2010 Signing Of The Year

I only attended about 25 signings this year. That's nothing. I know some guys that do more than 25 signings in less than six months. I love this hobby but have to be careful in which events I go to from now on.

It's not worth my time anymore to drive to L.A. and Orange County for bench players or what some people may call a "scrub". What can I say. Redlands is over 60 miles away from L.A. and about 50 miles away from Orange County.

The top 3 signings I enjoyed the most in 2010 were:

1. Tony Gwynn autograph signing linked here.
2. Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm signing linked here.
3. Tommy Lasorda comes to my hood linked here.
   

The event that I liked the best this year was the signing that featured Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. It took place in the San Diego area back in May of this year.

Tony was one of the best signers. It was a free signing but it seemed as if the fans were paying for the autograph. He "sweet spot" every baseball given to him and always included his Hall of Fame inscription without even asking him.

This was my favorite autograph signing of 2010. At least it was for me. Why?

1. Short line, especially for a Hall of Famer.
2. A chance to get multiple items signed. Tony didn't mind if fans got in line a second time. He stayed until every fan was out of items.
   
3. A chance to take a photo with Tony.
4. The signing was free.
5. Last but not least. I got a damn carpool. It made gas and mileage easier on me.

Months after this signing Tony was diagnosed with cancer of a salivary gland. I wish him the best of luck.

Thanks for reading.

Michael Cooper Autograph Signing

Former Laker Michael Cooper made an appearance at a Metro PCS Store in East L.A. Michael signs often in So Cal so I knew I didn't have to arrive early in the morning for this signing. I arrived at the Metro PCS Store less than two hours before the scheduled time of the signing. I'm glad I was finally able to make it to a Cooper signing. He is a 5X NBA Champ and was part of the "Showtime" Lakers from the 1980's.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? Less than 40.
• Items per person? Unlimited autographs! Michael arrived over 30 minutes late. He made up for it by signing all the items you had including any inscriptions.
• Free signing? Yes.

Giveaways:

• Laker team schedules.
• Laker tickets for a select few.

Michael Cooper made some fans dance to win prizes.

Michael Cooper tries to make Juan dance.

Michael Cooper signing autographs.


Thanks to Metro PCS for this free event.

Fernando Valenzuela Liquor Signing

Dodger legend Fernando Valenzuela made an appearance at a Superior Grocers store in Huntington Park. This is the fourth time I have been to a Fernando Valenzuela signing but it's the first time that I got him on camera.

This event had a catch. A bottle of Tenampa Azul Tequila had to be purchased in order to receive an autograph. I don't drink tequila but I had to purchase the bottle to obtain an autograph. Customer's were able to purchase as many bottles as they wanted. Every bottle purchased entitled you to one autograph. Buy one bottle and get one autograph. Buy two bottles and get two autographs. Get the point?

I purchased one bottle and finally got a Fernando Valenzuela "sweet spot" baseball. After getting my ball signed I got back in line to get a signature on the bottle. How often does Fernando sign tequila bottles? Not often.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? Less than 40.
• Items per person? Depended on how many tequila bottles purchased.
• Free signing? No, purchase was necessary.
• Price of tequila bottle? $15.99 each.

Giveaways:

• Dodger promo baseballs.

Customer's had the choice between gold or silver bottles.

Fernando signed my tequila bottle nicely on the side.

Fernando signing an autograph for a kid.

Fernando asked me "on the sweet spot"? I said "si por favor".


I recorded this video below of Fernando signing at the store.

Thanks to Superior Grocers, Tenampa Azul Tequila and Fernando Valenzuela for this event.

Mark Munoz Autograph Signing

UFC fighter Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz made a appearance at a Best Buy store to sign autographs for his fans. I figured it would be a small turnout so I arrived about 20 minutes after the signing had started. The signing was an actual meet and greet which was really cool for the fans that did show up. Most fans had a chance to talk to Mark for a couple of minutes.

We were not rushed like a herd of cattle. I really liked this signing. The line was indoors, short line, and arriving early wasn't necessary. I was in and out of the store with my signed items within 15 minutes. Mark is scheduled to fight in UFC 123 against Aaron Simpson on November 20, 2010. I wish him luck.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 5 or 6 when I arrived.
• Items per person? As many as you wanted.
• Which Best Buy location? Riverside
• Free signing? Yes.

