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xpress34
03-16-2010, 07:48 PM
Hello all... it is basically T-36 hrs before I embark on my annual Mecca to Cactus League Spring Training - or as they call it at my work, my Annual Spring Training Sabbatical.

I am driving to Phoenix (oldest brother's house) on Thursday (Mar 18th) from Denver and will attend my 1st 2010 ST game on Friday (Mar 19th) at Surprise Stadium - Indians (ss) vs Rangers.

I will then be driving to Tucson Friday afternoon to see my other two brothers and my mother and attend the Sat (Mar 20th) game at Hi Corbett Field - Angels vs Rockies.

Back to Phoenix Sat afternoon and catching a Sun (Mar 21st) game - either at Surprise Stadium - Rockies vs Royals, or at Maryvale - White Sox vs Brewers.

Staying in Phoenix Sun night and catching a Monday (Mar 22nd) game - one of the following:
Surprise Stadium - White Sox @ Royals
Scottsdale - Rangers @ Giants
Goodyear - Rockies @ Reds
Maryvale - Dodgers @ Brewers

Then check into Hotel on Monday afternoon and pick up wife and son at Sky Harbor on Monday evening. At this point, all bets are off as to what games I will or will not see the rest of the week - probably mostly morning auto chasing and then sight seeing, etc with the family.

We will be seeing at least two games while they are here with me:

Wed (Mar 24th) at Surprise - Cubs @ Rangers as MLB Network will be there filming the Rangers segment of 30 Teams in 30 Days and (if I can talk the wife into a 'double header'), either Peoria - Mariners @ Padres (night game) or Phoenix Muni - Dodgers @ Athletics (night game) then down to Tucson for them to see my mom and brothers.

Then on Thurs (Mar 25th) at Hi Corbett Field - Reds @ Rockies as MLB Network will be there filming the Rockies segment of 30 Teams in 30 Days.
Back to Phoenix Thurs afternoon.

Wife and kid fly out Sunday evening (Mar 28th) and I am debating leaving to drive home that afternoon/evening or staying for the Monday game at Surprise - Rockies @ Rangers as I always see at least one Rox/Rangers game each ST and then leaving after the game and driving 1/2 way home and getting home on Tuesday the 30th.

I also plan to find time to visit the new Cactus League Museum in Mesa as well as most of the fine Sports Cards and Collectible shops in the Phoenix area. I was amazed to see that there are THREE (YES 3!!!) Sports Card Shows in the greater Phoenix area the weekend of the 19th to the 21st as well!

Here are a few of the 'Raw' items I plan to get signed while at ST (I will post follow ups and pics as I get them):

2008 All Star Ball - Josh Hamilton
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST092.jpg

2008 All Star Jersey - Josh Hamilton
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST095.jpg

2009 All Star Ball - Josh Hamilton (being shipped to my brother's house)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/2009ASGBall.jpg

2009 All Star Jersey - Josh Hamilton (being shipped to my brother's house)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Hamilton09ASG1.jpg

2009 Rockies GU Home Vest and Pants - Jason Giambi
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST099.jpg

Sept 1, 2009 Rockies Ticket(s) - Jason Giambi (Giambi's 1st Game as a Rockie) - NO PIC

2006 Rockies GU Batting Helmet - Clint Barmes
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST093.jpg

Rockies Mini Mitt - Troy Tulowitzki
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST091.jpg

Sept 8, 2009 Rockies Ticket (my seat) - Eric Young, Jr (His 1st MLB HR which I recovered!) - NO PIC

Xpress 34 BLUE Jersey - Nolan Ryan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST096.jpg

Xpress 34 WHITE Jersey - Nolan Ryan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST097.jpg

Texas Rangers BLUE ST/BP Hat - Nolan Ryan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST0910.jpg

Texas Rangers 'Stitches' Jersey - Various Rangers
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST098.jpg

I have other items (cards, balls, etc) that I am taking, but these are the 'Prime' items I'm looking to get done this year...

I'll post again Thursday when I leave and when I get there if there are any 'exciting' things that happen along the way... ;)

19 Days 15 Hrs 25 Minutes until Rockies Opening Day!!!

- Chris

xpress34
03-18-2010, 07:50 AM
Day 1 - Thursday Mar 18, 2010

6:45am in Thornton (Denver) CO. Hitting the road in 15 minutes. The car is packed and ready to go.

Heading SW through Buena Vista and Durango Colorado to Four Corners (AZ, CO, NM, UT) and down through Flagstaff Arizona to Phoenix.

Drive day... yeah! 780 miles (roughly)...

I'll write a follow up tonight when I get to Phoenix.

- Chris

xpress34
03-19-2010, 01:15 AM
Day 1 Addenedum

826 mi... left Denver @ 8:30am (not 6 as planned) becuase the wife wanted to spend time with me before she went to work... I love her to death, but she's coming down here on Monday!

Arrived at Brother's house @ 9:15pm (local time) - 13 hrs 45 minutes - not bad considering I wasted an hour and a half at Wal-Mart in Durango, checked out the Durango Sports Card Shop (Card Magic) and drove around Flagstaff trying to find Flagstaff Sports Cards. Also 3 gas stops and 1 lunch stop.

Tomorrow morning is Day 2 - 1st day in the trenches of 2010 ST - Indians (ss) vs Rangers @ Surprise.

