This July's Columbus Blue Jackets Development Camp was again a good opportunity for autographs. The July 4th session was particularly good with many players stopping after their time on ice to sign. Ryan Johansen even asked very nicely if everyone got an autograph! Well done, Mr. Johansen! Alex Aleardi handed my son a (broken) practice-used stick -- nice!! We were able to get top draft picks Ryan Murray and Oscar Dansk. Boone Jenner and Cam Atkinson also signed.
The usual area below the bleachers is where the autograph collecting occurred. It always pays to get there early as there is not much room up in front where your chances of getting an autograph is much greater. One point: development camp offers nothing associated with it to have you collect autographs. Whether you bring pictures or pucks or something else, it is on you. No CBJ logo items, including pucks, were in the Blue Line Store the last day of camp -- perhaps they had sold out (except hats or jerseys -- not the perfect thing to have autographed there). The one exception was the mini CBJ blue helmets, which might be a nice item to have signed. Silver sharpie always looks great on those blue helmets!
Note: the CBJ Select-A-Seat nights -- one is coming up 7-18-12 -- are always a fun way to get a couple of autographs. This week: Jackson, Aucoin, and Filigno are all signing on this date. First 500 fans get a free All-Star puck, too! These nights are at Nationwide Arena and are a great way to see what is available as Season Tickets for the 2012-2013 season. We will be there at Nationwide -- we hope you will be too!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Columbus Spring Autograph Opportunities
As of this last week of March 2012, there are only a handful of Blue Jackets practices left. The practices that take place at the Dispatch Ice Haus are always great places to get an autograph. The practices that take place at the Nationwide Arena that are open do not allow for autograph opportunities. Check the schedule at their website here under the Schedule Tab to see where and when the practices will be held.
Next Weds. April 4th at the LC Pavillion from 5-8 pm will be a free event to Meet the Clippers. There are autograph sessions. We have never attended this event, but I understand it is a nice way to collect the Clippers' players autographs. Such up and coming players as Lonnie Chisenhall and Matt LaPorta in the Indians system have been sent to the Clippers to start the season. They are a good bet to be there.
When the Clippers moved from Cooper Stadium to Huntington Park, we were disappointed. Not because Huntington is not a great park -- we love it! But because Cooper Stadium was such an amazing place to get the opposing team's players autograph. In order to get to the dugout, they had to go around the third base side stands. They would walk a few feet from the railing. We had a lot of luck getting the Louisville Bats to sign there -- one day, the only guy who did not sign for us was Homer Bailey (a tough autograph).
As some time has passed, we actually are having good luck with the Bats and Clippers signing autographs at Huntington Park. Ted Power, the former Reds pitcher and the pitching coach of the Bats, is always willing to sign -- thanks, Mr. Power! And last year, we had good luck with a number of games. As always, it pays to be down by the dugout (Clippers on the first base side; visitors on the third base side) when the players first come out. Many times, we have worn the gear of the major league team (Reds, Indians, etc.) and had good fortune with autographs. I must admit, we do not always do so well identifying the up and coming players as they come by, decreasing our success. And interestingly, the rosters on the team's website can change so quickly the website is out of date. I called a Louisville Bat by the wrong name last year because the roster on the website had not been updated -- though thanks for signing for us anyway, Jeremy Horst!
So good luck with the Spring autograph hunting!
This is a picture of Sam, Adam, and Noah at a Clippers game last year when they each were tossed a ball!
Next Weds. April 4th at the LC Pavillion from 5-8 pm will be a free event to Meet the Clippers. There are autograph sessions. We have never attended this event, but I understand it is a nice way to collect the Clippers' players autographs. Such up and coming players as Lonnie Chisenhall and Matt LaPorta in the Indians system have been sent to the Clippers to start the season. They are a good bet to be there.
When the Clippers moved from Cooper Stadium to Huntington Park, we were disappointed. Not because Huntington is not a great park -- we love it! But because Cooper Stadium was such an amazing place to get the opposing team's players autograph. In order to get to the dugout, they had to go around the third base side stands. They would walk a few feet from the railing. We had a lot of luck getting the Louisville Bats to sign there -- one day, the only guy who did not sign for us was Homer Bailey (a tough autograph).
