Bernie Parent (02/16/13)

My first hockey autograph is former Philadelphia Flyers Goalie and Hall of Famer Bernie Parent. I'm not a big fan of hockey, but I appreciate great players. Watching some highlights and hearing stories about Bernie from my uncle, who idolized him growing up, convinced me that his autograph would be nice to add to my collection.

Bernie Parent, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee 1984

Bernie was signing autographs at Barb's Harley-Davidson in Mount Ephraim, NJ. My uncle and I left really early and we were actually the first ones there. The employees at Barb's Harley-Davidson were super nice! We called them a few days before the event to make sure everything was on schedule. They made sure we would be taken care of since we were driving really far for this event.

Bernie arrived earlier than his scheduled time and after greeting the employees at Barb's they introduced him to us. He came over to speak with us and started signing our stuff, which was really nice of him. Barb's Harley-Davidson did an amazing job for this signing. After the signing they had a nice lunch spread for everyone. Thank you, Barb's Harley-Davidson, for hosting a great event!

Bernie signed my Philadelphia Flyers hockey puck and inscribed it with HOF 84.

I did meet Bernie a few months ago at a book signing in Ridgewood, NJ, but I didn't bring any hockey memorabilia for him to sign. He was signing his new book Unmasked: Bernie Parent and the Broad Street Bullies. He was really cool then and also took a picture with me.

Fred Biletnikoff & Jim Plunkett (02/15/13)

I want to start collecting Super Bowl footballs autographed by each Super Bowl MVP. There has been 47 Super Bowls played, so this is going to be a tough collection to complete but I'm up for the challenge. My first two MVPs are Fred Biletnikoff and Jim Plunkett who were signing autographs at a GT Sports Marketing event in Somerset, NJ.


Fred Biletnikoff, Super Bowl XI (11) MVP

Fred Biletnikoff was the first to arrive. There wasn't a long line, so I was able to get his autograph quickly without having to wait too long. He even took a picture with me.



Fred signed my Super Bowl XI football and inscribed it with SB XI MVP.



Jim Plunkett, Super Bowl XV (15) MVP

Jim Plunkett was just as cool as Fred. He was extremely nice and also took a picture with me.

Jim signed my Super Bowl XV football and inscribed it with SB XV MVP.

Both signings went really quick. They were both great guys and a pleasure to meet. GTSM held a nice signing event at a spacious Garden State Exhibit Center. I will definitely be attending their next New Jersey event. Two Super Bowl MVP autographs completed, forty-five to go!

Mike Piazza (02/11/13)

Mike Piazza was in town signing his new book Long Shot at Barnes & Noble, Fifth Ave in New York. As a die-hard Mets fan, this is one event I had to attend.

When I arrived at the store to buy my book I noticed the line was forming outside in the rain! After I purchased my copy I made my way to the back of the line. Little did I know, the line went around the entire block!

There must have been over 250 people at this signing. The Barnes & Noble store sold out all the copies of Long Shot. I was lucky enough to buy one of the last copies available.

Mike arrived on time and the line moved really quick. We were all told we couldn't take pictures with Mike or use our cameras once we were in front of the table. Luckily, I was able to take a few pictures before they asked me to put my camera away.

As always, I came prepared with my blue sharpie and politely asked Mike to sign my book with it. He was really cool about it and didn't give me any problems. I also asked him to add his jersey number, 31, to the autograph and he did!

The signing was very quick and well-organized. Mike was great with all of his fans. Once again, Barnes & Noble hosted another great book signing.