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.

Happy Birthday Andrew

Andrew with Andre Ethier and Russell Martin

My son Andrew is six years old today. He hasn't been to a signing with me for about two years now. The kid doesn't know how to behave in public. I remember taking him with me to a Steve Garvey signing. Andrew had a tantrum in the autograph line. He couldn't stop crying and screaming. Steve Garvey even noticed Andrew in the line because of all the noise he was making. I was really embarrassed.

Andrew hasn't been to a signing with me since that day. The Garvey incident reminds me of why I never take him to signings anymore. Some people bring kids to get additional items. That's cool but it's not for me. I'm not greedy anymore. I want to go to an event to enjoy myself. The last thing I want to do is babysit at a signing. The pictures below are from better days.

Andrew with Ron Cey

Andrew with Don Newcombe

Andrew with A.C. Green

Andrew with Kwame Brown

Baseball Card Display

I came across a good deal at Joann Fabrics. A baseball card display that holds 20 cards. I only have about 50 signed cards and was going to fill it with a combination of baseball, basketball, and football cards. I decided to use it only for my baseball cards.

My goal is to eventually fill it with nothing but signed L.A. Dodger cards. Walmart has a similar one linked here. The pic is a lot better than mine in case you want to take a better look at it. The card display measures 16X20 inches. It features 20 snap tight card holders that make it easy to install or remove cards. It is also easy to mount onto the wall. Once it is mounted to the wall it looks very nice.

Regular price: $29.99
50% off sale: $14.99
Additional 10% off with coupon. My price: $13.49

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.