Tigers Caravan Stop Dilemma

[tigsfan]

Now before you give your opinions, please read all of the information I have available to me. Here's the simple stuff before I get into my problem.

Who: Armando Galarraga and Rafael Belliard
What: Guests at Great Lakes Bay Hispanic Leadership Institute graduation ceremonies
When: during the Detroit Tigers annual winter caravan
Where: on my college campus

Now my problem is that tickets to this event cost $25, and I really only want to try for the autographs (which are not guaranteed by attending the event). I have no classes during this time, so I was wondering if I try before/after the event to see if Armando and/or Rafael will sign for me.

Since I know exactly where they are going to be, when the ceremony is, and as a student I have access to the area outside that room and surrounding areas, I was wondering what anybody thought my likelihood is that I would be successful in my attempt. Nobody else on campus (besides those in charge of the event) is aware of them coming based on what I have observed, so I would be out there by myself and whoever I choose to bring with me.

Anybody ever try something similar to this? How did it go? What are my realistic odds? (Please, oh please, don't bash me!)

 

[CW13]

I think this is very different from a thread I saw on another site where someone was trying to get an auto before a paid signing It's on campus and is for Hispanic Leadership graduates. I think you would have a good chance and I would even recommend you bring some extras to give to whomever might be escorting the pair around campus...Seems like a good will gesture and would probably increase your chances of success...Just my two cents.Good luck

 

[tigsfan]

I think this is very different from a thread I saw on another site where someone was trying to get an auto before a paid signing It's on campus and is for Hispanic Leadership graduates. I think you would have a good chance and I would even recommend you bring some extras to give to whomever might be escorting the pair around campus...Seems like a good will gesture and would probably increase your chances of success...Just my two cents.Good luck

You should see what he said about this being "different".

Anyways, from my understanding a Tigers representative will probably be at their side for every possible minute that day. I don't know if you knew that, but if it is true I think you understand how team reps can be around the fans like myself sometimes...

 

[DaNotoriousNIC]

My guess is probably not that great, when they come here for the Whitecaps banquet they try to keep the players from signing, only times I've heard of people getting auto's is beforehand like at hotel. Might have a chance because neither are big names really and if they don't have the Tigers unfan friendly handler with them that came here during book signings.

 

[CW13]

You should see what he said about this being "different".

Anyways, from my understanding a Tigers representative will probably be at their side for every possible minute that day. I don't know if you knew that, but if it is true I think you understand how team reps can be around the fans like myself sometimes...

I can imagine.That guy is the most insufferable poster ever...seriously, ever.
Well, it's all about numbers.On a college campus, i really doubt many people would be around to get an auto so if it's just you, I would think your chances are pretty good..

 

[nexus8793]

I've gotten autos like that before in somewhat similar college campus situations (got Russell Simmons auto and John Glenn's at different events). You don't have anything to lose really, though I do think both of those guys sign TTM (I know Belliard does), so it might not be worth the hassle. Good luck whatever you do

 

[tigsfan]

My guess is probably not that great, when they come here for the Whitecaps banquet they try to keep the players from signing, only times I've heard of people getting auto's is beforehand like at hotel. Might have a chance because neither are big names really and if they don't have the Tigers unfan friendly handler with them that came here during book signings.

Well, I doubt they are staying at a hotel based on the time of day of the event. Now have you ever seen the players be w/o their "sidekick" at a caravan stop? I agree that this would help my cause greatly if he was to disappear.

Well, it's all about numbers.On a college campus, i really doubt many people would be around to get an auto so if it's just you, I would think your chances are pretty good..

I have not seen any announcement about the event or them coming, so I'm hoping it is just me. The problem is that 2,800 of the 10,000+ students live on campus, and classes are going to be ending at the time the event ends. My fear would be that "walk-by's" will get lucky and see them as AG and RB are leaving (maybe there is a secret entrance I can scope out the day before). I think I'm going to tell a few select friends of mine to score some "friend bonus points", but it would not be too many if any of them want to come w/ me.

Also, I suggest you read his comment when you have a minute. I think you will get a good laugh from it.

I've gotten autos like that before in somewhat similar college campus situations (got Russell Simmons auto and John Glenn's at different events). You don't have anything to lose really, though I do think both of those guys sign TTM (I know Belliard does), so it might not be worth the hassle. Good luck whatever you do

I don't think AG does, and I consider it not being the end of the world if I don't get them (as I have them already - just seeking upgrades). Did either of those personalities have a public rep w/ them to "protect" them from signing autographs? That is my main concern when it comes to this event.

 

[89Giants]

7 years ago one of my teachers in one of my a.m. classes said steve young was going to be giving a speech on campus. It wasnt widely known and it was free so I went and brought a few cards to get signed. He signed at the podeum right afterwards- pretty much mobbed by the 50 or so people there. He was polite and I was able to score a second auto when I followed his golf cart to the deans office. I'm sure you will do fine if you try.

