I heard unless a deal is worked out that next year is the last year for the Reds in Sarasota. IMO the stadium there sucks anyway. I'm not real thrilled with the Kissimme(Astros) stadium either although it's not bad for practice. For me, Dunedin is great. I've never been to the relatively new Clearwater(Phillies) stadium. Is it nice?
<< <i>I heard unless a deal is worked out that next year is the last year for the Reds in Sarasota. IMO the stadium there sucks anyway. I'm not real thrilled with the Kissimme(Astros) stadium either although it's not bad for practice. For me, Dunedin is great. I've never been to the relatively new Clearwater(Phillies) stadium. Is it nice? >>
It is probably the nicest spring training complex in the Grapefruit league although I haven't been to all of them.( I'm missing- Ft. Lauderdale (balt.), Dunedin (blue jays), Ft. Meyers (red sox=no tickets and twins),or Winter Haven (cleveland) . A concourse going all the way around the field, great sightlines, and a sweet tiki bar thing in left field are the first things that come to mind. It's a huge improvement over old Jack Russell Stadium.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Sorry the pictures are kinda late but here is what happened. My original plan for Saturday was to attend Yankees practice from 9:30 untill about 11 in the morning and then go over to Tropicana Field for the Rays fanfest. However, Scott Kazmir was signing at fanfest at 11 AM so I was unable to attend the Yankees practice. I was able to get to Rays practice for about 30 minutes though and snapped some more pics. Here are those...
Reid Brignac (top prospect) Catchers Carl Crawford photo shoot. Not sure what for though. Longoria and Zimmer
Later that day at fanfest.... Clubhouse tour. McGriff (crime dog) and Zimmer (popeye) lockers And now, the moment I've literally been waiting over 2 years for....I get to meet Scott Kazmir! Me and my hair with the 2008 AL All Star as well as 2008 top 10 finalist for AL Cy young award.
Also met Evan Longoria after his autograph session and got to hang out with him for literally 10 minutes because I made my way behind the autograph stages where only players and staff were allowed. I have my ways . Too bad my dad went off with the camera, because it was definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life!
BRAVES pics from today will be up in a few minutes.
Working on just 4 hours of sleep, I drove over to Orlando today (by myself this time) to catch the Braves workout. Glavine and Moylan Chipper was a little behind schedule today Brent Lillibridge and Coach Dews signing "Frenchy"- more on him later! (there's a reason I was able to relax and take a picture) Cameras were glued to him Stretching and warmups.
Smoltz and Glavine getting ready for an interview. Great picture. From left to right: Kelly Johnson, Francoeur, Mark Kotsay, Scott Thorman, Matt Diaz, Brian McCann, Tex, and Chipper! warmups. Roger McDowell McCann Gregor Blanco, Martin Prado, Brandon Jones (stud), and Chris Chambliss. The man. Look who I found hiding in the upper deck. I also saw him pulling up to the stadium this morning in his white Lexus convertible. Do you guys know who he is? Not a great pic, but Frenchy with Chipper at bat and McCann behind the plate.
Last round coming up in a few (unless people want more posted).
Chambliss Smoltz says hello! Hudson and Anthony Lerew (sporting the sweeet sideburns) Mike Gonzalez wears a Louis Vuitton (sp?) backpack And now to some of the goodies from today. I made the card down at the bottom of the scan. I just printed the lower case a logo on a 4X6 piece of photo paper. And as for the on card autos, this idiot (me) forgot to bring a blue or black sharpie, D'oh! By the way, the custom card thing is signed by Javy Lopez.
I also made an 8X10 version of the A logo paper, for the guys that I didn't have 8X10s or cards of and weren't "good enough" for their own custom card. The guys that I got on that are: Omar Infante, Corky Miller, Joe Borchard,Buddy Carlyle, Jeff Ridgeway, Blaine Boyer, Royce Ring, and Will Ohman.
I had 8X10s for a ton of the star players, but the only one that I was able to get signed was of Kelly Johnson. Both look nice though and I found them on the internet, so they didn't cost a cent!
Now on to my boy Jeff Francoeur. I got to the stadium roughly 2 hours before the workout started, as did Francoeur. We literally walked in together and I asked him for an auto right then and there. After he signed, we continued to walk into the stadium. Believe it or not he actually asked me questions about ME and I did the same with him. After he made it to the dugout area, he said bye and I wished him luck. Later on in the day, I was hanging around the batting cage area. He walked out, recognized me and said "one sec MIKE". First, he threw me a batting cage ball (nothing special because they're just blank balls that get the crap beat out of them daily). Then, he grabbed the towel that he was using and threw it to me. I asked him if he could sign it and sure enough, he obliged. The auto doesn't look that great on the towel because it's a crappy surface to sign on but just knowing that he recognized me and meant it for me is awesome! Later on when he was going down the line and signing he came to me and I said that I didn't want another auto. He laughed and said "If I was Chipper you'd want another one". The few people around us chuckled (few because it was about 1 hour after practice had ended), then Frenchy told me that he hoped to see me at another workout or some games. Anyways, here are the goods...