As some time has passed, we actually are having good luck with the Bats and Clippers signing autographs at Huntington Park. Ted Power, the former Reds pitcher and the pitching coach of the Bats, is always willing to sign -- thanks, Mr. Power! And last year, we had good luck with a number of games. As always, it pays to be down by the dugout (Clippers on the first base side; visitors on the third base side) when the players first come out. Many times, we have worn the gear of the major league team (Reds, Indians, etc.) and had good fortune with autographs. I must admit, we do not always do so well identifying the up and coming players as they come by, decreasing our success. And interestingly, the rosters on the team's website can change so quickly the website is out of date. I called a Louisville Bat by the wrong name last year because the roster on the website had not been updated -- though thanks for signing for us anyway, Jeremy Horst!
So good luck with the Spring autograph hunting!This is a picture of Sam, Adam, and Noah at a Clippers game last year when they each were tossed a ball!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
What to wear
We have had some interesting things happen when seeking autographs. It has helped shape our understanding of how to prepare. It certainly makes sense that if you demonstrate to the athlete that you are a fan of their team, you are more likely to receive an autograph. And for times in which you are pursuing a particular autograph, wearing something linking you to that player is bound to help -- a replica of their jersey, a t-shirt with their name or image on it, etc.
We were at a Twins v. Indians game in Progressive Field a couple years ago. Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins was signing autographs along side the outfield wall along the first base side. Although my children were probably 13, 9, and 9 at the time and were in good position, they did not receive an autograph. Mr. Morneau was clearly looking people up and down and seeing if they were wearing something tying them to the Twins -- a hat, a t-shirt, a jersey. Those that were "showing their colors" got an autograph. Those that were not, did not receive an autograph. That evening, we were not showing our colors. As much as we admire Mr. Morneau and would have loved to receive his autograph, I certainly understand.
My oldest son is a fan of both the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs. That has lead to some interesting scenarios. We have been in Wrigley for a Reds v. Cubs game or in Great American Ballpark for a Cubs v. Reds game and Sam has had some conflicts: Reds gear? Or Cubs gear? Although I do not like the "the exception that proves the rule" saying, here is a funny thing that happened at one Cubs at Reds game a few years ago. Adam and I were standing at the first base line near the Reds dugout. That day, the only Red to sign autographs was Micah Owings and he signed for both of us. Sam had camped out at the third base line near the Cubs autographs. We have not had much luck with the Cubs signing at regular season games, even if one is clearly a big fan based on their gear. When the game was about to start and Adam and I had returned to our seats, Sam left the "Cubs side" and came over to the "Reds side". He was wearing his Cubs jersey. Paul Janish, the Cincinnati Reds shortstop, was stretching in the grass near the foul pole. He had just recently came into a blow-out loss as a relief pitcher. Sam has always liked Paul Janish. He shouted out to Paul "You are my favorite pitcher, Paul!". In a minute, Paul came over to Sam and signed for him -- just him. When Sam met us at our seats, we almost could not believe Sam had made this work -- especially while wearing a Cubs jersey! When I discussed this with Mr. Janish at Reds Fest 2010, he got a chuckle out of it and mumbled "That is sad I am his favorite pitcher!".
This Spring, we went to see some Cactus League action. When one morning there were no major leaguers practicing at the Reds facility, we went next door (down the street) to the Indians facility. Sam and I had on Reds jerseys. I was wearing a Reds cap. Adam was carrying a Reds Fest 2011 cinch sack. There were very few folks around: mostly senior citizens, a couple middle aged couples, and one other middle school aged boy. And somehow, whenever someone starting to sign autographs, they signed for us. Only Matt LaPorta mentioned it. When he said something about our Reds gear, I told him we were from Ohio, liked the Reds and the Indians, and that my dad (long time Indians fan) would be bothered that we were wearing Reds gear. He said "It bothers me a little bit, too!". But he signed for us!
So do your best to dress the part, but do not walk away from an opportunity because you are not wearing the right gear. And knowing something catchy to say certainly helps!
We were at a Twins v. Indians game in Progressive Field a couple years ago. Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins was signing autographs along side the outfield wall along the first base side. Although my children were probably 13, 9, and 9 at the time and were in good position, they did not receive an autograph. Mr. Morneau was clearly looking people up and down and seeing if they were wearing something tying them to the Twins -- a hat, a t-shirt, a jersey. Those that were "showing their colors" got an autograph. Those that were not, did not receive an autograph. That evening, we were not showing our colors. As much as we admire Mr. Morneau and would have loved to receive his autograph, I certainly understand.
