In 2012 I took a bit of a backseat with signings and other autograph events. It's nothing new and signings aren't going anywhere. They come and go just like bi***es and hoes. One positive outlook on not going to many events this year is that I'v noticed a lot more money in my pocket. This hobby does get expensive after a while.
My 2012 event of the year was a no brainer for me. It was obviously the 2012 L.A. Fit Expo that took place earlier this year. It's one of the better events that takes place annually in Southern California. Bodybuilding competitions, giveaways, beautiful woman, celebrities, athletes and autograph sessions surround the annual event. No event is better than the annual L.A. Fit Expo. If you want to be an autograph whore for a day, then the Fit Expo is the right place for you.
My 2010 signing of the year linked here.
My 2011 signing of the year linked here.
My 2012 signing of the year linked here.
U.S. Bank had a grand opening event at their new location in downtown Los Angeles. The event featured free food, giveaways such as flat screen televisions and included an appearance by current ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson. The event was also scheduled on a Wednesday and around lunch time. I'm sure they would of had a much larger turnout if they did this on the weekend. I'm thankful that it was held on a Wednesday though. I wouldn't of been able to make it on the weekend.
When I arrived at U.S. Bank I noticed a decent turnout. ESPN radio staff told people that Keyshawn would only sign one item per person. Obviously most people just got back in line to get their second item signed. People were in and out of the autograph line in a short while. Keyshawn ended up leaving the event 15 minutes before his scheduled end time since there were no more fans in line.
Signing Recap:
Items per person? One item with a chance to get back in line.
People in line? I arrived after the signing had started. From what people told me the line at it's peak was just a little over 50 people.
City of the event? Los Angeles.
Free signing? Yes.
I noticed fans leaving the line with a small signature on their
footballs. I asked Keyshawn if he could give me a large signature. I'm sure
Keyshawn heard me but he still signed it small. I jokingly told him "C'mon man".
Keyshawn was very cool about taking posed photos.
Thanks to U.S. Bank and ESPN LA for this free event.
I recently uploaded my 100th video on YouTube. I only started recording videos after I started this blog 3 years ago. I don't always record footage or I would of surpassed 100 videos a long time ago. Most of the time I do record at the events I attend though. Below are what I believe are my most funny, popular, and favorite videos of all.
One of the funniest videos I ever recorded is when I attended an event with former Laker Michael Cooper. A fan asked Michael to "hook his ball up with inscriptions". Michael then told the fan that he would do it only if he went outside and danced in front of the fans in line. You can see that even Michael Cooper enjoyed himself.
My two most popular videos on YouTube involve Manny Ramirez and Shannon Brown signing autographs. Both of these videos have over 4000 hits and counting.
Here is Manny Ramirez signing autographs in San Bernardino.
Here is Shannon Brown signing autographs somewhere in L.A.
Out of all my YouTube videos I can't say that I have just one favorite. I have many videos that I like. It was a tough decision but I narrowed it down between two videos. One video is when I and some other fans had the opportunity to do a photo op and Q & A with former Heavyweight boxing champ Evander Holyfield. It was up close and personal. Really an honor to be around the guy.
The other video is when I had the opportunity to meet the NBA's all time scoring leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Just like Evander Holyfield, It was a priviledge and honor to be around the guy and recording my experience made it even better.
There it is. I guess I made something out of of nothing. I hope you enjoyed the videos. If you would like to subscribe to my YouTube videos then click on the link below.
Anthony Miller made an appearance at Dr Liu's Optometry practice in Rowland Heights. The event took place near the infamous Frank & Sons Collectible Show. I wanted to go to this event but I couldn't get time off of work to attend. Dr Liu informed me that if I couldn't attend, he would have Anthony sign some extra items and send them to me in the mail. Dr. Liu was also nice enough to send me a recap of Saturday's event.
Signing Recap according to Dr. Liu.
People in line? 2 people arrived early at 10:00 am, signing scheduled at 12:00 pm. Miller started signing at 11:50 am with 10 people in line.
Items per person? As many as people brought plus extra cards the Optometry office gave out free.
Free signing? Yes.
City of the event? Rowland Heights.
Overall the event went smooth. No one had to wait more than 1 minute to get stuff signed.
Here is former Charger and 5X Pro Bowler Anthony Miller signing a unique item.
Here's another picture from the signing.
Dr. Liu informed me that he may have another signing at his practice with a current or former athlete. When something is confirmed, he will give me the info and I will post it on the side bar. You can visit his website linked below to see some of his famous clients.
Last Thursday Jered Weaver made a appearance at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. I planned on going but last minute obligations kept me from attending. The least I can do is reminisce to make myself feel better. Five years ago I attended a Jered Weaver autograph signing. I'm not completely sure but I think it was at a car dealership in Corona.
Ouch! Look carefully and you will see that Jered is putting a Sharpie to
my Official Major League Baseball. I wanted to slap him on the face. Just kidding.