Now, I need sleep....

jobathenut
03-19-2010, 01:26 AM
Just wanted to let you know xpress.That you have at least one person following your stories of the trip on here.As i am so jealous you are doing this.And i wish you luck in getting those things signed.I am especially interested in your jason giambi jersey.As i am a huge fan of his and i hope he signs that for you.Those texas items might be tough with what is going on with that team.Well good luck,and please be safe in your travels there-:)

xpress34
03-19-2010, 01:38 AM
Just wanted to let you know xpress.That you have at least one person following your stories of the trip on here.As i am so jealous you are doing this.And i wish you luck in getting those things signed.I am especially interested in your jason giambi jersey.As i am a huge fan of his and i hope he signs that for you.Those texas items might be tough with what is going on with that team.Well good luck,and please be safe in your travels there-:)

Butch -

Thanks for the kind words - it's had 83 views so far - I think everyone is waiting for the 'meat and potatoes' and new pictures! I will be posting at least once daily... I did this last year as well... and the year before that on SCF (Sports Card Forum)...

As far as Texas, they have (in my opinion from the Stadiums I have visited) the most fan friendly practice area... and Hamilton has always been great - as well as Nolan. As far as the Rox, Barmes on the helmet is a slam dunk for me - Clint knows me pretty well as I hand turned a Maple Bat for him a few years back when I worked for Rawlings. I have heard nothing but good things about the G-Man... Helton ad Tulo can be hit and miss, but I have heard they have been great this spring!

- Chris

dcgreg25
03-19-2010, 09:34 AM
Chris- this should make for some interesting reading, particularly for those of us that could not make it down to ST this year. I can't wait to hear your report from the Indians game today. Enjoy your week!

xpress34
03-19-2010, 09:36 PM
Chris- this should make for some interesting reading, particularly for those of us that could not make it down to ST this year. I can't wait to hear your report from the Indians game today. Enjoy your week!

Greg -

I hope you enjoy ST vicariously through my 'blog'... ;)

Unfortunately, I did not stay for the Indians game today... see the following post for today's 'blog'...

- Chris

xpress34
03-19-2010, 09:55 PM
1st 2010 ST game on Friday (Mar 19th) at Surprise Stadium - Indians (ss) vs Rangers.Got up at 7:30 this morning and got ready to attack this year's ST session...

Went and got some breakfast (Chocolate Milk and Zingers) and some bottled water and headed to Surprise.

I found out (early thankfully) that the Rangers 'A Team' (the Starters) no longer do BP or workouts on the Practice Fields on Fri and Sat... they do theirs in the Stadium and they open the gates early (10:30) for the fans.

I went and bought a cheap lawn seat ($7) and went in. During BP I got 3 foul balls (all from Vlad) and one HR ball (from Nelson Cruz)...

Got the Hamilton 2008 ASG Jersey signed... Josh had been signing by the dugout for about 15 minutes and as he headed to the clubhouse, I unfurled the jersey... Josh looks over and says, 'Dear God!' (jokingly) and trots over and signs the jersey for me. On the 'Stitches' jersey I got Ron Washington, Clint Hurdle, Gary Pettis, David Murphy, Michael Young and Elvis Andrus. Ironically, I got blown off by both Vlad and Cruz... :rolleyes: Also got blown off by Chris Davis.

Had a nice chat with Hurdle (he came over and Bear Hugged me!)... he remembered me from Coors Field...

After, I decided to get a head start on I-10 traffic and head out early to Tucson... got to Hi Corbett just as the game was ending and scored Clint Barmes on the Batting Helmet, Eric Young, Jr. on the Ticket and Dexter Fowler on the All Time Rox jersey. Fowler and Young both promised me a pair of Batting Gloves. Did not see Giambi, but did get blown off by Tulo... Helton snuck out, got caught to sign two, and then he left...

Also ran into no less than 5 people I know from Denver and Coors Field at Hi Corbett!!!

All in all, not a bad 1st day - 4 balls and 10 autos which includes knocking out the following PRIMARY targets:


2008 All Star Jersey - Josh Hamilton
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST095.jpg

2006 Rockies GU Batting Helmet - Clint Barmes
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST093.jpg

Sept 8, 2009 Rockies Ticket (my seat) - Eric Young, Jr (His 1st MLB HR which I recovered!) - NO PIC

And got a good start on this one:

Texas Rangers 'Stitches' Jersey - Various Rangers
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST098.jpg

I also talked to Joe (Rays54) and will be seeing him at Hi Corbett tomorrow.

I will get pics of the stuff I have gotten auto'd and post as soon as possible...

All the best -

Chris

P.S. - I have not heard (eMail or otherwise) from any other AZ board members except Rays54... I'd love to meet some of you guys... GodWulf???

jobathenut
03-20-2010, 12:29 AM
Xpress34-That sounds like a great day one to me.Was thier much media attention around the texas rangers cause of that story about thier manager.It's too bad you were not able to get giambi.I would think that hamilton would be a tough autograph to get as he does not seem very fan friendly.But then all players are fan friendly at home.Its on the road is the test to see if they are fan friendly like nick swisher.I can not wait to see how the autographs turned out on the jersey.I was hoping you would have caught a ball hit by giambi and i would have asked how much you want for it-just kidding.Well i hope you did not get too sun burnt as its a long week for you.Stay safe!:)

xpress34
03-22-2010, 07:55 PM
Hey all -

Sorry no posts the last few days... I haven't had internet access... I will update Sat (Day 2), Sun (Day 3) and Today (Day 4) here in a few minutes... just got the hotel room (and that was a fiasco!), getting unpacked and ready to see the wife and kis when they fly in late tonight...

