down to talk to Stan. He is gone for a few minutes, and then waives us down to the court!! The owner of the Cavs, is talking with Stan/George, and tells us to pick any seat, in the front row...COURT SIDE. So we are literally sitting right next to the Bulls bench. Now Michael Jordan has just returned from the broken foot that caused him to miss 64 games, and he has a usual MJ game.

We wait around for a little bit, and then get to go into the locker room!! MJ comes out of the shower, get's dressed, and tells Gene Banks, he forgot to pack a shirt. I told him, he could wear mine, jokingly. He says...alrighty....uhhh?? So I give him one of the two shirts I was wearing, and he signs a poster, and a banner I had made up for him, and a pennant.

We talked for about 10 minutes, got my picture with him (and he was my idol way back then), and tell him to bust loose in the play-offs against the Celtics. He says, "I'll try and get 50, how does that sound?" So he goes out and drops 49, and 63 in the 1st two games, so I will take credit for his offensive explosion :)

The greatest sports day of my life.....the only thing in my collection left, that I would give anything short of my wife/daughter to get (but the wife is still a possibility...hey I can always get another one :) ), autographed.

Sorry for the long read...

Terry

FRIGGIN SWEET TERRY!!!!...damn name dropper:p...iv got the chance to see rpj's banner( with mj and a host of whos who in basketball)...autos on it....better than that got to see a young rpj( pre mullet:p:p:p) with mj!!!!!!!!!!!!.....friggin sweet!!!...got to get some picks up bro!!!!!!!....send them my way if you cant and ill host them

[bradanddabears]

Last year, when I got an autograph of Eric D-i-c-k-erson at the National, I was very nervous, as he is my all-time favorite NFL player. I was worried that he might turn out to be a jerk, and I never wanted to meet one of my idols, and them to be a jerk.

I bought a Falcons mini, to get signed, as that was the last mini-helmet to get signed for my E.D. mini-helmet collection. I finally got up there, and he grabbed it to sign it...stopped dead in his tracks, looked up at me and said......"FALCONS???.....FALCONS???" I told him, that it was the only one left to get, and he said, "Oh I see". He started to sign it, then he stopped again, and gave me that puzzled, what the hell, are you spending $70 to get a Falcons helmet autograph look on his face, and again said....."FALCONS????......FALCONS???? :)

I have been very fortunate in my lifetime to meet all of my idols, in each perspective sport/activity (with the exception of a professional poker player):

MLB: WALLY JOYNER/ROD CAREW
NFL: ERIC D-I-C-K-ERSON
NBA: MICHAEL JORDAN
NHL: WAYNE GRETZKY/STEVE YZERMAN
PBA: EARL ANTHONY/PETE WEBER
WWE: STACEY KEIBLER

Terry

think i got a side pic of di-c-k-erson asking you "FALCONS" ...with a strained, slight impressed look that anyone in their right mind would have him auto a mini , of a team, that he stopped for a cup of joe with!!!...you are a true fan!!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

I liked HIM....not the crap. That dude has the biggest hands I've ever seen...his fingers are like bratwurst!

bratwurst!!!!!.>>>??...polish sasage!!!!!!....friggin hilarious!!!!

[bradanddabears]

I would have to say Joe Theismann and Jake Delhomme. I have never seen either of these guys turn anyone down and I have seen them plenty of times .

Worst has to be Marshall Faulk, he is a true jerk.

delhomme has always been one of the best sigs through the mail...im a cut/index card auto collector and he was cool enough to send me back my 3x5 index auto along with 3 cards that i hadnt sent that he took the time to auto!!!!!!!!....top notch all the way!!!!

