This was a signing that I just had to attend. Jered is one of the toughest autographs to get on the Angels since he rarely signs at the stadium and rarely has public autograph appearances. The only other time I ever got his autograph was at Angels Fan Fest two years ago when he signed my 2010 All Star Baseball for me.
Those were my rookie days of graphing when I had Jered use a table pen which happened to be a black pen. If this was today I would have had him sign with my personal blue pen underneath the All Star logo. At least I knew not to get a baseball signed with a Sharpie.
Ever since that day I haven't been able to get Jered's autograph. I bought an Authentic California Angels Jered Weaver Throwback jersey last year hoping to get it signed one day. He wore the same jersey during Flashback Fridays last year when the Angels were commemorating their 50th Anniversary. It's been one of my favorite jerseys in my collection so I really wanted to get it signed for quite some time now.
Since I was at work the entire day I knew I needed help. Luckily I have a lot of friends in the autographing community to hold spots for me in line at autograph signings. Today I have to thank my friends Phil, Eric and Ryan for holding my spot for me.
I got out of work at around 5pm and had to drive from Chino Hills to Temecula which is about a one hour drive without traffic. I basically weaved through traffic and arrived at Pechanga around 6pm. During that time Phil, who was at the signing since noon today, send me text updates on how long the line was going to be throughout the day. According to Phil, who arrived around noon, he was about 50th in line. The first people in line were graphing legends Scotty and Matt who were there overnight for the event and were both forced to get a room at the casino since the staff didn't let them sit outside the club overnight. Those two are hardcore graphers.
When I arrived Jered already began to sign and signed for an extra hour for the fans. There were about 400-500 people in line.
Phil was holding a spot for me so I joined him, Eric and Ryan. As usual it was fun chatting it up with you guys. For some reason the staff didn't let us take pictures inside the club where Jered was signing. Supposedly Jered doesn't like it when fans take pictures of him but I was able to sneak and take a few pictures for the blog. Sorry about the crappy pictures.
When it was my turn to get an autograph I asked Jered to sign on the number six of my jersey and also asked for his No-Hitter inscription. Jered was nice enough to add the inscription along with the date of his No-Hitter. Thanks Jered.
I want to thank Jered Weaver aka future AL Cy Young Award Winner for signing autographs for his fans and also Pechanga Resort and Casino for hosting this autograph signing.
That's awesome! Congrats on finally getting the jersey done! It looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I just love finishing up projects.
DeleteHey Dave, I was there tonight as well. Good event. I was wondering if you would have any interest in trading for a ball signed by Akinori Otsuka in both English and Japanese while he was with the Padres in 2006. As I've mentioned before, I frequently get autographs at Petco Park. In fact, I met Matt the other day while trying to graph the Cubs. Good kid. Let me know if this would interest you and keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteIs the Otsuka baseball signed on the sweetspot on two separate baseballs or just on one ball? I would be interested depending on the condition of the signature and ball since I do collect Asian players. The Matt I was referring to is another Matt who is blonde and sometimes dyes his hair. The Matt at Petco is another Matt who was at the signing today as well who rolls out with his mom all the time. Let me know what you want for the Otsuka baseball.
DeleteHe signed it on the sweetspot in English and right underneath he wrote japanese. I can send you a picture of it. Here is my email. Csl1583@yahoo.com. hit me up and ill send you a picture of it and we can discuss trade. Its in great condition, I just have a few of the same thing and figured you do as well.
DeleteLooks good
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve
DeleteThat's a sick jersey! Congrats David
ReplyDeleteThanks Jesse
DeleteYou have got to be kidding me man!! That is freaking amazing!! I was reading your post and when I got to the part where you were asking him for the inscription I was waiting to read that he said no . . . . but he did sign it!! Congratulations man!! SICK!!!!
ReplyDeleteI figured it was worth a shot asking him since it's a sit down signing. Worst thing that can happen is him saying no. I was happy with the way the jersey turned out.
DeleteSo you basically cut a bunch of people in line?
ReplyDeleteA buddy of mine held a spot for me since I was at work the entire day
DeletePerfect auto!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I was happy with the way it came out.
DeleteFOR REAL! ITS Beautiful! I should have gone..but its like a 2 hr drive from the valley. oh well next time.
DeleteWhat pen did you use for the autograph?
ReplyDeleteFine tip silver deco. That's the pen I always use for jerseys with dark numbers. If the numbering is white then I use black sharpie
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