Jerry Rice Autograph Signing

Jerry Rice came to San Bernardino for the second time in three years to sign autographs. The signing was held at the annual Route 66 Rendezvous in downtown San Bernardino. I made line early in the morning to hold a spot for my girlfriend Judy. I could not stay for the autograph session since I made a prior commitment elsewhere.

After Judy arrived in the afternoon I left the event. Out of hundreds of items that I have got signed in person, this was the first time somebody else got the autograph for me. It was either Judy gets the autograph for me or I get nothing. She did a good job. The autographed football and pictures she took came out very good.

Thanks to Route 66, Kellogg's, and Stater Bros. for this free event.

Signing Recap:

• People in line: I left about 3:00 pm and I would guess about 200 people.
• Items signed: 1 item.
• Wristbands: Yes, to the first 150.
• Giveaways: Kellogg's snacks seen on the table below.
• Free signing: Yes.

I am a 49ers fan with no 49ers memorabilia until now. I couldn't wait to get a display case for my football. I purchased one at a Michaels arts & crafts store.


Display case features:

• Wood finish
• Glass panels
• Splined corners
• Mirrored backround
• Black base with stand
• Measures 7.5 in. height x 12.6 in. width
• $29.99 with a 40% off coupon

Mike Scioscia, Howie Kendrick, Juan Rivera, and Erick Aybar Autograph Signings

An older pic of mike since I didn't take a photo of him at the signing.

Howie Kendrick

Many signings were taking place this Saturday. Most were starting about the same time. If I post every detail from the signings, it would eventually bore you. I will make it quick and simple. It's been a really long day. Mike Scioscia and Howie Kendrick were signing at Howard's Appliance in Laguna Hills.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess over 300.
• Items per person? 1 item. Mike and Howie turned down many people wanting a second item.
• Giveaways? Howard's backpacks and Mike Scioscia bust statue.
• Free signing? Yes.

Note: Howie Kendrick changed his signature. Before he would just scribble. Now you can actually read his name. His signature is a lot better now.


After the Howard's event our carpool headed out to Living Spaces in Irvine for a Juan Rivera signing. I have never been to a signing at Living Spaces with almost nobody in line. Juan was pretty much by himself when my group arrived.


Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 5 people. That's why a posed photo was not a problem.
• Items per person? 1 item but with a chance to get back in line.
• Giveaways? None.
• Free signing? Yes.

After the Juan Rivera signing we headed out to Ladera Ranch for Angels infielder Erick Aybar.


Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 200 people. I'm sure it was a lot more people since we arrived after the signing had started.
• Items per person? 1 item.
• Giveaways? Game tickets and Angels posters.
• Free signing? Yes.

After the Aybar event we then headed over to the city of Orange for a Maicer Izturis signing. When we arrived he had already left. It still worked out good for us. 3 signings in one day isn't bad. I would like to thank all the people that made these free events happen. Howard's Appliance, at&t and Living Spaces.

Manny back in the IE

I like the new 66er's program cover. As you can see Manny is on the cover signing for the fans before one of his rehab appearances. I don't know what day the photo was taken. Could be from last month. Anyways, Manny Ramirez made three consecutive appearances with the 66er's this week in San Bernardino. I went to two of the games.

Autograph Recap:

• Wednesday: Signed before the game and again in the parking lot.
• Thursday: Didn't sign before the game but signed for a handful of people on his way out. The video is below.
• Friday: Blew everybody off! Before the game and again in the parking lot.

I recorded the video below on Thursday. Manny pretty much didn't have a choice but to sign for a handful of people. Manny came out with no security so we had to take advantage.

Bat Rack

I bought a bat rack so I could display some of my signed baseball bats in my "man cave". I thought about purchasing something more fancy but decided to buy something cheaper to save money. Not only was the price reasonable, but it was also easy to install. The best thing about it is that my bat tubes didn't go to waste like they would if I got a cabinet display. Once it is screwed to the wall, just put the bat tubes on the hooks. I'm happy with the overall look.

Tom who makes these displays, also makes other styles of bat racks and ball displays. Check out some of his other work linked here and below.

Thanks for reading.
http://www.bang-sold.com/

Manny Ramirez Signs Autographs

Manny Ramirez made his third straight rehab appearance with the 66ers going 0-for-3 with a strikeout and two groundouts. In his three games with the 66ers he went a combined 0-for-9. I went to all three games in hopes of obtaining his autograph. The previous game Manny didn't sign for anybody before the game. He only signed for a couple of people in the parking lot on his way out. In the end going to all three games paid off. I was finally able to get his autograph.

