I think we were told that he had to catch a plane to the Dominican. I think he is fed up with collectors in general. Personally, and this is just my opinion, it is the STL atomosphere. In NY or LA he would not be mobbed or hounded for 'graphs every time he goes out for a jog. In STL, we treat our ballplayers like Gods, kings, etc. More important than the president. Maybe that is warped, but I have seen Vince Coleman mobbed at a golf course.

Albert really is a nice guy by all accounts, but I think he is not fond of the secondary market. He is pretty sure that all of those $150 autos he sells at the Warmup are going to be listed on eBay for twice that in the days following.

I could care less. He is a performer, and does plenty of civic duty to offset the attitude.

If anyone plans to attend from out of town, contact me, and we'll hit a bar or have some lunch.

Dave