Back shortly!!! (With lots of pics too!!!)

- Chris

xpress34
03-22-2010, 07:57 PM
Xpress34-That sounds like a great day one to me.Was thier much media attention around the texas rangers cause of that story about thier manager.It's too bad you were not able to get giambi.I would think that hamilton would be a tough autograph to get as he does not seem very fan friendly.But then all players are fan friendly at home.Its on the road is the test to see if they are fan friendly like nick swisher.I can not wait to see how the autographs turned out on the jersey.I was hoping you would have caught a ball hit by giambi and i would have asked how much you want for it-just kidding.Well i hope you did not get too sun burnt as its a long week for you.Stay safe!:)

Butch -

Not much media at all... Ron even signed! I don't know who told you (or where you got the idea) that Ham-Bone (Hamilton) isn't fan friendly... he has to be one of the nicest guys in MLB. More on that shortly when I return...

- Chris

xpress34
03-22-2010, 10:15 PM
UPDATE to DAY 1:


2008 All Star Jersey - Josh Hamilton (LOOK at he SIZE of that SIG!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST1.jpg

2006 Rockies GU Batting Helmet - Clint Barmes
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST7.jpg

Sept 8, 2009 Rockies Ticket (my seat) - Eric Young, Jr (His 1st MLB HR which I recovered!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST11.jpg


And got a good start on this one:

Texas Rangers 'Stitches' Jersey - Various Rangers
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST4.jpg

xpress34
03-22-2010, 10:46 PM
2nd Day of ST...

Got up early and headed over to Hi Corbett to catch the Rox and Angels. I started out at the practice fields and got Mike McKenry (Catching prospect) on my Cather's Mitt... then went to Field 5 and watched the pitchers work out along with a few position players. Got Paul LoDuca on the mitt as well as Mike Scosia when the Angels arrived. Also got EY Jr on my all-time team bat.

Went into the stadium and it was photo-day... saw Giambi going out on the field and showed him the jersey - he said they were pretty cool. When he came off the field, he made a beeline right to e and signed both the Jersey and the pants as well as telling me he would get my some batting gloves to go with them (I did ask...).

I hung around and chatted with Barmes again for a bit, got Woody Paige (sports writer) on the jersey... also saw Rene Spillbourgh (Ryan's dad) and chatted with him.

After the game, saw Jim Tracy and chatted with him for a few minutes as well, and then headed back to Phoenix (Surprise / Sun City) to my oldest brother's house.

Giambi Jersey:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST3.jpg

Giambi Pants:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST6.jpg

Giambi on the field:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST27.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST26.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST25.jpg

Jim Tracy after the game:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST28.jpg

I almost forgot... one of my brothers in Tucson gave me some bats he picked up at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet:

LVS Pro Stock C271:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST13.jpg

LVS Pro Stock C243:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST14.jpg

And a GU LVS Chad Krueter WHITE SOX Bat - O69:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST12.jpg

And a GOOD FRIEND gifted me with some amazing items:

Troy Tulowitzi St Pat's Day signed (MiLB) ball (in GREEN):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST8.jpg

Matt Holliday AUTO GU PRACTICE Ball:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST9.jpg

An EY Jr GU and AU Minor League Bat (LVS I13):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST16.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST17.jpg

A couple of other bats (including an AU GU Tulo Minor League Bat) and THIS... an UNUSED complete set of 2009 Post Season Rockies Tickets:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST18.jpg

More to come!!!

- Chris

xpress34
03-22-2010, 10:52 PM
INTERMISSION...

A Few Quick Pics of the car on the Trip here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST19.jpg

SHIPROCK NM:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST21.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST22.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST23.jpg

And I forgot from DAY 1 of ST... me with Elvis Andrus:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/ST24.jpg

Now back to the Blog... ;)

xpress34
03-22-2010, 11:00 PM
Day 3 of ST (Sun Mar 21st):

Got up and went over the try and catch the Rangers before they left for their away game... by the time the practice fields opened (10am) the players were leaving to catch the bus... I did get Justin Smoak on the 'Stitches' jersey as well as Chris Ray and Frankie Francisco... I also got Chad Tracy on a ball that I will also have Jim Tracy sign later...

I did have a nice highlight though before I went in to watch the Rox and Royals at Surprise... at the MiLB fields I ran into All-Time Ranger great Steve Buechelle and he signed my jersey and a ball...

At the game I added some guys to my All-Time Rox Jersey... EY Jr, Ian Stewart, Carlos Gonzalez, etc... not a bad day over all... no pics of today's items...

- Chris

xpress34
03-22-2010, 11:02 PM
Day 4 (Mon Mar 22nd)...

I am now up to today - and I will put up pics and all shortly... right now though I have to head to Sky Harbor as my Wife and Kid touch down in just under an hour... I'll finish getting caught up when we get back.

Til then!