[bradanddabears]

The Best:
Mickey Mantle - took his Hall Of Fame ring off and handed to me to look at. With his big hands the ring was heavy and impressive
Ernie Banks - as friendly a person as you would ever want to meet
Lou Brock - quiet and unassuming, but a gentleman and a half

The ABSOLUTE Worst:
Kareem Abdul Jabbar - would not talk or look at anyone while signing
Reggie Jackson - same as above but would look up if a good looking woman walked by
Pete Rose - both the above

the mick!!!!!...thats awesome...along with getting to touch his hof ring!!!...thats amazing!!...mr cub has always been top notch...havent had the oppertunity to meet him in person yet...but someday( my grandpas favorite player and have always tried to get his favorites autos.. as tribute to him...still got banks, blanda( cause he was an "old man, like him and a bear", and bobbby wade)...someday ill get them!...

stinks on rose...iv heard so many good things about his public signings:)

[roody pooh jabroni]

bratwurst!!!!!.>>>??...polish sasage!!!!!!....friggin hilarious!!!!

DITKA......DITKA......BRATWURST...POLISH SAUSAGE...DITKA......DITKA...:eek:;):D

[Zubaslava]

Without a doubt.... Michael Jordan on an authentic Bulls jersey.

[bradanddabears]

Without a doubt.... Michael Jordan on an authentic Bulls jersey.

thats awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jon finfan]

Best has been Ricky Williams, Sean Alexander, Chris Chambers and Kurt Angle

Worst is Chipper Jones, Curtis Martin and the biggest azz.....Triple H. Dude is the reason I dont watch wrestling anymore and sold all my WWE junk. Suck this HHH!!!

[goosepatry]

Honestly all current St. Louis Blues except Paul Kariya are great. There are three easy ways to meet STL Blues and most will talk with you for a while and sign great. I have only seen Kariya sign two nice autographs. He usually grabs the first pen he gets, regardless of color, and just scribbles as he goes.

Anyway, best experience: My son has a puck collection and my daughter has a jersey. Both have every player from the past two years except one plus some Alumni. Anyway, during a summer developmental camp, David Backes stopped for a picture with my two children. I finally had the time to take my kids to a practice (my daughter is 8 and my son is 3). David Backes actually stopped and signed two 8 x 10 pictures (one per kid). I love having the actual pictures of the players and my kids autographed. After practice, Backes was one of the last guys off the ice. Some teenager asked him if he could "Have a stick." Backes looked at his three sticks and gave the kid one with a blade broken off. He then look at my son and said, "Would you son like one of my sticks?" I told him that would be great if he had a spare. He took one of his remaning sticks (which was in great shape), grabbed a paint marker from me and signed the blade. Needless to say me kids bought a "thank you" card and even autographed a the picture of Backes with them and gave it to him at practice about a month later. Now, my son occassionally takes the stick and tries to play hockey with it from time to time in the house. Now, David Backes is included in his list of favorites......Manny, Hannu, and Backes. The nice gesture really had an impact on an impressionable child!

[GPWYANKEE]

Howie Long and Dan Marino were both awesome signers,well worth the money.

Baseball wise.Goose Gossage was awfully funny and enthusiastic with everyone he signed for.Bob Feller is absolue class also.

[ruggerx]

I must have caught Long on a really bad day, because he was a complete **** to everyone. I wasn't particularly a fan, just getting him for my HOF collection, but many of the people there were thrilled to meet him and he couldn't care less. He talked to his buddy the whole time (looking POed), played with his phone, rolled his eyes at people, mocked people who yelled things out to him as they walked by (mostly women saying they loved him, etc.), and barely acknowledged people as he signed- if he acknowledged them at all. I was very thankful that I didn't go into the signing with any love for Howie, because he would have choked the life out of it that day.

I find that the guys on TV are the worst.

[bradanddabears]

Best has been Ricky Williams, Sean Alexander, Chris Chambers and Kurt Angle

Worst is Chipper Jones, Curtis Martin and the biggest azz.....Triple H. Dude is the reason I dont watch wrestling anymore and sold all my WWE junk. Suck this HHH!!!


wow!!...i thought triple H would be top notch...due to the fact that hes the face and man behind wwe...and eventually he and steph the owners...i..found curtis martin very friendly but a bit raveled at how many fans wanted pics...i just chalked it up to being shy:D

[bradanddabears]

Howie Long and Dan Marino were both awesome signers,well worth the money.

