Auto-Erotica

First off, apologies in advance to all of the weirdos who found this post via Google.

So, a few days ago, I teased my foray into the world of autograph seeking. Hunting these a'grafs (to parlay what I'm pretty sure is the street lingo) wasn't too hard as they came free with the SUPER VIP ticket to The National that I received as an early birthday present.

(Side note: Tomorrow, the 16th, is my actual birthday. Hooray for me for being born!)

While at The National, I couldn't resist meeting a couple of favorites from my childhood. I even stood in the shorter lines to snag a few other signatures. I'm considering holding on to a couple of the extras for a future contest and some may be headed to family members and blogger friends.

Bill Madlock was one of three guests at VIP night. Madlock signed several cards for me. For some reason, he used a pen I wasn't thrilled with on a couple of them, but no huge whoop.

Uh, yeah, that didn't work so well. Actually, looks much better live than scan, thankfully.

Madlock was favorite of mine in the late '70s. He was a four-time batting title champ and won a World Series ring with the Pittsburgh "We Are Family" Pirates. I recall that World Series very well and was rooting hard for Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, Madlock and Kent Tekulve. The Pirates have ranked in my top echelon of teams ever since.

Madlock loved it when he saw this card.

I wrote about the Hostess cards a few months ago and how much those cards still mean to me. This was my first opportunity to get one signed so I went for it. I considered leaving it at home but thought it might be fun to get a signature and unite my past and present a bit. The best/worst part for me is this was by far my worst cut. Lovely.

The other baseballer in the Very Important People room was Don Kessinger. As a kid, I knew his name but basically nothing about him. He seemed like a good guy as he chatted everyone up with his Arkansas twang. Here are the cards he signed.

Great signature. I particularly love how the '76 looks. No, silly me didn't grab a Cubs Kessinger in time.

Next up, Dick Fosbury - he of the Flop variety. Fosbury was the third VIP in the room. I had nothing for him to sign and pulled out a note card. I didn't scan it but he signed it: "Dick Fosbury, '68 Gold". Nice guy.

During the regular show days I met several other former semi-stars: Jack "The Ripper" Clark, The Brothers Reuschel, Leon "Bull" Durham, Buddy Bell, Lee Smith and Stan Bahnsen. Bahnsen was Rookie of the Year for the Yankees in '68. Who knew. I wasn't planning on getting his signature and didn't have a card. When a pal from the previous day's line saw me, he said I should walk over there and use my Bahnsen ticket. Basically no line at all. Bought the first Bahnsen I could find, for 20 cents, at the table next to where I was standing and headed on over.

Here are some of their signatures put to cardboard. First up are my four favorites from the show.

Bell's rookie card. I grabbed this at the show.

This looks tremendous in hand.

Signature in black pops nicely with the border.

I gave away a couple of cards to seekers in line, including a Rick Reuschel Cubs, but I hung on to this one and took advantage of the rare chance to get two big league brothers signing the same card. Why Topps put Paul's name where Rick is picture and Rick's name where Paul is pictured is anybody's guess. Alphabetical? Silly though.

Along with Madlock, I was most excited about Buddy Bell. I always followed his career and was thrilled when he landed on the Reds later in his career. Of course, in my haste the night before the show, I forgot to pull a card of him on the Reds.

Here are some more from the big show:

Nice.

The other Lee card. Also love this. Arguably nicer than the first but I'm so partial to the '83s.

Love, love the '83; wrote on his eye with the one immediately above. Ick.

Such a classic shot for me. Great signature.

Believe it or not, I have one more Bell around here that I forgot to scan.

In one word, here's my final and authoritative word on the signers based on my two seconds with them. Well, it's also based on my time spent staring at them while in line.

Jack Clark: Swarthy  (By the way, realized I didn't scan the Clark. I'll probably add it here later or in another post.)

Bill "Mad Dog" Madlock: Happy
Don Kessinger: Folksy
Paul Reuschel: Awshucks
Rick Reuschel: Meh
Buddy Bell: Sophisticated
Lee Smith: Awesome
Leon Durham: Disappointing
Stan Bahnsen: Bored

I brought along three old baseballs I had purchased a decade ago for a White Sox charity night meet and greet and I bought one more at the show. The balls were signed by Madlock, Kessinger, Smith and Bell.