When Manny was done with warm-ups he came over and signed for about 20 people. Manny signed a Rawlings big stick bat and a Dodgers mini bat for me. My nephew who went with me got him on a jersey. All he did was initial but it's better than nothing.

I had fun all three games. Girls, baseball, and the opportunity to see Manny up close in person three days in a row was well worth my time and money. Not to mention the tickets are dirt cheap. As far as the score, the 66er's lost once again to the Lancaster Jethawks 3-2.

Video of Manny signing autographs.

Manny's second game with the 66er's

Manny Ramirez played his second game with the 66er's. It's weird that he was doing well with the Dodgers but is struggling in single A. In the 2 rehab starts so far he is 0-6 with 4 strikouts. I can't believe he can't get a hit off of Single A pitchers.

The 66er's lost once again to the Lancaster Jethawks 4-0. After Manny's last at bat I waited in the parking lot. A worker for the 66er's tipped me off on what car Manny was driving. I then headed out to the parking lot and waited by his car. It was only a small group of about 6 people. I didn't get his autograph but was happy for the people who did. Manny blows me off for the second straight day. check out the video below.

Manny Ramirez in the Inland Empire

No All Star Fan Fest for me this weekend. I decided to spend the money on my sports room instead. I ended up going to the 66er's game in San Bernardino. Manny Ramirez and Brad Ausmus made rehab stints with the Inland Empire 66er's. Manny went 0-3 while Brad Ausmus singled in all 3 of his at bats. The 66er's ended up losing to the Lancaster Jethawks 5-3.

I shot this video of Manny signing autographs for his fans.

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.

Darryl Dawkins @ NBA Nation

NBA great Darryl Dawkins was the ambassador for the annual NBA Nation event. The NBA Nation event took place at Universal CitiWalk. Some activities were scheduled for the fans but I just went for the autographs. Darryl did not disappoint any fans at the NBA Nation event. He signed for everybody that came up to him. He was very kind to the fans and helped kids while they did some of the activities. After getting my autograph from Darryl Dawkins I went to make line for Minnesota Timberwolves center Kevin Love.

Kevin Love Autograph Signing

Minnesota Timberwolves Center Kevin Love made an appearance at NBA Nation to sign autographs. Kevin signed after James Worthy who had appeared earlier at the same event. Most of the people left after the Worthy signing so their was not much of a line for Kevin Love. Kevin signed a couple of small pictures for me that were provided by Kia Motors.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 30
• Items per person? 1 item
• Free signing? Yes

James Worthy Autograph Signing

Lakers Hall of Famer James Worthy made an appearance at NBA Nation to sign autographs. I had already obtained some autographs from James Worthy in the past but wanted to get a signature of his on a photo. I only had James sign one autograph for me since they were only allowing one item per person. I asked for his Hall of Fame inscription and he kindly added "HOF 2003" to the photo.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 50.
• Items per person? 1 item.
• Free signing? Yes.

Here is some video of the signing.


Thanks to NBA Nation and Kia Motors for these free signings.

Mike Napoli Autograph Signing

Anaheim Angels catcher Mike Napoli made an appearance to sign autographs at an At&t in Fullerton. Mike showed up on time and started signing right away. Employees from the store only wanted one item to be signed per person. The signing should of been two items since the line was not very long. I didn't care since I only had my Angels mini helmet. After I got my autograph I headed over to Brea for a Tim Salmon book signing. It was about a ten minute drive from Fullerton. That post is below.

Video of the Mike Napoli signing.

Thanks to At&t in Fullerton for this free event.

Tim Salmon Book Signing

Former Angel Tim Salmon signed copies of his new book "Always An Angel" in Brea. Tim did sign some outside items but just for very few people. By the time that I made it to the front of the line they really enforced the "book only" rule. I didn't really care since I met him three years ago at a Boomers Theme Park in Irvine. At that signing I got him to sign a ball for me.

The turnout was bigger than I expected. I believe that it was between 200-250 people. The line moved pretty slow but it was because Tim greeted everybody. It was an actual meet and greet event. He took the time to talk to fans and thanked everybody for coming.


Thanks to Borders Books in Brea and Tim Salmon for this appearance.

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.