Baseball wise.Goose Gossage was awfully funny and enthusiastic with everyone he signed for.Bob Feller is absolue class also.


i remember seeing the chrome mini howie!!!...friggin sweet!...BOB FELLLER is the man!!...he loves to bs, tell stories, sign anything, and BS!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D

[bradanddabears]

I must have caught Long on a really bad day, because he was a complete **** to everyone. I wasn't particularly a fan, just getting him for my HOF collection, but many of the people there were thrilled to meet him and he couldn't care less. He talked to his buddy the whole time (looking POed), played with his phone, rolled his eyes at people, mocked people who yelled things out to him as they walked by (mostly women saying they loved him, etc.), and barely acknowledged people as he signed- if he acknowledged them at all. I was very thankful that I didn't go into the signing with any love for Howie, because he would have choked the life out of it that day.

I find that the guys on TV are the worst.

wow that stinks...i think the guys on tv are more often hit up...because at a show ..your paying the person for his auto...as for tv guys there probably hit up mostly through mail and in person...with, sad too say, no money to be made

my biggest arse list for tv guys!!!

boomer esiason!!!!!!!!!...top notch clown all the way!!!...waited in line for a charity signing about ten years back for some BBQ sauce that was promoted for his childs( think it hunter???..could be wrong) disease..if you bought a six pack of sauce and stood in line he would sign an 8x10 with him and his son...cool!!...stood in line for three hours with the sauce( he was late)...then he autod about the first fifteen peoples 8x10...then had to go!!...what???!!...i just been hosed by one of my idols growing up!!!...just glad the money went for a good cause!!...i hope

then a few years later..got to go to a reds home game in the luxury boxes...my buddies dad worked for homemade icecream and was fortunate to get the chance twice to take in a game!!....seen boomer walk past the room twice before i decided to wait out in the hall way( with my ever present sharpie and index cards:D)...finally walked past again and i asked if he wouldnt mind signing for me...he took the sharpie and index card...flipped over the index card and {"asked me whats the deal with this"...said i collect autos on index cards...handed it back and said he doesnt sign "THAT CRAP"...i quickly reached for my ticket then and asked if he wouldnt mind signing it instead...he said "im not playing in the game, why would i sign it?"....i took the stub back and said forget it!!


world class arse!!!

but this isnt a" who sucks like boomer thread"...hmm...maybe thats a good idea:D...lets here some great stories from great guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

Honestly all current St. Louis Blues except Paul Kariya are great. There are three easy ways to meet STL Blues and most will talk with you for a while and sign great. I have only seen Kariya sign two nice autographs. He usually grabs the first pen he gets, regardless of color, and just scribbles as he goes.

Anyway, best experience: My son has a puck collection and my daughter has a jersey. Both have every player from the past two years except one plus some Alumni. Anyway, during a summer developmental camp, David Backes stopped for a picture with my two children. I finally had the time to take my kids to a practice (my daughter is 8 and my son is 3). David Backes actually stopped and signed two 8 x 10 pictures (one per kid). I love having the actual pictures of the players and my kids autographed. After practice, Backes was one of the last guys off the ice. Some teenager asked him if he could "Have a stick." Backes looked at his three sticks and gave the kid one with a blade broken off. He then look at my son and said, "Would you son like one of my sticks?" I told him that would be great if he had a spare. He took one of his remaning sticks (which was in great shape), grabbed a paint marker from me and signed the blade. Needless to say me kids bought a "thank you" card and even autographed a the picture of Backes with them and gave it to him at practice about a month later. Now, my son occassionally takes the stick and tries to play hockey with it from time to time in the house. Now, David Backes is included in his list of favorites......Manny, Hannu, and Backes. The nice gesture really had an impact on an impressionable child!


THATS AWESOME!!!!...and thats something your kids( and you:D:D) will never forget!!...its amazing how such a gesture on an athletes part makes a fan for life!!!!...top notch story all the way!!!!!!!!

[donbeebe]

These stories are great. Lets keep them coming.

[roody pooh jabroni]

i remember seeing the chrome mini howie!!!...friggin sweet!...BOB FELLLER is the man!!...he loves to bs, tell stories, sign anything, and BS!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D


Little known state law in Ohio....YOU MUST HAVE A BOB FELLER AUTOGRAPH!! The adage goes, Bob Feller never met a ball that he didn't sign.:eek:;):D

Terry

[ruggerx]

Another guy who was an absolutely great guy was Eagles safety Andre Waters, who died recently. He had a terrible reputation as a dirty player, some of whihc was probably deserved (although I prefer "overzealous"), but in person he was as nice as anyone I've ever seen.

