Wil Nieves (08/30/14)

Wil Nieves, Philadelphia Phillies Catcher

Wil Nieves, Puerto Rico native, is the back up catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Nieves has played 11 MLB seasons for the Padres, Yankees, Nationals, Brewers, Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Phillies.

I went to Citi Field today to watch the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies. Citi Field had a nice promotion for today's game. The first 20,000 fans received a Curtis Granderson bobblehead. I arrived early to the game to try and get Cole Hammels' autograph for my World Series MVP collection. The Phillies were taking batting practice and most of the pitchers were in the outfield shagging fly balls. Unfortunately, Cole Hammels did not come over to sign autographs.

Wil Nieves was the only Philadelphia Phillies player who came over during batting practice to sign autographs. It was awesome to meet a fellow countryman. He signed a baseball for me right on the sweet spot and inscribed his jersey number.

Wil Nieves signing autographs at Citi Field.

Here's a picture of Wil Nieve handing me back the signed baseball.

Wil Nieves signed Rawlings official MLB baseball.

The view from my seat during the national anthem.

Curtis Granderson New York Mets bobblehead.

The Mets ended up losing to the Phillies 2-7, but I was happy I got to meet Wil Nieves and add his autograph to my collection.

Tsuyoshi Wada (08/18/14)

Tsuyoshi Wada, Chicago Cubs Pitcher

Tsuyoshi Wada is a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. In Japan, he was a 4-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star and Pacific League Rookie of the Year in 2003. Wada also played for the Japanese national team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

Today, I had tickets to watch the New York Mets take on the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field. I arrived early to the stadium and the Cubs players were on the field warming up. After they were done warming up, Tsuyoshi Wada came over to sign autographs. He was really cool and signed items for everyone. He signed my baseball right on the sweet spot and added his jersey number to his signature.

 Tsuyoshi Wada signing autographs.

Tsuyoshi Wada signed Rawlings official MLB baseball.

The view of the game from my seat.

The New York Mets lost 1-4, but it was a great day for baseball game. It was a pleasure meeting Tsuyoshi Wada. I wish more players would take as much time as he does to greet fans.

Sergei Brylin (08/09/14)

Sergei Brylin, New Devils Center (1994-2008)

Sergei Brylin is a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils (1995, 2000, 2003). He played 13 seasons for the Devils. Brylin is one of five New Jersey Devils who have played for all three of their championship teams.

Sergei Brylin was signing autographs at the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in Wayne, New Jersey. This was the second hockey autograph signing that I have attended and my first New Jersey Devils signing. The event was well organized and everyone was allowed to get two items signed. There was also a photographer who took pictures of each person with Sergei, which was very cool. I've been to many signings and this was never done before.

I only had one item for Sergei to sign and it was my first New Jersey Devils hockey puck. Since I love inscriptions on autographs, I thought it would be nice to have Sergei inscribe the years he won the Stanley Cup with the Devils. He was cool about it and inscribed "SC 95 00 03" on the bottom of the hockey puck.

Sergei Brylin signed New Jersey Devils hockey puck.

Sergei Brylin poses for a photo with me.

Overall, this was a well-organized event and I had a great experience. It was nice to meet a Stanley Cup champion and add another hockey autograph to my collection. I also got hooked up with a Facebook group called Devils All Day All Night. Now I need to start watching more hockey, so I can become a die-hard fan. Let's go Devils!