John Schuerholz. The architect of the Braves from the 90s through today as well as the World Series champion Kansas City Royals back in the 80s, I believe. He recently became President of the organization and handed over the GM position to Mr. Wren (I think that's his name).
John Schuerholz. The architect of the Braves from the 90s through today as well as the World Series champion Kansas City Royals back in the 80s, I believe. He recently became President of the organization and handed over the GM position to Mr. Wren (I think that's his name). >>
Great stuff Goot!
Wish I woulda seen that pic - I'm a Braves fan since 1990!
Thanx for the Braves shots - hate to see Andruw not with the team tho.
great pics goot can't wait to see next weeks. boy i wished i lived in fla for 2 months of the year (feb & march). great frenchy story thanks for sharing.
Fred
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
<< <i>great pics goot can't wait to see next weeks. boy i wished i lived in fla for 2 months of the year (feb & march). great frenchy story thanks for sharing. >>
Thanks. This is my favorite time of year by far. As for next weekend, I am planning on seeing your Orioles play the Nationals on Saturday. I might miss the beginning of the game because I take SAT's in the morning but I won't be any later than the 2nd inning. On Sunday I think I am going down to Dodgertown to see the Dodgers play the Mets. I'm not positive about that one though and don't have tickets yet either.
Frenchy and Longoria both really surprised me this weekend. I figured both were hot shot ballplayers that just signed autos because they felt like they have to. While that still may be the case some of the time, I feel that both are genuine good guys and realize that they are millionaires from playing a GAME. Francoeur even shared with me the fact that he just found out his wife is pregnant. He said that most of the guys on the team don't even know, so you heard it here first!
Awesome pictures. I see Mike Gonzalez is in street clothes in that pic (sweet backpack). What's his status? Is he throwing off of a mound yet? I like to keep tabs on the ex-Buccos.
I know they're a national joke, and last had a winning season when you were in diapers, but I'd love to see some pics from Bradenton if you get the opportunity.
"I think the guy must be practicing voodoo or something. Check out his eyes. Rico's crazier than a peach orchard sow." -- Whitey Herzog, Spring Training 1973
Awesome pictures. I see Mike Gonzalez is in street clothes in that pic (sweet backpack). What's his status? Is he throwing off of a mound yet? I like to keep tabs on the ex-Buccos.
I know they're a national joke, and last had a winning season when you were in diapers, but I'd love to see some pics from Bradenton if you get the opportunity. >>
He'll be back by the beginning of the year. I personally watched him throw a bullpen session and he looked sharp. He missed his mark badly a few times, but probably just cleaning off some of that rust. He was prettty consistent for the most part, and Roger was saying that he's looking forward to having a great bullpen this year since Gonzalez will be healthy. Anthony Lerew should be healthy and will face his first full major league season, Manny Acosta is pretty solid, Gonzalez is great when healthy, Moylan had a phenomenal season last year and hopefully will keep it up, and from what Mcdowell said, Soriano has a true closer's mentality now and should be better than last year. Add a few other decent guys like Tyler Yates and young gun Charlie Morton and it's solid from top to bottom, barring injuries.
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
I got a little lost on the way to school this morning and ended up here....
I got there a little early and was able to watch the Nationals top prospect, Chris Marrero, take bp in the cages. The guy is HUGE.
Before stretching and warm ups.
Bad boys, Bad boys...
The Boone's. Interestingly enough, I was able to meet Bob Boone two years ago when he was a coach (he also coached last spring) when neither of his sons were on the team. Now when they're on the team he's no where to be found.
Zim.
GM Jim Bowden on his Nationals painted segway.
Willy Mo
Zim holding down the hot corner.
The outfielders. Milledge, Dukes, Kearns and Pena.
Ryan Langerhans.
dugout.
Dmitri and zim waiting for bp.
Cordero smiling for the camera
Jason Bergmann.
My parents only wanted me to miss my first 3 classes because they are 3 of my easiest (football weightlifting, AP english, and Law Studies) so I had to leave earlier than I wanted. Also, the reason that I don't have that many pictures of pitchers is because they don't have any worth taking pictures of other than Cordero and their #1 draft pick Ross Detwiler, who I didn't see.
<< <i>These two shouldn't be hanging out together! >>
They were inseperable today! I really like Dukes though and I hope that he can have a fresh start here like Josh Hamilton did with the Reds.
Here's a funny story. I was waiting to go to the bathroom but it was occupied. The door opens, I look up and there's Dukes doing his belt buckle. I told him I was a Rays fan and I'm really looking forward to seeing him break out even if it isn't with the Rays. He said thanks and that he's ready to show everyone what he can do on the field and ran off onto the field.
So let's recap, over the past 4 days I've had conversations (more than just "hi, please sign") with Evan Longoria, Scott Kazmir, Jeff Francoeur, Joe Borchard (not great, but still a MLBer), Brent Lillibridge and now Elijah Dukes. Hopefully they'll keep on coming!