I made up for the Sharpie incident by getting back in line a couple of more
times. Here is Jered signing my bat. I didn't have a Sharpie issue with this autograph.
Alright, I guess I feel better now.
I did find a recap from last weeks Jered Weaver autograph
signing on another blog. It is linked below if you would like to read about it.
Greg Townsend made one of his many appearances at the Raider Image in Ontario. The Raider Image in Ontario is Greg's second home. He practically lives there. I headed to this event knowing that it would be another easy autograph session.
I found some of Greg's football cards in my collection and knew I wanted to get them signed. When I arrived in the late afternoon only a few kids were in line getting autographs. I only took football cards since greg signs them for a reasonable price. He signed my cards and we talked about the upcoming football season for a bit.
Signing Recap:
People in line when I arrived? 2 kids.
Free signing? No, he charged me $5.00 for each card signed.
Items per person? As many as you wanted. You would just have to keep feeding him money.
Giveaways? None.
City of the event? Ontario.
This is what Greg had to offer fans that didn't bring their
own items. Everything on this table was for sale. He also mentioned
his new book when we talked. It's pictured in the bottom right corner.
Greg's real money maker is charging fans for photo
ops at $5 a pop. Here I am with Greg on December 2, 2009.
Here I am with Greg on May 8, 2011.
Here I am with Greg on September 17, 2011.
Another photo with Greg on September 17, 2011.
Last but not least. Here I am with Greg in our most recent photo.
Greg is the only person that I'v ever paid for a photo op. All combined I'v paid Greg $20 just to take pictures with him. The truth is I don't mind since he never made nearly as much money as current football players. Will this be the last Greg Townsend appearance I attend? Probably not. It's always an easy meet and greet autograph session and he may need the money.
Thanks to The Raider Image in Ontario and Greg Townsend for this appearance.
This past Sunday Dodger great Maury Wills made an appearance at the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga to sign autographs. Just like always, the autograph session took place during the Quakes game. I really had no business being there. I attended a couple of Maury Wills appearances last year and other Maury Wills events even before I started this blog.
I figured since it was in my area I would take advantage of it. When I arrived I noticed a decent turnout of fans already waiting in line. There were many familiar faces but I didn't feel like mingling. I baked all day in the hot sun at work so I wasn't in the best of moods. For a good portion of the line Maury signed every item that fans put in front of him. After a while Quakes staff wanted fans to limit their items down to one item since the line was moving very slow.
Signing Recap:
People in line? I would guess around 50 people.
Items per person? Multiple items since there was a chance to get back in line.
Free signing? Free with paid admission.
Giveaways? None.
City of the event? Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
The only thing I could think of for Maury to sign for me was Tommy Davis' "Tales from the Dodgers Dugout". Maury did the forward on the book so it would make sense for him to also sign it.
To be honest I regret going since I missed out on a previous
obligation and this is all I took to get signed. I guess It is what it is.
Other posts that I have on Maury Wills are linked below.
About 4 years ago I attended an autograph signing of a former baseball player. All of my items that were signed came out very nice. The only problem is that the photo op came out fu*%#d up. I never realized it until I had already arrived home and reviewed the photo on my camera.
The point here is that you should always double check your photo op before you leave an event because you never know when it will come out fu*%#d up like this one. The least you can do is get back in line and take another one. I don't even recognize myself. I'm sure I can alter the photo and take away some of the darkness but I have never bothered.
Just for the hell of it, can anybody guess who the former baseball player is? A good hint is that he played for the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Anaheim Angels.
Please take a guess in the comments section below.
Looks Like Woody is the winner. It's 1993 AL Cy Young award winner Jack McDowell. Here is a much better picture from the signing where Jack is signing my Starting Lineup.
The Anaheim Angels single A affiliate hosted a Meet the Team BBQ at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino. I found out about this event on short notice but decided to go since I only live about 10 minutes away from the stadium. Admission for the event was $15 and well worth every penny. It was an all you can eat buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken and sides. Not to mention a chance to meet some future Angels and eat with them.
The 66er's showed up shortly after the fans arrived. They served themselves a plate of food and picked a table to sit at. I went to this event alone and didn't know anybody. A group of Dominicans were eating at a table near me so I got up and asked them if I could sit with them. They were very cool and talkative.
Once people were done eating the players stood up one at a time and introduced themselves. All of them gave their name, position, jersey number and where they were from. This was a another good event given by the 66er's front office. It's not as great as the Meet the Team Dinner featuring Tommy Lasorda when they were affiliated with the Dodgers but it's better than nothing.
The new coaches for the 66er's are former Major
Leaguers. They are Bill Haselman and Paul Sorrento.
Here I am with the new 66er's hitting coach Paul Sorrento.
I looked in my brothers collection and found some Paul Sorrento
cards. I took these to the event and Paul was more than happy to sign them.
Maybe this was posted last season but didn't pay attention to it. Around the stadium are large posters titled "San Bernardino Professional Baseball Alumni". At one point or another all of these guys played in San Bernardino.
