Help ’30-YOC’ Contributor ‘PSUGator02′ Make His Way To The MLB Fan Cave!!!
Hey everyone, time to support a fan to the hobby and an autograph hunter as our very own Mark Cooper, aka ‘PSUGator02′, tries to earn a spot on the MLB Fan Cave.
Click the link below and show your support for Mark!!
I ‘Thank You’ and Mark ‘Thanks You’ as well!!!
‘On The Road With psugator02′ – January 25, 2012 – Ozzie Smith & Lou Brock
random Palm Beach County hotel
4:15-7:15 p.m.
Wednesday, January 25
They’re at a new hotel and it was obvious right away that it wouldn’t be long before things got dicey. My graphing partner and I decided that we would have to isolate ourselves because hanging with the other three people in the lobby just wasn’t a good idea. We made the right decision.
Lou Brock: 1/1 (SS of ROMLB) in blue ink. I had nothing better to do at the time so I figured I would try to break him down so I started talking to him about something that is very dear to his heart and it actually worked lol. I’ve been told that he wouldn’t have done a photo. A 2-on-1 situation and Lou really had nothing else to do but sign. LOL
Ozzie Smith: 1/2 jersey in sick silver paint with ‘The Wizard’ inscription.
Other: Saw Brian Jordan and Dave LaPointe but didn’t need them. … Never saw Bruce Sutter. … Was told that Whitey Herzog won’t be at this camp but will be here for spring training.
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Tagged 1982 world series, 1985 world series, 1987 world series, 3000 hits, 3000 hits club, all-star, Autographs, base stealing, baseball, baseball autographs, baseball history, busch stadium, Cardinals, cardinals autographs, Chicago Cubs, Cubs, defensive skill, free autographs, gold glove, Hall Of Fame, HOF, in person autographs, lou brock, missouri, ozzie smith, ozzie smith autographs, padres, san diego padres, st. louis cardinals, stolen base king, stolen bases, wizard, wizard of oz, world series
‘On The Road With PSUgator02′ – Mr. Sandy Koufax – January 4, 2011
I’d drive to the ends of the Earth for this guy. And i pretty much did. But he did it so it was worth it.
My source asked that I not go into detail about the logistics so I’ll apologize in advance for this being a bit vague. I was told when he would be there but considering how far I was driving the last thing I wanted to do was miss him. So I got there extra early. He actually showed up 45 minutes before we thought he would. I wasn’t expecting him to arrive as early as he did, so I was caught a bit off-guard when he finally walked past me.
I told my help that I was going to walk over to the vicinity of the person I thought was Koufax. He looked a tad bit different from an Internet picture of him taken in 2011. In the pic, his hair was curly and brown. In person, however, it didn’t seem curly at all but was instead white and straight. I mistakenly thought that he might dress a little snazzier, so I was taken aback at the tennis shoes and jeans he was wearing. I walked up and asked, “Excuse me, are you Sandy Koufax?” He replied, “Yes.” Well, Mr. Koufax, my friend and I would love to have your autograph. Should we bring our stuff to you or would you walk over to where we are?” Said Koufax, “No, just bring it here and I’ll do it.”
My help walked everything over. It was the 11x14s that stymied Koufax. It would’ve been fine had we had baseballs. For obvious reasons, however, everyone involved had decided that photos would stand the test of time more than balls. “You guys are professionals,” he said, as his eyes got really big. “How did you know I was going to be here?” I told him that I had a friend who worked “here.” That didn’t sit well with Koufax, who had a lady friend in tow.
“That’s f*^king bulls*^t,” Koufax said. “This is the last time I’m going to use this establishment (the details in italics were changed to respect my source).” I was able to calm Koufax by telling him how far I had driven. “Only one,” he said. That concerned me a bit since I had to give one of the photos to my source in exchange for the information. He continued to mumble his dissatisfaction as he signed. I hoped that by telling him a story he might do the second photo.
“Mr. Koufax,” I pleaded. “I saw you at the 1992 Final Four in Charlotte. You were getting a hot dog. I wanted to go over and shake your hand but my friend insisted that I give you your privacy. I’ve regretted that day for 19 years. If I were a dealer, then I would understand your concerns. But I’m a teacher and this photo is going to go right on my wall as soon as I get home. And this guy who’s with me, he’s actually one of my former students (which is true).”
