Tony Gwynn Autograph Signing

Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn made an appearance at a car dealership to sign autographs. The event took place at El Cajon Ford in the San Diego area. I wasn't planning on attending this signing since it's a very long drive for me and gas prices are ridiculous right now. I was able to find a carpool which convinced me to go.

There was a bigger turnout this year than at Tony's last appearance at El Cajon Ford. My guess would be that there were about 50-100 people more this time around.

Once the signing started staff from the dealership told fans that Tony would only sign one item. It was only a one hour signing so they wanted to get as many fans through the line as possible. It made the line move a little faster so I guess it was a good thing.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess around 250 people.
• Items per person? Tony was signing 1 item per person. Some fans got back in line for an additional item.
  
• Giveaways? None.
• Inscriptions? Tony inscribed "HOF 07" on most items except Rawlings Big Stick bats.
  
• Free signing? Yes

The dealership had a nice Tony Gwynn commemorative display in the office area. As you can see it contains many items such as Wheaties boxes, hats, shoes, jerseys, balls and bats. Some of the items were even signed by Tony.

This is the bottom of the same display.

Tony inscribed "HOF 07" on all baseballs.

Thanks to El Cajon Ford and Tony Gwynn for this free event.

Here is a video that I recorded at the signing. It's a little sloppy since I had my hands full with my items. Towards the end of the video Tony asks if someone is selling baseballs in the line. If your reading this, you know who you are.

Click here if you want to read about Tony's last signing at this dealership.

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.

Tony Gwynn Autograph Signing

Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn made an appearance at a Ford Dealership. I have always heard stories from people that say Tony is a jerk at his signings. Most people say that he is not very friendly with the fans. It's just what I heard. I don't know if it's true.

Tony was is a good mood at this signing. He signed multiple items for everybody. Nobody that made line left empty handed. He even joked with fans that got in line a second time. I was one of them. Tony was such in a good mood that he even posed for photos with fans. Something that he rarely does. He just told some people that asked for photos to stick around until the signing was over. He was very kind for doing that.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? 150-200.
• Items per person. Multiple items were allowed per person.
• Free Signing? Hell yeah!

Video from the Tony Gwynn signing.

Thanks to Tony Gwynn for making this appearance.