God Bless America!
Chuck Finley Autograph Signing
Former Angels pitcher Chuck Finley made an appearance at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino. The appearance highlighted Halo Day, where an Angels alumni makes an appearance before the game to sign autographs.
When I arrived the autograph signing had already started. I was surprised to see less than fifty people in line for the 5x All-Star. Chuck signed one item per person and posed for photos.
There was the opportunity to get back in line for an additional item, but my signed baseball and picture with Chuck was good enough for me.
Facts about Chuck
- Full name is Charles Edward Finley.
- Drafted by the California Angels in the 1st round of the 1985 amateur draft.
- Is the Angels all-time career leader in wins with 165.
- 5x All-Star.
Meeting Glendon Rusch
The Lake Elsinore Storm came to town for a three game series against the 66ers. After one of the games I waited for the Storm’s pitching coach Glendon Rusch, who pitched twelve seasons in the big leagues. When Glendon came out he stopped and signed half a dozen cards for me.
After Glendon signed my cards I stuck around and waited for Xavier Nady. Xavier is in his second season with the Storm as the teams hitting coach.
I did meet Xavier last season but this time I had a photo for him to sign. The funny thing about this time is that he came out of the clubhouse hauling ass. The entire team was already on the bus and they were waiting just on him. Luckily for me he did stop to sign my photo.
Meeting Matt Ware
Former NFL safety Matt Ware made an appearance at the Optometry Practice of Dr. Alex Corbin Liu. This wasn’t his first visit to the practice, he’s been a long time patient of Dr. Liu’s. During the visit Matt had his eyes checked followed by an autograph signing for staff and fans.
Matt is a local kid who played his college ball at UCLA and went on to play seven seasons in the NFL. He is currently playing for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.
Facts about Matt
- Full name is Matthew Jesse Ware.
- Was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
- 2x NFC champion.
- 2010 Ed Block Courage Award.
Meeting Howard “HoJo” Johnson
I made a short trip to San Bernardino to meet former major league All-Star Howard Johnson. During the offseason, Howard got the gig of managing the High Desert Mavericks in the California League.
After waiting a short while after the game, Howard came out and signed for the few of us that were waiting for him. The New York Mets great was thrilled to see that I had a 16×20 photo of him.
Facts about Howard
- Full name is Howard Michael Johnson.
- Nicknamed “HoJo.”
- 2x All-Star.
- 2x World Series champion.
- 2x Silver Slugger Award.