How early do I have to go to a game to get autos?

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · October 3, 2009 1:57AM

Going to a game today (Dodgers vs. Rockies) and have box seat tix (2nd time this year ! A 1st for us).

I got autos for the boys 4 years back and dont recall how early we went. Anyone know? Thanks

Ironmanfan · October 3, 2009 1:59AM

i'd find out when the gates open and get in right at that time

lsutigers1973 · October 3, 2009 2:04AM

I always show up about 3+ hours early and get in line at one of the gates.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · October 3, 2009 2:09AM

3 hours....wow. If I didn't have a baby, I'd be there. I'm thinking it was a hour. Looked on the site, nothing, called and got a recording. 1 hour it is.

bjbrall4 · October 3, 2009 2:16AM

I work at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The Reds normally finish batting practice five minutes before the gates open, one and a half hours before game time. They're usually all off the field before fans get in. The best bet is usually getting autographs from the visiting players; at GABP, they're on the field until about 45 minutes before game time. Suggestions: make sure you have a pen or Sharpie and something (card, cap, ball) for them to sign, and don't ask ballpark staff to get autographs for you. At GABP, that would get an employee fired.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · October 3, 2009 2:25AM

Luckily, my seats are right by the Dodgers dugout so usually when they come in from warmup they sign.

The one year I got there early enough (2.5 hour trip, 3 kids etc) I forgot a Sharpie! I felt dumb. Pulled put a ballpoint from this thing we used to use called a checkbook and got out tix signed by Ethier. Boys still value it.

Time to put some stuff in the car, duct tape over mouths and get ready for some Dodger baseball !

footlong · October 3, 2009 2:50AM

Years ago at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Ricky Henderson was standing beside the dugout,went over to get an autograph, Ricky said Ricky don't sign. A few minutes later a good looking girl showed up,Ricky signed, got her a baseball and talked to her about 5 minutes. That's Ricky.

WinPitcher · October 3, 2009 3:01AM

You should have asked Rickey:

What does a guy need to get an auto? 2 Teets?

Steve

vladguerrero · October 3, 2009 3:26AM

<< <i>I always show up about 3+ hours early and get in line at one of the gates. >>

find out when the games open, many stadium don't open the gates until 1hr before the game (which eliminates the home teams batting practice), if it's 1 hr 3hrs early would be ridiculous, if it's 1hr show up 15 minutes ahead of that, even though there will be lines most people aren't running to the field for auto's.

NickM · October 3, 2009 3:59AM

The Dodgers open certain gates on the field level 2 hours before gametime. You can then get autographs, try to shag batting practice balls, etc.

However, at Dodger Stadium, unless your seats are MVP box, you don't get to go down to the railing by the dugout except at one particular spot (at the photographer's well). You can still get autographs down the lines near the bullpens. Among the better signers, possibly because lots of the people don't even ask them, are coach Manny Mota and broadcaster Steve "Psycho" Lyons (Lyons will even add his nickname to his signature).

Out behind center field is the "Centerfield Experience", where they have a former Dodger as an autograph guest (I looked on their website, and today is Al Downing) - that's technically outside the stadium, so if you're going there, do so before you go into the stadium.

Nick

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · October 3, 2009 5:26AM

Thanks everyone.

Nick- Pretty sure ours are just Baseline Box. In the past we've just gone up to the edge (by 3rd) and got a auto. Getting closer !!!

How early do I have to go to a game to get autos?

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