- Chris

xpress34
03-22-2010, 11:19 PM
Addendum to Day 3...

I can't believe that I forgot these!!!

After the game, I went to a couple of shops and picked up the following:

Sandy Koufax single signed ball:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan32.jpg

Vintage Reach (Joe Cronin) Ball Box (no lid):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan33.jpg

Vintage 1984 Giants Fantasy Camp signed ball : Mays (light on sweet spot), Maglie, Bobby Bonds, Marichall, Irvin, etc...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan36.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan310.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan311.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan37.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan38.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan39.jpg

Pujols (Mounted Memories) GU Dirt:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan31.jpg

And the Buchelle ball:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan34.jpg

Chad Tracy ball:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Scan35.jpg

- Chris

jobathenut
03-23-2010, 02:33 AM
I have heard that from friends of mine in the autograph buisness.I have some that travel the country during the season and they have told me who is the best and worst at signing at away stadiums (as everyone is great at thier own) and he is always on all thier lists they send to me.Just what i have been told as i have not tried to get anything signed by him myself.So i am sorry if i stated that as fact as i didnt intend to sound like that.Glad you are back writing the blog.It's the only reason i have logged on here the last couple days is to read your adventures.
Butch -

Not much media at all... Ron even signed! I don't know who told you (or where you got the idea) that Ham-Bone (Hamilton) isn't fan friendly... he has to be one of the nicest guys in MLB. More on that shortly when I return...

- Chris

jobathenut
03-23-2010, 02:42 AM
xpress-Man i really have enjoyed reading you dream trip blog here.I do have to say i am so happy you were able to get giambi to sign that jersey.I am not too crazy about the autograph on the pants though.So were you able to get those batting gloves.I know i would love to get a pair of his yankees ones to go with my bat.Have you been able to get those nolan ryan jerseys signed yet.I am assumming you have not as i am sure you would have mentioned meeting "the legend".And i love that autograph on the hamilton jersey.I love a nice and big autograph on a item.Which is funny as one of my favorites giambi has one of the smallest and ugliest autographs there is.Love the pictures,this has been a great read for sure.

xpress34
03-23-2010, 03:07 AM
Day 4 (Mon Mar 22nd):

Today was a good day simply because my wife and kid were coming in to join me in Phoenix (even though they won't do any auto chasing/baseball games with me... )

Got up this morning and went back to Surprise... NO ONE on the practice fields so I went to check out Camelback Ranch (my wife says it sounds like a whore house name) and the Dodgers camp. Met up with friends Tommy, Marty and Phil from Idaho. Got blown off by Torre 3 times (but he did smile and wave) and just missed Donnie Baseball.

Not a total loss though... I did get Tommy Lasorda (FINALLY!) on a ball for the collection.

After that I headed out to get the hotel room. We had reserved a King SUITE w/ Sleeper Sofa (for the 16 year old)... when I got there, they checked me in, never asked anything... go to the room - not a suite, and it's a single queen. Back to desk - they don't have any King SUITES and someone in THEIR side CHANGED the reservation 3 days after I made it to make it a Queen single bed. They had to send me to a different hotel in their chain and put us in a dual queen room - not a SUITE - and we saved $130. I will be writing and asking for ore when it's all said and done...room is tiny...

Anyway, got a room - the family is here and I'm off to bed...

But 1st, pictures:

ManRam in the cage (where he belongs!):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Day35.jpg

Donnie Baseball:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Day36.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Day37.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Day38.jpg

Lasorda:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Day31.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Day311.jpg

But the COOLEST thing I've seen this trip... not even baseball related... was this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/polarbear3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/polarbear2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/polarbear1.jpg

Was once the 2nd Largest Polar Bear - now #1 because the former #1 wasn't taxidermied right and fell apart...

Enjoy!

- Chris

xpress34
03-23-2010, 11:43 AM
Day 5 (Tues Mar 23rd)

Today is a 'shopping day' with the wife and kid and then dinner with my oldest brother and his GF, so no news for today... unless I buy anything at any of the antique malls, flea markets or sports card shops we hit today...

- Chris

P.S. - Tomorrow is MLB Network (30 Clubs in 30 Days) at the Rangers in Surprise. Hoping to finish up my Hamilton stuff, maybe Ryan and looking for Peter Gammons. Then we will be heading to Tucson and the Rangers on Thursday (MLB Network is there on Thursday).

xpress34
03-26-2010, 02:19 AM
(Catching up on the blog... had more internet issues...)

Day 6 (Wed Mar 24th)

Today was Cubs @ Rangers in Surprise. Went out early for Autos at practice fields and because MLB Network '30 Clubs in 30 Days' was there...

BAD Auto day at the practice fields... couldn't buy a sig from the big guys (Hamilton, Young, Andrus, etc...) and Peter Gammons walked by, said he'd come back and sign - and then he Big Leagued us and skipped out...

Did recover some with Derrick Holland, Rich Harden, Tom Grieve and Netfali Perez on the 'Stitches' jersey... then I went inside and got the 2009 Hamilton Jersey signed!

So it ended up alright... also got Hurdle on my friend's bat for him...

