Saturday, February 26, 2011

Orel Hershiser Autograph Signing

Please ignore the dates on the bottom right corner of the pictures. I was using an older camera and forgot to update it. Trust me, all the pics were taken on February 26, 2011.

Dodger great Orel "Bulldog" Hershiser made an appearance at Living Spaces in Rancho Cucamonga. The signing was scheduled from 10:00 am-12:00 noon. Fans waited outside in the cold all morning until Living Spaces staff let fans enter the store about 9:30 am. Orel arrived on time and then began to sign autographs. The line moved pretty slow. I do believe everybody went through the line at least once though.

Signing Recap:

  • People in line? A lot.
  • Items per person? Some fans got two items signed. Most got one.
  • Giveaways? None that I knew of.
  • Free signing? Yes.
  • Which Living Spaces location? Rancho Cucamonga.

Orel had some of his trophies on display for the fans to see. Here is Hershiser's 1988 World Series Trophy. At least I think it is.


Orel's 1988 Cy Young award.


The 1988 World Series MVP Award next to the Cy Young.


Orel handing back my baseball after signing it.


Orel and I


Orel didn't want to do an inscription on my baseball.

I hadn't been to this Living Spaces location since 2007. That was when they had former Dodger Steve Garvey on hand to sign autographs. Hopefully they can start hosting more signings here. It's a shorter drive for me. Big thanks to 570 KLAC, Orel Hershiser and Living Spaces. Especially Living Spaces who host a ton of free signings throughout the year.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Bill Walton @ Staples in Glendale

NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton made an appearance to sign autographs at Staples. This signing was scheduled from 1:00-2:00 pm. I arrived around 9:00 am and thought the event was cancelled. Nobody was there. I had to double check with Staples employees to make sure the event was still going to take place.

Most fans didn't show up until about noon. The reason is so much stuff was taking place all over L.A. including this Bill Walton signing. Jason Richardson, Robert Horry, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Tony Parker were also making appearances around the same time in other locations. It seemed as if most fans came directly from other signings. I liked it because it split up the crowds.

Signing Recap:
  • People in line? About 80.
  • Items per person? Bill signed multiple items.
  • Giveaways? NBA Jam Session tickets.
  • Free Signing? Yes.

Bill arrived about 15 minutes late. He apologized to the fans for it. He gave his usual pre signing speech.

"I apologize for being late. I was given the wrong time"


"My name is not Mr. Walton, it's Bill."


"I will sign all of the items you brought today."


Here is Alex getting his ball signed.


Alex again with Bill.


Here is Bill signing a UCLA jersey. Bill asked a staples employee to stretch the jersey.


Here I am getting my ball signed.


Bill inscribed "Hall of Fame '93" on all basketballs.

Tons of stuff was going on this entire week. Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant and Ray Allen even made appearances in the L.A. area. The thing is I couldn't get away until the weekend. I'm at least thankfull that I was able to meet this NBA Hall of Famer once again. I also have a post on a Bill Walton signing from 2009 linked here.
I would like to thank Staples, HP, 710 ESPN and Bill Walton for this appearance.

To those of you that attended some of the other basketball signings this week. Shoot me an email. I would like to know how the other signings went.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Elgin Baylor Autograph Signing

Laker Legend Elgin Baylor made an appearance at Hawaiian Gardens Casino to sign autographs. I had missed all of his previous appearances in the past and finally made it to one.

It was a good birthday present. The only problem with this signing taking place on my birthday is that I missed my small birthday party. I arrived home at almost 10:00 pm. I ended up driving about 300 miles over the last two days for James Worthy and Elgin Baylor appearances. It was well worth it though.

Signing Recap:
  • People in line? I would guess 60-80 people.
  • Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
  • Posed photos? No.
  • Free Signing? Yes

Giveaways:

  • Gas Cards.
  • Casino chips.
  • 42" Plasma TV and a bunch of other stuff.

Elgin inscribed "HOF 1977" on all of the items without having to ask him. A really good man!

Fans got to watch the Celtics & Lakers game during the autograph session.


Thanks to Hawaiian Gardens Casino, ESPN Radio and Laker great Elgin Baylor for this appearance.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

James Worthy Autograph Signing

"Big Game" James Worthy made an appearance at T-Mobile in Studio City. The event was free and was held from 6:00-9:00 pm. "Big Game" arrived about 7:00 pm and signed for about 1 hour.

Signing Recap:
  • People in line? About 100.
  • Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
  • Free Signing? Yes.
  • Posed photos? No.

Giveaways:

  • Fatburger
  • NBA All Star game tickets.
  • NBA Rookie game tickets.
  • A bunch of other stuff. Too much to list.

Here is "Big Game" signing a rare item. Looks like a mini purple and gold motorcycle.


James about to sign a fans 16X20 photo. He was in a good mood.


James signing one of my items.

Thanks to T-Mobile, 710 ESPN and James Worthy for this free event.

I attended two James Worthy appearances last year. They are linked below.
James Worthy @ Citywalk.
James Worthy LTV broadcast @ San Manuel Casino.