My oldest son is a fan of both the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs. That has lead to some interesting scenarios. We have been in Wrigley for a Reds v. Cubs game or in Great American Ballpark for a Cubs v. Reds game and Sam has had some conflicts: Reds gear? Or Cubs gear? Although I do not like the "the exception that proves the rule" saying, here is a funny thing that happened at one Cubs at Reds game a few years ago. Adam and I were standing at the first base line near the Reds dugout. That day, the only Red to sign autographs was Micah Owings and he signed for both of us. Sam had camped out at the third base line near the Cubs autographs. We have not had much luck with the Cubs signing at regular season games, even if one is clearly a big fan based on their gear. When the game was about to start and Adam and I had returned to our seats, Sam left the "Cubs side" and came over to the "Reds side". He was wearing his Cubs jersey. Paul Janish, the Cincinnati Reds shortstop, was stretching in the grass near the foul pole. He had just recently came into a blow-out loss as a relief pitcher. Sam has always liked Paul Janish. He shouted out to Paul "You are my favorite pitcher, Paul!". In a minute, Paul came over to Sam and signed for him -- just him. When Sam met us at our seats, we almost could not believe Sam had made this work -- especially while wearing a Cubs jersey! When I discussed this with Mr. Janish at Reds Fest 2010, he got a chuckle out of it and mumbled "That is sad I am his favorite pitcher!".
This Spring, we went to see some Cactus League action. When one morning there were no major leaguers practicing at the Reds facility, we went next door (down the street) to the Indians facility. Sam and I had on Reds jerseys. I was wearing a Reds cap. Adam was carrying a Reds Fest 2011 cinch sack. There were very few folks around: mostly senior citizens, a couple middle aged couples, and one other middle school aged boy. And somehow, whenever someone starting to sign autographs, they signed for us. Only Matt LaPorta mentioned it. When he said something about our Reds gear, I told him we were from Ohio, liked the Reds and the Indians, and that my dad (long time Indians fan) would be bothered that we were wearing Reds gear. He said "It bothers me a little bit, too!". But he signed for us!
So do your best to dress the part, but do not walk away from an opportunity because you are not wearing the right gear. And knowing something catchy to say certainly helps!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Cincinnati Reds Spring Training
The Cincinnati Reds are now in their third year spending their Spring Training in Arizona. Their training facility and stadium are in Goodyear, West of Phoenix. They share the stadium with the Cleveland Indians. Each team has their own training facility, a collection of fields, batting cages, and building for offices and locker rooms. They are just down the street (Estrella Parkway) from the Goodyear Ballpark and there is an off-street access road that connects the whole complex.
The practices generally start about 9 a.m. and the access gates to walk onto the complex grounds are opened at that time. There is free parking along the access road in front of the facility. The major league players practice on the North side and the minor leaguers on the South side. The minor league area has four fields. The players and coaches need to walk on a common side walk to reach the walkway back to the private access areas. There are sets of small stands so that you can sit and watch the action on the field. To reach the area, the sidewalk runs right out to the front of the facility. The major league area has three fields and batting cages. To reach the area, fans need to walk down the Northern most sidewalk. You can then either walk to the right and go to a set of stands that overlook the action. Or you can take the way to the left that goes around the outfield wall. It feels as if this cannot be the "right way to go". But it is! You reach an area where two of the fields are connected by a sidewalk. The major leaguers regularly have to walk on and off the fields via this sidewalk. There is a guard rail to designate where you can stand. This puts you no more than 10-12 feet from where the players and coaches walk by the area.
As with many practices, the best times to "catch someone" for an autograph is when they first arrive or are leaving for the morning. Although we had success with this when we attended, some players are certainly arriving at different times, so it is appropriate to ask politely anytime.
The day we attended, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman, Dusty Baker, Sean Marshall, Ryan Madson, Mike Leake, Drew Stubbs, Chris Welsh, Billy Hatcher, Sam LeCure, Todd Frazier, and Zach Cozart all signed between 9 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. I took the picture above of my son Sam Teller patiently waits for Joey Votto's autograph. He is showing good form with the ball and pen extended towards the player without crowding the player. And bonus points for having the cap of the pen off!
The practices generally start about 9 a.m. and the access gates to walk onto the complex grounds are opened at that time. There is free parking along the access road in front of the facility. The major league players practice on the North side and the minor leaguers on the South side. The minor league area has four fields. The players and coaches need to walk on a common side walk to reach the walkway back to the private access areas. There are sets of small stands so that you can sit and watch the action on the field. To reach the area, the sidewalk runs right out to the front of the facility. The major league area has three fields and batting cages. To reach the area, fans need to walk down the Northern most sidewalk. You can then either walk to the right and go to a set of stands that overlook the action. Or you can take the way to the left that goes around the outfield wall. It feels as if this cannot be the "right way to go". But it is! You reach an area where two of the fields are connected by a sidewalk. The major leaguers regularly have to walk on and off the fields via this sidewalk. There is a guard rail to designate where you can stand. This puts you no more than 10-12 feet from where the players and coaches walk by the area.