Giveaways:

• UFC shirts and stickers.

This photo was also handed out as a bonus item.

I would like to thank Best Buy and the UFC for this appearance.

Dodgers Water Bottle

I came across a Dodgers water bottle yesterday at my local CVS Pharmacy in Redlands. I didn't even know these even existed. It is a 20 ounce bottle with the Dodgers logo on the front. I had never seen these before so I purchased a couple. Not so much to drink the water but for decoration purposes in my man cave. I don't know if these are a limited edition but I think the bottles look pretty cool.

• Dodgers logo on front
• 20 ounces of spring water
• 12'' in height
• $1.49 each
  

I also found a commemorative Lakers bottle in the same section. I know this has nothing to do with autographs but I think these bottles are nice as a decorative piece in a sports room. They almost look like liquor bottles.

Front & Back

Thanks for reading. Have a good day.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Ceremony

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes had an event today to celebrate the new partnership between the Quakes and the Dodgers. Tommy Lasorda, Steve Yeager, Tommy Davis and Wes Parker were all on hand for the celebration. Nobody really knew if an actual autograph signing was going to take place at this event. We just knew that Tommy Lasorda along with other former Dodgers would make appearances. Most fans came prepared with items and were not disappointed. After the event all former Dodgers sat at a table to sign autographs. I'm glad the Quakes had this event. Everybody had a good time.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess about 100 people.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Free signing? Yes.
• Note: Tommy Lasorda doesn't sign bats. I'v known since last year and it was confirmed once again at this signing.

Giveaways?

• Andre Ethier fleece blankets.
• Quakes baseballs.
• Dodger Dogs.
• Coca Cola drinks.

Tommy Lasorda loves kids. Here he is talking to a little girl.

Tommy holding a baby.

Tommy blowing a kiss to a kid.

Tommy Davis

Steve Yeager

Thanks to Tommy Lasorda, Tommy Davis, Steve Yeager and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for this free event.

Matt Kemp Autograph Signing

Matt Kemp made an appearance at Living Spaces Furniture to sign autographs. Matt is a very cool dude. He took the time to meet and greet all of the fans. He even stayed a bit later than his scheduled ending time.

The event was well planned and organized. The staff at Living Spaces were kind, courteous and professional throughout the entire autograph signing. I wish more signings would go as smooth as this one did.

A funny thing I noticed during the signing. Can you see the sandwich on the table in the Matt Kemp photo? When I was in the autograph line I noticed that a woman gave Matt Kemp a sandwich. He kindly took it. Do you really think he's going to eat food given to him by a fan at a signing? I wouldn't eat it, so do you think he would. After the autograph session Matt took a couple of pics with Living Spaces staff and walked off without the sandwich. I would of left it too. I'm sure it went straight to the trash. Something is written on the wrapper but I can't make out what it says.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? A lot!
• Items per person? 1 item.
• Giveaways? Living Spaces basketballs and footballs for the kids.
• Free signing? Yes.
• Which Living Spaces location? Van Nuys.

After the autograph session Matt did an interview with Living Spaces employees.

Here is some video of the signing.

Thanks to Living Spaces for this free event.

Happy Birthday Andrew

Andrew with Andre Ethier and Russell Martin

My son Andrew is six years old today. He hasn't been to a signing with me for about two years now. The kid doesn't know how to behave in public. I remember taking him with me to a Steve Garvey signing. Andrew had a tantrum in the autograph line. He couldn't stop crying and screaming. Steve Garvey even noticed Andrew in the line because of all the noise he was making. I was really embarrassed.

Andrew hasn't been to a signing with me since that day. The Garvey incident reminds me of why I never take him to signings anymore. Some people bring kids to get additional items. That's cool but it's not for me. I'm not greedy anymore. I want to go to an event to enjoy myself. The last thing I want to do is babysit at a signing. The pictures below are from better days.

Andrew with Ron Cey

Andrew with Don Newcombe

Andrew with A.C. Green

Andrew with Kwame Brown

Baseball Card Display

I came across a good deal at Joann Fabrics. A baseball card display that holds 20 cards. I only have about 50 signed cards and was going to fill it with a combination of baseball, basketball, and football cards. I decided to use it only for my baseball cards.