National Thoughts, Day Three

1. Rick Reuschel was going through the motions. Clearly bored. He looked up about 67% of the time.

2. Paul Reuschel has a sweet-looking signature. He was a gracious signer. He also has a couple of awesome cards. I wish I had a scanner here to illustrate, for those who don't know.

3. Buddy Bell, 60 later this month, has aged well. Nice guy. I decided since I really liked him in my youth, I had to get a ball signed. I also used a couple of wildcard tickets for a couple of card autos. Naturally I somehow forgot to bring along a card with Bell as a Red. Sure wish I could have found a card shop or someone selling cards nearby.

4. Card sellers/dealers are apparently overwhelmingly Republican. Just sayin' - for what it's worth. I don't necessarily care about any of that but I got a bit tired of hearing political bellyaching while I thumbed through cards, otherwise enjoying myself. It happened four times today and, yeah, I moved on. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the real world.

5. Got dangerously close to finishing my '76 set. I'll probably have 20 to 30 left by the time this thing ends.

6. I wish my work would leave me alone when I'm trying to have me-time.

7. I'll likely never stand in line for another autograph. But, ahem, if my daughter ends up landing autographs when I start taking her to baseball games, well, you know, that's another story. And, I'll gladly accept them in blogger trades! Did I mention the George Kell that SewingMachineGuy sent me recently!? Just had to mention that again.

8. Despite #7, I did meet some great people in the lines today. I didn't ask if any of them blogged. Perhaps I should have. Met a nice man with his daughter. He realized in line that he didn't have a Rick Reuschel as a Cub - only some Giants' cards. I had a couple of extras and it was nice to be able to give him one - an '85 Topps.
 
9. Leon Durham seemed a bit distant from what I observed in the line. However, much to his credit, when the guy in front of me handed over the freshly taken picture of himself and Durham, Leon saw that his eyes were closed and insisted that another one be taken. That was classy.

10. While I've missed some floor time handling personal business, I've spent gads of hours roaming the concrete - and it's not been near enough time for me to see everything I want! Tomorrow's my last day, probably a half day. Argh!

11. I've picked up a total of 10 hobby packs to participate in the Topps promo for the Heritage rookies. I missed Dee Gordon yesterday but got Dustin Ackley and Mike Moustakas. I see they're listed for a minimum $20 on ebay. I wonder if they'll sell for that. Hmm, maybe I should start selling on ebay.

12. Kindergarten Cop just came on TBS. I think I'll pass. I hope I don't regret this decision.

13. While in line for Mr. Bell, the guys behind me said they had already gone through the line and that right when it was their turn, Buddy decided to go over and chat for 15 minutes with Roger Staubach. Funny.

14. It would have been nice to meet at least one blogger, but I suppose I didn't work hard enough on that.


15. I miss my wife and daughter but this has been a lot of fun.

16. I wish they held something like this in my hometown every few months. Is that too much to ask?

National Thoughts, Day Two

Here are some things that I observed or that popped into my head while roaming The National.

1. When I saw Bobby Douglas in the photo booth, thinking it was Jack Clark, I thought, wow Jack Clark looks plenty different but he has definitely kept himself in shape. Then the real Jack Clark showed up. (Actually, Clark looks pretty good - just the weight gain that plagues most of us with age - 'cept for Bobby Douglas. Oh, and 'cept for Phil Fosbury.)

2. Jack Clark asked me if I wanted him to sign the card with "The Ripper." "If you'd like," I said. He did.

3. I feel like a goof asking grown men for autographs but I nevertheless have wanted to use a few of my free auto passes. It's actually been kind of fun adding a few card autos.

4. I don't believe I'll ever pay for an autograph but I admit that with various members of my lifelong favorite football team signing in front of me as I waited in the free Jack Clark line, I had a tinge of regret about not paying up for some of their autos - Ham, Stallworth, Blount and Shell today.

5. "That Pujols is pretty good," odd guy watching Jack Clark in the photo booth. "Yeah, he's all right," Clark joked.

"What about A-Rod? He's in some trouble now, huh?" odd guy. *Crickets*

Seriously, what a weird thing to shout out to Jack Clark.

