Driving through snow and ice?
Standing in line for seven hours?
Never sitting down?
Getting awesome autographs?
You are damned right it was worth it. I am sure my back will feel otherwise in the coming days, but today, it was worth it.
I arrived at the Convention Center at 8 am and was #93 in line for the free autograph session. Unlike last year, the line started inside wo we were able to stay warm and keep our memorabilia dry. When I received my voucher, step one was accomplished.
I went straight for the line and was one of the first 40 or so waiting for Jake Arrieta, Brad Bergesen, Dana Eveland and Chris Hoiles.
I did well.
Jake Arrieta 2008 Frederick Keys Advertising Strip
A few years back my brother got this promo strip from a Frederick Keys games. Since he has turned his back on the Baltimore Orioles franchise, instead choosing to follow the Nationals, the strip became mine. I have been carrying it around with me ever since. Jake had signed for me a few times before but I was too slow on the draw. Now I can leave it at home. That is until I track down the other players on the strip.
Jake Arrieta 2010 Bowman Platinum #11
Since it was so early, Jake would have signed pretty much anything laid in front of him. I wasn't greedy, just asked for two. It seemed realistic. And with Jake signing both items, it must have been reasonable.
Brad Bergesen 2010 Topps #423
Brad Bergesen 2009 Topps Update #UH211
I dropped tow on Brad and he signed them all. He too would have signed more, but I was tapped out with those tow cards. I should have grabbed a signed postcard as well, but it was early. I blew it.
Dana Evelnd Orioles Postcard
Dana Eveland 2009 Topps #521
Eveland is one of the new guys I will be needing at some point this season. As long as health isn't an issue, I should be able to cross this name off the list shortly. The Topps card is available for trade if anyone is looking.
Chris Hoiles 1991 Orioles Crown #198
Chris Hoiles 1990 Score Rookie Traded #T96
Chris Hoiles Orioles Postcard
Last was Hoiles, my favorite of the session. I can't pinpoint one particular thing about Hoiles that made it fun. I think he just seemed to care a little more. He seemed excited to be there. 10am makes it difficult to get too excited, he did an excellent job.
Not a bad way to start the day. Nine autographs from 4 players, I will take it.
Stay tuned over the next week to see how the rest of the day panned out.
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