 

[tigsfan]

7 years ago one of my teachers in one of my a.m. classes said steve young was going to be giving a speech on campus. It wasn't widely known and it was free so I went and brought a few cards to get signed. He signed at the podium right afterwards- pretty much mobbed by the 50 or so people there. He was polite and I was able to score a second auto when I followed his golf cart to the deans office. I'm sure you will do fine if you try.

That is a cool story, but I think my situation will be different because...

a) It is announced on the Tigers website, and soon the local newspapers/TV
b) It is not free to attend, and has sold out a day or two ago as I found out
c) I'm assuming a Tigers rep will be with them to "keep fans away" The Tigers have been known to basically prevent fans from ever getting a free autograph.

 

[nexus8793]

John Glenn was more of a fluke, he was actually parked right beside me and we walked out to our cars together and chatted a bit and then he signed my poster. With Russell Simmons, he had a few bodyguards around, but no one blocking access. I caught him coming out of a crowded auditorium, though I was one of the only people trying to get stuff signed and the only one who actually had a CD to get signed as opposed to a scrap of paper. I think it's odd (thought not necessarily surprising) that they would try to keep people from getting free autographs, it's been a part of the game since the beginning and always will be I hope. Also, I seriously doubt that a rep would outright tell you to step away no autographs here if you caught them and there were only a couple people around. I'm sure the organization is aware that there are blogs, forums, etc. all around the internet where people can vocalize their displeasure with a couple of ridiculous over the top strong arm reps keeping a well-intentioned fan from getting an autograph from one of the worst players of the 80s and 90s and a pitcher who didn't quite throw a perfect game and then got sent to the minors the same year. No one wants that kind of reputation (I hope though I could be wrong haha)

 

[tigsfan]

Too late, the Tigers have had that bad reputation increase over the past 2 years. They now have at the parking garage for players barriers put up (so graphers stay out of the street, mostly) and plexiglass mounted to the bars (can't pass stuff through, like cards and 8x10's). Players, when the make public appearances, are either signing for a price or not at all - and I think the Tigers tell them not to. Lastly, all TTM requests have become a strict 1 per person for all players, even if they have been known to sign more than that.

Ask any Tigers fan and they will tell you something similar to this - the Tigers have ruined the hobby for those in the Detroit area. You are probably better off graphing them on the road.

 

[mrmopar]

I got Warren Moon on the UW campus, when he was there for a rally. It was outside and free and I suppose anyone could have wandered onto the campus for it, including non-students. I found a flying that morning on the floor, leaving one of my classes, otherwise I would have had no clue. He signed afterwards for most people.

I would guess your experience will be a bit different because of the fact it is a paid event. If you paid for the event, you would likely have a better chance, but who knows.

 

[CW13]

you think Armando will still be going now?
http://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/27462973089914880

 

[tigsfan]

you think Armando will still be going now?
http://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/27462973089914880

The best link you could come up with was twitter? Not ESPN or MLB?

Good question, but we will find out. I did a walk through earlier today and discovered that there is two stairwells he can take, but both lead to the same building exit. I feel that if I sit in the right area I might be able to catch them coming in/out - whoever "them" is.

 

[DaNotoriousNIC]

Its worth a shot but I doubt their sidekick buddy will be gone since he basically escorts them all around and he will be a complete.... and do the whole we have a schedule to make "NO TIME, NO TIME!" If you are literally by yourself you might have a good chance since I know back when Armando did a signing here in Grand Rapids he was very friendly and went out of his way to shake everyone's hand and even stood up to take pictures with you.

 

[tigsfan]

Its worth a shot but I doubt their sidekick buddy will be gone since he basically escorts them all around and he will be a complete.... and do the whole we have a schedule to make "NO TIME, NO TIME!" If you are literally by yourself you might have a good chance since I know back when Armando did a signing here in Grand Rapids he was very friendly and went out of his way to shake everyone's hand and even stood up to take pictures with you.

I think there is a good chance I'm by myself, but now I gotta prepare for a Hispanic Replacement.

If they say "no time, no time" then I got one thing to say about that: "Where are you heading next - the hotel? I don't think you can be late for that!"

 

[DaNotoriousNIC]

I'm sure Armando will still be there

 

[tigsfan]

I'm sure Armando will still be there

He has switched to Joel Zumaya. Armando if off of the caravan.

 

[tigsfan]

I just got back from the Tigers Caravan stop at SVSU about an hour ago. Lets just say that things have not changed. I was watching for about an hour for them to come, which I didn't see them (but they had arrived). I stuck around during their time on campus (45 mins) to see if they would sign afterwards (one other gentleman was waiting as well). We asked Zumaya and said "sorry guys, I can't". The security guard had said "there is no time".

At a quick glance these appear to mean the same thing, but we all know that it doesn't.

 

[DaNotoriousNIC]

yeah from what I heard even outside of the Whitecaps banquet nobody would sign..Detroit is definately making the players become so fan friendly....now at all appearances its no autographs pretty much, even at the things where you can get your picture taken with them you can't get auto's. Then most the time it is a actual autograph appearance no outside items are allowed. This is getting pretty ridiculous, think they forget they've pretty much sucked since '06 and before that pretty much sucked since what '84.