Back in the day at Eagles training camp, you could easily walk alongside the players as they left the field after practice, so most of them signed as they walked. Andre would stand in the heat and humidity of August, in full pads, drenched in sweat, and talk, sign, and pose for pics for a half hour. Even after the 1st session of 2-a-days, when everyone else just wanted to cool off and eat lunch before the second practice, he was out there. I always thought it was a shame the national media didn't cover him like that.

[bradanddabears]

Little known state law in Ohio....YOU MUST HAVE A BOB FELLER AUTOGRAPH!! The adage goes, Bob Feller never met a ball that he didn't sign.:eek:;):D

Terry

true that bro!!!!!!!!!!!!..iv even got bob's auto on a ihop menu:D:D:p!!!!!!!!!

[rarechaselimitedvariation]

stanley jackson, shawn springs, peyton manning, all great signers :)

[Noles3232]

Cal Ripken Jr.- Every year in march my family and I always go to at least 5 home spring training games here in FL (Washington Nationals/Florida Marlins home). It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember.I've gotten my fair share of autographs, from the common john doe, to the jerks, to the class acts.One night 1998, I had witness something great that I would remember for the rest of my life.
I got to the game late because I had a test and couldn't miss school, so I miss the chance to get autographs before the game.As the 7th inning was coming, the buzz,chaos,excitment was starting to fill the air.The large group of fans waiting for a chance to getting something sign by one the games best.Among the herd, was me...knowing that no way everyone is going to get his autograph.I pick my lucky spot..and waited...and waited....Ripken came out and went to the complete other side to start his signing.He was taking his time signing everything...for everyone. 1 hr went by after the game. Half the ballpark is still there, trying to get an autograph..or just to witness something so great. 1 hr 30 mins. Ripken is still signing.. the fans are getting a little restless because of mosquitoes,heat,everyone is on top of each other. 1 hr 45 mins....as i see Ripken getting closer and closer...the ballpark went black.Some worker had turn off the lights while Ripken was still on the field signing.the crowd went silent and then you hear a yell " Hey! Can you guys get someone to turn the lights back on, I'm still signing.." Ripken then smile,laugh and return signing...soon enough the lights came back on... 2hr 15 mins after the game! Ripken came to me....smile autograph my card and ask me "How are you doing?" ... My brother had a death grib on my shirt making sure i didn't fall over the side..because the crowd was pushing so much there was no room! As he return my card.He said thank you for hanging around:) He sign a few more autographs...and as he was walking off the field, the crowd was cheering,screaming..as we said fairwell and he wave back as he left the field..

[roody pooh jabroni]

If anybody has a Cal Ripken Jr. being a jerk story......it would be the first. I mean seriously, this is one guy, who I have NEVER heard a bad thing said about the guy. One day, I hope to add CRJ to my collection.....a true class act, and a great story.

Terry

[wibubba]

I always thought it was a shame the national media didn't cover him like that.
You're right of course. But how would that fit into their preconceived notions of who is what kind of a player and person? Jack Tatum, I've always heard, is among the best in person in spite of his "reputation" on the field.

[lloydchristmas81]

