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!