Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

[jays78]

Best experience meeting an athlete

Hi All,

I love reading through the older thread with worst experiences meeting an athlete, thought we should start a specific one for the best experiences.

My BEST happened this past Wednesday. Hulk Hogan was on his media tour for his new book in Toronto, and I had got tickets to the CBC latenight show "The Hour" that he was appearing on. As it turned out, Mark Messier was also on the show.

Anyway, the studio audience there is fairly small, I'd say 50-75 people, Hulk did the interview and was leaving the stage (my wife and I were in the front row, right in front of the steps that lead to the stage, Hulk comes down and I held out his new book with Sharpie asking him to sign, and he walked right past and out of the studio....I was dejected, but figured that hey, he can't possibly stop for everyone.

Little did I know that in a few minutes they were going to be filiming a stunt for their new years show where George Strombolopolus the host runs and jumps off the stage while the Hulk makes it look like he's going to hit him with a folding chair, so Hulk comes back in, does 2 takes of this (right in front of us) and I held out the book again, this time he came right over to us and even personalized the auto to me, I stood up and asked if he would let me have my photo with him, which he said sure or something like that (it's a bit of a blur to me, I was so excited).

I was the only one he signed for, he made this 31 year old feel like an 8 year old all over again! Once he did the auto and my wife took the photo, he looked at me and said "Is that ok, brother?" .....it was so AWESOME! I was the only one in the audience that got to meet him.

[elbooman]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

My story was with Drew Gooden. About 3 years ago during the summer i was with my best friend and his family in their car driving around, and at a red light 4 harley davidson motorcycles pull up next to us and me and my friend immediately noticed that 1 of them was Drew Gooden. So we rolled down the windows and said hey to him and he was so cool and so nice. I collect game worn shoes so i asked him next time he came down to play in Miami if he could give me his shoes and he said sure no problem. The next year after the Cavs game i somehow snuck myslef to postgame where all the players come out after the game. After waiting about 20 mins he came out and i confronted him. He immediately recognized me after i told him that i was the boy who asked him for the shoes during the summer and he was so cool. I asked him if he could ship a pair to my house and he said yeah for sure and even asked what my name was. About 3 weeks later, the shoes came game worn signed to me. Even though he is not the greatest player, its a great story and he is such a cool dude.

ps. - Jason Kidd also sent me his shoes when i gave him my address once after the game. could not believe that either.

[4cuda9er]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

First of all, I would like to say that I have had great experiences with several baseball, and football players in my twenty or so years of collecting., but I wanted to share this one because I doubt if there will be many or maybe any posts, on this player. It is Barry Bonds. I had been sitting in my kayak for approx. 3 yrs. at McCovey Cove, hoping to get one of his Homerun Balls. While in the Cove I met several friends, and we formed the Bonds Navy, which consisted of Kayakers who were regulars. Then I was fortunate enough to get Barry's 738 HR ball. I then wanted to see if I could get it signed. On three occasions I stood near the players entrance gate at the stadium, holding my framed Ball, and wearing the Bonds Navy sweatshirt... When Bonds would arrive, he would look at me, and the ball, wave, and continue to his parking stall under the stadium. The regular auto hounds came up to me and stated that Bonds never stop to sign, and that I had no chance to get the ball signed. The next day, two of my Bonds Navy friends, and myself stood at the entrance wearing our sweatshirts, and held up signs thanking Bonds for the HR splashes we had retrieved. Bonds came driving pass us, waved and said " So, you are the guys getting all my HR’s in the cove." He then drove pass us and into the security gate, and under the stadium... Then while standing by myself near the security gate about to leave to put my kayak in the water for batting practice, Bonds walked into the security area, pointed at me, and said "give me your ball" He then signed the HR ball on the sweet spot with the inscription "God Bless" He then signed my two friends HR balls for them, and several other who he had normally passed up. It was a very memorable day for us.

[lambertisgod58]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

If I had to pick the BEST experience dealing with an athlete I'd have to say it was Jack Lambert. When I was 18, I got an tattoo of Lambert's 1984 Sports Illustrated cover on my back. You can actually see it at this link: http://www.lambert58.com/Jackedup/Jackedup.html Anyways, I met a dealer in Cleveland who lives close to me in Central NY. After talkin' to him for a while he got me in the back when Lambert was signing mail order stuff for all the vendors. He wasn't very talkative. Then I decided I drove over 6hrs to meet him and I had nothing to lose. So I showed him my tattoo. He loved it. He told me I was "f**kin' nuts" when he found out it was real. Anyways, I've had the priviledge of seeing Lambert multiple times. But everytime he sees my son, he picks him up and talks to him. Which means the most of anything he's done.