Cal Ripken Jr.- Every year in march my family and I always go to at least 5 home spring training games here in FL (Washington Nationals/Florida Marlins home). It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember.I've gotten my fair share of autographs, from the common john doe, to the jerks, to the class acts.One night 1998, I had witness something great that I would remember for the rest of my life.
I got to the game late because I had a test and couldn't miss school, so I miss the chance to get autographs before the game.As the 7th inning was coming, the buzz,chaos,excitment was starting to fill the air.The large group of fans waiting for a chance to getting something sign by one the games best.Among the herd, was me...knowing that no way everyone is going to get his autograph.I pick my lucky spot..and waited...and waited....Ripken came out and went to the complete other side to start his signing.He was taking his time signing everything...for everyone. 1 hr went by after the game. Half the ballpark is still there, trying to get an autograph..or just to witness something so great. 1 hr 30 mins. Ripken is still signing.. the fans are getting a little restless because of mosquitoes,heat,everyone is on top of each other. 1 hr 45 mins....as i see Ripken getting closer and closer...the ballpark went black.Some worker had turn off the lights while Ripken was still on the field signing.the crowd went silent and then you hear a yell " Hey! Can you guys get someone to turn the lights back on, I'm still signing.." Ripken then smile,laugh and return signing...soon enough the lights came back on... 2hr 15 mins after the game! Ripken came to me....smile autograph my card and ask me "How are you doing?" ... My brother had a death grib on my shirt making sure i didn't fall over the side..because the crowd was pushing so much there was no room! As he return my card.He said thank you for hanging around:) He sign a few more autographs...and as he was walking off the field, the crowd was cheering,screaming..as we said fairwell and he wave back as he left the field..


Great story...gave me chills

[Stoney Tombs]

Here's some proof that steroids don't cause autograph rage! After Mark McGwire's 70 hr season I got his graph at Riverfront stadium twice. His signed a card the first time and a jersey the second. Regardless of what you may think of him, he signed TONS of autographs before games and would sign anything you gave him. Maybe he was trying the relieve his guilt.
When Roger Clemens pitched a single A game with Koby here in Lexington, he signed for over an hour which seemed impressive. He did stop after awhile and I didn't get one.
My main story involves Steve Garvey. He was my favorite player when I was a kid and when I was nine we went to Riverfront to see the Dodgers. My big plan was to get his autograph on a piece of paper. My Mom always had pens that had no freakin ink in them layin' around. Naturally I took one of those to the park. Of course he was signing and when he got to me (I was shaking in my boots) he took my pen, started to write, the pen didn't work, he tried scribbling some more, shrugged his shoulders and trotted off. Granted I was a dumb kid with a broke assed pen but looking back he could have gotten someone elses who was standing there.
The funny thing to this giant run on sentence post is that I literally blacked this out for twenty years until my Dad brought it up with my McGwire auto. He said I cried and moaned about the 'Garvey incident' for weeks. I wonder if that's why I've been obsessed with autos ALL my life!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

Cal Ripken Jr.- Every year in march my family and I always go to at least 5 home spring training games here in FL (Washington Nationals/Florida Marlins home). It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember.I've gotten my fair share of autographs, from the common john doe, to the jerks, to the class acts.One night 1998, I had witness something great that I would remember for the rest of my life.
I got to the game late because I had a test and couldn't miss school, so I miss the chance to get autographs before the game.As the 7th inning was coming, the buzz,chaos,excitment was starting to fill the air.The large group of fans waiting for a chance to getting something sign by one the games best.Among the herd, was me...knowing that no way everyone is going to get his autograph.I pick my lucky spot..and waited...and waited....Ripken came out and went to the complete other side to start his signing.He was taking his time signing everything...for everyone. 1 hr went by after the game. Half the ballpark is still there, trying to get an autograph..or just to witness something so great. 1 hr 30 mins. Ripken is still signing.. the fans are getting a little restless because of mosquitoes,heat,everyone is on top of each other. 1 hr 45 mins....as i see Ripken getting closer and closer...the ballpark went black.Some worker had turn off the lights while Ripken was still on the field signing.the crowd went silent and then you hear a yell " Hey! Can you guys get someone to turn the lights back on, I'm still signing.." Ripken then smile,laugh and return signing...soon enough the lights came back on... 2hr 15 mins after the game! Ripken came to me....smile autograph my card and ask me "How are you doing?" ... My brother had a death grib on my shirt making sure i didn't fall over the side..because the crowd was pushing so much there was no room! As he return my card.He said thank you for hanging around:) He sign a few more autographs...and as he was walking off the field, the crowd was cheering,screaming..as we said fairwell and he wave back as he left the field..



thats awesome!!!!!!!!!...cals the man!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