Please keep updating this thread and as always, thanks for sharing.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
That's what I'm hoping for! I got a 1230 on the PSAT so I think it's possible. Maybe not this first time that I'm taking them on Saturday, but eventually it will be. I'm really shooting for a 1270 though, because that immediately qualifies you, along with 75 community service hours and a 3.5 gpa, for 100% tuition and $600 extra for each semester to any florida public school. I have about 40 hours community service half way through my junior year and a solid gpa so I'll be good in the long run.
<< <i>This thread is one of the best! Keep it going Goot. >>
Glad you guys are enjoying it. I've gone to a ton of games and practices in the past but this year is the first where I've taken a lot of pictures. Plus I have my license this year so it's easier to just get up and go rather than rely on my dad.
Goot, that's good to know about the 1300 score, 75 comm. hrs. and 3.5 GPA. My boys are only 3 and 9 weeks but the oldest is already in the Fla. Prepaid College Plan but it'd sure be nice for Dad to get that $$ back if he gets it paid for anyway!!!!!
<< <i>Goot, that's good to know about the 1300 score, 75 comm. hrs. and 3.5 GPA. My boys are only 3 and 9 weeks but the oldest is already in the Fla. Prepaid College Plan but it'd sure be nice for Dad to get that $$ back if he gets it paid for anyway!!!!! >>
Yeah, they also offer a 75% scholarship with $300 per semester extra(I think) for kids with a 970 SAT, 3.0 GPA and no community service is required. However, most kids won't even get into any university with those credentials now-a-days because it's SO competitive.
I feel like I failed you all today. I woke up extra early after a late night from track and took the SAT's. My plan was to go immediately from SAT's to the Nationals vs. Orioles game. Unfortunately SAT's didn't even end until roughly 2. I still had a 25 minute drive ahead of me as well. I found the game on the radio and by the time I got there I didn't have to pay to park or anything because it was the 7th inning already. I went ahead and got over near the O's bus only to find out that none of the big name guys made the trip except for a few like Adam Jones and Daniel Cabrera. I ended up getting Freddie Bynum on a card and some others on a mini bat (both will go to baseballfan after spring training is over).
Then I went over to the Nationals player parking lot and this is where I really scored. Supposedly I just barely missed Johnny Estrada by a minute and Zimmerman as well as Guzman weren't in the line up today. However, I ended up getting these:
It must be really nice to live close enough to the spring training sites to drive over and see games/get autos. You're a lucky guy! Nice pics by the way!
Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Hornets, Shawn Kemp, Dale Murphy, and Bobby Engram.
<< <i>It must be really nice to live close enough to the spring training sites to drive over and see games/get autos. You're a lucky guy! Nice pics by the way! >>
Thanks. When you sit back and think about it, it is pretty amazing actually. I drove over to the game, didn't even bother going in to watch and was just able to hang around and get autographs. I'm becoming jaded by the spoils of where I live! I like it
By the way guys, I will be in Vero tomorrow to watch Derek Lowe and the Dodgers take on the New York Mets at Holman Stadium. First pitch is at 1:05, I'll be hanging around the buses til about 45 minutes after the game, it's a 45 minute drive home, so expect pictures around dinner time tomorrow! I'm not going to have great seats because of the New York hype train rolling into town, but it should still be a great game.
Alright guys, me and my dad headed down to Dodgertown today to see LA play the Mets. I was expecting to see two of the top NL teams duke it out, but what I ended up seeing was the New York Non Roster Invitees vs. the LA Dodgers. The only players that the Mets brought that were decent were, Fernando Martinez, their number 1 prospect, and Oliver Perez, who pitched and got shelled. The Dodgers played everyone though and the starters stayed in for about 5 innings. It was in the high 70s, sunny and beautiful outside! Anyways, here are pictures.
Loney at 1st, Kent at 2nd and Furcal at SS
Russ Martin
Loney
Loney and Torre
Druw and Kent on deck.
This guy has been wearing this hat and selling beer at Dodgertown since I was a little kid. Oh yeah, Andruw at bat and Kent on deck.
Jones and Kemp
Great bench..
Esteban Loaiza signing out of his car after the game.
Here's what I managed to pick up. Nothing amazing, but I'll take it. I was hoping for a superstar auto, like a Jones, Torre, Nomar, etc. but I can live with this. Other than Schmidt, it's basically the Dodgers of the future.
and i thinkyou did great with those auto, kemp-broxton-ethier-laroache and hu with schmidt very nice return
keep em coming
Fred
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
I was at one of my favorite memorabilia stores yesterday and there was this little kid there that just got back from Fla that had a huge amount of autographed pictures from the Marlins and St Louis .
I think Next season I might do a couple of week vacation over there, sounds and looks like a real blast , the guys father told me forget about trying to get near the Yankees, But he got a lot of Pujols sigs and said he was so cool about signing and they never really expected to get such a huge star to sign as much as he did .
He got the Whole St. Louis Team to sign one of his pictures of his St. Louis themed Bedroom pic, that they were probably happy to sign .
He also said the Marlins are "Overly friendly " and their stars gave away everything from , Mits , to batting gloves to bats and balls to kids .
That is so great to hear , that some players out there still care about the kids,
I was at one of my favorite memorabilia stores yesterday and there was this little kid there that just got back from Fla that had a huge amount of autographed pictures from the Marlins and St Louis .