[Fraudfinder!!]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

I actually have two GREAT experiences, one was a pleasant suprise. That would be Ted Williams. I had met Mr. Williams as a kid and he was not the most pleasant person, but that is a story for another day (although he did give me his autograugh that time). The great experience was in the year 2000 (I believe) and George Bush Jr. was in a very tight race with John McCain in the New Hampshire Primary. Williams was very sick at the time but flew up from Florida to give a speech for Bush. Prior to the speech my wife and I were able to spend some time in Ted's hotel room and meet and talk with him. The people in the room were amazing also, HOFers etc. It was a small hotel room and not the suite that I would have pictured. Ted was extremly pleasant to both of us asking me questions on my job and flirting with my wife. He was in a wheelchair and I believe this was his second to last public appearance before he died. He was in such great spirits, laughing etc, it will be how I always remember him.


The other great experience was with Luis Tiant. Tiant was in my hometown on vacation when he ran into a couple of my coworkers. The coworkers asked Tiant if they wanted to meet his "number 1" fan" (me). Tiant said sure and he actually drove 6 miles to my office and meet with me for an hour in my office! Tiant was such a nice guy and I could not believe I was talking to one of my boyhood heroes. His wife was just as pleasant. Of course I gave him my card and said if he ever wanted to sell any of his old game used uniforms etc.....He did say he had some of his old gloves but he did not save a lot of his stuff. He autographed one of his cigars for me and after an hour of talking about his major league career he left. A great experience...

[AWA85]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

Wow, nice Hamilton bat. Pretty cool story to go with the bat by the way.

[jshortt]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

Great story! Do you have a pic of the bat?

Ask and you shall receive!

[skyking26]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

Odd, I recall the guy being a class A jerk when he played. He couldn't even get along with Tony Gwynn when he was with the Pads here in SD, and that's saying something.

I have seen many turn on the charm when money is involved...

[mvandor]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

Jeff you were right on about Jack Clark, met him this week at a signing and he was a great guy. Offered to do a picture, signed my bat with THE RIPPER and 340 HRs on it. Nice to see the older guys still care about the fans and just showing up for the money.

Odd, I recall the guy being a class A jerk when he played. He couldn't even get along with Tony Gwynn when he was with the Pads here in SD, and that's saying something.

[AWA85]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

Jeff you were right on about Jack Clark, met him this week at a signing and he was a great guy. Offered to do a picture, signed my bat with THE RIPPER and 340 HRs on it. Nice to see the older guys still care about the fans and just showing up for the money.

[TFig27]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

We were attending a Texas Rangers function during Pudge Rodriguez's last season in Texas. It was pretty clear then the Rangers wouldn't be bringing him back. He came in and sat down and was signing autographs and having his picture taken. My wife is a big fan of his and we went through the line and got an autograph and took her picture with him. After we went through the line I told her that you've had your picture taken with him before and I never have. So we got back in line. When we reached him I said we were back because I had never had my picture taken with him and my wife had. He was happy to have our picture taken together. Then he turned to my wife and said, "Would you like another picture?" And I took another picture of them. He had a lot of people lined up and yet he was very gracious in taking his time with us twice. Its really rare for an athlete to ask someone if they would like a second picture when they have already taken one. I think he could tell we really were fans of his and he knew the Rangers wouldn't bring him back and that was his way of saying goodbye.

or, she is good looking

[cjclong]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

We were attending a Texas Rangers function during Pudge Rodriguez's last season in Texas. It was pretty clear then the Rangers wouldn't be bringing him back. He came in and sat down and was signing autographs and having his picture taken. My wife is a big fan of his and we went through the line and got an autograph and took her picture with him. After we went through the line I told her that you've had your picture taken with him before and I never have. So we got back in line. When we reached him I said we were back because I had never had my picture taken with him and my wife had. He was happy to have our picture taken together. Then he turned to my wife and said, "Would you like another picture?" And I took another picture of them. He had a lot of people lined up and yet he was very gracious in taking his time with us twice. Its really rare for an athlete to ask someone if they would like a second picture when they have already taken one. I think he could tell we really were fans of his and he knew the Rangers wouldn't bring him back and that was his way of saying goodbye.

[Dewey2007]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

I have one other experience I thought I'd share on the thread after reading about Josh Hamilton who has had is share of problems. Former NBA player Isaiah "J.R." Rider is a friend of mine who I know from my hometown of Alameda, CA. I once went to a Timberwolves game when I was in Minnesota for work and decided I'd say hi before the game. We chatted for a bit and then after the game he got me a family pass to come back into the lockerroom area. Got to meet a few of the players then we hung out for a little while after the game. This was all totally unexpected and was a nice gesture on his part. The funny part was as we were driving around he told me to look in the backseat of his car and there was his NBA Slam Dunk Championship trophy just sitting there. Now that would be a nice piece of memorabilia to have for the collection.

Anyhow, despite his on and off the court problems I just got to say that J.R. is a really nice guy who I hope gets his life in order. It's funny I never asked him for any game used stuff but have recently purchased a couple of his jerseys for keepsakes. Gotta rep the hometown guys!!

[bubbrubb25]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

I have had several great experiences with guys like David Wright, Brandon Phillips, Ryan Braun, Hunter Pence, Jeff Keppinger, Gilbert Arenas, and Jermaine O'Neal, but hands down, my best player experience was with Josh Hamilton.

