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.

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.

Bill Walton @ Staples in Glendale

NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton made an appearance to sign autographs at Staples. This signing was scheduled from 1:00-2:00 pm. I arrived around 9:00 am and thought the event was cancelled. Nobody was there. I had to double check with Staples employees to make sure the event was still going to take place.

Most fans didn't show up until about noon. The reason is so much stuff was taking place all over L.A. including this Bill Walton signing. Jason Richardson, Robert Horry, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Tony Parker were also making appearances around the same time in other locations. It seemed as if most fans came directly from other signings. I liked it because it split up the crowds.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 80.
• Items per person? Bill signed multiple items.
• Giveaways? NBA Jam Session tickets.
• Free Signing? Yes.

Bill arrived about 15 minutes late. He apologized to the fans for it. He gave his usual pre signing speech.

"I apologize for being late. I was given the wrong time"

"My name is not Mr. Walton, it's Bill."

"I will sign all of the items you brought today."

Here is Alex getting his ball signed.

Alex again with Bill.

Here is Bill signing a UCLA jersey. Bill asked a staples employee to stretch the jersey.

Here I am getting my ball signed.

Bill inscribed "Hall of Fame '93" on all basketballs.

Tons of stuff was going on this entire week. Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant and Ray Allen even made appearances in the L.A. area. The thing is I couldn't get away until the weekend. I'm at least thankfull that I was able to meet this NBA Hall of Famer once again. I also have a post on a Bill Walton signing from 2009 linked here.
I would like to thank Staples, HP, 710 ESPN and Bill Walton for this appearance.

To those of you that attended some of the other basketball signings this week. Shoot me an email. I would like to know how the other signings went.

Elgin Baylor Autograph Signing

Laker Legend Elgin Baylor made an appearance at Hawaiian Gardens Casino to sign autographs. I had missed all of his previous appearances in the past and finally made it to one.

It was a good birthday present. The only problem with this signing taking place on my birthday is that I missed my small birthday party. I arrived home at almost 10:00 pm. I ended up driving about 300 miles over the last two days for James Worthy and Elgin Baylor appearances. It was well worth it though.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess 60-80 people.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Posed photos? No.
• Free Signing? Yes

Giveaways:

• Gas Cards.
• Casino chips.
• 42" Plasma TV and a bunch of other stuff.

Elgin inscribed "HOF 1977" on all of the items without having to ask him. A really good man!

Fans got to watch the Celtics & Lakers game during the autograph session.

Thanks to Hawaiian Gardens Casino, ESPN Radio and Laker great Elgin Baylor for this appearance.

James Worthy Autograph Signing

"Big Game" James Worthy made an appearance at T-Mobile in Studio City. The event was free and was held from 6:00-9:00 pm. "Big Game" arrived about 7:00 pm and signed for about 1 hour.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? About 100.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Free Signing? Yes.
• Posed photos? No.

Giveaways:

• Fatburger
• NBA All Star game tickets.
• NBA Rookie game tickets.
• A bunch of other stuff. Too much to list.

Here is "Big Game" signing a rare item. Looks like a mini purple and gold motorcycle.

James about to sign a fans 16X20 photo. He was in a good mood.

James signing one of my items.

Thanks to T-Mobile, 710 ESPN and James Worthy for this free event.

I attended two James Worthy appearances last year. They are linked below.
James Worthy @ Citywalk.
James Worthy LTV broadcast @ San Manuel Casino.

2011 L.A. Fit Expo

I attended the L.A. Fit Expo on Saturday. Many celebrity appearances were scheduled throughout the day. One person that I was interested in meeting was Chuck Liddell. The night before the event Chuck posted on his twitter page that he was not going to attend. That didn't keep me from attending though. I took advantage of the people that did show. I was able to obtain many autographs. This will be quick and simple.

MMA Referee Herb Dean. Herb signed multiple items and posed for pics.

UFC fighter Clay "The Carpenter" Guida.

I got to meet my favorite MMA fighter. "The California Kid" Urijah Faber signed multiple items for his fans.


Carmen Electra also made an appearance to sign autographs. She signed multiple items. Staff wanted fans to do group pics to keep the line moving faster. So J.R. had to squeeze in.


R&B Musician Brian McKnight was walking around the Expo.


Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman made an appearance to sign autographs. All fans had to do was buy a $10 raffle ticket to get an autograph. All proceeds went to charity.


As I was waiting in line for Shawne Merriman I heard a small commotion. Jose Canseco tried to stay low key with a hat and dark sunglasses. People still noticed him.


UFC fighter Anthony "Rumble" Johnson signed autographs and posed for pics.


UFC Fighter Krzysztof Soszynski also signed autographs and posed for pics.


Jay Cutler the bodybuilder signed autographs for the fans. Don't mistake him with Jay Cutler the football player.


"The Godfather of Bodybuilding" Charles Glass handed out protein packs.


Fitness Icon Greg Plitt


Last but not least. The woman were out in full force. They were all very kind. Enjoy the pics. I know I will.

Many supplements were handed out. They included protein packets, protein bars, meal replacements, creatine, fat burners, nitric oxide and HGH (Human Growth Hormone). After I got home I emptied my bags on the table. It's over $100 worth of supplements. I buy most of this stuff at GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe. I got to stock up on supplements for free.

This was without a doubt the best event I have ever been to in my life. I landed over ten different autographs and took many pics with celebs. Not to mention over $100 worth of free supplements. It was really worth my $10 admission fee.

I would like to thank Herb Dean, Urijah Faber, Clay Guida, Jay Cutler, Shawne Merriman, Krzysztof Soszynski, Carmen Electra, Jose Canseco, Brian McKnight, Charles Glass, Anthony Johnson, and Greg Plitt. I would also like to thank all the supplement companies for all the free giveaways. Especially Optimum Nutrition and ABB Performance who handed out tons of free stuff. The Fit Expo was a great event. I hope to attend next year.

Pete Rose Autograph Signing

Baseball's "Hit King" made an appearance at Living Spaces Furniture to sign autographs. For some reason I wasn't able to sleep the night before so I headed out to make line for this signing very early. I arrived shortly after 1:00 a.m.

After arriving I noticed that it was a little awkward. It was like a bunch of dudes having a slumber party outside of Living Spaces. Chairs, blankets, and even air mattresses were set up by fans outside of the store.

This signing was scheduled from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Pete arrived on time and then began to sign items for the fans. A no flash photography rule was setup by Living Spaces staff so most fans didn't get to take pictures. It didn't matter. As long as we got our items signed we were happy.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess well over 300 people.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Giveaways? None
• Free signing? Yes
• Which Living Spaces location? La Mirada
  

Thanks to Living Spaces and Pete Rose for this appearance.

Time to reminisce

I had the opportunity to have a meet & greet with Pete Rose two years ago. It was at Field of Dreams in Las Vegas.

I was able to sit next to him while he signed my item. He even made conversation with me.

It's a coincidence that I'm wearing the exact same shirt that I wore at his Living Spaces appearance.

Some friends even got into the mix. They got to meet Pete Rose without paying a penny. They didn't even know who he was.

Thanks for reading.