Here's some proof that steroids don't cause autograph rage! After Mark McGwire's 70 hr season I got his graph at Riverfront stadium twice. His signed a card the first time and a jersey the second. Regardless of what you may think of him, he signed TONS of autographs before games and would sign anything you gave him. Maybe he was trying the relieve his guilt.
When Roger Clemens pitched a single A game with Koby here in Lexington, he signed for over an hour which seemed impressive. He did stop after awhile and I didn't get one.
My main story involves Steve Garvey. He was my favorite player when I was a kid and when I was nine we went to Riverfront to see the Dodgers. My big plan was to get his autograph on a piece of paper. My Mom always had pens that had no freakin ink in them layin' around. Naturally I took one of those to the park. Of course he was signing and when he got to me (I was shaking in my boots) he took my pen, started to write, the pen didn't work, he tried scribbling some more, shrugged his shoulders and trotted off. Granted I was a dumb kid with a broke assed pen but looking back he could have gotten someone elses who was standing there.
The funny thing to this giant run on sentence post is that I literally blacked this out for twenty years until my Dad brought it up with my McGwire auto. He said I cried and moaned about the 'Garvey incident' for weeks. I wonder if that's why I've been obsessed with autos ALL my life!!!!!


i black out many thinks!!!!!!:D:D....great story of defeat!!...:p....cant believe big mac was so cool!!!...i always thought hed be quite the jerk in person!!!...thats awesome!!

[bradanddabears]

hope to hear some more great stories from those of you that were fortunate enough to attend the nfl experience and the super bowl!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

bumpin..lets hear some!!!

[Noleman]

Cal Ripken Jr is the man! He did a book signing here and could only stay for 2 hours, so what he did was signed about 200 extra books before the event in the back. Then after he was done signing he went down the line and shook hands and greeted everyone who hadn't gotten an auto yet. Then after he left you could exchange your unsigned book for a signed one.

So everyone that went got to meet Cal and get an auto. It just shows how thoughtful and considerate he always his!

[goosepatry]

For anyone interested, the St. Louis Blues has an event coming up call "Dream Night With the Blues". All proceeds go to the Dream Factory, an organization designed to help seriously ill children. This is a great event. Anyway, if you go to http://www.stlouisblues.com, they have a feature about the event (story four). On the picture for the event is actually a picture of Manny Legace with my two kids from the event last year. I later had an 8 x 10 photo of Legace and the kids signed by Legace. If you are in St. Louis, it is a great event!

[bradanddabears]

Cal Ripken Jr is the man! He did a book signing here and could only stay for 2 hours, so what he did was signed about 200 extra books before the event in the back. Then after he was done signing he went down the line and shook hands and greeted everyone who hadn't gotten an auto yet. Then after he left you could exchange your unsigned book for a signed one.

So everyone that went got to meet Cal and get an auto. It just shows how thoughtful and considerate he always his!


thats awesome!!!!!!!!!!!....should just start calling this thread" cals the man!!!!!'':D:D///sweet story!!!!!!!!!

[bradanddabears]

For anyone interested, the St. Louis Blues has an event coming up call "Dream Night With the Blues". All proceeds go to the Dream Factory, an organization designed to help seriously ill children. This is a great event. Anyway, if you go to http://www.stlouisblues.com, they have a feature about the event (story four). On the picture for the event is actually a picture of Manny Legace with my two kids from the event last year. I later had an 8 x 10 photo of Legace and the kids signed by Legace. If you are in St. Louis, it is a great event!


thats awesome!!!!!...and a great cause to go along with a great night!!!...even better they got your little hockey fans in a pic...thats sweet!!...and nice heads up on the website and event:D:D...much appreciated!!!!!!!!!

[9KARIYA]

Felix Potvin one of the best, takes time to talk, take a picture just a great guy

[roody pooh jabroni]

I met bradanddabears once.....once :)

He even thanked me for getting him from Byran, Ohio, to the Pro Football HOF in 26 minutes (and it's nearly a 2 1/2 hour drive)..and gave me an autogpaph.

It reads:

To Tommy Von Doyle.......

You are welcome for being able to breathe the same air, I breathe....

