Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

[warheel]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

The best baseball signers as a group are former MLB players who are now managers and coaches in the minor league system-BY FAR. They are viewed as old guys by many young minor league players and when fans in the stands are asking for the coaches autograph and not that of the player, it raises the coaches' stock in the minds of the player who now realize that the coach may know what their talking about. One ignorant player for the Aberdeen Ironbirds(class A -Orioles)upon seeing me ask for Andy Etchebaren's autograph on a baseball card asked Andy,"You used to play?" Andy would have signed all day for the respect it gave him.

I have to agree. I have kind of made it a rule not to ask anyone for an autograph unless they are older than I am, which rules out just about every active athlete. I have had some very nice conversations with retired ballplayers in minor league parks, especially when I am able to comment about seeing him play. I remember one guy back in the 80s was on one baseball card..a 1958 Topps. I found it out of a common pile and took it to the game, I think I made his evening.

[skyking26]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

I just got two baseballs and two photos signed - one each for me and my sister - and a signature on my latest souvenir batting helmet (#4) that I get all Diamondbacks to sign.

The promoter's wife, who was sitting there punching the signing tickets, asked me, "Only five?" - 'cause she's used to me having a lot more stuff, particularly bats, for the guys to sign - and I said, "Yeah, well, I haven't got any of Adam's bats, yet." Adam says, "I've got a lot of bats to give away. I always give away a lot of stuff at the end of the season." I didn't want to embarrass him by asking if I could have or buy one, surrounded as we were by a hundred other people who I'm sure would love to have a Dunn bat, too, so I didn't say anything. If I could have done so privately, I'd have offered to put his bats up for auction to benefit his favorite charity, or something, and gotten (at least) one bat that way.

Oh, well. I'll have to wait and see what my team source can do for me. It won't be free, and it probably won't even be cheap, but I'll get one eventually.

Please keep me posted as to if you get a few Diamondbacks Dunn bats. I'd like an uncracked one! skyking442@hotmail.com Bob

[ironmanfan]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Yes...certainly let me know. I obviously would pay for the signing ticket and return postage. Thanks!

[godwulf]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Godwulf...not to hijack this thread but if you're ever going to a signing with Eric Byrnes as a guest, please let me know. I recently picked up his GU batting helmet from the 2005 season with Baltimore that I'd love to get signed.

Thanks

whhp72@yahoo.com

Byrnes is supposed to be doing a local signing in November. As the time gets closer, and I get details, I'll let you know...and if you want to spring for a signing ticket and return shipping, I'd be glad to help a fellow collector out and get it signed for you.

godwulf1@cox.net

[ironmanfan]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Godwulf...not to hijack this thread but if you're ever going to a signing with Eric Byrnes as a guest, please let me know. I recently picked up his GU batting helmet from the 2005 season with Baltimore that I'd love to get signed.

Thanks

whhp72@yahoo.com

[godwulf]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Hey Godwulf, I sent a bat into that signing! I'm glad to hear your comments. I sent the bat and am having it inscribed as well. Living in Michigan the chances of getting him to sign it in person are zip. I agree, he may possibly not be back with AZ next year. Where do you think he'll end up? I'm pulling for him to hit his 40th in the next 2 days...

PS: What did you get signed??

I just got two baseballs and two photos signed - one each for me and my sister - and a signature on my latest souvenir batting helmet (#4) that I get all Diamondbacks to sign.

The promoter's wife, who was sitting there punching the signing tickets, asked me, "Only five?" - 'cause she's used to me having a lot more stuff, particularly bats, for the guys to sign - and I said, "Yeah, well, I haven't got any of Adam's bats, yet." Adam says, "I've got a lot of bats to give away. I always give away a lot of stuff at the end of the season." I didn't want to embarrass him by asking if I could have or buy one, surrounded as we were by a hundred other people who I'm sure would love to have a Dunn bat, too, so I didn't say anything. If I could have done so privately, I'd have offered to put his bats up for auction to benefit his favorite charity, or something, and gotten (at least) one bat that way.

Oh, well. I'll have to wait and see what my team source can do for me. It won't be free, and it probably won't even be cheap, but I'll get one eventually.

[FastLane80]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

For anybody coming out to the Arizona Fall League, I don't think it's been formally announced, but Max Scherzer told me this morning that's he's going to get some more innings in pitching for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. His idea, and the team agreed to let him do it.

