A Phil But Not For Long

Today I received a Sports Illustrated signed by Ryan Howard of the Phillies.  He is probably going to be out of baseball at the end of this season but he did manage to have a private signing with Todd Schafer a couple weeks ago.  Todd had my 11.2.2009 SI signed in blue Sharpie.  I was hoping for a decent autograph since this was a sit down paid signing.  If it is, Howard’s signature is worse than I thought!

The Kid

Today I received a Sports Illustrated magazine signed by one of the best to ever play the game, Ken Griffey Jr.  Back when Griffey played for the Mariners I would go to all three games in the series when they visited the Twins.  Not once did I ever see Griffey or A Rod sign for anyone.  Fast forward years later I have purchased two different signed (and authenticated) Sports Illustrated magazines in the span of a few months.  I am glad to get these and would love to find the rest of them.  This one came from Lou B (loumud on SCN) and arrived beautifully signed and in great shape.  A real nice addition to the collection!

A Good Tough Rookie

Today I received a baseball signed by Andrew Benintendi.  Andrew is tearing up the minor leagues but what makes this baseball special is Andrew RARELY signs for anyone and says his agent told him not to sign on the sweetspot.  I paid more than normal for the baseball because of that.  I kept thinking that if I had the opportunity to get Bryce Harper at this price when he was in the same level of the minors as Andrew I would jump on it.  At least I can mark off Benintendi from my baseball want list now.  I purchased it from Brian M (morells86 on SCN) who had a half dozen signed via some special relationship with Andrew.  I am very pleased.