I think Next season I might do a couple of week vacation over there, sounds and looks like a real blast , the guys father told me forget about trying to get near the Yankees, But he got a lot of Pujols sigs and said he was so cool about signing and they never really expected to get such a huge star to sign as much as he did .
He got the Whole St. Louis Team to sign one of his pictures of his St. Louis themed Bedroom pic, that they were probably happy to sign .
He also said the Marlins are "Overly friendly " and their stars gave away everything from , Mits , to batting gloves to bats and balls to kids .
That is so great to hear , that some players out there still care about the kids, >>
For the most part, that's completely true unless you're talking about the Yankees, Red Sox, and those "types" of teams. It's not that the players don't want to sign, it's just that it's such a mob scene that once they sign one, they have to sign 100 more. Matt Kemp gave a kid his wristband and Juan Pierre gave his batting gloves to two brothers, one for each. I'm hoping to get Pujols this spring and was planning on it when they play the Braves this weekend in Orlando, but I'm going with a girl now and I'm not sure how much she'd humor my autograph madness.
Thursday night I'm going to see the Nationals play the Mets at 7:05. I doubt the Mets will bring many big name players, but it's only a 15-20 minute drive so it's not a big deal if they don't. Saturday seems like a relatively quiet day for local games as well as attractive west coast(of FL that is) matchups so I may take a day off. Sunday is Braves vs. Cardinals and from then on it's all very unplanned.
I REALLY want to get Lasorda's auto on that Dodgertown picture though and since it's their last year, there's an unfortunate sense of urgency that shouldn't be around at this time of the year. I also want to try and get Koufax or at least see him as well. I heard that he signed last weekend for 5-10 minutes but the crowd got too big for him. I've heard he can be found wandering the practice fields in the early morning though, so maybe I'll try there.
Whatever the case is, I'm going to miss Dodgertown so much it's sad. Me and my dad took a stroll down Vin Scully way to Duke Snider Avenue last weekend when no one was there and just knowing that 50-60 years ago, Jackie, Campanella, Duke, Branch Rickey, Podres, etc. were all walking the same streets as us is amazing. It's a walk that I've made numerous times with my dad while growing up, and it's a shame that it may be coming to an end forever soon. Next time I'm down there, I'm going to have to take pictures of that (empty practice fields, sunset, sprinklers running,big LA logos everywhere, etc.) because words honestly can't describe it. I doubt pictures can do much justice to it either...
Hopefully the Orioles wise up and move here. Ft. Lauderdale is way to far from the rest of the teams, and their stadium is a dump. Vero would be the PERFECT choice.
Thought I would keep this thread going with an item I found after moving some items. In 2000 I went to spring training, Port St. Lucie and had the opportunity to meet Garth Brooks. Yes, he played for the N.Y. Mets but unfortunately (or fortunately) did not make the team. The real story is that he paid them to let him play...money going to charity. (that's what I remember anyway)
Just wanted to add that he went 0-2 that day. His second AB was a ground out to SS and the crowd went crazy! It was a good time! Here is the photo he signed for me.....
Currency Wants: Any note with serial number 00000731
I went down to Dodgertown today to watch practice and workouts and pick up some more autos. They didn't have a home game, but there weren't any other good east coast games (other than dodgers/Cards) that were worth taking in. Pretty much all of the star position players went, except for Jeff Kent and Nomar (who's hurt), but all of the starters stayed behind except for Kuroda who pitched today. Minor League spring training has also started up, and it was a ton of fun to watch some of the top prospects in the system work out. Anyways, here are the pics from today......
Plaque that's been on the side of the press box for 55 years.
I found this pretty cool. REALLY dates this place.
The infamous Bridge
Call me crazy, but this is what I think heaven looks like.....
Dugouts
The view from the actual managers bench, not just the front row.
View of the bench and bullpen from the coaches bench.
minor leaguers
D. Lowe.....can be a jerk. I was standing at the players parking lot and he drove up to the stop sign in his pearl cadillac Escalade. I had a baseball card and blue sharpie in my hand, he looked over, and waved me off. I would've been understanding if there was a group, but it was just me. Plus, he had to sit at the stop sign for about 30 seconds anyways. Oh well.
Nomar.......is in a cast.
Jeff Kent......spent the day with his kids, goofing off in the batting cages and playing catch.
Players parking lot
Torre suffering from severe Derek Lowe syndrome. It was the 4th time he's waved us off, even though there has been less than 10 people asking each time.
The "goods" from today. This gives me 3 Schmidts and 3 Kemps. I caught up to Schmidt in the parking lot, and I was the only one around so we talked for about a minute. I asked him how his arm felt and he said it's not only feeling, but performing better, day-by-day. He hopes to be able to get in the rotation some time this season. You could tell that he was bummed out that he couldn't start the season by the way he said it too. I also lucked out with Nomar. He personalizes everything, signs on the side panels (no sweet spot autos), and only signs one per person. I wasn't aware of the one per person thing, handed him two, and he signed both. I was talking with a guy later, and he was amazed he signed both. I also spoke with Kemp, and he said that he just signed an exclusive deal with a memorabilia company, so the things that he is allowed to auto may be cut down some, which is disappointing.
