IP-Chicago burbs:arfmax:2013

[arfmax]

Today, I got autographs from 2-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, and now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dave Bolland, for free. I was able to get one 8x10 photo with Bolland holding the Stanley Cup aloft, and two cards from the recent Upper Deck Commemorative Blackhawks Box Set signed. Since Bolland was traded soon after winning the Cup this offseason, I didn't expect to ever be able to get anything Cup-related signed by him, so it was a surprise that he was making three appearances today at local Walgreens. I got the three signatures at Walgreens in Libertyville, IL.

Picture of the auto'd Bolland 8x10 and the cards:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps20c0fc0d.jpg


-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 334

[arfmax]

Today I got autographs from 2012 #1 overall draft pick in the NBA, 2012 NCAA Champion with Kentucky, 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner, and holder of numerous college records and awards, Anthony Davis, of the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans. Mr. Davis is from the Chicago area, and he appeared at his high school during the day, and then made an appearance at a Boost Mobile store on the southside of Chicago. Mr. Davis signed an 8x10, a 5x7 (I really wanted this one as an 8x10, but there weren't enough pixels), and 2 cards. If you asked him for a particular color, he then personalized whatever he signed. He also told other people that he doesn't use black pens, although he signed my two photos in black. His signature does change a lot, sometimes just an A and a D is legible, sometimes it looks like he is writing his whole name. He also was not the friendliest guy, and he refused to write any inscriptions (I was hoping for 2012 Olympic Gold Medal, 2012 #1 overall draft pick, or even Fear the Brow). Oh well, still cool to meet "The Brow".

Photo of the signed photos and cards:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6e2ce7b2.jpg

-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 338

[arfmax]

Today, I attended the Chicago All-Star Softball Challenge, a charity softball game held at a minor league ballpark in Schaumburg, IL, where rosters were made up of former players of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. Players in attendance and playing softball included Frank Thomas, James Baldwin, Norberto Martin, Chad Kreuter, Tony Phillips, Ozzie Guillen, Carlos Lee, Brian Anderson and Minnie Minoso for the White Sox, and Derrek Lee, Gary Matthews Jr., Brain McRae, Lee Smith, Scott Eyre, Cliff Floyd, Jamie Moyer, Adam Greenberg, Steve Trout, Bill Madlock, and Billy Williams for the Cubs.
Before, during, and after the game, I was able to get 2 cards signed by Adam Greenberg, 3 cards signed by Brian McRae, 3 cards signed by Chad Kreuter, 1 card signed by Carlos Lee, and 4 cards and 1 4x6 postcard signed by Jamie Moyer. It was a fun event, and for charity, and the players looked like they were having a great time.

Photo of the Moyer signed cards and postcard:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psea5428f2.jpg

Photo of the McRae, Greenberg, Kreuter, and Lee signed cards:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7623ab92.jpg

-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 352

[arfmax]

This past Friday, I went to a paid public signing for Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale. I had Mr. Sale sign an authentic MLB baseball, which he signed in blue pen on the sweet spot.

Photo of the signed ball:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps358b75b4.jpg

-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 353

[arfmax]

Yesterday, I went to a television show taping and got an autograph on a card from show host and former Chicago Bears offensive tackle Dan Jiggetts, and 6 autographs on cards from current Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, in Vernon Hills, IL.

Photo of the Jiggetts auto:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0811d03e.jpg

Photo of the Jeffrey autos:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8d3936bc.jpg

-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 360

[arfmax]

Yesterday, I went to a television show taping and got autographs from current Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte, 2 cards signed and 1 8x10 signed, in Vernon Hills, IL.

Photo of the Conte autos:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2d92cc9a.jpg

-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 363

[Cjones697]

The ball is upside down.

[arfmax]

Whoops! You are right, i didn't even see that, thanks!

[arfmax]

Today, I went to the Chicago White Sox final game of the season. I got free tickets to the game, because I had bought tickets earlier in the year. Today was Family Day, and so before the game, they had various players appearing at stations for autographs, but autographs were only for kids. They also had two 1983 White Sox Legends (Harold Baines and Ron Kittle) appearing on the concourse, and they signed for everyone. With the help of my 13-year old daughter, I was able to get two cards signed by Harold Baines (including 1 for my 1987 Topps auto set), 1 card signed by pitcher David Purcey, 1 card signed by outfielder Avisail Garcia, 1 card signed by pitcher Charlie Leesman, 1 card signed by pitcher Donnie Veal, 1 card signed by pitcher Ramon Troncoso, 1 card signed by pitcher Andre Rienzo, and I got 1 generic US Cellular Field stadium card signed by broadcater Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, one generic baseball autograph card signed by rookie 3rd baseman Marcus Semien, and finally, I had the ticket stubs signed by broadcaster Darrin "DJ" Jackson, and catcher Miguel Gonzalez.

Really happy with the Harold Baines and the Avisail Garcia successes.

Photo of the autos:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psa49e6aff.jpg

-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 375

[arfmax]

Tonight, I went to a live radio show, and got two autographs from former Dallas Cowboys and NY Giants tight end, and current Chicago Bears tight end, Martellus Bennett, in Downers Grove, IL. I got 1 card and 1 8x10 signed. He is a very unique character, and I have enjoyed listening to him on a few radio shows this year, veering from school systems and education to science and dinosaurs and how he wants to meet and have a conversation with creative people like Dr. Seuss, Kanye West, or Walt Disney, how he wants to intern at Pixar, or take art classes this summer, how he's constantly writing and creating things...

Photo of the signed Bennett items:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...pse2380d4a.jpg

-arfmax

IP autos in 2013: 377