2019 Orioles Fan Fest Recap

Another Orioles Fan Fest is in the books, and as far as sheer number of autographs go, I did better than any other Fan Fest.

I had paid for 6 autograph sessions, and was able to get items done in each that I was really happy about.  Chris hit up the kids line several times, and this year was the first year where he had some cards that he strictly wanted to get done for himself.  He and I were accompanied by my good friend, Ryan, and the three of us had a really good time.  The above dual 2018 Topps Update Hess/Araujo was one of the many cards I was able to get signed that I was really excited about.

Dylan Bundy was really cool this year, and he pretty much asked me why I wasn't planning on going down to Sarasota for Spring Training.  Man, I wish I could, but that is something I really need to plan, and push for sometime in the future.

I got a ton of cards signed that I have had for a while.  I picked up the Diamond Kings Anthony Santander (above left) from the card shop last year, thinking that I would be able to get him.  Chris took care of that during the final kids session.

Luis Ortiz was really nice; probably the nicest of all of the players I met.  I was talking to Jimmy Yacabonis about my Wood Ducks hat, and Ortiz remarked that he was almost a Wood Duck.  I told him that I actually knew that, and that was why I ended up with so many of his cards.  We had him at that session, and saw him later on as we were walking around.  He signed everything Ryan and I handed him.

It was nice meeting former Orioles #1 pick, DL Hall.  I think he will be with Frederick this season, so I may be able to get him on some more cards later on.  He did strictly 2-per for Chris and I during our session.

I ran out of Keegan Akin cards, which was fine.  He was pretty nice, even though I overheard him telling one of the handlers that he wasn't having the best time.  I talked to him anyway about the weather, and he seemed to open up some.  He turned out to be a pretty nice guy.

Jonathan Villar signed everyting I handed him, which was nice.  All of these cards are either card show or card shop pickups.

I was surprised that I still had Ryan McKenna cards left, but I purchased the Carolina League Top Prospects set at the end of last season, and needed him on that.  I found the black shimmer 2015 Bowman Chrome at the National last year, and was glad to get it signed.  It sucks that he had a dead Sharpie, though.

We had Renato Nunez in a signing session, and Chris also got him as he was out on the floor, so I got most of what I wanted done of his completed.  I missed the 87 Topps insert from a couple years ago, though.  Maybe next time on that one.

Chris got Chance Sisco during his first trip through the kids line, which helped me go ahead and get the high priority cards signed (see below).  He also was able to get him as he passed by us on the floor, which even further helped our cause.  Finally, in the paid session we had with him, Chris got two of Ryan's cards done, and I finished up a couple of the Bowman parallels shown above.

This Bowman Chrome Talent Pipeline was the highest priority card that I wanted Sisco to sign.  I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish it, but it turned out really well.

The Rule V picks were at the event, and I actually had a few cards of each.  Chris wasn't paying attention when he got these signed in the kids line, and smeared the Bowman Chromes that I had.  Oh well, they have a good story, now, as I got one of the smeared ones, and Chris took the other.

Richie Martin was pretty cool, and I got all of the cards I had of him signed.

I an mow out of Joey Rickard cards, as I had two paid session with him in them.  I had to take some cards from Ryan so I would have enough for each session.

I was able to get Tanner Scott on this Aberdeen set card, which has been hanging out in my box for a while.

Normally, I would have fixed this scan where the Scott McGregor slid under my Richard Bleier, but I was over scanning by the time I saw it.  It'll just have to stay this way.  I was really happy about getting the 2013 Pro Debut Rio Ruiz signed, because of the small handful of cards from that set, I did, indeed, have the Ruiz in my box.  It would have languished there forever, so I'm glad I got it done.

I had a multitude of horizontal cards that I got signed.  Another Talent Pipeline card that I can work on completing at some point.  I had a couple generic Orioles cards that helped with some guys I didn't have in my box, Donnie Hart on my 1994 Score, and Jimmy Yacabonis on my 2017 Topps.

I liked what I had for Rick Dempsey.  The 2004 Topps World Series Programs card of the 1983 World Series was a nice touch.

I got to talk to Boog Powell about horseradish again, which is always fun.  He's probably tired of my story by now, but he is a super nice guy, and the cards that I had turned out well.

The 1970 and 1971 Topps cards that I had of Boog were beat all to hell, but they were the last of what I had that I wanted to get signed.  They turned out nicely, and will have a home in my album.

