Best/Worse signers

[frikativ54]

Re: Best/Worse signers

Ever since that day, 22 years ago, I can't stand Dykstra and I wouldn't take his signature if he offered it to me for free. I should have gotten Rogers sig. but what did I know, I was a silly 12 yr old that loved hitters and fielders. I wasn't much of a fan of pitchers lol Looking back now.....McDowell was the winning pitcher too (3 Aug, 1987).

Sorry guys, about your experiences with Dykstra. Only thing I remember about him was nickname and that conspicuous wad of chew. But isn't it interesting how most of us can remember the date of our first really rude encounter with a pro athlete? It will turn us off an athlete for life.

Re: Best/Worse signers

In person, I hated going to ask players for autographs at games because I was always ignored. Part of the reason I hate the Mets and love my Braves is because I grew up going to Shea in the 80's. 86-90 Mets were rude to a little kid just asking for an autograph on their baseball card. This included my all time favorite exchange:

"Excuse me, Mr. Dykstra? Can you please sign my card?
(which he ignored. Strawberry says to him, "That kid with the Mets hat is asking for your autograph. He responds
"Who cares what that brat wants."

That is so funny that you told that story....funny because nearly the same EXACT thing happened to me with Dykstra when I was a kid.

It was my birthday 1987. My oldest sister took me to a Mets game for my present. All I wanted the entire game was to see one player up close and maybe get my Mets yearbook signed. We had nosebleed seats. I mean seriously, we had binoculars lol

After the game I rushed all the way down to the field level and another fan swapped tickets with me so that I could get into the field level...by now nearly everyone was gone (guess I wasn't as fast as I thought I was lol). I make it to right up to the wall and there I see Roger McDowell and Dykstra ...from what I recall they were carrying equipment I believe....and I say "Mr. Dykstra could you please sign my yearbook?"

He replies, "Get lost kid. Games over, go home."

McDowell turns to him and says, "It's one kid, just sign it for him".

Dykstra says to him...and I quote...."---- that kid."

McDowell looks up (by now they're next to the dugout) and says, "Sorry kid, I tried."



Ever since that day, 22 years ago, I can't stand Dykstra and I wouldn't take his signature if he offered it to me for free. I should have gotten Rogers sig. but what did I know, I was a silly 12 yr old that loved hitters and fielders. I wasn't much of a fan of pitchers lol Looking back now.....McDowell was the winning pitcher too (3 Aug, 1987).

[xpress34]

Re: Best/Worse signers

MVandor. Unfortunatly your having trouble with someone who has had numerous bad experiences with Gwynn. Like the other guy says about S Sosa hes a great guy until it comes time to have him sign something that is of value. His "real stuff" Get over it. This thread is about good and bad experiences. Tony Gwynn was a real downer.

Not jumping on the bandwagon here or anything, but in your original post, you only mention ONE bad experience - witha GU piece of equipment.

If you have had multiple bad experiences, maybe you should lay them all out like I did about my various experiences the Rafael Palmiero. Other people had great experiences with him , but I had multiple bad ones and I listed them all.

Just my observation and .02 here.

- Chris

[gingi79]

Re: Best/Worse signers

In person, I hated going to ask players for autographs at games because I was always ignored. Part of the reason I hate the Mets and love my Braves is because I grew up going to Shea in the 80's. 86-90 Mets were rude to a little kid just asking for an autograph on their baseball card. This included my all time favorite exchange:

"Excuse me, Mr. Dykstra? Can you please sign my card?
(which he ignored. Strawberry says to him, "That kid with the Mets hat is asking for your autograph. He responds
"Who cares what that brat wants."

Dale Murphy however took the time to talk to me about baseball when I was wearing a Mets hat and my Little League shirt. He also signed in a visiting ballpark for people who rooted against him. I wore #3 in baseball for years after this exchange.

To be fair, David Wright signs all the time. I have serious respect for him. Kids, adults don't matter. Talks baseball and signs autographs. Classy guy.

I'll echo Ripken sentiments. I once saw him 3 hours after an Angels game still signing. Seriously, not even rookies do that!


At shows I have met and been overwhelmed by the kindness of:

Dan Marino: (This was as he was deciding if he would go to the Vikes or retire. I told him "It doesn't matter if you never play again, you'll always be the greatest Quarterback ever." He retired a month later. I take the credit HA!)

