IP-Chicago and burbs:arfmax:2026

[jakebrandon]

Awesome success!

[arfmax]

Sunday, I went to the South Bend Cubs game against the Fort Wayne Tin Caps (Padres Single A). Before the game, the Cubs do a team signing on the concourse. In years past it has been almost every player except starting catcher and pitcher, this year, the starts are told they don't have to sign. So, there was a table with 20 chairs on one side of the concourse, and 5 players, and a table with 20 chairs on the other side of the concourse, with 8 players. I did not need anyone on one side, and needed 4 out of the 8 on the other. Very disappointing. Anyway, I was able to get 2 cards signed by pitcher Nazier Mule, 1 card signed by shortstop Christian Olivo, 2 cards signed by pitcher Alfredo Romero, and 2 cards signed by pitcher Brooks Caple. I then waited near the Tin Caps dugout, and was able to get 1 card signed by Rosman Verdugo, 2 cards signed by pitcher Kash Mayfield, and 2 cards signed by outfielder Jake Cunningham. I wanted to stay for postgame, as I felt I could do better with the Cubs, but it was 50 degrees and windy, and by the end of the 5th inning, I couldn't take it anymore. It was also 11 to 10 at that point, so the game was not moving quickly.

Photo of the Sounds Bend Cubs autos:




Photo of the Fort Wayne Tin Caps autos:


-arfmax
Total IP autos in 2026: 236

[arfmax]

Monday evening, I went to the Schaumburg Boomers home opener against the Trois-Rivieres Aigles. The Aigles have former MLB pitcher Manny Corpas as the pitching coach, and the manager is former MLB pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo. Prior to the game, Mr. Corpas signed two cards for me, and Mr. Albaladejo signed 3 cards for me.

Photo of the Corpas/Albaladejo autos:



-arfmax
Total IP autos in 2026: 241

[adiddle]

Always nice seeing all your successes.
Plus Johnathan is a great guy and loves to sign
Thanks for sharing

[arfmax]

Sunday, I went to a church gathering in Trevor, WI, where Chicago Bears legendary linebacker and member of the Football Hall of Fame, Mike Singletary was scheduled to share a testimony and motivational speech, and there was a scheduled Meet & Greet after, which included, per the post, autographs with Singletary. The event was held in a grade school, and prior to the event, I was waiting towards the front with an autograph buddy, and we see Mike Singletary and his wife parking and coming in. We went out and asked him if he would sign, and he came right over, and signed two cards for me and 2 for my buddy, and added HOF 98 without any prompting. After the speech, there was a meet and greet in the gym with Singletary, and I was able to have him sign a Bears mini helmet. The people from the church who were with him started to get very strict about only having him sign one item, so I was glad I got him before the event on cards. I have never gotten Singletary before, so it was a cool experience. He gave an excellent motivational speech as well!

Photo of the Singletary autos:



-arfmax
Total IP autos in 2026: 244

[adiddle]

Another great success.

[Atlantaman]

As a Bears fan I am so jealous - those all came out dang near perfect too - Nicely done!

[arfmax]

As a Bears fan I am so jealous - those all came out dang near perfect too - Nicely done!

Thank you!

[arfmax]

Saturday afternoon, I went to the Gary-Southshore Railcats game against the Cleburne Railroaders in Gary, IN. There are usually two teams in the American Association who have the most former MLB players: Cleburne and Kansas City. Prior to the game, for Cleburne, I was able to get 2 cards signed by former Oakland A's outfielder Cody Thomas, 5 cards signed by former Texas Rangers outfielder Delino Deshields Jr., 7 cards signed by former slugger Pete Incaviglia, who is a coach with Cleburne, 1 card signed by former SF Giants prospect Cole Foster, and 1 card signed by former LA Angels catcher Oscar Hernandez (dual-rookie card, need Enrique Burgos to finish).

Photo of the Cleburne autos:



-arfmax
Total IP autos in 2026: 260

[arfmax]

Thursday evening, I went to the Chicago Dogs against Cleburne Railroaders game in Rosemont, IL. I had a couple of cards that I had ordered that had finally come in, and a couple of other cards that I hadn't brought to the game in Gary. Prior to the game, I was able to get 4 cards signed by Delino Deshields Jr., and 2 cards signed by Cole Foster.

Photo of the Deshields/Foster autos:




-arfmax
Total IP autos in 2026: 266