I laid a page of 4 cards down for Jim Palmer, and he signed this Upper Deck Masterpieces.  I'm glad he chose this card, because they really are nice, and the autographs show up well.

Fan Fest was plagued by an overselling of sessions for Eddie Murray and Brooks Robinson.  My Brooks session was refunded, and so was one session with Eddie Murray.  I had my friend, Rae, also picking up an Eddie session, which went through.  I used my opportunity to meet Eddie again by helping out a friend with his set that he is working on, since he helped me with my 87 set (by getting Tim Raines).  My good friend, Jacob, was surprised to find out that I was able to get his 1991 Studio Murray signed, and it will be sent to him shortly.  I also let Chris pick out a Murray that he liked, and that was what he got signed.

We all had a really good time at Fan Fest, but it did feel like it was missing something, which Ryan and I discussed on the way home.  This was the first Fan Fest that I didn't spend a dime.  I didn't get a chance to look through any game-used items, but I didn't have a whole lot of time.  Ryan said that he looked, and there really wasn't anything that really jumped out.  The normal pile of used jerseys wasn't there, which was a bummer.

Oh well.  I came away with 115 autographs one all was said and done, so that was pretty nice.  Ryan and I made a couple of trades, and I have some stuff that I can send to Max and Gerard for all of their help with their Fan Fests.  I also am really happy that I was able to help Jacob with a major piece for his Studio set.

Orioles Fan Fest 2017 Recap

Another Orioles Fan Fest is in the books and this year, the haul was much smaller than in years past.  I switched from getting mainly balls signed to cards and since they take up less space, the haul looks significantly different.  Additionally, there wasn't a whole lot that called out to me in the game used room that I just HAD TO HAVE, so that kept my haul smaller as well.

I went to Fan Fest with my son, Chris, along with my good friend and fellow blogger, Ryan (O No Another Orioles Blog) and Ryan's friends Scott and Austin.  I got a call from my buddy, Michael during one of the autograph sessions when he told me that he had picked up a Nolan Reimold St. Patrick's Day autographed game used hat.  Michael was kind enough to sell it to me at cost, and I picked it up from him later in the day.  This is my first game used hat, and I'm on the fence as to how I want to display it.  I may opt to spend the money and get it shadow boxed, but I'm not certain yet.

There was a game used Nolan Reimold bat at the Orioles Authentics booth, but I didn't want to spend the money on it, especially since Michael had sent me one for my birthday.  The salesman heard me telling Ryan that I was interested, so he tried to make a deal with me.  Unsold, I decided to play up to him and see if he would lower the price on this game used jersey.  He named a price and I instantly jumped on it.  I have a Nolan batting practice jersey, and now I have this one.  I want to get this shadow boxed, so I have already put a call in to my buddy, Ross, to see what pricing would be for that.

 I did opt to get two baseballs signed.  When autograph vouchers went on sale, I had my mom enlisted to help me get vouchers since the ticket brokers and bots like to ruin the process for everyone and buy everything up within seconds.  The ticket buying experience was far more difficult this year than in years past, so when Mom went to get a voucher for Hyun Soo Kim, she accidentally got Zach Britton instead.  Not to worry, I needed to upgrade my Britton ball that I got years ago, so I got this 2016 All Star ball instead.  It turned out great, I think.

 I got another 2016 All Star ball signed by Brad Brach.  I figured it would be great to get him on a ball since relievers have a hard time getting selected for the game, unless they are closers.  This ball turned out great, as well.

This was the biggest piece (in gravity and actual size) that I wanted to get signed.  This is my lineup card from the Oct 4, 2015 game against the Yankees in which Chris Davis hit two home runs and Chris, Michael and I were caught celebrating on MASN.  I had two vouchers for Davis, so I had Chris help me by getting the photo signed.  The photo didn't turn out as great as I would have hoped, but oh well.  You can see the signature if you look really closely at the bottom.