Stitches jersey as it looks now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04587.jpg

Hamilton 2009 ASG Jersey:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04586.jpg

Gammons on the Practice Fields:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04548.jpg

30 Clubs in 30 Days @ Surprise:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04559.jpg

A VERY Cool Piece... this girl painted this herself - the brown actually has dirt from the mounds of Surprise and the Ballpark in Arlington in it!!! And then she has been getting the baseballs signed on the 'sweet spots'!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04549.jpg

And there was a nice surprise as he game was about to start... 2 1st pitches... by Fergie Jenkins and Bob Feller!!!:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04552.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04554.jpg

Next up day 7!!!

- Chris

xpress34
03-26-2010, 02:40 AM
Day 7 (Thurs Mar 25th)

We drove to Tucson Wed night and had dinner with my Mom and my Brothers... Thurs morning I got up and went over to Hi Corbett (the wife and my mom were coming over later for the game - my kid can't stand baseball!)

Looked around for Gammons again (MLB 30 in 30 @ Hi Corbett), but no sign...

Finally went in early and got my FREE hat which ended up signed by:

Melvin Mora
Chris Iannetta
EY Jr
Aaron Cook
Dexter Fowler
Omar Quintanilla
Tim Redding
Jorge De La Rosa
Jonathan Herrera
Jeff Francis
Vinny Castilla
and my fav sig - Justin Speier (inscribed 'Semper Fi' 'USMC Cpl')... DID YOU KNOW?: Speier is the ONLY MLB player in the past 15 years to have served his country!!! Even if it was in a Reserve Role, he was still out there ready to go...

I also got my Rox Mini Mitt signed by Tulo (one of my ST Goals) and got the Denver Mag my wife picked up signed by Spilly and Fowler (got CarGo @ Surprise earlier).

Not a bad day at all...

Hat:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04588.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04589.jpg

Tulo Mini Mitt:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04590.jpg

And MLB 30 in 30 @ Hi Corbett:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/DSC04580.jpg

Tomorrow (Friday) is a day for the family... we will do whatever they want today! Saturday is family day too... and dinner with my brother and his gal pal in Surprise at their house...

Sunday morning is Rangers autos again, then family time, then wife and kid to the airport and then staying at brother's again.

Monday is Rox @ Rangers and then on he road to Denver... so unless I pick up (read: BUY) something for the collection in the next day or two, then the next Blog post will be Sunday evening after the wife and kid have headed home...

til then -

Chris

rays54
03-27-2010, 05:21 PM
Chris
Enjoyed the time talking and chasing autographs. Best to your family and hope to see you next year in the Valley of the Sun.

Rays54 aka BATman

xpress34
03-28-2010, 01:45 AM
Rays -

We took the past two days off from games and autos to spend time with family and to show my wife and kid around Phoenix... we are seriously thinking of moving to the Glendale area near Camelback Ranch (Dodgers/White Sox complex)...

Tomorrow (Sunday) we are going to White Sox vs Rangers @ Surprise - trying to finish up my Josh Hamilton pieces and then a few more places for the wife to see before she and the kid fly out tomorrow night. I'll be staying at the brother's house in Sun City and then back to Surprise on Monday morning for Rockies @ Rangers!!! Then I'm driving to either Durango or Albuquerque to stay the night and back into Denver on Tuesday...

You should come up early tomorrow for Surprise... Rangers are great signers!!! ;)

Anyway, it was AWESOME catching up with you again - come to Denver and visit some time!

And don't forget - YOU are a good man!!! ;)

All the best -

Chris

rays54
03-28-2010, 10:40 AM
No, YOU ARE a good man.

geoff
03-28-2010, 02:53 PM
Enjoyed Reading about this.This makes me want to go to ST even more Next Year.

Thanks
Geoff

tigerdale
03-29-2010, 06:53 AM
Great reading.........thank you for posting all of that!!

xpress34
03-30-2010, 10:13 AM
Quick update... got home at 4:30am today... and now getting ready to go into work!

I drove straight through yesterday from Surprise (Phoenix) AZ to Thornton (Denver) CO. Roughly 14.5 hours... about 730 miles or so...

Anyway, I will update the last few days of my ST adventure later today/tonight (if I don't pass out when I get home!) or tomorrow... it finished up quite nicely!

All the best -

Chris

xpress34
04-01-2010, 12:23 AM
Sorry I haven't gotten pics and update done yet... long work day today...

I promise, the conclusion stories are coming!!!

On a side note, my wife and I unpacked some stuff from the trip this evening and I counted and came in somewhere around 90 autos over the 6 days I actually spent chasing autos while there... about 15 sigs a day!!! That number does include purchases and items that were 'gifted' to me... but I still collected about 70 to 80 sigs IN PERSON...

All the best -

Chris

jobathenut
04-01-2010, 12:28 AM
Thats great "xpress34" that you got all those autographs.Me and my brother always talk about going to see the yankees do thier spring training.As we have heard they sign alot there.I wonder if we would get as many as you.But of course you got more than one team.And we would be doing just the yankees players-thats sounded funny.I mean getting just the yankees players autographs.I wonder ho w many of the team we would be able to get.Anyways,have loved your blog and cant wait to here what happen at the end of your trip and see those great photos.Glad you and your family had a safe trip.

LastingsMilledge85
04-01-2010, 07:36 AM
And we would be doing just the yankees players-thats sounded funny.I mean getting just the yankees players autographs.I wonder ho w many of the team we would be able to get..