Oh yeah, I ran into these guys....they any good? Mattingly literally made us line up around his car to get him to sign. He said that if someone gets out of line, he's gone and he won't give any more autos.
We got EXTREMELY lucky with Lasorda. He's normally a tough signer, and has waived me off many times in the past (except once). Me and a couple other guys were waiting for him and Torre, the last two guys out of the clubhouse. Torre drove off and didn't sign.......of course. We were all about to pack up and leave, but the second after someone mentioned leaving, Lasorda comes walking out of the clubhouse by himself and gets into his cart. He looks up and says " You fools ain't gone yet?!" with a grin on his face. He wizzed over in his cart, signed for the 4 of us, and then left in his HUGE white van. He's just your typical old guy after all, grumpy sometimes but when he's feeling nice he can be the nicest guy in the world, and make you one of the happiest!
I'm about to leave for Braves-Cards, but due to a little problem with sharing the camera, I won't be able to take it considering the fact that I've gotten it every day of the weekend for the past few.
Comments
<< <i>Great photos Goot. Are you going to the Pirates traing camp? >>
Unfortunately, not for practice but I might attend a game or two there.
<< <i>I heard unless a deal is worked out that next year is the last year for the Reds in Sarasota. IMO the stadium there sucks anyway. I'm not real thrilled with the Kissimme(Astros) stadium either although it's not bad for practice. For me, Dunedin is great. I've never been to the relatively new Clearwater(Phillies) stadium. Is it nice? >>
It is probably the nicest spring training complex in the Grapefruit league although I haven't been to all of them.( I'm missing- Ft. Lauderdale (balt.), Dunedin (blue jays), Ft. Meyers (red sox=no tickets and twins),or Winter Haven (cleveland) . A concourse going all the way around the field, great sightlines, and a sweet tiki bar thing in left field are the first things that come to mind. It's a huge improvement over old Jack Russell Stadium.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
its a spring saturday any new pictures!!!!!
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Reid Brignac (top prospect)
Catchers
Carl Crawford photo shoot. Not sure what for though.
Longoria and Zimmer
Later that day at fanfest....
Clubhouse tour.
McGriff (crime dog) and Zimmer (popeye) lockers
And now, the moment I've literally been waiting over 2 years for....I get to meet Scott Kazmir!
Me and my hair with the 2008 AL All Star as well as 2008 top 10 finalist for AL Cy young award.
Also met Evan Longoria after his autograph session and got to hang out with him for literally 10 minutes because I made my way behind the autograph stages where only players and staff were allowed. I have my ways
BRAVES pics from today will be up in a few minutes.
Glavine and Moylan
Chipper was a little behind schedule today
Brent Lillibridge and Coach Dews signing
"Frenchy"- more on him later! (there's a reason I was able to relax and take a picture)
Cameras were glued to him
Stretching and warmups.
next post in a few....
Great picture. From left to right: Kelly Johnson, Francoeur, Mark Kotsay, Scott Thorman, Matt Diaz, Brian McCann, Tex, and Chipper!
warmups.
Roger McDowell
McCann
Gregor Blanco, Martin Prado, Brandon Jones (stud), and Chris Chambliss.
The man.
Look who I found hiding in the upper deck. I also saw him pulling up to the stadium this morning in his white Lexus convertible. Do you guys know who he is?
Not a great pic, but Frenchy with Chipper at bat and McCann behind the plate.
Last round coming up in a few (unless people want more posted).
Smoltz says hello!
Hudson and Anthony Lerew (sporting the sweeet sideburns)
Mike Gonzalez wears a Louis Vuitton (sp?) backpack
And now to some of the goodies from today.
I made the card down at the bottom of the scan. I just printed the lower case a logo on a 4X6 piece of photo paper. And as for the on card autos, this idiot (me) forgot to bring a blue or black sharpie, D'oh! By the way, the custom card thing is signed by Javy Lopez.
I also made an 8X10 version of the A logo paper, for the guys that I didn't have 8X10s or cards of and weren't "good enough" for their own custom card. The guys that I got on that are: Omar Infante, Corky Miller, Joe Borchard,Buddy Carlyle, Jeff Ridgeway, Blaine Boyer, Royce Ring, and Will Ohman.
I had 8X10s for a ton of the star players, but the only one that I was able to get signed was of Kelly Johnson. Both look nice though and I found them on the internet, so they didn't cost a cent!
Now on to my boy Jeff Francoeur. I got to the stadium roughly 2 hours before the workout started, as did Francoeur. We literally walked in together and I asked him for an auto right then and there. After he signed, we continued to walk into the stadium. Believe it or not he actually asked me questions about ME and I did the same with him. After he made it to the dugout area, he said bye and I wished him luck. Later on in the day, I was hanging around the batting cage area. He walked out, recognized me and said "one sec MIKE". First, he threw me a batting cage ball (nothing special because they're just blank balls that get the crap beat out of them daily). Then, he grabbed the towel that he was using and threw it to me. I asked him if he could sign it and sure enough, he obliged. The auto doesn't look that great on the towel because it's a crappy surface to sign on but just knowing that he recognized me and meant it for me is awesome! Later on when he was going down the line and signing he came to me and I said that I didn't want another auto. He laughed and said "If I was Chipper you'd want another one". The few people around us chuckled (few because it was about 1 hour after practice had ended), then Frenchy told me that he hoped to see me at another workout or some games. Anyways, here are the goods...