Here is where I will briefly express my disappointment with this year's Fan Fest.  The handlers at the event were awful, for the most part.  I understand the policy on one autograph per voucher, but in all of the past Fan Fests that I have gone to, they at least would let you take home a signed post card in addition to your item.  Additionally, most players would add inscriptions to your item with no problems.  The handler for Davis was especially rude in that she wouldn't let Davis inscribe "hit 2 homers" to my lineup card and she wouldn't let Chris take a post card.  Topping it all off, after the session was over, Austin, who is 7 or 8 waited outside of the table area and asked Davis if he would sign his playoff baseball for him.  The lady refused to let Davis sign the ball, and caused Austin to cry in the process.  I get that these guys are busy and are scheduled to do other things at the event, but this was after the last session, and she could have kept her mouth shut and let Davis sign the ball.  My issue isn't with Davis at all.  I heard from a friend who has a relationship with a couple players who told me that many of the players were frustrated with the handlers this year.  My hope is that this can be fixed so that folks can enjoy the experience a little more.  I understand that there is a "one per" policy, but I am seeing other folks at other Fan Fests (Cubs Convention comes to mind) where folks have been able to "rack."  Ryan and I summed it up by saying that we have Davis with the O's another 6 years, so whatever we want signed, we have a good shot to pick it up later.

With my foray into signed baseball cards, I am now looking to get some stuff signed that I feel like would look great in m album.  One such card that kept calling out to me was this 2011 Topps Lineage Black Diamond Ubaldo Jimenez.  I'm not an Ubaldo fan at all, but I paid the $20 for his session just so I could add this card to my album.  I already had a voucher for this time period, so I had to enlist my little buddy, Brian, to go through this line for me.  His payment?  He was able to meet Jim Palmer and get his autograph.  Fair trade off, I think.

One problem I had was that I ran out of cards of some guys that I wanted to get signed, or I couldn't find them in time.  No fear, though, I grabbed a bunch of generic Orioles cards, like these 2009 Upper Deck Orioles cards.  I think other folks should take notice in that there are a bunch of ways that you can retain an auto, and sometimes cards like this work out great.  The top one is Christian Walker (I have plenty of his cards, but for whatever reason, I couldn't find the box his were in during the week that I was compiling everything I was going to send.  The bottom card is Joe Gunkel.  I was expecting a card in the mail from my good friend, Dugan, but for whatever reason, it still hasn't arrived.  I got this Upper Deck signed for him as well, which I hope he will enjoy.

The way the handlers were herding us in and out of the autograph sessions really hurt my ability to whip my phone out and take pictures.  The only one that took decently was this one of Chris getting Mike Bordick in the Kids Line.  Bordick was also the only player who would sign whatever was put in front of him.

Chris had three Bordick cards in his hand and asked Mike to sign the 1994 Topps Finest, but Bordick signed all of the cards.  This was great, because I didn't have many 1999 Topps,  but couldn't pass up the Finest.  Chris did a great job helping Ryan and I get cards signed.  He has gotten to where he understands the process and doesn't mind getting things signed for us old folks.  He told me this morning to hold onto all of the signed stuff that he got because he knew I would add them to my albums and take care of them.  He's a sweet kid, and very thoughtful.

I had a session with Christian Walker, and had already set aside two cards for that session.  I forgot that I already had the 2015 Topps that my buddy Dilan got for me at a Norfolk game.  Had I known that, I would have looked a little harder for my box.

I met up with a fellow Instagrammer at Fan Fest, a guy names Andy that I just completed my first deal with.  He was actually beside me in the merchandise room first thing in the morning, then we kept bumping into him during the day.  Finally, Michael needed someone to catch the Davis session for him, as he was committed to the Trumbo session, but didn't want to waste his pass.  I was able to broker a deal where Andy went through the line, got to meet Davis, and he would get Michael's item signed.  Win-win for all parties involved, I think.  Andy was able to get a card signed as well; I believe the handler wasn't paying attention at that time.  Andy got the 1996 Donruss signed and gave it to me afterward.  Chris got the Rookie Class, and I got the 1997 Topps.  I only had two other 1997 Topps, so adding this was a good addition to the album.

I had a choice to use my last remaining OMLB from the National to get Kevin Gausman, but I opted to keep it for a future TTM and get Kevin on a couple nice cards.  I wanted to add another 2016 Topps and saw this 2013 Finest orange parallel that I couldn't pass up.  I pre-treated this and all of the other Finest cards that I brought with baby powder.  It really worked, as is evident by Kevin's signature.

I had doubled up on signing times, with the Zach Britton session the same time as Gausman, so Ryan and Chris used those vouchers for me while I got Britton on my ball.