My goal is to eventually fill it with nothing but signed L.A. Dodger cards. Walmart has a similar one linked here. The pic is a lot better than mine in case you want to take a better look at it. The card display measures 16X20 inches. It features 20 snap tight card holders that make it easy to install or remove cards. It is also easy to mount onto the wall. Once it is mounted to the wall it looks very nice.

Regular price: $29.99
50% off sale: $14.99
Additional 10% off with coupon. My price: $13.49

Jerry Rice Autograph Signing

Jerry Rice came to San Bernardino for the second time in three years to sign autographs. The signing was held at the annual Route 66 Rendezvous in downtown San Bernardino. I made line early in the morning to hold a spot for my girlfriend Judy. I could not stay for the autograph session since I made a prior commitment elsewhere.

After Judy arrived in the afternoon I left the event. Out of hundreds of items that I have got signed in person, this was the first time somebody else got the autograph for me. It was either Judy gets the autograph for me or I get nothing. She did a good job. The autographed football and pictures she took came out very good.

Thanks to Route 66, Kellogg's, and Stater Bros. for this free event.

Signing Recap:

• People in line: I left about 3:00 pm and I would guess about 200 people.
• Items signed: 1 item.
• Wristbands: Yes, to the first 150.
• Giveaways: Kellogg's snacks seen on the table below.
• Free signing: Yes.

I am a 49ers fan with no 49ers memorabilia until now. I couldn't wait to get a display case for my football. I purchased one at a Michaels arts & crafts store.


Display case features:

• Wood finish
• Glass panels
• Splined corners
• Mirrored backround
• Black base with stand
• Measures 7.5 in. height x 12.6 in. width
• $29.99 with a 40% off coupon

Mike Scioscia, Howie Kendrick, Juan Rivera, and Erick Aybar Autograph Signings

An older pic of mike since I didn't take a photo of him at the signing.

Howie Kendrick

Many signings were taking place this Saturday. Most were starting about the same time. If I post every detail from the signings, it would eventually bore you. I will make it quick and simple. It's been a really long day. Mike Scioscia and Howie Kendrick were signing at Howard's Appliance in Laguna Hills.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess over 300.
• Items per person? 1 item. Mike and Howie turned down many people wanting a second item.
• Giveaways? Howard's backpacks and Mike Scioscia bust statue.
• Free signing? Yes.

Note: Howie Kendrick changed his signature. Before he would just scribble. Now you can actually read his name. His signature is a lot better now.


After the Howard's event our carpool headed out to Living Spaces in Irvine for a Juan Rivera signing. I have never been to a signing at Living Spaces with almost nobody in line. Juan was pretty much by himself when my group arrived.


Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 5 people. That's why a posed photo was not a problem.
• Items per person? 1 item but with a chance to get back in line.
• Giveaways? None.
• Free signing? Yes.

After the Juan Rivera signing we headed out to Ladera Ranch for Angels infielder Erick Aybar.


Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 200 people. I'm sure it was a lot more people since we arrived after the signing had started.
• Items per person? 1 item.
• Giveaways? Game tickets and Angels posters.
• Free signing? Yes.

After the Aybar event we then headed over to the city of Orange for a Maicer Izturis signing. When we arrived he had already left. It still worked out good for us. 3 signings in one day isn't bad. I would like to thank all the people that made these free events happen. Howard's Appliance, at&t and Living Spaces.

Manny back in the IE

I like the new 66er's program cover. As you can see Manny is on the cover signing for the fans before one of his rehab appearances. I don't know what day the photo was taken. Could be from last month. Anyways, Manny Ramirez made three consecutive appearances with the 66er's this week in San Bernardino. I went to two of the games.

Autograph Recap:

• Wednesday: Signed before the game and again in the parking lot.
• Thursday: Didn't sign before the game but signed for a handful of people on his way out. The video is below.
• Friday: Blew everybody off! Before the game and again in the parking lot.

I recorded the video below on Thursday. Manny pretty much didn't have a choice but to sign for a handful of people. Manny came out with no security so we had to take advantage.