C. E. O.

Bradtussee

:)

[bradanddabears]

I met bradanddabears once.....once :)

He even thanked me for getting him from Byran, Ohio, to the Pro Football HOF in 26 minutes (and it's nearly a 2 1/2 hour drive)..and gave me an autogpaph.

It reads:

To Tommy Von Doyle.......

You are welcome for being able to breathe the same air, I breathe....

C. E. O.

Bradtussee

:)



FRIGGIN HILARIOUS!!!....i think i remember that 8x10 you had me sign....i believe it was one of me dancing to the flamboyant melodies of someones cell phone....." i love this song"....what..???!!!:D:D:p

[jon finfan]

wow!!...i thought triple H would be top notch...due to the fact that hes the face and man behind wwe...and eventually he and steph the owners...i..found curtis martin very friendly but a bit raveled at how many fans wanted pics...i just chalked it up to being shy:D


Triple H was horrible. I met him after a match one night. Our civic center is across the street from a Hilton and he pulled up in a limo with Stephanie. They both got out and walked to the door. I was standing with the wife who was talking with Kurt Angle. I walked toward the door and said Hunter can I please get an auto. He didnt even look at me. And I was like almost in front of the guy, no way he couldnt hear me. So I said it again a little louder. Again no responce, not even a glance in my direction. After that night on I have never watched wrestling and sold my wrestling stuff on ebay.

I must say that Kurt Angle is a great signer/talker....Ray Mestrio* spelling....and Goldberg.

[bradanddabears]

Triple H was horrible. I met him after a match one night. Our civic center is across the street from a Hilton and he pulled up in a limo with Stephanie. They both got out and walked to the door. I was standing with the wife who was talking with Kurt Angle. I walked toward the door and said Hunter can I please get an auto. He didnt even look at me. And I was like almost in front of the guy, no way he couldnt hear me. So I said it again a little louder. Again no responce, not even a glance in my direction. After that night on I have never watched wrestling and sold my wrestling stuff on ebay.

I must say that Kurt Angle is a great signer/talker....Ray Mestrio* spelling....and Goldberg.


alot of triple h negatives!!!....i love wrestling and cant beleive the future of the the wwe si already horrible with the fans who pay their way:D....iv heard that ray is hard to pick out in a crowd/event..no not because his size:D:D...but that without his mask..many walk right by him....glad to hear hes top notch....as for goldberg...iv heard nothing but the best from him...seems to always be one of the greats when it comes to signing for charity( top notch in my book) and always spends time with the fans...thats awesome!!!!...guess you could call him the cal ripken of wrestling:D!

[J3-M8]

Triple H was nice to us, but then again, this was a scheduled signing...

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1914224/5063289/215913982.jpg

[TalonDM]

Triple H is a great guy if you catch him at the right time. usually 11:00pm after a show or in an airport is not the best time.

Anyways, this is not my story this is my brothers and it's a few years old and it's still funny

It's the summer of 2005 and my brother is working at Radio Shack and they're getting ready to close (it's Sunday evening around 6:30) when a limo pulls up and a guy gets out and asks if it's OK for him to buy some stuff for his client because it's almost time to close and all. They all agree that it's OK and the guy buys a few hundred dollars worth of electronics and stuff all the while my brother and his co-workers were being helpful and whatnot. After the sale is rung up the guy ran back outside and into the limo but came back and asked "Is it OK if my client comes in here and thanks you guys for being helpful so late at night and get a couple of things on his own" and it was agreed that it was no problem. A moment later none other than Peyton Manning steps out of the limo and walks into the store and shakes everybody's hand and signs autographs for the employees all the while noting that he might not be "the most popular person in the area" (this was in Massachusetts, Peyton was a guest of Bank of America at a major charity golf tournament). Peyton ended up buying a few more things before leaving. from what my brother said Peyton was probably one of the nicest and gracious people you could every meet despite being in enemy territory.

[deogg]

Little known state law in Ohio....YOU MUST HAVE A BOB FELLER AUTOGRAPH!! The adage goes, Bob Feller never met a ball that he didn't sign.:eek:;):D

Terry

Well, at least I know I'm not breaking the law (I too have a Feller sig)!