Brad Brach and Mike Wright were also signing during the Gausman session, so Ryan and Chris got these cards signed.  Ryan was kind enough to donate these 2011 Bowman Draft cards and get the done for me.  I had the 2012 Topps gold Brach in my rookie box that I had pulled out for a later TTM, but now, I don;t have to sent it out.

I believe Chris went through the kids line 4 times this year, and I was happy that I worked hard to find cards of guys I thought would be there.  I did really well, I think.  He was able to get this 1991 Topps by Scott Coolbaugh; this 2001 Topps Opening Day Orioles Logo by John Parrish and this 1988 Topps Traded by Joe Orsulak.

Last, but not least, here is the 2015 Topps Update that I got done by Logan Verrett and a 1996 Finest by Jeff Manto.  The Manto had the old protective film on it for 21 years before I removed it last Thursday.  The card looked like a gem mint 10 and now, with the auto, looks really amazing.  I sincerely enjoy seeing Finest cards signed.  I am going to have a goal to add more of these (and other Chrome cards) to the album.

So, lots of folks have asked me my take on this year's Fan Fest.  It wasn't the best one I have been to, but it wasn't terrible.  I'm trying really hard to not let the actions of some of the handlers get me down.  I was really happy with all of the cards that I got signed, and the few items I picked up.  Not pictured are a new hoodie that I got on sale, and a couple items I picked up for some good friends.  In the end, I had a great time with my son.  I also enjoyed seeing and spending time with Ryan.  He's a great friend that I don't get to talk to as often as I would like, since both of our lives get in the way.  Finally, I was able to see Michael, and also meet Andy in person for the first time.  I think that this was a really productive Fan Fest, even though the haul was "smaller" and I am exhausted from the work I put in.

**A special thanks to Mom for picking up the Britton session and letting me pay her back by buying dinner for my sister and niece last weekend.  Thanks Momma!

A Look at the Signed Baseballs I Got at Fan Fest

When the autograph vouchers were announced for this year's Fan Fest, there weren't a lot of surprises.  Nor were there too many guys left that I hadn't met, yet, so I picked up only a select few vouchers.  I wanted to see Nolan Reimold again, so I bought the session that included him, Brady Anderson and Dylan Bundy.  Melvin Mora was making his first appearance there in a long time, so I wanted to meet him, so I got the Mora, Tim Berry and Dylan Bundy session (so two meetings with Bundy) and finally, I wanted to meet Tyler Wilson, and that session also had Jim Palmer and Christian Walker.  For each voucher I bought, I got a second, so Chris could go through the line with me.

I decided that I really liked signed specialty balls.  I was able to find a real cheap 1996 All Star baseball for Brady Anderson to sign.  As you can see above, the ball looks really good, even though Brady's signature is pretty bad.  Chris also got a plain OMLB signed for me, which was nice.  He knows that all of my stuff will eventually become his, so he did a really good job at Fan Fest in helping me find stuff, and also getting things signed.

For the people that I didn't necessarily need second signed balls of, I let Chris have an OMLB, which he got multi signed by a bunch of the guys there.  I had only taken 14 balls to Fan Fest, then sold two to Ryan, so I needed a way for Chris to enjoy the signings as well.  Also, in a rush to leave on Friday, I had forgotten the large photo that Chris had been getting signed by former Orioles.

I was able to find another specialty ball on Ebay, a 2005 All Star ball.  This one was for Melvin Mora.  I actually got complimented from a fellow O's fan on the ball, which was pretty cool.

The ball turned out really nice, I think.  I really like the different colored seams on the All Star balls.

I was able to meet Hall of Famer, Jim Palmer again, which is always a treat.  I can't count how many times I have gotten his auto at Fan Fest, but I try to every chance I get.  I also traded for a signed Palmer ball from Ryan, then also ended up with Chris's ball.  I had a pending deal with my good buddy Max for one of the Palmer balls in exchange for an upgrade to another one of my Hall of Famers (which I will show another time).  The other, I ended up making a deal with my good friend, Sam for that.  So, of the three I got, I have deals pending for two of them.  The last one I will hold onto for now.

I think, other than Nolan, I was most excited about meeting Orioles pitcher Tyler Wilson.  He just completed his rookie season, and had a pretty decent showing.  He struggled, for sure, but I think he has a bright future with the Orioles.  I had seen him (with Ryan, of course) pitch for Bowie a couple years ago, and really was impressed (much more than I was with the next day's starter, Eduardo Rodriguez),

Wilson was very nice when we signed, and I wished him well for the 2016 season.