Bat Rack

I bought a bat rack so I could display some of my signed baseball bats in my "man cave". I thought about purchasing something more fancy but decided to buy something cheaper to save money. Not only was the price reasonable, but it was also easy to install. The best thing about it is that my bat tubes didn't go to waste like they would if I got a cabinet display. Once it is screwed to the wall, just put the bat tubes on the hooks. I'm happy with the overall look.

Tom who makes these displays, also makes other styles of bat racks and ball displays. Check out some of his other work linked here and below.

Thanks for reading.
http://www.bang-sold.com/

Manny Ramirez Signs Autographs

Manny Ramirez made his third straight rehab appearance with the 66ers going 0-for-3 with a strikeout and two groundouts. In his three games with the 66ers he went a combined 0-for-9. I went to all three games in hopes of obtaining his autograph. The previous game Manny didn't sign for anybody before the game. He only signed for a couple of people in the parking lot on his way out. In the end going to all three games paid off. I was finally able to get his autograph.

When Manny was done with warm-ups he came over and signed for about 20 people. Manny signed a Rawlings big stick bat and a Dodgers mini bat for me. My nephew who went with me got him on a jersey. All he did was initial but it's better than nothing.

I had fun all three games. Girls, baseball, and the opportunity to see Manny up close in person three days in a row was well worth my time and money. Not to mention the tickets are dirt cheap. As far as the score, the 66er's lost once again to the Lancaster Jethawks 3-2.

Video of Manny signing autographs.

Manny's second game with the 66er's

Manny Ramirez played his second game with the 66er's. It's weird that he was doing well with the Dodgers but is struggling in single A. In the 2 rehab starts so far he is 0-6 with 4 strikouts. I can't believe he can't get a hit off of Single A pitchers.

The 66er's lost once again to the Lancaster Jethawks 4-0. After Manny's last at bat I waited in the parking lot. A worker for the 66er's tipped me off on what car Manny was driving. I then headed out to the parking lot and waited by his car. It was only a small group of about 6 people. I didn't get his autograph but was happy for the people who did. Manny blows me off for the second straight day. check out the video below.

Manny Ramirez in the Inland Empire

No All Star Fan Fest for me this weekend. I decided to spend the money on my sports room instead. I ended up going to the 66er's game in San Bernardino. Manny Ramirez and Brad Ausmus made rehab stints with the Inland Empire 66er's. Manny went 0-3 while Brad Ausmus singled in all 3 of his at bats. The 66er's ended up losing to the Lancaster Jethawks 5-3.

I shot this video of Manny signing autographs for his fans.

Father's Day Catch

If you have ever been to Dodger Stadium for the annual father's day catch then you know what I'm talking about. Being able to play catch on the Dodgers outfield with your son or daughter is really cool. I went to the event a couple of years ago for the first time. It was worth it. I had a good time.

Always be prepared when you go to a stadium. I did not know that former Dodgers would be signing autographs at the entrance. I did not have anything for them to sign. Luckily a stand selling Dodgers merchandise was near. I bought a cheap $2.00 pennant.

If your a father and have never attended the event then your missing out. It's always free and former Dodgers are always on hand to sign autographs. Below are some of the pictures I took that day. The Dodgers father's day catch is linked here if you want to read more about the event.

Bobby Castillo

Kenny Landreaux

Al Downing


Playing catch on the field.

Thanks for reading. Have a good day.

Chad Billingsley Autograph Signing

Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley made an appearance at an At&t store in West Covina. It was the same location where Juan Rivera of the Angels signed autographs last year. Many signings were taking place today. I decided to go to the Billingsley signing since I have missed all of his other signings in the past. I arrived just shortly before 8:00 am. About 50 people were already ahead of me.

Chad arrived on time at 11:30 am and the line started moving. I looked at the line and was surprised by the large turnout. My estimate would of been around 300 people in line once the signing had started. I thought less people were going to show up since a couple of other signings were taking place around the same time. Posed pictures were being allowed with Chad but it was stoped after maybe 30-40 people. At&t made that decision because the line was moving slow.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 300.
• Items per person? 1 item.
• Giveaways? None.
• Free signing? Yes.

Video of Chad signing.

The autograph line was very long. I took this picture when I was leaving.

Thanks to At&t in West Covina for this free event.