6. Jack Ham slightly resembles Gary Busey. Ham also left his sunglasses on the entire time I saw him.

7. Jack Clark's lady friend was the talk a few sickos in the autograph line.

8. I have yet to find cards of Princesses, Mermaids or Fairies. This was my daughter's lone request. The hunt continues.

9. An awful lot of collectors out there fit nicely into the stereotype that my wife has of collectors.

10. Topps hosted a Meet-and-Greet for collectors at 4 today - complete with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers and drinks (alcohol even). I got an invite yesterday when I stopped by the booth. They talked to us for roughly 90 minutes all about their products and why they do things the way they do. Unfortunately, due to another matter I had going on during this time, I missed all but the beginning and last 20 minutes, so my plans to give a full report fell through. Hopefully someone else who blogs was in the room to provide some info.

Throughout, they gave away many prizes - boxes of various products combined with T-shirts, etc. I'm trying to assure myself that my name wasn't called during my time away.

11. One dude won a prize but it was the one prize that didn't include a box of product. He won a couple of T-shirts only. He openly complained about getting the worst prize.

12. I checked 41 '76 base Topps from my list of roughly 100. They're in good shape. Paid $8 for them.

13. As I was getting ready to leave for the day, stopped at one last booth and found the gentlemen selling the full '76 Traded set. I only have a handful of them so I bought the whole lot for $4. They're in great shape! I'm well on my way to finishing my first set and, as I've written about before, this one means a lot to me.

14. I have been ducking out plenty to handle work-related issues, which totally stinks - but tomorrow it will be full attention to the show. I'd like to get at least two more autographs from my free list but I'm determined not to spend too much time in lines. My choices are Leon Durham, Paul Reuschel, Rick Reuschel and Buddy Bell. For me, Bell is a no-brainer.

I've already gotten my three balls (ahem, the three baseballs I brought from home) signed. Since any of these guys will only sign one thing, I'll probably skip buying another ball and go with a card. Am I crazy for thinking this way if I have an opportunity to get a ball signed?

That's it for now.

National Thoughts, Day One

I arrived in time to head into the VIP lounge, watch the auctions - something or other went for $10,000 - and stand in a few fairly fast lines to meet Bill Madlock, Don Kessinger and Dick Fosbury - Flop Master.

Madlock, a four-time batting champ, was one of my favorites as a kid. While there's an assembly line feel to the signings, Madlock occasionally took a second to chat. When my turn came, he loved the fact I presented one certain card that I'll discuss in a future post for him to sign.

He signed a ball and two cards (and more later). I only handed over the ball but after he signed it he saw the two cards in my hand and asked if I wanted him to sign them too. But of course...

I then joined the Kessinger line and had him sign one card. He's a very folksy sort and seemed to enjoy talking to people - although he kept the line moving. After he signed, the line behind us (me and a fellow collector I got to chatting with in line) was just 10 deep so we hopped back in for another auto. Might send one to my Dad. Can't remember if he was a Kessinger fan - only know he really liked Banks and Billy Williams. Of course, neither were Cub cards.

After this, I looked over and saw that just one guy remained in the Dick Fosbury line. I hopped over and pulled out a note card - didn't have anything else for him. He signed it "Dick Fosbury, '68 Gold." He too was very kind.

And finally, at this point, with just a handful left in Madlock's line, I pulled out the two other Madlock cards I brought along and he signed them and made another joke about the other card I had him sign earlier (again, more about that when I have a scan of it).

I had no intention of getting more than one auto from each but after the initial fray I think many had left to head into the show once it got going, so the auto pickings then were too easy. I brought along some treasured cards from my youth collection so it was extra neat to have those signed.

After this I headed into the show. Huge! I walked around and picked up several of the giveaway packs offered by Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, etc. (and I've yet to take a look at them). I then hopped into the Lee Smith auto line. This was insanely long but I decided to stay the course. Lee's line took forever because he engaged practically everyone in conversation. Lee also was willingly signing as many items as you'd hand him. I had brought along two cards and had one baseball left that I had brought from home. He signed them all.

Side note: A guy two people behind me decided to complain pretty rudely to one of the guys with Freedom Cardboard - irritated that the line took so long and something or other about how they should speed up Lee Smith. Me and the FC guy shared a look about that guy and laughed. Seriously, what a weird thing to complain about - how nice the auto guest is being.

I was done with autos at this point as I had heard the Billy Pierce line was very long too. Still, I decided to walk over there just in case. At this point, after the long Smith wait, the Pierce line was just three deep! So, I yanked out the Topps Archives card I brought along and the helper smeared off the shine and Mr. Pierce signed away.