I had been following him since Tampa, and through all his troubles, so when the Reds took him in the Rule V last year, I was ecstatic (since I'm a season ticket holder)!! Once I found out what number he was assigned, I had an authentic jersey made up, and went down early on Opening Day to show him.

Since it was at an odd time of the afternoon, neither team took BP, but Josh was out taking practice cuts and shagging balls, so I walked over by the dugout to wait for him to finish. As he was coming off the field, I yelled "Hey Josh!! What do you think?," and turned to show him the back of the jersey. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head, he pointed his bat at me, and he shouted "THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT, RIGHT THERE!" He came over, signed a ball for me, and while he was signing for others, chatted me up about the jersey, where I got it, etc. Jokingly, he told me to get all my friends to get Hamilton jerseys, too. I told him I would, and then, jokingly, told him to keep me in mind if he cracked any bats in the near future. We both laughed, and as I turned to leave, he yelled after me "Hey man, would you mind sticking around for a bit? My family is coming down the steps, and I want them to see your shirt." Shocked, I told him no problem, and hung out. A few minutes later, his family came down, he talked to them and then pointed to me. His family went nuts. I ended up talking with them for another half-hour, and even taking pics with them.

From that point on, Josh and I talked just about every game. I started making supportive signs for him, which always made him laugh. One night in mid-May, I had seats right behind home plate. Josh saw me during BP, and came over to chat. As he was leaving, he told me to hang on, and that he would be right back. He comes back carrying a bat, and hands it to me. To this day, I'm not sure what I said, but it was something to the effect of "@#$!, seriously?" His response was "Hell yeah. Oh, and that's the bat I hit 2 homers with against the Rockies." (his first-ever multi-homer game) It was a cherry colored CTG (which to my knowledge, is the only one of that kind he ever used), which he signed and inscribed "To Josh, Thanks for the Support." Needless to say, I never asked him for another autograph.

From then on, he always went out of his way to talk to me, no matter where we were, and we kind of became friends. On one of his injury rehab assignments in Louisville, he came out, saw me there, came to the rail, and talked to me for 45 minutes during pregame. I was soooo disappointed when the Reds made the decision to trade him, but Rangers fans, you have a class act in Josh. I've never seen him turn down an autograph (though I've seen some that he should have), and he is truly one of the nicest guys in the game.

Sorry for the long post,
Josh

Great story! Do you have a pic of the bat?

[jshortt]

Re: Your BEST Experience Dealing with an Athlete

I have had several great experiences with guys like David Wright, Brandon Phillips, Ryan Braun, Hunter Pence, Jeff Keppinger, Gilbert Arenas, and Jermaine O'Neal, but hands down, my best player experience was with Josh Hamilton.

I had been following him since Tampa, and through all his troubles, so when the Reds took him in the Rule V last year, I was ecstatic (since I'm a season ticket holder)!! Once I found out what number he was assigned, I had an authentic jersey made up, and went down early on Opening Day to show him.

Since it was at an odd time of the afternoon, neither team took BP, but Josh was out taking practice cuts and shagging balls, so I walked over by the dugout to wait for him to finish. As he was coming off the field, I yelled "Hey Josh!! What do you think?," and turned to show him the back of the jersey. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head, he pointed his bat at me, and he shouted "THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT, RIGHT THERE!" He came over, signed a ball for me, and while he was signing for others, chatted me up about the jersey, where I got it, etc. Jokingly, he told me to get all my friends to get Hamilton jerseys, too. I told him I would, and then, jokingly, told him to keep me in mind if he cracked any bats in the near future. We both laughed, and as I turned to leave, he yelled after me "Hey man, would you mind sticking around for a bit? My family is coming down the steps, and I want them to see your shirt." Shocked, I told him no problem, and hung out. A few minutes later, his family came down, he talked to them and then pointed to me. His family went nuts. I ended up talking with them for another half-hour, and even taking pics with them.

From that point on, Josh and I talked just about every game. I started making supportive signs for him, which always made him laugh. One night in mid-May, I had seats right behind home plate. Josh saw me during BP, and came over to chat. As he was leaving, he told me to hang on, and that he would be right back. He comes back carrying a bat, and hands it to me. To this day, I'm not sure what I said, but it was something to the effect of "@#$!, seriously?" His response was "Hell yeah. Oh, and that's the bat I hit 2 homers with against the Rockies." (his first-ever multi-homer game) It was a cherry colored CTG (which to my knowledge, is the only one of that kind he ever used), which he signed and inscribed "To Josh, Thanks for the Support." Needless to say, I never asked him for another autograph.

From then on, he always went out of his way to talk to me, no matter where we were, and we kind of became friends. On one of his injury rehab assignments in Louisville, he came out, saw me there, came to the rail, and talked to me for 45 minutes during pregame. I was soooo disappointed when the Reds made the decision to trade him, but Rangers fans, you have a class act in Josh. I've never seen him turn down an autograph (though I've seen some that he should have), and he is truly one of the nicest guys in the game.

Sorry for the long post,
Josh