Since receiving Mike Sweeney's signature through the mail view it here I have received seven autographs, three in the mail and four in person.
Yes fans in person.
I have just returned from Atlanta, Ga. where I took in the series between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
The series marked the end of Braves' manager Bobby Cox's career, well with the exception of the Braves making the playoffs. (Yeah!).
Before the games I joined other fans in watching the Braves arrive before the games and I met some very obsessed autograph seekers.
I'll save those stories for later but I was fortunate to obtain four autographs during my time outside Turner Field.
First was Jose Alvarez, a former pitcher for the Braves. He signed a ball and wrote 'total 14-6' below his name.
The next day was tribute to Bobby Cox Day and many former Braves greats were there. Most zoomed by on golf carts, but some didn't.
One cart pulled up carrying three former Braves. My senses were off on two of them, but the third one I pegged as Andy Ashby. I called him by name and asked for an autograph. He obliged and said he never forgets the fans.
Next was former Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone.
Mazzone had no problem signing for the fans. He then entered the doors to the stadium only to reappear, saying they would not let him in without identification.
My next and last accomplishment was Braves' announcer Chip Carey. I'm very pleased to have this one on my cap because Chip's father, the late Skip Carey signed a cap for me in St. Louis one time.
There was another special autograph I stumbled upon but I will save that one for a separate story.
As for my other through the mail (TTM) victories, signatures collected are: Bill Swift, former pitcher for the Colorado Rockies; Vance Law, former Montreal Expo, and Kevin Gross, former Phillie.
To view a slideshow of the autographs click here
Those that I have attempted to make contact with include: Livan Hernandez, Latroy Hawkins, Tony Pena, Omar Vizquel, Tim Wakefield, Steve Cox, Scott Sanderson, Tommy John, Steve Garvey, Ron Gant, pete Incavigla, Rich Gedman, Bryan Harvey, Tommy Lasorda, Bob Horner, Ray Fontenot, Jason Thompson, Ed Hearn, Jody Davis, Leon Durham, Franklin Stubbs, Chris Speier, Bryn Smith, Larry McWilliams, and Andy Hawkins.
Published by Marie Lowe
I have a degree in journalism and work for a daily newspaper. In 2005 I was honored as the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Journalist of the Year. Have just entered the fourth year of my mother's battle with ovarian... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentOf course I saw the slideshow before seeing article...
Good for you. This sounds like a great hobby.
Sounds like these individuals are ready to please their fans. Oftentimes you hear of them cherishing their autographs moreso than the fans who made them who they are. Restores faith in mankind.
Good for you. Keep up the good work.
Sounds like a blast!