Today I received a package from Tim K (josh96 on SCN) who went to the Chicago Sports Spectacular last weekend and got me a couple autographs. Tim got AJ Pierzynski to sign a pair of ESPN magazines from when he, Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones, and Doug Mientkiewicz were on the cover. I already had one issue signed by all four but I love that issue so much I started two more. One is now done with AJ being added to it and the other is just missing Torii. Tim also got Joe Crede to sign a 2009 Topps card which will be a nice upgrade to the one I currently have. This was the first time Tim and I worked together and I could not be happier! Thank you Tim!
Turn To Max
Today I received a pair of packages I am excited to add to the collection. The first package contained the 10.30.2017 issue of Sports Illustrated signed by Justin Turner. Mark B (renaissancemanla on SCN) got Justin to sign it at Albert Pujols’ golf event on March 1st. It turned out great!
The other package was from Matt H (MattyIce on SCN) who lives near the Twins spring training complex and was able to hook me up with the following items signed beautifully in blue:
2017 Topps Heritage Phil Hughes #562
Max Kepler ticket with “Debut”
Max Kepler ticket with “1st HR”
It was a fun day of mail!
Brooksie
Today I received a package I had mailed to Brooks Robinson to have him sign a couple magazines I picked up recently. Mr Robinson signed my 1967 Maco Baseball Guidebook and a June, 1972 Sport magazine. On the Sport, he signed it in a darker area and while it did not turn out the best, it was fine by me. What makes this noteworthy is that Mr Robinson included a note basically apologizing for how it turned out and that I could send something to him and he would sign for free. What a classy move. Of all the players I have ever met in a signing or otherwise situation, Brooks and Harmon Killebrew are both far and away the nicest men I have met. This just reinforces the class that Mr Robinson shows. I will send him a baseball but I will also include a note and donation in the near future. I am not going to expect him to sign something for free for me. I am excited to add these magazines and will look for other items for him to sign down the road. Thanks Brooks!
The Murph
Today I was able to pick up what was a tradition for my friend Rob M and I going back to the Metrodome days. On a Friday during Lent, I would swing by McDonald’s on my way to spending lunch at the ballpark with Rob and pick up fish sandwiches. We would go to a suite and hang out and chat about our families and baseball. Because I was so busy the last few years at work, I made it a point to make it happen this year and today was the day.
It was neat to spend time at the ballpark and especially with Rob. Looking out of the suite at the field, I could see the outfield grass getting mowed. How cool is that?
After lunch, I was able to check out the new Bat & Barrel area (formerly Metropolitan Club) and the realignment of the area by Gate 29 where they removed a few rows of seats and made the concourse wider. It really looked great!
On my way out, Rob gave me a bag with a couple Twins swag items. Inside was a baseball signed by John Ryan Murphy. I did not have one signed by him so this was a great addition to the collection.
Thanks for the goodies but more important the time hanging out Rob!