Charger girls appearance

Arrowhead Credit Union Park, San Bernardino

I have not been to any signings lately because I have worked the last three Saturdays. During that span I missed Ron Artest and former Dodger Orel Hershiser.

Some Charger girls made an appearance during the 66er's game tonight. In a way it was better than meeting pro athletes. I would rather meet woman than dudes. Know what I mean?

It turned out good though. I was able to get former Dodger Charlie Hough before the game. I had never bothered trying to get his autograph in the past. He is an easy autograph for those of you that plan to attend a 66er's game this season.

Just wait on the third base side before the game and he will show up with the games starting pitcher near the bullpen. Call him over and believe me he will come. He never turns down anybody. It's an easy autograph. The video below proves it.

James Worthy LTV broadcast

"Big Game" James Worthy made an appearance in Highland, Ca for a live LTV broadcast. During his broadcast breaks James would come to the side and sign autographs. It was not much of a crowd. It was more like a small group. Most people didn't even know what was going on until they noticed James Worthy. Pictures were not allowed inside but after I got my autograph I managed to record the short video below. After security noticed me I had to shut it off.

That's all. Goodnight.

Lakers Fan Jam

Lakers Fan Jam=AUTOGRAPH BULLSHIT!

This was the worst event ever. No autographs! Nobody showed up to sign. Players would only do a Q & A session. Early in the morning before the event had begun, staff told fans that no Lakers would be signing autographs. One staff member said that they were having too many problems the day before with arguments and fights breaking out in the autograph line. The autographs were the only reason people even showed up to the Fan Jam. I still entered the event since I had already paid for my ticket.

I guess it was not a complete waste of time. The girls made up for me not obtaining autographs. I even felt one of the Budweiser girls boobs by mistake when I put my arm around her. She didn't seem to mind. To be honest. It was a waste of time and money. Not worth it at all. The people who went to the event Saturday ruined it for everybody going on Sunday.

I recorded the video below of A.C. Green and Norm Nixon doing a Q & A session.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Autograph Signing

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made an appearance to sign autographs at Living Spaces furniture. The event was free and no outside memorabilia was permitted. Living Spaces would provide "Living Spaces" photos and basketballs to be signed. Like anyone even took it serious.

Most people showed up with basketballs and photos that they had purchased somewhere else. We were all hoping for that small chance that he would do any item of our choice. When Kareem started signing for the first couple of people in line I noticed that he was signing any item with one catch. He had to personalize it with your name.


Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 250.
• Items per person? 1 item.
• Free signing? Yes

Check out the video that I recorded at the signing.Thanks to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Living Spaces for this event.

Andrew Bynum & Shannon Brown Signings

Lakers center Andrew Bynum made an appearance at a Discount Tire Center in Santa Monica to sign autographs. The autograph signing was free of charge. Wristbands were given out to the first 200 fans. I arrived very early to get a wristband and waited for hours until the signing started. Andrew arrived on time and started signing right away. Discount Tire Center staff were only allowing one item per person.

The line moved pretty fast and had I got a full size basketball signed. After getting my autograph from Andrew I then headed over to Albertsons on Crenshaw for a Shannon Brown signing. The Albertsons store was about ten minutes away. I seen it as a little pit stop before heading home.

Shannon Brown signing.

I arrived at the Shannon Brown signing thinking that it was completely free. After talking to Albertsons staff I was informed that a purchase was necessary. The autograph was free with a purchase of a tea box. The tea box was $5.99. I guess you can say the autograph was free. $5.99 for an autograph is not much. 8x10 photos were also being given out to people who didn't have items. The photo alone covered my tea cost.

The signing for Shannon Brown was scheduled from 3:00-5:00 pm. Shannon arrived at almost 5:00 pm. Nobody really cared that he was late. We were just happy he showed up. The line moved fast after Shannon started signing since all he does is initial his signature. I was trying to take more pictures but the security guards at the front were jerks. They were treating Shannon as if he were the president of the United States.

Video of the Andrew Bynum signing.

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.

Joe Saunders Autograph Signing

Anaheim Angels pitcher Joe Saunders made an appearance at Frank & Sons to sign autographs. This was not a free signing. It was only the second autograph I had ever paid for. The other being Pete Rose in Las Vegas. I did not mind paying the $29.00 fee since I was going to Frank & sons to pick up supplies anyways. I also did not have to arrive very early which is typical at a free signing.