The day we attended, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman, Dusty Baker, Sean Marshall, Ryan Madson, Mike Leake, Drew Stubbs, Chris Welsh, Billy Hatcher, Sam LeCure, Todd Frazier, and Zach Cozart all signed between 9 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. I took the picture above of my son Sam Teller patiently waits for Joey Votto's autograph. He is showing good form with the ball and pen extended towards the player without crowding the player. And bonus points for having the cap of the pen off!
Choosing Your Pen or Marker
We have had enough experience over a few years to make some recommendations on the ballpoint or Sharpie or paint pen issues. Ultimately, you are hoping for long life for your autograph. You want the autograph material (pen ink or marker ink or paint) to dry fairly quickly so that it does not smear. You want the autograph to look good long term.
For baseballs, we have found that ballpoint blue or black ink pens have done the best. Make sure you test the ink on a piece of paper before you hand the pen to the athlete. Although some like the way black Sharpie looks on baseballs, I feel that the long term appearance is not great. The black Sharpie ink often looks like there is a greenish color to it on cowhide. A standard Bic ballpoint pen does the best. Bring several to make sure you have a working pen with you. Fancier rollerball pens often take longer to dry and are prone to smearing.
For standard paper products that do not have too much sheen or gloss, Sharpie pens work great and dry quickly. For scorecards, they look the best. Ballpoint pen ink looks thin on these items.
For glossy pictures, yearbooks, and programs, Sharpies are often used and look great. The issue is that they are prone to smearing on these items because the treated paper does not quickly absorb the ink. So make sure you allow the ink to dry before putting the item away.
For helmets, mini helmets, footballs, and hockey pucks, Sharpies and paint pens look great. I think ink pens (available at art and eduction stores) look great on these items and the ink really "pops" on these versus the Sharpie. Again, the paint takes a little time to dry so be careful when handling the item after having it signed.
For baseball bats and hockey sticks, paint pens and Sharpies look good. Many brown or black bats seem to absorb the Sharpie ink and then the ink can look washed out. The paint pens often really look sharp on a black hockey stick or a dark baseball bat. One note: many times the hockey sticks are signed on the tape on the blade. Black Sharpie looks very good on this white tape. Silver Sharpie or white paint pen look very good on black tape.
For jerseys, Sharpies and paint pens are most commonly used. Ballpoint pens do not show up well on jerseys. Sharpies look fine if you get the color just right. I have a white hockey jersey with blue Sharpie ink that looks great. I have seen black or silver Sharpie ink on blue jerseys and felt you could barely see the signature. Paint pens can do well on jerseys also.
For both Sharpie and paint pens, test them before you hand them to the athlete. Paint pens take a few minutes (at the least) to get the paint to the end of the pen (there are instructions on the side of the pen -- involves depressing the nub then shaking vigorously). Plan accordingly.
For baseball cards and similar, I think either Sharpie or ballpoint ink works well. Older cards have no gloss and ballpoint looks really good on these. Newer glossy cards seem to do better with Sharpie ink but they need time to dry.
I hope these tips help. We have had some experience that has taught us some lessons in these areas.
For baseballs, we have found that ballpoint blue or black ink pens have done the best. Make sure you test the ink on a piece of paper before you hand the pen to the athlete. Although some like the way black Sharpie looks on baseballs, I feel that the long term appearance is not great. The black Sharpie ink often looks like there is a greenish color to it on cowhide. A standard Bic ballpoint pen does the best. Bring several to make sure you have a working pen with you. Fancier rollerball pens often take longer to dry and are prone to smearing.
For standard paper products that do not have too much sheen or gloss, Sharpie pens work great and dry quickly. For scorecards, they look the best. Ballpoint pen ink looks thin on these items.
For glossy pictures, yearbooks, and programs, Sharpies are often used and look great. The issue is that they are prone to smearing on these items because the treated paper does not quickly absorb the ink. So make sure you allow the ink to dry before putting the item away.
For helmets, mini helmets, footballs, and hockey pucks, Sharpies and paint pens look great. I think ink pens (available at art and eduction stores) look great on these items and the ink really "pops" on these versus the Sharpie. Again, the paint takes a little time to dry so be careful when handling the item after having it signed.