Koufax then took the second photo and signed it, personalizing it “To Jason, Best Wishes.” Then he got funny. “And you know, that personalization right there comes off very easily with acetate,” Koufax said. I didn’t push for more, but instead reached over and shook his hand, with Koufax willingly returning the gesture.
I have a favorite T-shirt that I always wear for good luck when I’m playing poker. It’s a painting of Sandy Koufax. It was a cold day out so I had the shirt on underneath another long-sleeved shirt. I never did show Koufax the shirt, but I think it may have given me good luck.
Just an awesome experience.
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Tagged Autographs, baseball autographs, brooklyn dodgers, Cooperstown, cy young, cy young award, dodgers, Hall Of Fame, hall of fame autographs, HOF, in person autographs, los angeles dodgers, most valuable player, MVP, pitcher, sandy koufax, sandy koufax autographs, world series
“A Tribute To My Grandfather” By Mark Cooper aka ‘PSUGator02′
My 88-year-old grandfather, Norman E. Cooper, passed away Friday, December 16, 2011. Today I was looking through some signed baseballs — I needed to find one for a trade — and I came across something that I will forever cherish. On Saturday, March 23, 1996, I dragged my grandfather out of bed, hoping he would join me in a promotion organized by a local radio station. Ever want to hit on the field in a real MLB batting cage? Well, now was my chance. I knew that none of my friends would want to get up early enough so I would have to convince my grandmother to get grandpa to join me. I knew that I’d be able to sweet-talk her (for some reason she always sided with me). It wasn’t long before I was at their door.
Neither of us knew what we were in for. We arrived and were ushered toward the seats behind home plate, where we waited to enter the field through the home dugout. Somewhere there exists a picture of that day. I’ll never forget my grandfather, bald even then because of a bout with malaria during World War II, wearing that batting helmet that was a few sizes too small. He stepped into the batters’ box and watched as a few pitches passed him by. I’m going to guess and say that he probably made contact with four pitches out of 20. Not bad for a man who was 73 at the time. After he was through he looked around to see if he was, in fact, the oldest person there. When he was sure he was, he tried to convince a local sportswriter that a story about “The oldest man to hit a pitch today” might make for a great read in the next day’s paper. The writer got his name and phone number, but never did call him. Nonetheless, grandpa was so proud of his feat that he retold the story whenever he got the chance.
My grandpa is no longer with me. In his place, I have fond memories of attending St. Louis Cardinals’ games with him at the old Busch Stadium, of visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time in 1986, of him sneaking down to the stage to get a good picture as I was handed my diploma upon graduating from the University of Florida in 1994. I also have a baseball that he gave me that day in 1996 when he and I hit in the batting cages. I took one look at it a few minutes ago and I couldn’t stop crying.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a picture of the ball. On the sweetspot, he inscribed, “To Mark, My #1 fan, 3/23/96″ and then on the panel he signed his name. The ball was actually used that day and may have even been one he hit. It now becomes my most cherished possession. He touched the lives of many people, especially mine.
Norman Cooper: 1/1 (Game-used ball) in black ink with “To Mark, My #1 fan, 3/23/96″ inscribed on the sweetspot and his signature on the side panel
‘On The Road With Psugator02′ – Roger Clemens & Craig Biggio – July 20, 2011
North Cobb Christian School
Kennesaw, Ga.
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20
Got a tip that Craig Biggio had been attending some of his son’s Perfect Game events. I looked up the schedule and saw that Roger Clemens had a son on the same team. I spoke to an Atlanta grapher and was told that Clemens did not attend his son’s game earlier this week. Figured it was worth a shot anyway since the venue was only 17 minutes from where I’m staying.
Roger Clemens: 2/2 (SP, ROMLB) in blue ink, 2/2 (Cliff Spohn art from Legends magazine, 8×10) in blue Sharpie, picwith (though I’m unable to post ‘cuz I lost the cord in transit)….I was at first shocked that he didn’t SS even after I asked him. However, it seems that in crowds he’ll panel baseballs. In 1-1 situations — and if you ask — he’ll SS. I stood next to an Atlanta-area grapher who got Clemens to sweet-spot two ROMLBs. The grapher then politely asked Clemens if he would sign a 16×20 that was in his trunk. Clemens said it wasn’t a problem and that he would ink it after the game. Once the game ended Biggio, who had now joined the fray, watched as the grapher gave his item to Clemens. Even though Clemens had agreed to do the 16, Biggio ratted him out. “Hey Roger….That kid you are about to sign for is selling autographs.” Clemens promptly returned the 16 to the grapher, unsigned
Craig Biggio: 1/1 (SS, ROMLB) in blue ink…I had heard some horror stories about him so I only gave him one and was very polite. “Thanks again, Mr. Biggio,” I said to him. “No problem,” he replied.