Barry Sanders: An obvious newbie to the "show scene" For those of you who don't know, when you buy tix for the NJ Triumph Sports show, the earlier you buy dictates the order you meet the athlete. So if you buy your ticket the day of the show, you're the last person to get an autograph. Similarly, if you pre-order 6 months in advance, you get first crack. Each ticket has a number. Well I wanted Barry's autograph since I saw him play live in Giants Stadium in 1991. I pre-ordered. I was number 45 out almost 500 for deluxe signatures (they charge more for jerseys than photos) It took 2 hours of standing on line to get up to him. I realized why when I finally got my turn. Barry spoke to everyone. Not just a few words, he held a conversation. I told him he should come back and play on just Thanksgivings because Turkey always tastes better when he was breaking the ankles of any poor CB who tried to tackle him. He was really appreciative of my support. Just to put it in perspective, Joe Montana was on 300-350 when I got off line and he started an hour later than Barry. Not digging Joe, he's a veteran of these things and the line keeps moving with him. Barry as a rookie, was still amazed so many people paid $150 for his signature that he still felt obligated to talk to all of us. On a side note, I left 6 hours later and Barry was still signing, 4 hours after his contract expired.

Jerry Rice: Just like Barry, big smile, told stories, took pictures, shook my hand like we were college roomates and thanked me for my support with sincerity.


Zack Thomas/Ricky Williams: Both sweet guys, took time to talk and answer questions. Ricky has a bad rep but he's a really cool guy one on one. Zach looks small on TV, he's a bull up close. Jason Taylor same thing. Looks almost skinny out there on TV but huge shoulders.

I realize I may have to part with a gamer now and then but my Sanders, Marino and Rice will be handed down to my kids.

[nealdevelopment@yahoo.com]

Re: Best/Worse signers

MVandor,
This post is for people who had a bad experience with a signer for everybody to hear. Can't i tell people about my bad experiences without you throwing in your two cents. I had a bad experience, ok?
You almost remind me of when i was with tony at the signings.

Re: Best/Worse signers

Alot of ball players have a bad day, just like anyone else. Perhaps Mike caught Gwynn on one of those. I myself have been known to have a few bad days...per my wife anyway. I see myself as 24 hour joy.

lol Too funny.

[skyking26]

Re: Best/Worse signers

Your story appears to be the exception, everyone else says Gwynn is just a happy guy, hardly ever down or negative or surly. And very down to earth.

Alot of ball players have a bad day, just like anyone else. Perhaps Mike caught Gwynn on one of those. I myself have been known to have a few bad days...per my wife anyway. I see myself as 24 hour joy.

[mvandor]

Re: Best/Worse signers

MVandor. Unfortunatly your having trouble with someone who has had numerous bad experiences with Gwynn. Like the other guy says about S Sosa hes a great guy until it comes time to have him sign something that is of value. His "real stuff" Get over it. This thread is about good and bad experiences. Tony Gwynn was a real downer.

Your story appears to be the exception, everyone else says Gwynn is just a happy guy, hardly ever down or negative or surly. And very down to earth.

[nealdevelopment@yahoo.com]

Re: Best/Worse signers

MVandor. Unfortunatly your having trouble with someone who has had numerous bad experiences with Gwynn. Like the other guy says about S Sosa hes a great guy until it comes time to have him sign something that is of value. His "real stuff" Get over it. This thread is about good and bad experiences. Tony Gwynn was a real downer.

[xpress34]

Re: Best/Worse signers

Cool story - sounds like you are a true fan. Do you have any good contacts at Donruss or a general address where I could write?

-Les

Les -

http://www.donruss.com/

Address Phone Number Donruss Playoff L.P.
2300 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011 (800) 852-8833
(817) 983-0300 ContactPhone Number Customer Support(817) 983-0203

[frikativ54]

Re: Best/Worse signers

Les -

I bought it on eBay a few years back. After Donruss lost their MLB license, they auctioned a TON of stuff off from their Vault.

You could write Donruss and ask if they know the disposition of Bagwell's piece.

I know that the Pujols sold for around $1,600, Helton went for about $800 and quite a few went unsold...

The Holliday has a good story as I was watching it and I outbid the only other bidder by $2.50... I won this piece for $152.50 because Matt had not yet become a Superstar...

When I told Matt I had won the piece and was waiting for it to come in so he could sign the matte, one of his friends said something about me being the guy that outbid Matt's dad! It really had me feeling a little down.

Well, the day I took it down, I asked Matt if his dad was really upset and he told me his dad wasn't upset, but was more PO'd at himself that he didn't bid more... then Matt just starts laughing and tells me that actually it wasn't his dad, but it was his agent (before Boras) who I had outbid - and Matt was upset with him because he was going to give the painting to his parents.