I passed up on many autographs because I only went for Milledge's autograph and they were successful players such as Andrew McCutchen, Garrett Jones, Akinori Iwamura, Octavio Dotel, and Ross Ohlendorf to name a few.

jobathenut
04-01-2010, 08:36 PM
Don't really understand why you used my quote to use in your post.As i was just wondering how many yankees sign in the spring training.And if i would be able to get as many of them as xpress did of his team or teams.But i only get autographs of players i like.I would not get a autograph of a player just because i could.I see nothing wrong like with you just getting lastings autographs as thats you favorite player.I am not that big into baseball as i know none of the guys you mentioned,are they on the same team as your guy?
I passed up on many autographs because I only went for Milledge's autograph and they were successful players such as Andrew McCutchen, Garrett Jones, Akinori Iwamura, Octavio Dotel, and Ross Ohlendorf to name a few.

LastingsMilledge85
04-01-2010, 09:50 PM
Well you could of fooled me with not rig a big baseball guy. McCutchen is a young player filled with potential that looks like the real deal and I'm not getting so much into the other guys as it would take too long. I used your quote just to make an example of what I did, so next time as I'm trying to get my .02 a little more kindness would be appreciated as to why I used your quote, but let's not dwell on that.

jobathenut
04-01-2010, 10:18 PM
sorry:( :( :(
Well you could of fooled me with not rig a big baseball guy. McCutchen is a young player filled with potential that looks like the real deal and I'm not getting so much into the other guys as it would take too long. I used your quote just to make an example of what I did, so next time as I'm trying to get my .02 a little more kindness would be appreciated as to why I used your quote, but let's not dwell on that.

LastingsMilledge85
04-01-2010, 11:46 PM
Don't worry about it.

TriplexXxSports
04-02-2010, 07:17 AM
Chris,

I am not a huge baseball fan personally, (I occasionally watch the Cubbies when I need some background noise for a Sunday nap) but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your adventure. Not too many people are able to do things like this. It's cool that you started a "little tradition", so to speak. Something that you can pass along to the kids, and always look back on and say you did this. Very cool.

Congrats on all your success, and thanks for the good read. Its a refreshing change of pace.

CampWest
04-02-2010, 09:34 AM
Day 6 (Wed Mar 24th)

Today was Cubs @ Rangers in Surprise.

I was at that game. I didn't feel like driving to the Royals at Angels and the Royals had a SS make up game vs the Giants at Surprise that night.

Anyhow at this Cubs Rangers game, there was an auto tent set up in LF, with Willie Wilson, Pete LaCock, Bob Feller, and Fergie Jenkins. Willie and Pete were great. I was wearing a George Brett stadium giveaway Pinetar commemorative TShirt and Willie busted my chops for not wearing a #6, though he conceded "#5 was an alright player too".

Pete was fun to talk to because we used to be neighbors. When I was 2-5 years old and Pete was with the Royals, he lived in a house behind us and he used to be friends with my dad and we'd play with our dogs together. He was a nice guy.

Also got to chat at the batting cages with Alex Gordon, George Brett, Frank White, Kila Kaaihue, and a few other guys - Scott Thorman was really friendly and conversational. Frank White always is as well.

I should have a few pics from the game, gonna try to download and sort today. The seats are so close together, I ended up putting the camera away, because it was just uncomfortable and I didnt want to get in the way of those around me.

rays54
04-02-2010, 07:42 PM
Chris
Just got back from minor league game between D-backs and Rockies (AA and AAA teams). Huge haul of bats and autos today. Gamers from:
Paul LoDuca
Brandon Allen (2 Old Hickory Bats cracked)
Christian Friedrich
My major pickup (Fowler, Mizuno Pro cracked by minor leaguer)

15 autos on individual bats.
All in all a great day. Hitting D-backs minors in morning last time Tucson and rest of rockies. See Huston street all the time.
Rays 54

treant985
04-02-2010, 09:37 PM
Chris
Just got back from minor league game between D-backs and Rockies (AA and AAA teams). Huge haul of bats and autos today. Gamers from:
Paul LoDuca
Brandon Allen (2 Old Hickory Bats cracked)
Christian Friedrich
My major pickup (Fowler, Mizuno Pro cracked by minor leaguer)

15 autos on individual bats.
All in all a great day. Hitting D-backs minors in morning last time Tucson and rest of rockies. See Huston street all the time.
Rays 54

rays54--please email me at treant985@triad.rr.com about the Allen bats. I've been collecting him since single-A and am always interested in any GU gear of his.

2000mvpfan
04-06-2010, 06:00 PM
Hey Chris-

Great thread,great trip,and great job with that Giambi uni-Christ,that's gonna bankrupt me when you finally decide to sell it to me LOL..Looking forward to seeing your Rox-and hopefully Giambi too-when they play my Phillies later this year at Citizen's Bank!

Take care!

Joe

xpress34
04-12-2010, 08:44 PM
For all of you Paul Harvey fans, here is the Rest of the Story...

Sun Mar 28th, 2010...

Checked out of the motel early and headed out to Surprise for the Rangers practice...

The wife and kid in tow, we headed to the practice fields... Hamilton was on his way to the Batting Cage, so we went that way and I got him to sign this beautiful Trinity bat that I had been gifted:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Hamilton1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Hamilton2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Hamilton3.jpg

Only to find out later this is a GAME USED Dexter Fowler Bat (I thought it was just a nice used bat from a MiLB player... oh well, Josh gave it a BEAUTIFUL Sig...