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Tagged 1999 world series, 2000 world series, 2005 world series, 300 wins, 3000 hits, 4000 strikeouts, all-star, astros, Autographs, baseball, baseball autographs, baseball cards, blue jays, boston red sox, catcher, craig biggio, craig biggio autographs, cy young, cy young award, free autographs, gold glove, Hall Of Fame, HOF, houston astros, in person autographs, most valuable player, MVP, new york yankees, pitcher, red sox, Roger Clemens, roger clemens autographs, second base, silver slugger, starting pitcher, toronto blue jays, world series, yankees
‘On The Road With Psugator02′ – Rangers & Braves – June 17, 2011
Turner Field
Atlanta, Ga.
12:15-11:15 p.m.
Friday, June 17
Rangers at Braves
PREGAME (12:15-2:30)
This setup is nice because the players get out of their cabs only a few feet from graphers. I think Nelson Cruz was the only player who didn’t take a cab.
Derek Holland: 0/1
Michael Young: 0/1
Ian Kinsler: 0/1
Michael Kirkman: He signed but I didn’t need him
Mitch Moreland: He signed but I didn’t need him
Adrian Beltre: He signed but I didn’t need him
Dave Anderson: He signed but I didn’t need him
Gary Pettis: 0/1…Only a few people wanted him but he wouldn’t do it. Tool
Matt Harrison: 0/1
Mike Napoli: 0/1
Josh Hamilton: 1/1 jersey in silver paint…came out relatively nice. unfortunately, i’m using a foreign computer and am unable to post a scan. I asked Josh if he had eaten at Chik-Fil-A and he said no, then added that he was really craving Bojangles chicken LOL
AT BUS
Nelson Cruz: 0/1..He was only a foot from me but he wouldn’t do it for anyone, which I found odd considering he always signs
PREGAME NEAR MEDIA ENTRANCE:
Don Sutton: 1/1 (SS of ROMLB) with “HOF” inscription in blue ink. As nice as could be. I saw that he was carrying a dozen golf balls in his left hand so I asked if he had watched the U.S. Open. He said that he really hoped Rory McIlroy would hold on for the victory.
PREGAME NEAR RANGERS DUGOUT
Nefali Feliz: 1/1 (8×10) in blue Sharpie. It was raining pretty hard so I knew there could be problems. Sure enough, a rain drop fell right on the graph as he was signing. Those are the breaks I guess
POSTGAME AT BRAVES LOT
“Why are there only four graphers here?” I asked a local. “Because the Braves never stop,” she replied.
Jason Heyward: 0/1…Heyward almost hit the paintings that I was holding out with his car
Brian McCann: 0/1
Chipper Jones: 0/1..but he honked
Freddie Freeman: 0/1
Tommy Hanson: 0/1
I called it a night as soon as Heyward turned me down since he was the only player I really needed.
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Tagged atlanta braves, autographed baseball cards, Autographs, baseball, baseball cards, braves, brian mccann, chipper jones, don sutton, freddie freeman, free autographs, Gary Pettis, ian kinsler, in person autographs, Jason Heyward, Josh Hamilton, michael young, nefali feliz, rangers, texas rangers, Tommy Hanson
‘On The Road With Psugator02′ – NBA Finals Post Game 6 – June 12, 2011
Mavs at Heat
American Airlines Arena
Miami, Fla.
Sunday, June 12
10:30-12:30
Thought I might get lucky so I drove down for postgame. Totals were mildly disappointing.
Near valet
Xavier Nady/Cliff Floyd/Phillip Buchanon: Didn’t need
Rondell White: 1/1 (white sheet) in blue Sharpie
Isiah Thomas: 1/1 (white sheet) in blue Sharpie
Michael Irvin: 1/1 (Cowboys’ mini) in blue Sharpie with “HOF” inscription. He signed for me and then said, “That’s it for the autographs.”
Saw some unbelievably hot women.
‘On The Road With Psugator02′ – Dan Marino – June 11, 2011
Fairmont Turnberry Isle
Aventura, Fla.
1:30-2:15 p.m.