The guy in front of me asked him what it was like to win Rookie of the Year. This, naturally, confused Mr. Pierce. As for me, I want to thank Ryan LaMonica here for sending that card to me just last week. I didn't have another Pierce card to bring when I checked the signers list last night.

I spent the remainder of the night shopping around. I snagged a couple of cards for my player collections and I'll likely write later about them and whatever else of note I pick up.

The funny thing about all of this autograph business is that I'm not an autograph kind of guy. I get a little uncomfortable asking grown men for their signatures. I haven't done that in 11 years at a White Sox charity comedy night where you were actually expected to get autographs. Chasing autos is fine for many but it's not my bag. Of course, today, one wouldn't realize how I really feel.

And, I have a few more free auto tickets to redeem so perhaps I'll get one or two more before this thing is over. Why not? This whole thing is a birthday present from my wife. Got to get her money's worth.

I have my eye on two particular names on the free list. Stay tuned.

I'm Going (to the) National...

...and I have no idea what to expect.

Yes, earlier this year, mere days after plowing through my old cards for the first time in decades, my wife announced she had purchased me an early birthday present. (My birthday is in a couple of weeks.)

The gift, of course, was a VIP pass to the National just down the road from our Chicagoland home. We had been in the city or just outside for 14 years, so it would be a matter of taking a few days off work, getting up for a leisurely breakfast and heading on over for the day.

But since then our house finally sold and we made our long planned move to be near family in Indiana - some four hours away from Chicago - so plans have changed somewhat. But I'm still going - and expect to only miss Sunday. I'm looking forward to it.

 I couldn't be more excited for some quality "me" time. Frankly, I cannot recall the last time I've had a few days like this, to myself, to get away and just do something I love. It's been many, many years. OK, I just remembered - it was '01 when I went down to the Keys after a very bad relationship ended.

Sure, I go away two or three times a year for conferences - but there I have to moderate panel discussions and sometimes deliver actual speeches. I don't consider that quality "me" time as I'm a bundle of nerves. Public speaking, suffice to say, is my worst nightmare. I'm an awkward mess in front of large groups of people, frankly.

You see, I'm a bit of a nerd. I know, you can relate.

So, if you're attending the National and you see a goofy early 40-something guy roaming around in cargo shorts and probably a t-shirt, stop me and say hi. After a few hours of that, just maybe you'll get lucky and pick the right guy.

Or, perhaps a better plan, send me an e-mail ahead of time (dw.reds@gmail.com) or comment here and maybe we really can at least exchange "hellos" or take a load off and share a coke. (Not the same coke, that would be awkward.)

Meanwhile, if any of you have tips about how I should plan for this thing, let me know. Should I have a sturdy bag on hand for my purchases? Are there sweet hidden deals from the card companies that are fairly easily redeemed? (I'm assuming I just need to do a lot of booth visitation.) Should I bring cards with me - not to the site but available - for possible trading? Can you get in and out of the show all day to get to and from your car? (That's probably a ridiculous question.) Should I bring cards of players who are part of the VIP experience just in case I can finagle an added signature?

(Along those lines, and not necessarily for this show but for the future, what are the best pens for signing cards? I've always been told a black sharpie for baseballs, but what about cards?)

Back to the National, I'd love to hear any key pieces of prep advice anyone might suggest?

As for autographs, I guess I'll get a few freebies with the VIP deal, but I've elected not to get any of the featured signers. I love autographs but I have an issue paying for them, even if they're Hall of Famers and even if they're my favorite players of all time. Yes, Johnny Bench and Al Kaline and on and on and several members of my beloved Steelers. Most of my favorites are signing on Sunday, the one day I know I won't be there - so that made it somewhat easier to avoid them.

I'll surely be spending enough on cards. But for some reason I can't justify dropping $80 to $120 for one great autograph. 

Finally, I've officially changed my blog name to reflect the state where I was raised and where I now - after 20 years - live again. Perhaps less memorable, yes, but "Potch" will continue to be featured in some way. Now I only have to decide if I should change my URL and redirect everyone accordingly. Hmmm?

The National

Gotta love my wife - who just surprised me with a VIP pass to the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago this August.  She's been great nurturing my recent return to my beloved childhood passion - baseball cards.

Should be fun!

Meanwhile, completely off-topic, I'm running a $25 12-keeper, fantasy baseball league (salary cap and a couple of "hooks"). 16 teams and we need two more. All money paid out. Great group of guys in this league so far. Drafting the morning of Sat. March 26. Thanks!