** GREAT moment and fact about Josh ** Before signing my bat, he was signing another Black Bat in Silver... the paint pen bled and ran everywhere and Josh used his batting gloves to CLEAN the Bat and then resigned it with a better paint pen! After, he said he hates giving a bad auto on a nice piece!!! ***

My kid got Nelson Cruz on the 'Stitches' jersey (pics to follow in another post) for me.

My wife tried to get my GU Ball (BP HR from Hamilton) signed while I was getting the bat, but doesn't have the 'killer' instinct to get in there, so the bat was it.

Added Teagarden and Treanor on the catcher's mitt... got blown off again by Max Ramirez.

Got another GU Practice MLB ball that was sitting at the gate on one of the empty practice fields and headed on our way to do some family stuff before the wife and kid headed back to Denver.

Went to check out the Rox/DBacks new site on the East 101 Loop... went to a couple of comic shops, and went back to one card shop to buy these two bats for $50...

GU Eric Davis (someone blacked out his name on the barrel!) Dodgers bat with Strawberry, Karros and other sigs on it:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/DavisGU1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/DavisGU2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/DavisGU3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/DavisGU4.jpg

And this unusual Rawlings MiLB GU bat from some early Rockies teams (Rawlings by Asics?) w/ Horseshoe/Omega brand w/ number in it signed by Will Scalzetti and other early Rox (Scalzetti hit the 1st GS in Rox franchise history with Bend Rockies - I believe it was also the 1st HR in franchise history - back in '92 I believe.):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/EarlyRox1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/EarlyRox2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/EarlyRox3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/EarlyRox4.jpg

And stopped by an Antique Store in downtown Glendale and grabbed this badboy for $100:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Mays1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Mays2.jpg

After that, we just did some site seeing - went by Sky Harbor and checked their bags with the Sky Cap early, went and grabbed a bite to eat and then back to the Airport. I then headed back to my brother's place in Sun City for the night before my FINAL day of the 2010 Spring Training Odyssey.

On the way I stopped by the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall and picked up a few cards for sets from a few booths.

Up next - the FINAL Day!!!

xpress34
04-12-2010, 09:09 PM
The FINAL Day... the saddest of all Spring Training Trips - hell, any trip in general - but particularly Spring Training.

Woke up early and packed the car leaving Rangers and Rockies gear accessible... told my brother and his GF goodbye and headed to Surprise.

Hamilton was in an AMAZINGLY GREAT mood (he's always good, but on this Monday, he was particularly upbeat)... I handed him BOTH AS Balls (2008 and 2009) and asked if he would Sweet Spot - and he did as usual:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Hamilton08ASG1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Hamilton08ASG2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Hamilton09ASG1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Hamilton09ASG2.jpg

Then, I went over to watch BP and got Ian Kinsler and Chris Davis on the 'Stitches' Jersey as well, so here's how it finished up:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/RangersStitches.jpg

And I noticed a guy writing on a note pad and ended up getting Tom Verducci (SI and MLB Network) on a ball:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Verducci1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Verducci2.jpg

I then went back to the batting cages and thought I'd try one more time for a last Hamilton on the GU Ball that my wife didn't get signed on Sunday.

Josh came out of the cage, took the ball and before I could say anything, started signing the side panel. I asked about the Sweet Spot and he siad he would be back. After taking a few more cuts, he came back and signed it AGAIN on the Sweet Spot!!! :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/HamiltonGU1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/HamiltonGU2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/HamiltonGU3.jpg

By then, the players were heading in, so I went and moved the car, swapped to my Rox stuff and headed in.

At the tunnel behind Home Plate I got Jim Tracy on the ball I had his son Chad (AAA w/ Rangers) sign a day or two before... Jim couldn't figure out which way or where to sign, so when I finally got the ball oriented the right way, Jim smiles, looks at the sig, then back at me before signing and says, "Next time you see my son, ask him what the hell kind of signature that is!":

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/TracyTracy1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/TracyTracy2.jpg

I added Ian Stewart and a few other Rox to the always growing Rox Auto jersey (about 125+ autos now):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/RoxTeam.jpg

And I added Beimel and CarGo to the hat I had started at Hi Corbett for the wife:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Caps/RoxHat1.jpg

While waiting fot the Rox autos, a Scout came and sat near us chatting up the younger guys until I saw his name and we started to chat - Chris Bosio of the Brewers/Mariners. Very nice guy and it was awesome to chat with him.

After that, I headed up and found out that Nolan was supposed to be there that day, so I was 3rd in the auto line (mind you the game had NOT started yet and he doesn't sign until the end). Nolan came by and went to his seat... about the mid of 2nd, his security guy came by and let us know that Nolan had gotten a call, so he was leaving in the 6th and would not be signing that day. I was a little bummed, but he also saved me about 3 hours of waiting for the game to finish and them to get Nolan set up and all.

I headed to the gates... to the car... and said goodbye to Spring Training 2010 and AZ. 746 miles and about 13.5 hours later, I was home...

And NOW you know the REST of the Story...

- Chris

xpress34
04-12-2010, 09:26 PM
So now the story is told, but I just wanted to add this RECAP of my 2010 ST Journey...