Thanks to the Anaheim Angels single A affiliate for this event.
NFL Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks made an appearance at The Raider Image in Ontario. After work I decided to head out to Ontario to meet this Raiders great. When I arrived I noticed that a line had formed outside of the store. It wasn't a huge turnout but that's usually expected at a paid signing.
Ted arrived earlier than expected and started signing right away. The line moved very slow since Ted took his time to meet with fans and take photos. He also included his Hall of Fame inscription with every autograph purchased. It was another easy signing at The Raider Image.
Signing Recap:
People in line? About 40-50 people when I arrived.
Free signing? No. The cost was $30-$50 depending on the item.
Giveaways? None.
Which Raider Image location? Ontario.
"Please sign the ball here".
Ted must of got tired of sitting down. He signed
autographs while standing up for a good portion of the line.
I love the fact that former players actually sign their names.
Most current athletes just scribble and initial when they sign autographs.
This has nothing to do with the signing but here it is. Since this was a football signing, I will end this post with a skit from the television show In Living Color. The skit is titled "Men on Football" featuring Damon Wayans and David Allen Grier. Both men discuss football from their point of view.
NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte made an appearance at my local Walmart in Redlands. Out of the hundreds of events that I have attended, I knew this would be the shortest drive I ever had. It was a short five minute drive. That's the only reason I decided to go.
When I arrived only a few people were in line. I then asked an employee
if the guy at the table was the NASCAR driver. I had no clue what he looked like.
From what I was told this is NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte.
I'm not into NASCAR at all but have to admit that the cars are pretty cool. Here is a car that was on display outside of the store.
Tito Ortiz signed autographs for over 4 hours at the L.A. Fit Expo. He also took a posed picture with every fan that wanted one. I finally got the email with the info to retrieve my Tito Ortiz picture. It was taken by the Punishment Athletics photographer at the expo. They didn't allow fans to use their own camera. I'm not sure for the reason but it doesn't really matter now.
I attended the annual L.A. Fit Expo. Just like the expo last year, many athletes and celebrities were scheduled to make appearances. I asked two months in advance to have the day off so I could make it to this event. That's how good it is. The L.A. Fit Expo is the event of all events.
The Fit Expo is such a good event that some athletes just show up for the hell of it. Last year Jose Canseco and a couple of other athletes dropped by and this year was no different. Jose Canseco showed up once again and brought his good friend Barry Bonds. I didn't see Barry since I left to my car to get some items. When I arrived back at the event I heard people talking about it.
From what I heard Barry signed autographs for some people that approached him. One of those people that did is a friend of mine. Here is the baseball that Barry Bonds signed for him. No "sweet spot" but it's better than nothing.
Now it's time for my recap. It's not posted in order in which I met the athletes or celebrities. I will do this in sections. It will start off with athletes from different sports then go to MMA, bodybuilders, and girls. Everything that is in yellow is a link to a website.
Former Rockets and Lakers head coach Rudy Tomjanovich signed autographs for 3 hours. This appearance took place at the CieAura booth. Lisa Leslie was also scheduled to appear at this booth but was a no show.
I was more excited to meet Rudy T. than anybody
else at the expo. I would of attended the event just for him.
Rudy T. was very nice and signed multiple items.
Here is Rudy T. signing my ball.
Rudy T. asked me if I wanted something else on the ball besides
his signature. I told him if he could inscribe his championship years.
Def Leppard's lead guitarist Phil Collen made an appearance at the Iron Man booth. He was at the expo last year but I had nothing for him to sign. This time I made sure to bring some Def Leppard CD's to get signed. He is not your common rockstar who lives by the typical sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. Phil is a vegan and works out on a regular basis.
This video has nothing to do with the event but
it's my favorite Def Leppard song so I had to post it.
Former pro wrestler Diamond Dallas Page met with fans before he did a
workout demo. He told me to "put it up there" and made me do a hand signal.
Current L.A. Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders made an appearance on behalf of BSN.
Many supplement companies were on site to pass out sample products.
I was a little disappointed that they didn't pass out as much stuff as last year.
I was at the expo from the time they opened to the time they closed. It was really exhausting. My feet, knees, and back ached from all the standing and walking around I did but it was worth it. Nothing beats the annual L.A. Fit Expo. I'm already looking forward to going again next year.
I want to thank all the athletes for their appearances and for taking the time to meet and greet fans. Thanks to Rudy T, Phil Collen, Diamond Dallas Page, Josh Saunders, D'aundre Reed, Bas Rutten, Don Frye, Brian Stann, Tito Ortiz, Jay Cutler, Toney Freeman, Lee Labrada, Melvin Anthony, Charles Glass, Greg Plitt, Dexter Jackson, and Roland Kickinger.
Exercise gives the human body many benefits. Just make sure you do it the right way. Check out this clip from the 90's television show "In Living Color". It's David Allen grier and Damon Wayans playing the part of personal trainers. It's hilarious.