Friday, June 10
It’s not often you meet your favorite football player in a 1-on-1 situation and he’s everything you hoped he would be. It was a quick interaction, but Dan Marino, former Dolphins’ quarterback, didn’t let me down. It helped that I looked like I was a tournament volunteer. It helped even more that I told a great story about meeting Dan when I was 12 or 13. He had just released a paperback book about his rookie season and was going to be signing it about five minutes from my house. I still have the book. I asked Dan if he remembered the event. “That was 27 f*ckin years ago, dude,” Dan said. I mumbled something else, and Dan said, “I still look good but you look old, bro.” He then high-fived me and signed my two Dolphins’ minis. If I had more time to prepare I would have brought the camera for the picwith, but I really wasn’t expecting him to be there.
Dan Marino: 2/2 (Dolphins’ minis) in black Sharpie
‘On The Road With Psugator02′ – George Bush, Marlins/Braves, Johnny Bench – June 9, 2011
George W. Bush event
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
June 8
1-4 p.m.
I went primarily for the former President. I knew the Braves stayed at the same venue so I brought stuff for them as well. Not a good day.
Tim Hudson: 0/1…”I don’t have a problem signing,” Hudson said. “I just don’t do it at the hotel.”
Tommy Hanson: 0/1
Freddie Freeman: 0/1
Martin Prado/Jair Jurrjens: missed them by a few minutes
Eric Hinske: 1/1 (SS, ROMLB) in blue ink with “ROY” inscription
Derek Lowe: Missed him because I had walked back to my car for more baseballs, which, of course, I never needed LOL
Chipper Jones: 0/1…probably seven graphers in the hotel and Chipper signed five. I most likely would have gotten him had he exited out the South wing
Johnny Venters/Craig Kimbrel/Diory Hernandez/David Ross/Dan Uggla: saw them but didn’t need them
George W. Bush: never even sniffed him, though I saw plenty of Secret Service
Stryker hip replacement event
Deerfield Beach, Fla.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 9
Spent an hour listening to two doctors and former Reds’ catcher Johnny Bench discuss the Stryker hip replacement procedure. Bench, a recipient of the state-of-the-art hip, followed the doctors and was quite comical. He then fielded questions from the approximately 50 people in attendance. I was with two other graphers and we watched him grab a Diet Coke near the door and then dip out, not signing a single autograph. Bench did sign 20 ROMLBs that afternoon and they were raffled off, but none of us won any. Oddly enough, Bench did a similar event earlier this afternoon 30 miles to the north and signed a bunch. The woman in charge of the event apologized for Bench leaving so bruskly, saying he “had a plane to catch.” The comment is odd since Bench is doing another of these events tomorrow in a place that is only 30 minutes away.
Johnny Bench: 0/1
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‘On The Road With psuGator02′ – Milwaukee Brewers – June 4, 2011
Marlins vs. Brewers
Sun Life Stadium
Saturday, May 4
Miami Gardens
POSTGAME AT BUS
RICKIE WEEKS: 2/2 help (’09 Ginters) in blue Sharpie
PRINCE FIELDER: 1/1 help (’08 Ginter) in blue Sharpie
COREY HART: 1/1 help (’08 Ginter) in blue Sharpie
MICHAEL IRVIN: I had great info on him throwing out the first pitch but missed him arriving by five minutes and missed him departing by 40 minutes.
BOB UECKER: 0/1…Graphers pissed him off so much last year or maybe it was the year before that he doesn’t even acknowledge you
MORAL OF THE DAY: You’d be surprised at the nice arrangements that come to you when you’re nice to people.
Marlins vs. Brewers
Sun Life Stadium
noon-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 5
Miami Gardens
PREGAME BEHIND DUGOUT
CRAIG COUNSELL: 1/2 (’97 Marlins’ program) in blue Sharpie…..not a soul wanted him but he couldn’t do the second?
POSTGAME AT BUS
CARLOS GOMEZ: 1/1 (’08 Ginter) in blue Sharpie, 1/1 help (’08 Ginter) in blue Sharpie
YUNIESKY BETANCOURT: 1/1 (’08 Ginter) in blue Sharpie
SERGIO MITRE: 1/1 (’03 Marlins’ team photo)….Already had Willis, Uggla, Hanley Jacobs, Cabrera, Olivo and JWill, and Mitre was the last one I needed. Piece looks sweet
RYAN BRAUN: 1/1 help (’08 Ginter) in blue Sharpie…he wouldn’t do it outside the gate but he did it inside the gate 
CASEY McGEHEE: 1/1 (SS, ROMLB) in blue ink