Balls:

Josh Hamilton (3) - GU BP (2 Sigs), 2008 ASG, 2009 ASG :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/HamiltonGU2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Hamilton08ASG1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Hamilton09ASG1.jpg

Steve Buchelle :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Buchelle1.jpg

Tom Verducci :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Verducci1.jpg

Jim Tracy / Chad Tracy :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/TracyTracy1.jpg

Tommy Lasorda :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Lasorda1.jpg

Matt Holliday (gifted to me) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Holliday1-1.jpg

Troy Tulowitzki (gifted to me) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Tulo1-1.jpg

Sandy Koufax (purchased) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Koufax1.jpg

Willie Mays (purchased) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/Mays1.jpg

1984 SF Giants Fantasy Camp Ball (purchased) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/1984GiantsFantasyCampPlayers1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/1984GiantsFantasyCampPlayers2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/1984GiantsFantasyCampPlayers3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/1984GiantsFantasyCampPlayers4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/1984GiantsFantasyCampPlayers5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Balls/1984GiantsFantasyCampPlayers6.jpg

More to follow...

xpress34
04-12-2010, 09:30 PM
Hats / Helmets:

Clint Barmes GU 2006 Batting Helmet :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Caps/Barmes3.jpg

Rockies SGA Hat from Hi Corbett Field :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Caps/RoxHat1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Caps/RoxHat2.jpg

Magazines :

Denver Magazine (signed by Fowler, CarGo and Spilborgh) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/DenverMagazine.jpg

Rockies FINAL Tucson / Hi Corbett ST Mag :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/RockiesSTMag2010.jpg

Rangers 2010 ST Mag :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/RangersSTMag2010.jpg

2009 Rockies Post Season Ticket Set (gifted to me) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/RoxPostSeasonTix1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/RoxPosteasonTix2.jpg

Eric Young Jr AU ticket from my seat at the game where I retrieved his 1st MLB Home Run :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/EYJr1stMLBHRTix9809.jpg

Ticket Stubs from Games I attended :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/CLEvsTEXST2010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/LAAvsCOLST2010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/COLvsKCST2010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/RedsvsRoxST2010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Miscellaneous/COLvsTEXST2010.jpg

More to follow...

xpress34
04-12-2010, 09:45 PM
BATS:

Chad Krueter GU White Sox (from my brother) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Krueter2.jpg

GU C243 (from my brother) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/LVSC2432.jpg

433 (gifted to me) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Rawlings4332.jpg

JM77 (gifted to me) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/RawlingsJM77GargoGU2.jpg

Phoenix Bat - made for Rox (gifted to me) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/RoxPhoenix2.jpg

Pete Rose S2 AU (purchased) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Rose2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Rose3.jpg

Trinity (gifted to me) - AU by Hamilton :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/Hamilton2.jpg

Early Rox (Rawlings by aSICS) AU Bat (purchased) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/EarlyRox2.jpg

Eric Davis GU AU Bat (purchased) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/DavisGU2.jpg

T141 AU by Tulo (gifted to me):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/TuloAU2.jpg

Eric Young Jr GU AU )purchased) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Bats/EYGU2.jpg

GLOVES :

Multi signed Catcher's Mitt - added Scosia, LaDuca, McKenry, Teagarden and Treanor :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Gloves/CatchersMitt1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Gloves/CatchersMitt2.jpg

Troy Tulowitzki Mini Mitt AU :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Gloves/TuloMiniMitt1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Gloves/TuloMiniGlove2.jpg

More to follow...

xpress34
04-12-2010, 09:53 PM
JERSEYS:

Rockies Multi signed - added Sports Writers, Fowler, EY Jr, Stewart, and many others :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/RoxTeam.jpg

Rangers 'Stitches' Jersey - added many autos :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/RangersStitches.jpg

Josh Hamilton 2008 ASG Jersey :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/Hamilton08AS2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/Hamilton08AS3.jpg

Josh Hamilton 2009 ASG Jersey :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/Hamilton09AS2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/Hmilton09AS3.jpg

Josh Giambi GU 2009 Rox Jersey :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/GiambiGU092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/GiambiGU093.jpg

Jason signing the jersey :

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v738/xpress34/Memorabilia/Jerseys/?action=view&current=GiambiSigVid.flv

That pretty much covers my 2010 ST collection additions... there are a few cards here and there as well -and one Elvis Andrus auto on a card.

Hope you all have enjoyed the thread and I look forward to doing the 2011 edition next year...

Until then - PLAY BALL!!!

All the best -

Chris

MiLe HigH
04-13-2010, 11:43 AM
Great haul Chris..I enjoyed your ST Blog very much! Now that your back in town hit me up.

xpress34
04-13-2010, 09:42 PM
OOPS!!! I almost forgot TWO things...

1st - THANK YOU TO THE 'BATMan' (you know who you are!) for all his kindness and generosity on this trip...

2nd - the BOOKS I picked up at various Tucson and Phoenix BOOKMAN'S stores:

Baseball as America

The Catcher was a Spy (HC to upgrade my SC)

Shoeless Joe and Ragtime Baseball

Breaking the Slump (NO, it's not about 'slump busters'... )

They Call Me Sparky

The Game That Was : George Brace Baseball Photos (this ended up being a duplicate book for me, so it is available if anyone is interested...

All the best -

Chris