GREAT DAY!
Sweet Morsels Toffee and Chocolates
<< <i>Who is that sitting in the stands? >>
John Schuerholz. The architect of the Braves from the 90s through today as well as the World Series champion Kansas City Royals back in the 80s, I believe. He recently became President of the organization and handed over the GM position to Mr. Wren (I think that's his name).
<< <i>
<< <i>Who is that sitting in the stands? >>
John Schuerholz. The architect of the Braves from the 90s through today as well as the World Series champion Kansas City Royals back in the 80s, I believe. He recently became President of the organization and handed over the GM position to Mr. Wren (I think that's his name). >>
Great stuff Goot!
Wish I woulda seen that pic - I'm a Braves fan since 1990!
Thanx for the Braves shots - hate to see Andruw not with the team tho.
Here's to the playoffs!!!!
mike
can't wait to see next weeks. boy i wished i lived in fla for 2 months of the year (feb & march).
great frenchy story
thanks for sharing.
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
<< <i>great pics goot
can't wait to see next weeks. boy i wished i lived in fla for 2 months of the year (feb & march).
great frenchy story
thanks for sharing. >>
Thanks. This is my favorite time of year by far. As for next weekend, I am planning on seeing your Orioles play the Nationals on Saturday. I might miss the beginning of the game because I take SAT's in the morning but I won't be any later than the 2nd inning. On Sunday I think I am going down to Dodgertown to see the Dodgers play the Mets. I'm not positive about that one though and don't have tickets yet either.
Frenchy and Longoria both really surprised me this weekend. I figured both were hot shot ballplayers that just signed autos because they felt like they have to. While that still may be the case some of the time, I feel that both are genuine good guys and realize that they are millionaires from playing a GAME. Francoeur even shared with me the fact that he just found out his wife is pregnant. He said that most of the guys on the team don't even know, so you heard it here first!
Awesome pictures. I see Mike Gonzalez is in street clothes in that pic (sweet backpack). What's his status? Is he throwing off of a mound yet? I like to keep tabs on the ex-Buccos.
I know they're a national joke, and last had a winning season when you were in diapers, but I'd love to see some pics from Bradenton if you get the opportunity.
Looks like Javy slimmed down.
A lot.
I wonder how he lost all that weight.
[/sarcasm]
Only an idiot would have a message board signature.
<< <i>Goot,
Awesome pictures. I see Mike Gonzalez is in street clothes in that pic (sweet backpack). What's his status? Is he throwing off of a mound yet? I like to keep tabs on the ex-Buccos.
I know they're a national joke, and last had a winning season when you were in diapers, but I'd love to see some pics from Bradenton if you get the opportunity. >>
He'll be back by the beginning of the year. I personally watched him throw a bullpen session and he looked sharp. He missed his mark badly a few times, but probably just cleaning off some of that rust. He was prettty consistent for the most part, and Roger was saying that he's looking forward to having a great bullpen this year since Gonzalez will be healthy. Anthony Lerew should be healthy and will face his first full major league season, Manny Acosta is pretty solid, Gonzalez is great when healthy, Moylan had a phenomenal season last year and hopefully will keep it up, and from what Mcdowell said, Soriano has a true closer's mentality now and should be better than last year. Add a few other decent guys like Tyler Yates and young gun Charlie Morton and it's solid from top to bottom, barring injuries.
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
I got there a little early and was able to watch the Nationals top prospect, Chris Marrero, take bp in the cages. The guy is HUGE.
Before stretching and warm ups.
Bad boys, Bad boys...
The Boone's. Interestingly enough, I was able to meet Bob Boone two years ago when he was a coach (he also coached last spring) when neither of his sons were on the team. Now when they're on the team he's no where to be found.
Zim.
GM Jim Bowden on his Nationals painted segway.
Willy Mo
Zim holding down the hot corner.
The outfielders. Milledge, Dukes, Kearns and Pena.
Ryan Langerhans.
dugout.
Dmitri and zim waiting for bp.
Cordero smiling for the camera
Jason Bergmann.
My parents only wanted me to miss my first 3 classes because they are 3 of my easiest (football weightlifting, AP english, and Law Studies) so I had to leave earlier than I wanted. Also, the reason that I don't have that many pictures of pitchers is because they don't have any worth taking pictures of other than Cordero and their #1 draft pick Ross Detwiler, who I didn't see.
Later...
<< <i>These two shouldn't be hanging out together! >>
They were inseperable today! I really like Dukes though and I hope that he can have a fresh start here like Josh Hamilton did with the Reds.
