Graphin’ With Kevin

Today was MN Sportsfest. While I saw the first layout of tables on the website and then when it got updated to a new layout, I figured there was not going to be too many dealers there. I decided to go anyway and get Al Newman’s autograph for Greg and Vince. Cami wanted to go because there was going to be those jumpy things she loves to play on so she and I headed down. We got there and there was only a couple dealers but four jumpy things so she must have spent an hour or so on one of those where she had it all to herself. We were walking along and look up and Al Newman was walking with us. He asked about the nuk Cami had in her mouth (she always does!) and told me how to get rid of it. If it works, I will post his advice on here.

As he started signing, Cami and I went up and got a couple cards signed. Cami got one personalized to her with “Pretty Smile” and on for Caden with “All My Best”. It was fun and I hope next year’s Sportsfest will be much, much larger.

A year or so ago I took a photo of Brent Burns at a Wild hockey game. It was one of my most favorite photos that show him following through on a shot as the goalie and three others look on. The shot was a goal.

I noticed that Brent was signing autographs at a local Davanni’s Pizza shop after work today so I brought a couple copies of the photo and a puck along to see how it would go. While I was standing in line, there was a family of four in front of me with a 1 1/2 to 2 year old son who was behaving absolutely incredible. Since I had two photos, I asked them if they had something for Brent to sign for the little guy. They did but when I offered the photo, they loved it and I gave them one. When we got to Brent, he looked at the photo and thought it was really cool and asked them where they got it. They said I gave it to them and he asked me where I got it. I told him I took it and if he wanted one, I would send it to the team to his attention. He really thought that was a cool photo.

I got a puck signed in silver and my photo signed in blue Sharpie. I plan on donating the photo to the Hoop-A-Thon silent auction. I will request a couple to be signed when I send him one. I will keep one and give one to some friends’ kids.

All in all it was a fun time and I do not even collect hockey!

What a great day for the mail today!

My friend Matt (also mentioned in the Iowa Cubs Fanfest posts) and his son went to the Chicago White Sox Soxfest last month and picked up some autographs for me. Added to my collection today are:
Minnie Minoso
Javier Vazquez
Jermaine Dye
Mark Buehrle
The Dye ball is a World Champion White Sox ball and all balls are signed on the sweet spot. AWESOME!

Also in the mail was a baseball from my friend Vince (mentioned in multiple posts). He got Jarrod Saltalamacchia to sign a ball for me! His last name has one letter more than mine. I had to look it over a couple times to make sure I spelled it right! The Salty ball is also blue ink sweet spot.

I am really lucky to have the friends I have! Thanks guys!

Ok. So this entry is not about the Boss, Bruce Springsteen, but rather Jay Bruce. Bruce is an up and coming stud outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds.

I was surprised today when I checked the mail and found my good friend Steve went to the Reds caravan and was able to get a baseball signed by Bruce for me. Steve and I have taken real good care of each other and our collections over the years but I think I really owe him now (as I probably did before receiving this ball)!

I am really excited to have a Jay Bruce ball in my collection!