My regular traveling companions Derreck and Tyler were along with our semi-regular compadre' Brad Adams for the game and a "Matt Adams" bobblehead.Matt Adams of the Cardinals is from the area and it made sense,especially since Brad and Derreck are bobble crazy.
I never mind the travel and the rides to get places,what I am not always a fan of long line waits,which are often needed to secure a promotional item.
I suppose being middle aged and fat tends to wear on the wheels a bit,which is the main reason I dislike it so.
The original plan was a 2:00 departure to arrive around five,but a friend of Brad's said "State College loves their bobbleheads" and to get there early,so we left two hours before we planned.
So,we get there and are greeted by one goober waiting in line "since 10 AM",glad to see they love their bobbles!
"10 AM guy" proved to be a real winner as he "regaled" us with tales of his bobble collection (500) and his "sold one for $500" etc.
Sometimes,the stereotype of collectors of anything is deserved,I suppose.
As we stood in line with plenty of time (3 Hours!) to kill,we were able to meet a really cool couple from Aberdeen,who stopped by after seeing Matt Adams and the Cardinals the evening before in Pittsburgh.
Tracy and his wife (I never asked her name,sigh) talked with us,took a picture or two and seemed interested in what we do in the hobby.
Such a pleasure getting to know them and perhaps we can see each other down the road!
Three hours is a long time,but the Spikes did a smart thing-they opened up the team shop early.
This not only allows fans to enjoy a little AC,but the team can sell merchandise as well.
Not all teams have a team shop that can be accessed from the park's outside,but more should consider opening early and making a little extra profit.
The team shop is where we made another new friend in Spikes shop manager Julie Henry.
Julie was very helpful and chatted to us before the game as well as walking to our perch,high above the right field wall and hanging out with us a bit.
Julie also reported that the crowd was similar for the previous bobble-former MLB pitcher Eric Milton,so we really didn't have to be there THAT early,although stopping in late would been far too late.
So much for Brad's friend's intel! Ha Ha!
Another enjoyable time and friend met.
We ordered our State College sets from Julie and really enjoyed her company as well.
We may be seeing her again in Williamsport later this season when the Spikes visit the Crosscutters.
The Spikes added three mascots to Derreck and I's "pictures with famous mascots" collection,but in State College,the right field bleachers seats are my preferred spots.
It's a great place to watch a game and Brad even enjoyed it despite his fear of heights.
Hagerstown/Fredericksburg/Wherever could do far worse than taking a look at the Spikes for a similar looking stadium....
As far as the signing goes,I had next to none for State College.
Since the Spikes changed affiliations from the Pirates to the Cardinals,I had a grand total of two players on the team that I had cards for.
Victor DeLeon signed his one card and Carson Kelly was very nice in knocking his six out,so no .
complaints with the Spikes.
I'll get another shot at them in a few weeks when Derreck and I do their team set in Williamsport.
Tri-City was a different story as I had their team set available.
The biggest prospects were Adrian Houser (only player in top 30 before the season) ,D'Andre Toney and Tony Kemp,a recent draft pick from Vanderbilt.
I was able to get all the ValleyCats except for two,so it was a good night.
Two interesting stories on the coaching staff.
Hitting coach Russ Steinhorn didn't play pro baseball,he comes from the college ranks and I was struck by how young he looked.
As in player age,he looked that young.
So I try to tell him that, make conversation and ask how he does it.
His response? He never looks up,no facial expression,signs his one card and says "Discipline" followed by a trot to the bus.
Brad says "Boy,he really liked you".
I have that affect on people.
And then there is Ed Romero.
Ed,who was reported to be "Excited" to be back in short season baseball, has the most representative baseball card that I've ever seen.
As in appearing to have a colostomy bag inside him during the game.I need to scan that card!
His personality was similar as he rushed by us before the game without even breaking stride with a sour look on his face.
So after my wonderful encounter with Russ Steinhorn,we asked the waiting bus driver about Romero.
"Oh,Eddie's a great guy". Ok,perhaps it is just an intensity thing.Some players or managers are terrific after the game,but focused before.
I can buy that,understand it and even respect it,so maybe Romero is one of those guys.
Shortly thereafter,Romero briskly walks down the steps,Brad asks him to sign two cards."The bus is waiting for me!"
Well.yes,but you are the manager,they waited already and there are only two people here.
Romero signs them and then SLAMS the sharpie on Brad's book and stalks away.
Now,normally this is where I say "to hell with this" but on this occasion-I'm getting that sour lemon card signed,so I ask for one,Romero takes the sharpie,slops a signature and adds an "F U flourish" with a long line running off the card before stomping on the bus.
Thanks,Ed.
But before Romero,we had an encounter that made Ed Romero seem small.
We were all chatting and then a guy walks out with sunglasses (at 10;30?) and headphones.
All three of us look at each other and think this "That guy looks like Willie McGee".
As we all quizzically look at each other and ask that question,Brad tries to catch him,but with that lead and he IS Willie McGee,Brad Adams just ain't catching him.
Derreck yells "WILLIE",McGee turns and leaves with a wave.
We all talk about him and a local lady asks us why we aren't asking more Spikes to sign (no cards as mentioned earlier),mentions the leagues leading hitter standing in front of us (no cards),but all we want to talk about is Willie McGee.
"Oh,him? he'll be here all week".
ALL WEEK? Derreck turns and says "We are coming back tomorrow and getting him".
Yes! Another Giant although he is better known as a Cardinal.
After that,we leave State College around 11-11:30,I get back to my house around 2:30,go to the attic to dig for Willie McGee cards,grab a bite,get to bed around six,wake at 7;45 and be on the road to State College at nine for Willie McGee.
Brad's back with us,Tyler skipped since it was his birthday and we are off for a three hour ride.
More fun talk on about everything you can think of and then time sitting around waiting for Willie.
Finally,we think he is there,here he comes-We tell him our story and wait.
Willie says "that's either a great story or you all are lying! Good thing I'm not a butthole" and signed everything for all of us!
Talked a bit,took pictures with all three of us and talked about being at the Muni when he worked for the Giants.
Willie's done,back in the car and back with 20 minutes to spare for the Kannapolis Intimidators at the Muni!
What a great trip and great time. Thanks to Derreck and Brad for everything.
When you spend as much time in the car as we do in this hobby.you get to know your companions well.
Great guys make great friends.Thanks again for everything!
Back later with another post from the road office. and don't be surprised with more from this-Derreck says I forget things!
2 comments:
Shawn,
Her name is Brenda. We also had a great time meeting up with you and your graphers.. Till next time... Tracy
Thanks,Tracy! Hope we see you again sometime!
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