Storm @ 66ers

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Edgar

The Lake Elsinore Storm made a visit to San Bernardino for a four game series against the 66ers. I headed out to one of the games knowing the Storm have two former Major Leaguers on their coaching staff. One of the coaches for the Storm is Shawn Wooten, who is a member of the Angels’ 2002 World Series team. The other is former Padres pitcher Brian Lawrence.

I arrived at San Manuel Stadium shortly after gates opened to the public. After entering I made my way down to the field and to my surprise noticed that Shawn was already out there. He was meeting with a little league team well before game time. When Shawn was done meeting the kids I called him over.

Here I am with Shawn.

After getting my autographs from Shawn I waited for the Storm pitching coach Brian Lawrence. He was very nice and talkative.

After receiving autographs from Shawn and Brian, I made the decision to stick around to get autographs from top prospects in the Padres organization. Then all of a sudden an announcement was made that former Major leaguer Cecil Fielder was going to throw the games first pitch. This caught me by surprise since I had no clue he was going to be at the game.

Cecil threw the first pitch and went over to the sideline to sign autographs for some kids. I was on the opposite side of the ballpark and hurried over. By the time I arrived he was being escorted to a suite by 66ers staff. I asked Cecil if he could sign my ball and he told me “not right now”.

Cecil was with whom I believe were his two grandkids. I just let it be.

Anthony Miller Autograph Signing

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Edgar

The optometry practice of Alex Corbin Liu hosted another free autograph event in Rowland Heights. Unlike last Saturday’s private signing with Darren Collison, this event was open to the public. This time the special guest was former NFL wide receiver Anthony Miller.

Anthony arrived around his scheduled start time and made his way inside the office. He first signed for patients of the practice and then the public who waited outside. The overall turnout was about 30-40 people which made it easy to get back in line for additional items. Anthony was very friendly and signed all the items that fans brought.

Here I am with Anthony.

Facts about Anthony

Full name is Lawrence Anthony Miller.
Was the 15th overall pick in the 1988 Draft.
Had a career best 1,252 receiving yards in 1989.
5x NFL pro bowl selection.

Wikipedia

Darren Collison Private Signing

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Edgar

My friend Alex hosted a free private signing with current NBA point guard Darren Collison. The event took place at his Optometry practice in Rowland Heights. Only patients and friends were among the invited guests. There was no way I could turn down this easy meet and greet.

The private signing was scheduled from 1:00-1:30 in the afternoon for about 20 patients and friends. When I arrived at the office most of the invited guests had already left. I made my way to the back of the office to find only 1 person in line.

Darren was very friendly and signed everything for me. He also signed his full name which is something that he rarely does.

Here I am with Darren.

Facts about Darren

Full name is Darren Michael Collison.
Both of his parents were track and field athletes for Guyana.
Was the 21st overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft.
Was part of the winningest class in UCLA history with 123 wins.

Wikipedia

Darren told me that Jay-Z is one of his favorite recording artists.

Darren holds annual basketball camps in the offseason for young athletes. For more information, visit Darren’s website.

www.darrencollison.com

It pays off to be a patient at this optometry practice. Dr. Liu holds private signings for his patients on a regular basis. If you need good quality eye care, then you need to call or visit today.

Mavericks @ 66ers

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Edgar

I made it out to San Bernardino for my first 66ers game of the season. The High Desert Mavericks is the team currently in town for a four game series. Among the Mavericks coaching staff is former Major League pitcher Lance Painter, who is the teams pitching coach.

I arrived early to the game and made my way to the visiting teams bullpen. No other fans were around so it was going to be easy for me. Minutes Later Lance came on to the field and I asked if he could sign my items.

Here I am with Lance Painter.

Facts about Lance

Full name is Lance Telford Painter.
Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 1990 amateur draft.
Had a 10 year Major League career.

Baseball Reference

Lance told me “Take Me Home Tonight” is one of his favorites.

Riddick Bowe Autograph Signing

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Edgar

Former Heavyweight boxing champ Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe made an appearance at Harry’s Dugout in Whittier to sign autographs. In case you didn’t know, Harry’s Dugout is one of the newer card stores in the L.A. area. I finally had time to go to an event and wanted to check out the new card store for myself.

The event was scheduled from 1:00-3:30 pm. I was running very late and showed up a little after 3:00 pm. By the time I arrived all fans who attended the event were gone. I walked into the store and Riddick was at the table signing photos for the promoter.

To my surprise I noticed a very clean and organized card store. Most card stores that I know are very cluttered and have piles of stuff everywhere but not this one.

As I was paying for my 11X14 photo Riddick began joking with me. Riddick joked with me so much that he even put a happy face on my photo. Then again, I think he ads that to many of his autographs. I didn’t mind at all. It’s a good action shot of Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield.

Riddick flipped my hat around for this posed photo.

Since I couldn’t make it any of the previous events, I was given free autographed photos of Jose Canseco and Tim Wallach courtesy of Harry’s Dugout.

Facts about Riddick