For baseball bats and hockey sticks, paint pens and Sharpies look good. Many brown or black bats seem to absorb the Sharpie ink and then the ink can look washed out. The paint pens often really look sharp on a black hockey stick or a dark baseball bat. One note: many times the hockey sticks are signed on the tape on the blade. Black Sharpie looks very good on this white tape. Silver Sharpie or white paint pen look very good on black tape.
For jerseys, Sharpies and paint pens are most commonly used. Ballpoint pens do not show up well on jerseys. Sharpies look fine if you get the color just right. I have a white hockey jersey with blue Sharpie ink that looks great. I have seen black or silver Sharpie ink on blue jerseys and felt you could barely see the signature. Paint pens can do well on jerseys also.
For both Sharpie and paint pens, test them before you hand them to the athlete. Paint pens take a few minutes (at the least) to get the paint to the end of the pen (there are instructions on the side of the pen -- involves depressing the nub then shaking vigorously). Plan accordingly.
For baseball cards and similar, I think either Sharpie or ballpoint ink works well. Older cards have no gloss and ballpoint looks really good on these. Newer glossy cards seem to do better with Sharpie ink but they need time to dry.
I hope these tips help. We have had some experience that has taught us some lessons in these areas.
Friday, March 23, 2012
How I Answer the "Why do you do this?" question.
I am asked by lots of folks why we spend time chasing down opportunities to get autographs. I think it is many things that play a role in wanting to collect autographs. I am certainly a fan of many sports. I admire the skill, determination, and time it takes someone to become an accomplished athlete. I have tried my hand at a number of sports and had some success has a soccer player in high school. And I am proud that I spent one season pursuing Division 3 soccer at DePauw. I was fortunate to enter one game my freshman year against Rose Hulman before deciding that I needed to drop soccer the rest of my time in college to concentrate on academics. Having spent many hours playing soccer, I have a sense for what it takes to make oneself a competitive athlete. Those folks that really take it to the top level certainly gain my respect for that effort they have made in pursuing their dreams.
My admiration for these athletes has driven me to want to have some connection with them. Part of the fun of collecting autographs is that we often get to briefly chat with the players. We have had many fun, funny, and fascinating interactions. George Foster, the 1977 NL MVP for the Cincinnati Reds, recently told us that when he had said "I want that back!" to my son Sam when Sam presented a game-used bat to Mr. Foster at 2011 Redsfest for him to sign, he had said that because he does not have one to show people. That shocks me (and makes me a little sad!). That someone who was known for his bats with their thin grip and their dark brown color -- called "Black Betty" -- does not have one in their collection to show off really surprised us. But it is one of many discussions we have had with athletes over the years.
Being able to display a signed ball, jersey, bat, stick, or photo lets us relive our fun in collecting these autographs. We often have a chance to show our collection of items with others. Telling folks the stories about our adventures certainly is fun for us.
So we admire these athletes, enjoy the interaction with them, and love making a connection with them.
My admiration for these athletes has driven me to want to have some connection with them. Part of the fun of collecting autographs is that we often get to briefly chat with the players. We have had many fun, funny, and fascinating interactions. George Foster, the 1977 NL MVP for the Cincinnati Reds, recently told us that when he had said "I want that back!" to my son Sam when Sam presented a game-used bat to Mr. Foster at 2011 Redsfest for him to sign, he had said that because he does not have one to show people. That shocks me (and makes me a little sad!). That someone who was known for his bats with their thin grip and their dark brown color -- called "Black Betty" -- does not have one in their collection to show off really surprised us. But it is one of many discussions we have had with athletes over the years.
Being able to display a signed ball, jersey, bat, stick, or photo lets us relive our fun in collecting these autographs. We often have a chance to show our collection of items with others. Telling folks the stories about our adventures certainly is fun for us.
So we admire these athletes, enjoy the interaction with them, and love making a connection with them.
Our autograph seeking adventures
Myself and my three sons have had a good run over the last few years with collecting autographs. We primarily collect major league baseball, NHL ice hockey, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football autographs. We collect these autographs for our personal collection. We have never sold any of the autographs we have collected. Although there are other resources on the web about autograph collecting, we think our successes and failures will help others who are looking to collect autographs of athletes. The vast majority of our success has come without paying for the autograph (although we have done that). And we have very little "insider" help. Only once have we attended an event where we received quite a few autographs where we had "special access".
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