Here's a funny story. I was waiting to go to the bathroom but it was occupied. The door opens, I look up and there's Dukes doing his belt buckle. I told him I was a Rays fan and I'm really looking forward to seeing him break out even if it isn't with the Rays. He said thanks and that he's ready to show everyone what he can do on the field and ran off onto the field.
So let's recap, over the past 4 days I've had conversations (more than just "hi, please sign") with Evan Longoria, Scott Kazmir, Jeff Francoeur, Joe Borchard (not great, but still a MLBer), Brent Lillibridge and now Elijah Dukes. Hopefully they'll keep on coming!
Please keep updating this thread and as always, thanks for sharing.
<< <i>Now go get about a 1300 on that SAT. >>
That's what I'm hoping for! I got a 1230 on the PSAT so I think it's possible. Maybe not this first time that I'm taking them on Saturday, but eventually it will be. I'm really shooting for a 1270 though, because that immediately qualifies you, along with 75 community service hours and a 3.5 gpa, for 100% tuition and $600 extra for each semester to any florida public school. I have about 40 hours community service half way through my junior year and a solid gpa so I'll be good in the long run.
<< <i>This thread is one of the best! Keep it going Goot. >>
Glad you guys are enjoying it. I've gone to a ton of games and practices in the past but this year is the first where I've taken a lot of pictures. Plus I have my license this year so it's easier to just get up and go rather than rely on my dad.
<< <i>Goot, that's good to know about the 1300 score, 75 comm. hrs. and 3.5 GPA. My boys are only 3 and 9 weeks but the oldest is already in the Fla. Prepaid College Plan but it'd sure be nice for Dad to get that $$ back if he gets it paid for anyway!!!!! >>
Yeah, they also offer a 75% scholarship with $300 per semester extra(I think) for kids with a 970 SAT, 3.0 GPA and no community service is required. However, most kids won't even get into any university with those credentials now-a-days because it's SO competitive.
Then I went over to the Nationals player parking lot and this is where I really scored. Supposedly I just barely missed Johnny Estrada by a minute and Zimmerman as well as Guzman weren't in the line up today. However, I ended up getting these:
I LOVE the Flores
Jake
Thanks!
Jeff
<< <i>It must be really nice to live close enough to the spring training sites to drive over and see games/get autos. You're a lucky guy! Nice pics by the way! >>
Thanks. When you sit back and think about it, it is pretty amazing actually. I drove over to the game, didn't even bother going in to watch and was just able to hang around and get autographs. I'm becoming jaded by the spoils of where I live! I like it
By the way guys, I will be in Vero tomorrow to watch Derek Lowe and the Dodgers take on the New York Mets at Holman Stadium. First pitch is at 1:05, I'll be hanging around the buses til about 45 minutes after the game, it's a 45 minute drive home, so expect pictures around dinner time tomorrow! I'm not going to have great seats because of the New York hype train rolling into town, but it should still be a great game.
Wish me luck on autos!
Loney at 1st, Kent at 2nd and Furcal at SS
Russ Martin
Loney
Loney and Torre
Druw and Kent on deck.
This guy has been wearing this hat and selling beer at Dodgertown since I was a little kid. Oh yeah, Andruw at bat and Kent on deck.
Jones and Kemp
Great bench..
Esteban Loaiza signing out of his car after the game.
Here's what I managed to pick up. Nothing amazing, but I'll take it. I was hoping for a superstar auto, like a Jones, Torre, Nomar, etc. but I can live with this. Other than Schmidt, it's basically the Dodgers of the future.
Man, these are great - a big THANK YOU for sharing !!!
and i thinkyou did great with those auto, kemp-broxton-ethier-laroache and hu with schmidt very nice return
keep em coming
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
I was at one of my favorite memorabilia stores yesterday and there was this little kid there that just got back from Fla that had a huge amount of autographed pictures from the Marlins and St Louis .
I think Next season I might do a couple of week vacation over there, sounds and looks like a real blast , the guys father told me forget about trying to get near the Yankees, But he got a lot of Pujols sigs and said he was so cool about signing and they never really expected to get such a huge star to sign as much as he did .
He got the Whole St. Louis Team to sign one of his pictures of his St. Louis themed Bedroom pic, that they were probably happy to sign .
He also said the Marlins are "Overly friendly " and their stars gave away everything from , Mits , to batting gloves to bats and balls to kids .
That is so great to hear , that some players out there still care about the kids,
<< <i>Great Pics ! All of them .
I was at one of my favorite memorabilia stores yesterday and there was this little kid there that just got back from Fla that had a huge amount of autographed pictures from the Marlins and St Louis .
I think Next season I might do a couple of week vacation over there, sounds and looks like a real blast , the guys father told me forget about trying to get near the Yankees, But he got a lot of Pujols sigs and said he was so cool about signing and they never really expected to get such a huge star to sign as much as he did .
He got the Whole St. Louis Team to sign one of his pictures of his St. Louis themed Bedroom pic, that they were probably happy to sign .
He also said the Marlins are "Overly friendly " and their stars gave away everything from , Mits , to batting gloves to bats and balls to kids .
