Steve Yeager Autograph Signing

The Dodgers '81 World Series Tri MVP made an appearance to meet with fans during a Quakes game. Earlier in the day I wasn't sure on attending since I have already met Steve a couple of times. At the same time I knew it would be another easy autograph. After work I went home to get my items then headed to Rancho Cucamonga.

I arrived at the signing after it had started and noticed about 25 fans in line. The signing went as smooth as the Maury Wills appearance from last month. Steve posed for pics and signed all of the items that were put in front of him. After getting my items signed I got to meet Jack from JD Legends Promotions. In the end I was glad I attended the event.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? 20-30 fans.
• Items per person? Multiple items with a chance to get back in line.
• Giveaways? None that I knew of.
  
• Free signing? Free with paid admission.

Below is a short video of Steve meeting with fans.

I also have another post on meeting Steve Yeager linked here. Thanks to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Steve Yeager for this event. Also, be sure to check out Jack's site linked below.

www.jdlegendspromotions.com

Jamey Carroll Autograph Signing

Jamey Carroll made an appearance at Puente Hills Hyundai in the City of Industry to sign autographs. I was expecting a small turnout like at the Tony Gwynn Jr. signing last week. I was wrong. The line was over 100 people.

Jamey was scheduled to sign at 12:00 noon but arrived a little early. The signing was only scheduled for one hour so employees from the dealership wanted fans to get one item signed per person. Most fans didn't mind and just got back in line. I made it through the line two times and tried for a third but the line had been cut off.

I would prefer to make it to Hall of Famer or star athlete appearances. The thing is I am working on the weekends now and have to take advantage of any free signings during the week. It's come to signings like this or go to nothing at all.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? A little over 100 people.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Giveaways? Hot dogs.
• Free signing? Yes.

Jamey signing my bat.

My two signed items. A big stick and mini stick.

Here is a short video of the signing.

Thanks to Puente Hills Hyundai and Jamey Carroll for this free event.

Tony Gwynn Jr. Autograph Signing

Tony Gwynn Jr. made an appearance at St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Los Angeles to sign autographs. I expected a small turnout for this signing and that was the case when I arrived. Only about 50 fans showed up for this appearance. It could of even been less.

KABC staff were very polite and had the autograph line well organized. Tony Gwynn Jr. showed up shortly after 12:00 noon and began to sign for the fans. Fans had the opportunity to get multiple items signed and take posed pics with Tony which made the line move very slow. It wasn't a big deal since it was a small turnout.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 50 people.
• Items per person? Multiple items with a chance to get back in line.
• Free signing? Yes.

Here I am with Jr.

Jr. signed a "big stick" and "mini stick" for me.

Here is short video of the signing.

Nothing to do with the signing but here is Tony's Ride.

A close up of his "Bling Bling".

Thanks to St. Vincent de Paul, Tony Gwynn Jr. and 790 KABC for this free event.

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.

Steve Sax Book Signing

Former Dodger Steve Sax made an appearance to sign copies of his new book "Shift" at Canter's Deli in L.A. Before Steve signed copies of his book he spoke of business opportunities with ACN. ACN is the world's largest direct seller of telecommunication services. It was a very good presentation. Steve gave me a brochure that contains a dvd so I can find out more about ACN. Following the business presentation Steve signed copies of his book along with outside items that fans brought. I hadn't been to an event in a while. I'm glad I made it out to this one.

Signing Recap:

• People that showed up? I would say about 20 people.
• Items per person? Steve signed multiple items.
• Free signing? Yes and No. The book cost $22. I purchased the book and got it signed along with some other items. I noticed some fans getting items signed without purchasing the book.

I'm currently reading another book. I will start reading "Shift" very soon.

Thanks to Canter's Deli and Steve Sax for this appearance.

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.

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.

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.

Tommy Lasorda comes to my hood

Tommy Lasorda was the special guest speaker for the 66er's Meet The Team Dinner event in San Bernardino. The turnout was only about half of what it was at last years event. Tommy spoke of funny stories from his managing days that kept the small turnout entertained.

After the event was over Tommy signed autographs at a table. It was not much of a line so I was able to get back in line for an additional item. I was also able to obtain an autograph from former Dodger Charlie Hough and a couple of 66er's. Robert and I sat at the same table. His blog is Vin Scully is my homeboy. If you want to know more of the event in detail click on the link.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? Less than 40.
• Items per person? 1 item.
• Free event? No, $40 per person.

Thanks to the Dodgers single A affiliate, the 66er's for bringing this Hall of Famer to San Bernardino.

Former Dodger and 66ers pitching coach Charlie Hough.

Video from the event.

Upper Deck Retail Anniversary

Upper Deck Retail in Huntington Beach will have its second anniversary this month. For the grand opening events Upper Deck hosted signings with Luke Walton and Steve Garvey. Both signings were free of charge and included Upper Deck Authentication. The appearances were scheduled on consecutive days. Luke Walton appeared the first day and Steve Garvey appeared the day after. I only attended the Steve Garvey signing.

I have not been to the Upper Deck store since the grand opening event. They host many autograph signings but charge a fee per autograph. I do plan on going back on March 6, for NBA Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Elgin Baylor. I figure if I pay, it's going to be for a Hall of Famer. I also did not make it to his last signing in Cerritos last year.

A new promoter is now working with Upper Deck. They were having many complaints about the previous promoter. Hopefully it's a change for the better. The photo at the top of the post is one I took of Steve Garvey at the grand opening event. I like attending his signings. All have been good experiences with no complaints.

Steve Garvey in Rancho Cucamonga

Steve Garvey in Moreno Valley

Thanks for reading.

Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm Signing

Former Dodger Nomar Garciaparra and his wife, soccer great Mia Hamm made an appearance to sign autographs. The event was held at a Sport Chalet in Torrance.

I was not planning on attending this event the night before since Torrance is an hour and a half drive for me. Also, Mia Hamm was going to do the signing alone. Then I got word from my people that Nomar was also going to join his wife at the event. After being told that I could not miss it.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess over 250 people.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Giveaways? An extra autographed photo signed by Mia and Nomar.
• Free Signing? Yes.

Video of the signing.

This dual signed photo was handed out as a bonus item.

Please visit the Mia Hamm foundation at http://www.miafoundation.org/. Thanks to Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra and Sport Chalet for this really cool and free event.

Bill Russell, Al Ferrara & Greg Townsend Autograph Signings

Former Dodgers Bill Russell and Al "The Bull" Ferrara made an appearance to sign autographs today. It was at the annual holiday open house at Hall of Fame Sports in San Dimas. The autographs were free of charge. I purchased a photo of each former Dodger to get signed. Al Ferrara was a very nice man and seemed really happy to be there. Bill Russell was also in a good mood and did not hesitate to take a photo with me when I asked.

Video of the signing.



Thanks to Hall of Fame Sports for this free autograph signing.

December 2, 2009 Greg Townsend Autograph Signing

Greg Townsend made an appearance at a Raider Image store where he was going to sign autographs. It took place at the Ontario Mills Mall in Ontario, Ca. I thought the signing was free but found out upon arrival that a purchase was necessary for an autograph. I then purchased a photo. Greg is a really cool guy. We even talked some TCU football who is currently undefeated and where he played college ball.

Video of Greg signing a photo for me.



Thanks to the Raider Image Store and Greg Townsend for this appearance.