But, Matt said since he knew I owned his 1st MLB Jersey (from Spring 2000 - #84) he was happy that the piece was in the hands of a true collector and fan. That made me feel a whole lot better.

Since then, Matt has signed anything I have had for him including any inscriptions I wished including: 2006 All Star Hat w/ '1st AS Game 2006' inscription, 2007 Gold Band 'MoneyBall' from AS HR Derby w/ '1st HR Derby 2007' inscription and his 2007 GU WS hat w/ '1st WS Game Used' Inscription.

- Chris

Cool story - sounds like you are a true fan. Do you have any good contacts at Donruss or a general address where I could write?

-Les

[xpress34]

Re: Best/Worse signers

Where did you get that original oil painting? I would really like a Bagwell. Please email me at lazukor@gmail.com; I would be curious to know how you purchased that.

Les -

I bought it on eBay a few years back. After Donruss lost their MLB license, they auctioned a TON of stuff off from their Vault.

You could write Donruss and ask if they know the disposition of Bagwell's piece.

I know that the Pujols sold for around $1,600, Helton went for about $800 and quite a few went unsold...

The Holliday has a good story as I was watching it and I outbid the only other bidder by $2.50... I won this piece for $152.50 because Matt had not yet become a Superstar...

When I told Matt I had won the piece and was waiting for it to come in so he could sign the matte, one of his friends said something about me being the guy that outbid Matt's dad! It really had me feeling a little down.

Well, the day I took it down, I asked Matt if his dad was really upset and he told me his dad wasn't upset, but was more PO'd at himself that he didn't bid more... then Matt just starts laughing and tells me that actually it wasn't his dad, but it was his agent (before Boras) who I had outbid - and Matt was upset with him because he was going to give the painting to his parents.

But, Matt said since he knew I owned his 1st MLB Jersey (from Spring 2000 - #84) he was happy that the piece was in the hands of a true collector and fan. That made me feel a whole lot better.

Since then, Matt has signed anything I have had for him including any inscriptions I wished including: 2006 All Star Hat w/ '1st AS Game 2006' inscription, 2007 Gold Band 'MoneyBall' from AS HR Derby w/ '1st HR Derby 2007' inscription and his 2007 GU WS hat w/ '1st WS Game Used' Inscription.

- Chris

[xpress34]

Re: Best/Worse signers

Todd helton aint even looking at the camera. And is that Matt Holliday's kid in the back seat.

Yanks -

Someone said something to Todd just as the picture was being taken... and YES, the is Matt's kid in the backseat - we were out back of Coors Field after a day game... what's really funny is you can't see Matt's hands in the photo.

I say that because Matt and I had talked about this piece and he said bring it down and he would sign it... the day I brought it down was the day he slid head first into 2nd and broke his pinkie. One hand is in a finger splint and bandaged up! I told him we could do it later but he said no and signed anyway - actually one of the cleanest most legible Hollidays I have in my collection!

- Chris

[xpress34]

Re: Best/Worse signers

xpress34....

Just curious...you appear to own a lot of jerseys, and generally seem to be wearing whichever one would make you appear to be a fan of the team with which the player you're looking to get close to is associated. So...do you have all 30 teams in your closet, on standby, or what?

GW -

YEARS of experience showed me that some players tend to sign easier if you are wearing team colors... so NO, I don't own all 30 teams jerseys, but I am aware of what colors or hat I am wearing when I do go to the team hotel... another thing I try to do is make myself familair with the player/players I am seeking for my collection other than just their baseball career (i.e. family, hometown, etc.) as it seems to break the ice with some guys if you can talk to them about something other than last night's HR or pitching performance or whatever...

I have some friends who call me a 'pro' autograph seeker - and I'm fine with that as long as they don't confuse me with the PROS who only do it for profit - you know, the guy who has one 8x10 and when the player approaches, it becomes TEN 8 x10's and then the player doesn't sign for anyone else...

As far as Jerseys, I do have Rangers, Rockies, D-Backs and Marlins in MLB and Stars and AVs as far as NHL goes... most of my Rockies Jerseys are GU.

All the best -

Chris

[frikativ54]

Re: Best/Worse signers

[quote=xpress34;121147]Other GREAT Signers (for me at least):

Nolan Ryan


Matt Holliday ( That is the ORIGINAL Oil Painting of his 2005 Diamond Kings Card!)



Where did you get that original oil painting? I would really like a Bagwell. Please email me at lazukor@gmail.com; I would be curious to know how you purchased that.