So the Pirates may have lost 7-2, but I left in the middle of the 5th inning because I had to travel back home for work. At that time the Bucs were up 2-1 thanks to one of my favorite prospects to collect Robbie Grossman.
Before the game started I saw Robbie out on the field warming up with the Bucs and he seemed extremely happy that someone recognized him and asked for his autograph. He signed a baseball for me on the sweetspot and thanked me for his support.
Also before the game started I was able to add to my sign I started in Spring Training a few weeks back. This wooden sign is turning out great. I added Matt Hague, Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker, Jeff Karstens, and team president Frank Coonelly.
I also managed to get a few other balls signed between the two game series. Joel Hanrahan, Pedro Alvarez, and Matt Hague all contributed to my solo signature balls collection. The Hague was a game-used ball with some small dirt marks on it. Matt actually tossed me a ball after the 4th inning when the Bucs were coming off the field, but I gave the ball to a little kid sitting behind me.
I got a few cards signed as well. Cards are a pain in the ass to get signed at games in Philly because you can't get near the dugout to seek out autographs. I rarely bring cards unless I know that the player is very fan friendly and will accept a card being thrown at them like Gambit from the X-Men.
2012 Topps Heritage Clint Hurdle
2011 Topps Opening Day Stadium Lights Pedro Alvarez
Former Dodgers Top Prospect and current Pirate Prospect Andrew Lambo
2010 Bowman Chrome Topps 100 numbered 82/499
The absolute best thing that my girlfriend and I got signed though was this 8x10 photo below. We attended the Monday night On Deck game and the Red Philly Phanatic was taunting Pirates slugger Garrett Jones before the game. Jones was trying to avoid him and shuffling back and forth. My lady took a picture of the incident and printed out the picture before the Tuesday game in hopes that Garrett would sign it. When he saw the photo he started cracking up and said this is the best thing he ever signed. We prepared for that and gave him his own copy to keep as he signed ours.
Here's some other pictures that she took from the game. For those wondering how close we were, try row 1 behind the Pirates dugout. With pictures like this, she might have a job at Topps right?
Great job! The Pirates have some nice young talent and it's nice to see them signing.
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested, I have an extra ball signed by Rod Barajas.
That's awesome B. I got to go to Spring Training for my Brew Crew for the first time ever and holy crap was it a blast. Plus I came away some great auto's too. Looks like you had a blast down there in Florida!!
ReplyDeleteGreat sucesses. I love how that wood sign turned out.
ReplyDeleteI only wish the Yankees were that easy to graph.
Love the sign!
ReplyDeleteWow!! Great stuff, dude. Those are the priceless memories that we can hold on to forever. Go Bucs!!
ReplyDelete