The best one I've had was, is, and (short of someday meeting Gretzky) always will be Super Mario. But I have a few other ones too:

-Sergei Fedorov: Ever since he got traded to the Blue Jackets, I have tried to meet Sergei, via open practices and whatnot, and with ZERO luck whatsoever. That was until a full team autograph signing at a mall in Columbus last weekend!
-Rick Nash: I went to an open practice for the Jackets during his rookie season. For all but like 5 mins of the practice I was the ONLY fan there (gotta love going on a Monday when school is in session!), and only one other fan came. Albeit dark *thanks to the flash on my camera not going off*, I got a pic of me with Nash.
-Feller: I can totally echo what everyone else has said about the guy.
-Sandy Alomar Jr.: Did an autograph signing at a pizza place in my town. Talked to absolutely EVERYbody.

I gotta go outside the sports realm for another gem:
-David Prowse (for those of you NOT in-the-know, he was Darth Vader): I'm a HUGE Vader (and Star Wars in general) fan.

[roody pooh jabroni]

{heavy breathing.......heavy breathing}...

"Deogg, I am yours, and Charlie Frye's FATHERRRRRRR" {heavy breathing}

:eek:;):p:D

Terry



Well, at least I know I'm not breaking the law (I too have a Feller sig)!

The best one I've had was, is, and (short of someday meeting Gretzky) always will be Super Mario. But I have a few other ones too:

-Sergei Fedorov: Ever since he got traded to the Blue Jackets, I have tried to meet Sergei, via open practices and whatnot, and with ZERO luck whatsoever. That was until a full team autograph signing at a mall in Columbus last weekend!
-Rick Nash: I went to an open practice for the Jackets during his rookie season. For all but like 5 mins of the practice I was the ONLY fan there (gotta love going on a Monday when school is in session!), and only one other fan came. Albeit dark *thanks to the flash on my camera not going off*, I got a pic of me with Nash.
-Feller: I can totally echo what everyone else has said about the guy.
-Sandy Alomar Jr.: Did an autograph signing at a pizza place in my town. Talked to absolutely EVERYbody.

I gotta go outside the sports realm for another gem:
-David Prowse (for those of you NOT in-the-know, he was Darth Vader): I'm a HUGE Vader (and Star Wars in general) fan.

[ruggerx]

Triple H is a great guy if you catch him at the right time. usually 11:00pm after a show or in an airport is not the best time.

Anyways, this is not my story this is my brothers and it's a few years old and it's still funny

It's the summer of 2005 and my brother is working at Radio Shack and they're getting ready to close (it's Sunday evening around 6:30) when a limo pulls up and a guy gets out and asks if it's OK for him to buy some stuff for his client because it's almost time to close and all. They all agree that it's OK and the guy buys a few hundred dollars worth of electronics and stuff all the while my brother and his co-workers were being helpful and whatnot. After the sale is rung up the guy ran back outside and into the limo but came back and asked "Is it OK if my client comes in here and thanks you guys for being helpful so late at night and get a couple of things on his own" and it was agreed that it was no problem. A moment later none other than Peyton Manning steps out of the limo and walks into the store and shakes everybody's hand and signs autographs for the employees all the while noting that he might not be "the most popular person in the area" (this was in Massachusetts, Peyton was a guest of Bank of America at a major charity golf tournament). Peyton ended up buying a few more things before leaving. from what my brother said Peyton was probably one of the nicest and gracious people you could every meet despite being in enemy territory.

The only time I came close to Peyton was in Atlanta at the sportswear Super Show. Many guys are brought in by manufacturers to sign, but Peyton was only there to sign stuff for Steiner (I believe it was Steiner), not the public. There was a huge crowd waiting for him to get done, hoping he'd sign for them afterward. It was the end of the day, and my group was beat, so we left. The next day, everyone said Peyton signed for everyone there, and that's after spending hours signing helmets, footballs, etc. for Steiner. That's a great guy to me.

I moved to Indy a few years later, and figured I'd run into him sooner or later, but I never did. Still need him for my collection.

[bradanddabears]

Triple H was nice to us, but then again, this was a scheduled signing...

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1914224/5063289/215913982.jpg


thats awesome!!!...and sweet pic!!!!!!