I got another ball signed by Christian Walker as well.  His signature has changed since last year, which is interesting.  Walker has a chance to break camp with the O's, unless something drastic happens, and Chris Davis re-signs.  I doubt Davis will be back, so maybe Walker gets his shot.  Who knows.

I'm sure some folks are wondering if I got something signed by Nolan.  I did, but since I have a ton of stuff signed by him that I absolutely love, I decided to do something nice for a friend of mine.  So, I had Nolan sign a ball with a message, and I dropped it in the mail today.  I hope my friend loves it!

So, of all of the baseballs I took with me to Fan Fest, I have one left.  I will likely hold onto it for now, unless I decide to get it signed TTM by someone.

2016 Orioles Fan Fest Thoughts

Another Fan Fest is in the books and while it was a lot more rushed this year (thanks Orioles for forgetting to book the venue for January, we all know that's what happened), we had a good time.

I left there with a bunch of stuff: 9 signed baseballs, 23 signed post cards (my son helped me get a bunch of them), 2 new hats, a new hoodie, a game used spring training jersey, a pair of winter gloves, MORE RALLY TOWELS, a Steve Pearce bobble head, a coffee table book, a bunch of Orioles fathead stickers and a game used lineup card.

I went to Fan Fest this year with my son Chris and my friend Ryan from "O No Another Orioles Blog".  At Fan Fest, I met up with my good friend, Michael, and I also met a fellow instagrammer named Reed.  I ended up giving Reed my extra Dylan Bundy ball because he has followed me on Instagram for a long time and always seems to be a nice guy.

I will break down everything that I got over the course of this coming week.  I hope you will all stay tuned to check it all out!

Guest Post - Mom's Autograph Session

William had vouchers for 1 more station. His wife, Mallory and I( his dear little old mommy) got to wait in line for this one. A little back story first. While Mallory, Christy and Christopher checked out the kids section of Fan Fest, William and I headed to the Memorabilia room. After digging through a gazillion jerseys both new and used, I dug up a game used David Lough jersey. I was getting ready to put it back when William mentions that Lough would be at the last station and I should buy it and have it signed. Sounded like a good idea to me so we headed for the checkout line. As we are threading our way to check out William(still searching the tables) spots a box of signed(by Buck Showalter) game line up cards and lo and behold the card at the very top is the line up card for my very first MLB game that William and family took me to over the summer. It also happened to be Gausman's first win as a starter game( what are the odds of that card being at the front of the stack!), of course I had to buy it not only for the above mentioned reasons but because Gausman would also be at the last station. Boo Yow!!!
  Being the last station(4:40 I think) we were all worn out and William and I hadn't had anything to eat since 8:30 am.
  Mallory and I waited patiently in line with me rehearsing just how I was going to ask Kevin Gausman to sign my line up card.
  Two people in line ahead of us I'm trying like mad to get my line up card out of the plastic sleeve it is in and the stupid thing will not budge! Panic!!! I don't want to tear it, maybe it's not supposed to come out, can he sign the plastic? These are the things running through my head as we inch forward. Just as we hit the steps I get the card out! Gausman is the first signer , I lay my card down and go into my rehearsed spiel. " This was my first MLB game and also your first MLB win as a starter. Will you sign it like that?" " He replies " Oh Yea. It is." and he does. Afterward my daughter-in-law said all the volunteers thought it was very cool that I had the card.
  Next up was Wayne Kirby. As I handed him William's ball to sign he asks me " Ok. What story do you have for me". I tell him my son wants the ball signed on the sweet spot but I don't know what that is. As he signs it he says " It's sweet because I signed it".
  Ok David Lough. Wow! In line Mallory kept commenting on his abs, blah, blah, blah.  Mrs. No Brain to Mouth filter hands him her jersey to sign and proceeds to tell him that my daughter-in-law wants him to take his shirt off! Wayne Kirby, listening in starts in on him!" Oooh take your shirt off."  Kirby is practically begging Lough to strip and Mallory is turning a lovely shade of red. I move off the stage and Mallory tells everyone it wouldn't be fair to the other ladies and he can just take it off later in private!
  A final swing through the memorabilia room yields no new goodies so we wait in the freebie line which has dwindled down to a few dozen die hards. The loot we came out with was worth it. Everyone got an Orange Crush action figure, Oriole bird pillow pet, stacks of rally towels , playoff score cards and Orioles magazines.
  It was a long walk back to the room lugging all of our treasures, where we regrouped and FINALLY went to eat.
  It was my first Fan Fest and was glad I was invited to go. Christy enjoyed getting away from home for the weekend. I'll probably go again. Next time I'm bringing a snack and some water!