That is so great to hear , that some players out there still care about the kids, >>
For the most part, that's completely true unless you're talking about the Yankees, Red Sox, and those "types" of teams. It's not that the players don't want to sign, it's just that it's such a mob scene that once they sign one, they have to sign 100 more. Matt Kemp gave a kid his wristband and Juan Pierre gave his batting gloves to two brothers, one for each. I'm hoping to get Pujols this spring and was planning on it when they play the Braves this weekend in Orlando, but I'm going with a girl now and I'm not sure how much she'd humor my autograph madness.
Thursday night I'm going to see the Nationals play the Mets at 7:05. I doubt the Mets will bring many big name players, but it's only a 15-20 minute drive so it's not a big deal if they don't. Saturday seems like a relatively quiet day for local games as well as attractive west coast(of FL that is) matchups so I may take a day off. Sunday is Braves vs. Cardinals and from then on it's all very unplanned.
I REALLY want to get Lasorda's auto on that Dodgertown picture though and since it's their last year, there's an unfortunate sense of urgency that shouldn't be around at this time of the year. I also want to try and get Koufax or at least see him as well. I heard that he signed last weekend for 5-10 minutes but the crowd got too big for him. I've heard he can be found wandering the practice fields in the early morning though, so maybe I'll try there.
Whatever the case is, I'm going to miss Dodgertown so much it's sad. Me and my dad took a stroll down Vin Scully way to Duke Snider Avenue last weekend when no one was there and just knowing that 50-60 years ago, Jackie, Campanella, Duke, Branch Rickey, Podres, etc. were all walking the same streets as us is amazing. It's a walk that I've made numerous times with my dad while growing up, and it's a shame that it may be coming to an end forever soon. Next time I'm down there, I'm going to have to take pictures of that (empty practice fields, sunset, sprinklers running,big LA logos everywhere, etc.) because words honestly can't describe it. I doubt pictures can do much justice to it either...
Hopefully the Orioles wise up and move here. Ft. Lauderdale is way to far from the rest of the teams, and their stadium is a dump. Vero would be the PERFECT choice.
Just wanted to add that he went 0-2 that day. His second AB was a ground out to SS and the crowd went crazy! It was a good time!
Here is the photo he signed for me.....
Currency Wants: Any note with serial number 00000731
http://sportsfansnews.com/author/andy-fischer/
Plaque that's been on the side of the press box for 55 years.
I found this pretty cool. REALLY dates this place.
The infamous Bridge
Call me crazy, but this is what I think heaven looks like.....
Dugouts
The view from the actual managers bench, not just the front row.
View of the bench and bullpen from the coaches bench.
minor leaguers
D. Lowe.....can be a jerk. I was standing at the players parking lot and he drove up to the stop sign in his pearl cadillac Escalade. I had a baseball card and blue sharpie in my hand, he looked over, and waved me off. I would've been understanding if there was a group, but it was just me. Plus, he had to sit at the stop sign for about 30 seconds anyways. Oh well.
Nomar.......is in a cast.
Jeff Kent......spent the day with his kids, goofing off in the batting cages and playing catch.
Players parking lot
Torre suffering from severe Derek Lowe syndrome. It was the 4th time he's waved us off, even though there has been less than 10 people asking each time.
The "goods" from today. This gives me 3 Schmidts and 3 Kemps. I caught up to Schmidt in the parking lot, and I was the only one around so we talked for about a minute. I asked him how his arm felt and he said it's not only feeling, but performing better, day-by-day. He hopes to be able to get in the rotation some time this season. You could tell that he was bummed out that he couldn't start the season by the way he said it too. I also lucked out with Nomar. He personalizes everything, signs on the side panels (no sweet spot autos), and only signs one per person. I wasn't aware of the one per person thing, handed him two, and he signed both. I was talking with a guy later, and he was amazed he signed both. I also spoke with Kemp, and he said that he just signed an exclusive deal with a memorabilia company, so the things that he is allowed to auto may be cut down some, which is disappointing.
Oh yeah, I ran into these guys....they any good?
Mattingly literally made us line up around his car to get him to sign. He said that if someone gets out of line, he's gone and he won't give any more autos.
We got EXTREMELY lucky with Lasorda. He's normally a tough signer, and has waived me off many times in the past (except once). Me and a couple other guys were waiting for him and Torre, the last two guys out of the clubhouse. Torre drove off and didn't sign.......of course. We were all about to pack up and leave, but the second after someone mentioned leaving, Lasorda comes walking out of the clubhouse by himself and gets into his cart. He looks up and says " You fools ain't gone yet?!" with a grin on his face. He wizzed over in his cart, signed for the 4 of us, and then left in his HUGE white van. He's just your typical old guy after all, grumpy sometimes but when he's feeling nice he can be the nicest guy in the world, and make you one of the happiest!
Look familiar?
Nice pics as usual Goot.
Edited to say, Goot I bet your girlfriend would love a surprise road trip to Surprise, Arizona to check out the Royals.
Any and all comments are appreciated
I'm about to leave for Braves-Cards, but due to a little problem with sharing the camera, I won't be able to take it considering the fact that I've gotten it every day of the weekend for the past few.
Jake