Rollie Finger at Everett Aqua Sox Game, 7-26-12 - 18/18!!!

[mrmopar]

Just got back from the game. This was the one time they had an autograph guest that I felt I was completely prepared for and although I did well with the help of my family, I had a lot of great stuff I wanted to try to get singed and barely scratched the surface. It was very hard narrowing it down to the best of the best when it appeared I was not going to walk away with several dozens of autographs this time. There were 2 doubles I wanted to finish, one being a 78 Topps LL with Bill Campbell and the other being a 1984 Donruss Living Legends. I got Perry at a similar signing a couple years back, so this was a perfect way to complete this one...both IP in the same manner! I certainly can't complain with a batch of HOF autographs for free, but I guess I was really hoping for another repeat of the Dave Stewart appearance where the guy would sign just about any and all items you put in front of him (except Phillies and Rangers) . I just can't get enough autographs. If I could do it, I'd get every card I own signed!

Fingers was 1 per person right off the bat, but relaxed that a bit into the signing. I never tried more than 2 at a time though but made several trips through the line. He signed for approximately 1.5 hours. The saving grace was my wife and 2 sons giving me an extra 3-6 per trip!! They actually made 3 trips through the line for me. I suppose it was only because my birthday was yesterday, otherwise it's usually one and out for them.

Sporting that trademark moustache and his 1972 World Series ring, he was a very accommodating signer, posing for pictures and answering a few questions. All around a very good day.

 

[CW13]

i'd say 18 rollie fingers is quite a coup...congrats man

 

[metsman1986]

Amazing! Love the RC can.....................

 

[SLNoble13]

Very nice pick ups! Wish Durham would have an event like this.

 

[aspoe093]

congrats

 

[supershriner]

Sweet haul!!

 

[houbb]

That is quite a haul and a real nice gesture on the part of your family! When I think of Fingers I think of the '72 Series. It was the bottom of the 8th or 9th, I can't remember which, in a close game. Bench is at bat, and the runner on first, which I believe was Morgan, stole second. Two outs, and a full count. Tenace comes out to the mound and he and Fingers chat briefly. Tenace goes back behind the plate and holds out his right hand calling for a pitchout. Bench puts his bat on his shoulder, and Fingers fires a fastball across the plate for strike three. Only time I ever saw Bench smile after a K. He'd been had!

 

[whalerfan9]

Amazing haul, congrats! Like that combo of Fingers and Perry.

 

[rangersfan1982]

Amazing haul, wow!!!

 

[DaNotoriousNIC]

nice haul!

 

[montserratplay]

Congratulations! I don't understand why it's so much fun to spend 35 seconds with an all-time great.

 

[mr.js36]

Congrats Curt
Awesome success

 

[tribefan]

.... and great penmanship, too!

 

[mrmopar]

I collect autographs. Meeting the guy was just part of this deal. Some would say meeting a legend is better than any autograph, but I buy autographs of guys I have not or likely ever will meet. For me, meeting them is something to talk about and an added bonus, but I'd take the auto over the meeting.

Many who attended the game walked by the line and went to watch a single A game and had no interest in meeting Fingers or obtaining an autograph. I spent 2+ hours in line to get autographs, then caught a little of the game. To each their own.

Congratulations! I don't understand why it's so much fun to spend 35 seconds with an all-time great.

 

[montserratplay]

I collect autographs. Meeting the guy was just part of this deal. Some would say meeting a legend is better than any autograph, but I buy autographs of guys I have not or likely ever will meet. For me, meeting them is something to talk about and an added bonus, but I'd take the auto over the meeting.

Many who attended the game walked by the line and went to watch a single A game and had no interest in meeting Fingers or obtaining an autograph. I spent 2+ hours in line to get autographs, then caught a little of the game. To each their own.

Sorry; perhaps I phrased it poorly. I feel the same way about meeting players and getting in-person autographs. I met Denny McLain on Monday and it was a big thrill. What I'm not sure about is why it is so enjoyable to have a little bit of contact with ballplayers. (I'm a writer and I overthink everything.)

 

[mrmopar]

I see. You include yourself in that group who marvel at the chance to meet a celebrity, but don't quite understand the draw.

I guess meeting them briefly is no different than obtaining a signature or a picture. In the end, it is all a conversational piece, a "brush with greatness" that so many like to experience. We don't know the person, they don't know us. I don't know why I feel the need to snap a photo or shake a hand. In the end, I want the autograph more than anything else and I can't really even explain why for that either. I enjoy looking through all my signed cards, seeing the different cards of the same player or how many different players of a certain theme I have amassed. Why? I don't know? I just do. They have a monetary value to them, but people often will place sentimental value as well. Why? Not sure either.

I know that my collection, which I find greatly enjoyable, is lost on my family and if I don't sell it before I die, I would probably not like what happens to it. Food for thought to all of us fanatic collectors out there!

 

[Benson]

Awesome ones Curt! My favorites are early 80s Super Star credit cards and RC Cola can