2015 Orioles Fan Fest Autograph Station 4 - Clevenger, Hardy and Orsulak

I wrap up my autograph station posts with the final three baseballs I got signed in person.  The first guy at the station was Steve Clevenger, the Pride of Pigtown.  He is from an area of Baltimore called "Pigtown" and is now one of the Orioles backup catchers.  I'm not sure if he will stick with the team, but he is a heck of a nice guy, and you can't help but root for him.  I also got a couple post cards of him, but sent one to my nephew for his birthday.

The reason I got vouchers for this station was because I had never met JJ Hardy.  He was a really nice guy, and I got him on this Rawlings Gold Glove baseball.  It looks great, and he left me a really nice signature.  I'm really glad that the Orioles extended Hardy.  I hope he can stay healthy, and retire as an Oriole.  I really enjoy his glove work and the fact that he is the captain of their infield.

Finally, another guy I was glad to get at this station was former Oriole, Joe Orsulak.  He was on the first Oriole teams that I watched at a kid on HTS.  I'm glad that he has come out to these functions.  I made sure to tell him when he was signing my baseball, to which he said "thanks."

None of these guys really said a whole lot, but, again, we were run through there pretty quickly.  I didn't mind it, though, because by the time we finished this session, I was wiped.  We would reset for a second, then we headed back up to the memorabilia room one more time.  I didn't buy anything at the end, but we did go through the freebie line as well.  That's where I got my 164 rally towels.  I'm down to something like 135 now, with all of the ones I have sold and given out to friends.

In all, we had a great time at Fan Fest, and I hope Mom and Christy did as well.  I can't wait for next year.

2015 Orioles Fan Fest Autograph Station 3 - Gamboa, Bordick and Davis

Our third autograph session was at 3:20 and this time, I went through the line with Chris, since he wanted to meet Chris Davis.  The first player at the table was Orioles minor leaguer, Eddie Gamboa. He has been in the Orioles system for some time now, but just recently signed a major league deal with the club.  Recently trained by Hall of Famer, Phil Niekro, on the art of the knuckleball, Gamboa should be an interesting name to watch this coming season.

I got a baseball signed by Gamboa for my buddy, Michael, and I also picked up the above post card.  Michael was glad to get another name off of his want list, and I was happy to help him out.

I have met Mike Bordick several times, and this time was no different.  Bordick didn't say a whole lot, but I didn't really know what to say, as well.  He gave me two post cards in addition to the baseball that he signed for me.

The ball I had signed by Bordick was a 2000 All Star Game baseball.  It has Braves colors for the seams, since that game was played at Turner Field.  Funny how the Braves are already vacating that stadium in favor of a new one.  The ball turned out great.  I have another (faded) Bordick baseball, but this one will make a great upgrade and will allow me to trade the other one.

Finally, I was able to meet Chris Davis for a second time.  I met him a couple Fan Fests ago (back in 2013) and had him inscribe a ball with his pitching record from the 18-inning affair against the Red Sox.  That ball has a special place in my collection.

This baseball was a 2013 All Star baseball with Mets orange and blue seams.  I really liked these, and was happy to pick one up.  Davis even inscribed it the way I wanted, with an Orange Crush inscription.  I love the Orange Crush nickname and was glad to finally get it on one of my baseballs.  He usually will inscribe "Crush", but I asked for Orange Crush and he obliged.

Davis was sporting a really nice-looking beard, to which I asked if he would be keeping it for the season.  He said no, he would be shaving it soon.  I asked him if Buck was making him shave it and he laughed and said probably so.

Davis seemed a bit wore out, so I didn't press him too much.  One might have mistaken his being tired as being in a bad mood, but I understood.  I was wore out by then, too.  I imagine a bunch of folks had probably made mention of his suspension, but I hope people were respectful enough to realize, again, that he wasn't doing steroids.

Anyway, I was really happy with these autographs, especially the ones on the specialty baseballs.  I think they turned out great!