Saturday, October 23, 2010

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.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

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.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

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.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

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