When I got in line there was only one person in front of me. That's the advantage of paying for an autograph. You don't have to camp out. Joe signed my Angels mini helmet that already had signatures of current Angels. After he signed my mini helmet I asked him for a quick photo.

Video of the signing.


Thanks to Joe Saunders for making this appearance.

Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman

I met 8 time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman after his seminar at the 2005 fitness expo. Ronnie is now retired from pro bodybuilding. You can see from the picture that I weighed a lot more since this was back in my "hardcore bodybuilding" days. My cheeks were very chunky.

The expo was always held at the Pasadena convention center. Every year the event just got bigger so it was eventually moved to the L.A. convention center. Ticket prices have more than doubled since the first time I attended the event. This is all credited to MMA fighters and other sports athletes making appearances. If you want a quality expo, you have to pay for it.

I couldn't attend the expo this past weekend on January 23&24. A friend sent me a text message while he was at the expo that "girls were everywhere". I wish that I went! Hopefully I can attend next years expo so I can mingle with the fitness celebs once again.

www.thefitexpo.com
www.bigroncoleman.com

Tapout Warehouse Signing

A big event was scheduled at the Tapout warehouse in Grand Terrace, CA. Many MMA fighters made appearances to sign autographs. Clothing was also being sold at the event but the autographs were free. When I arrived the place was jam packed. I missed some of the MMA fighters that made appearances earlier in the morning. Roy Nelson and Tyson Griffen were fighters that I wanted autographs from but had missed.

I made it in time for Kimbo Slice, Martin "Hitman" Kampmann, Mike "Joker" Guymon, and Punkass & Skyscrape of the Tapout crew. I was really looking forward to seeing Kimbo Slice. He was the main reason I went to the event. The MMA fighters took time to meet and greet all fans. Nobody felt like they were rushed in the autograph line.

Video of the signing.


After getting my autographs I left the event. I was walking on the sidewalk and noticed the Ultimate Fighter winner Roy "Big Country" Nelson signing autographs and posing for photos. Nobody really noticed him outside of the event. I asked Roy for a photo. He was very happy to pose for photos and sign additional autographs for the fans.

Video of Roy Nelson signing autographs and posing for pics.


Thanks to Tapout for this free event.

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.

Dodger Day at the L.A. County Fair

I hope everybody had a good Christmas. Here are videos from the L.A. county fair in Pomona. I recorded these on September 17, 2009. These videos were posted in the past but took them off because I was having problems with the uploads. Hopefully I got it right this time.

Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, Tommy Davis, Maury Wills, and Ron Cey made appearances at the fair. The line was long when I arrived and moved very slow. I had already missed Steve Garvey but I didn't worry since I had multiple items already signed by him. I was fortunate to get three of the four remaining Dodgers. Check out the videos of Bill Russell, Tommy Davis, and Ron Cey signing my Dodgers jersey.

Video Bill Russell signing autographs.


Video of Tommy Davis signing autographs.


Video of Ron Cey signing autographs.

Bill Walton Autograph Signing

Bill Walton made an appearance at Kia Motors in Irvine. The autographs were free of charge and the event was better than I had anticipated. Breakfast and lunch were given out for free by Kia. I had Bill sign a basketball with the incsription "Hall of Fame 93". He also signed a couple of photos for me.

This is one of the best events I have ever been to. The line was indoors and all fans got to eat for free. It was also a small turnout which made it easier to get multiple items signed.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess around 75 people.
• Items per person? Multiple items.
• Giveaways? Food and goody bags.
• Free Signing? Yes.

Video of the Bill Walton signing.


Thanks to Kia Motors for this really cool event. I would also like to thank the kind and courteous employees at Kia for making it an even better experience.

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.

Kenny Landreaux Autograph Signing

Former Dodger Kenny Landreaux made an appearance at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry. For this signing a purchase had to be made. I purchased a $5 photo to get signed. Kenny also signed a couple of outside items that I brought from home for no additional charge. This was similar to the event the previous week that featured another former Dodger Derrel Thomas.

Video of the signing.

November 21, 2009 Derrel Thomas autograph signing

Derrel Thomas made an appearance at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry. Derrel is a member of the Dodgers 1981 World Series team. I purchased a photo for $5 to get signed. I also had him sign my Dodgers jersey that already had a couple of signatures from other former Dodgers. He is one of the nicest former players I have ever met. Thanks to Frank & Sons for this $5 signing.

Video of Derell signing autographs.


Thanks to Frank & Sons Collectible show for these events.