I'll be there. A good friend of mine...well...let's just say he knows some players and I'm tagging along. As much as I hate the D'Backs (Dodgers fan here), there are some guys I cheer for and Scherzer is one of them.

So far, I have yet to have a negative experience about any of the athletes I've met. In my line of work, I've had the privilege of meeting several athletes and sports personnel (owners, GMs etc) at their homes and all have been very pleasant. The only one who has ever turned down an autograph was Al Davis but he was polite and I'm sure he has his reasons.

I'd also like to note that I'm surprised by Reggie Jackson since I thought he was a collector as well. It may have been misinterperated but I wasn't there so I can't judge. Honestly, nothing surprises me anymore.

[skyking26]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Looks like the big Donkey got it tonight! Another 40 home run season.

Yea, following godwulf's words regarding the Dunn signing and then that 454' shot he hit to make it FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF 40+ HRS... For a guy with limited attention given to him, maybe he'll cash in as a free agent this year...

[AWA85]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Looks like the big Donkey got it tonight! Another 40 home run season.

[AWA85]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Dunner is a great guy, I remember when I was in St. Louis for a day game and he comes out joking and talking with the fans. Some old lady yells "Hey Adam, I have a beer and a hot dog for you" Adam yells back, sorry I quit drinking (joking). She said what about the hot dog and Dunn tells her he quit eating to as he pats his stomach.

As a Reds fan I loved Dunn, really hoping to see that 40th home run also! It will be interesting to see who lands him, I could see him fitting with a number of teams.

[skyking26]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Speaking of gentle giants, I saw, and got some things signed by, Adam Dunn this morning. What a nice guy! The way he chats and jokes with fans, you'd think he was at a backyard barbeque.

Knowing that he may not be with the team next season, I told him, "Adam, I don't know what's going to happen next year, but on behalf of DBacks fans, I just want you to know that we won't forget you. We've really enjoyed watching you play, and we'll always be fans." He said, "I really appreciate that", and I could see in his eyes that he genuinely did. Then he shook my hand with one the size of a whole beef roast.

For anybody coming out to the Arizona Fall League, I don't think it's been formally announced, but Max Scherzer told me this morning that's he's going to get some more innings in pitching for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. His idea, and the team agreed to let him do it.

Hey Godwulf, I sent a bat into that signing! I'm glad to hear your comments. I sent the bat and am having it inscribed as well. Living in Michigan the chances of getting him to sign it in person are zip. I agree, he may possibly not be back with AZ next year. Where do you think he'll end up? I'm pulling for him to hit his 40th in the next 2 days...

PS: What did you get signed??

RK

[godwulf]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

+1 A true gentle giant

Speaking of gentle giants, I saw, and got some things signed by, Adam Dunn this morning. What a nice guy! The way he chats and jokes with fans, you'd think he was at a backyard barbeque.

Knowing that he may not be with the team next season, I told him, "Adam, I don't know what's going to happen next year, but on behalf of DBacks fans, I just want you to know that we won't forget you. We've really enjoyed watching you play, and we'll always be fans." He said, "I really appreciate that", and I could see in his eyes that he genuinely did. Then he shook my hand with one the size of a whole beef roast.

For anybody coming out to the Arizona Fall League, I don't think it's been formally announced, but Max Scherzer told me this morning that's he's going to get some more innings in pitching for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. His idea, and the team agreed to let him do it.

[Vintagedeputy]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Now that I know we're talking 1986 here, but I got this Bench through the mail back then....

I love how he signed it in a way so that the pic is unobstructed.

Johnny Bench the 3rd baseman, hehe

[Vintagedeputy]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Good guy file:

*Frank Howard: Does not matter how many times I see this fine gentleman, he's the role model of good guy personified. What a class act. I doubt there is a mean bone in his huge body, just all heart. He'll stand and talk to anybody all day about nothing while paint dries on a wall. Just a breath of fresh air. He could send a baseball somewhere though!

RK

+1 A true gentle giant

[Oil Can Dan]

Re: Terrible Johnny Bench autograph story

Carlton Fisk is also a grumpy SOB.

I think that if I were in any of these people shoes, and I wanted to avoid allowing other to profit from my autograph, I would simply insist that every autograph I give was personalized. Being a collector and not a reseller I would actually prefer a "To Dan" with whatever I got. I imagine that would lessen the resale value, but to me that doesn't matter.

Why don't more of these athletes take this approach?