Albert Pujols Doesn’t Like to Sign Autographs, Apparently
1-liner, Baseball, Fans, Media Gossip/Musings March 8th. 2011, 1:07pmAlbert Pujols: Six hundred and seventeen people lined up recently to get Pujols’ autograph. Pujols wasn’t very cordial, writes Jeff Pearlman. “Pujols does not look up—ever. He does not show emotion—ever … Like 98 percent of his teammates, he’d rather be shaving wild emus than sitting here. The rest of the Cardinals, however, attempt to hide it. For a full hour, Pujols doesn’t. Because of his endorsement deal with Upper Deck, he signs only pictures and baseballs (every other player signs whatever’s presented to him).” Sounds pleasant. I once begged my parents to drive me to Macy’s (or one of those department stores) to get Patrick Ewing’s autograph. I was maybe 11. He’s wasn’t awful, but he certainly wasn’t friendly. I never stood on line for an autograph again. [Jeff Pearlman]
- Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- LeBron and Wade (with Help From Udonis Haslem) Beat Pacers in Game 4, 101-93
- Here’s a Great Photo of Dave Cameron, Barack Obama and Angela Merkel Watching the Champions League Final
- Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl Ring Sold For $230,401
- Kings-Coyotes Begins A Busy Day At Staples Center, Which Ends With Clippers-Spurs Tonight . . . Maybe
- Caribou on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- Caribou on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- oskie on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- scripty on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
- HtownHacker on Roundup: Spurs Sweep Clippers, Billboard Music Award Winners & World Cup Qualifying is Rapidly Approaching
125 Responses to “Albert Pujols Doesn’t Like to Sign Autographs, Apparently”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Schilling Defaulted on $75 Million Loan [bigleadsports.com]
%'s Favor Pacers, Will They Beat Heat? [bigleadsports.com]
Charissa Thompson, ESPN's New It Girl [bigleadsports.com]
Agassi on Olympics & The State of Tennis [bigleadsports.com]
Andre Dawson Talks Cubs, Biz of Baseball [bigleadsports.com]
MLB Could Alienate Fans With TV Move [usatoday.com]
March 8th, 2011 at 1:11 PM
Nicest baseball player I ever met for an autograph was Bob Gibson. Rudy Tomjanovich looked bored out of his mind and didn’t even look at what he was signing. Same for Jeff Bagwell.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:12 PM
wild emus, eh?
March 8th, 2011 at 1:13 PM
and the media begins to turn on Pujols. took them long enough.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:13 PM
This is why I am terrified to meet Joe Montana. I’ve never heard anything bad about him and autographing and such, but fuck, if you catch him on a bad day, that’s 21 years of great memories and pretending you were him in your backyard that just got flushed down the shitter. It’s almost worth it never to know.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:14 PM
Worst autograph seeking interaction I had as a youngster was with Paul Coffey (heard the same from others). He was not a very pleasant fella.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:15 PM
Clemens was the worst I ever met (I know, big surprise). He was in his own room, segregated from the rest of the card show.
Rico Petricelli, on the other hand, would talk your ear off. He really enjoyed spending time with fans.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:16 PM
Worst autograph seeking interaction I had as a youngster was with Paul Coffey (heard the same from others). He was not a very pleasant fella.
He probably hadn’t had his oat bran that morning.
/he was old even then.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:17 PM
Only athletes I’ve ever met were Sam Mills (RIP) and Pat Swilling. Both were nice and cordial.
That said, I tend to go with Nick Hornby’s idea on athletes: don’t mix with them. I don’t ask for autographs. I don’t rush to meet them at a movie theater or restaurant. I don’t even follow them on Facebook/Twitter. The only relationship I want from them is the one we currently have — them on the field and me in the stands, yelling at them.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:17 PM
buncha Jimmy Clausen fans Im guessing.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:18 PM
Biggest dickhead athlete I met as a kid – Magic Johnson
Nicest – Michael Jordan
March 8th, 2011 at 1:18 PM
One of my pet peeves.. annoying New Yorkers saying “on line” instead of “in line”
March 8th, 2011 at 1:18 PM
I accidentally called Todd Jones “Doug Jones.” He told me to go get Doug Jones’ auto.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:19 PM
The only “notable” athlete I’ve met is Darian McCarty. Seemed pretty cool to me. I also met Slider and Paws. Slider offered me a handshake and then pulled it back at the last second. Asshole.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:19 PM
Just because someone doesn’t act the way you want them to, doesn’t make them a bad person. This reminds me of the Reilly piece on Cutler.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:19 PM
i agree. if i ever ran into a sport figure from my childhood i would say Hi, been a big fan for years, and leave it at that.
then i embellish the hell out of the story when i tell my friends.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:19 PM
Tony Stewart was a bitchass mofo to my 12 year old little brother about 8 or 9 years ago.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:19 PM
That’s nice to hear.
I met Derrick Thomas a few times here in KC, and he was always cool as hell.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:19 PM
Unless you’re under the age of 12? I don’t really get autographs. But I personally find bothering someone for their signature to be kind of lame. If they’re charging you money for an autograph, I agree, they should be at least cordial. But why would you pay to get an autograph? Seems to kind of defeat the purpose.
/turd in punchbowl
March 8th, 2011 at 1:20 PM
The only time I ask for autographs is when I go to Giants games using seat one of the attorneys here has. He’s got 3rd row by the visiting bullpen and if you go early a lot of the players sign autographs when they’re done warming up and stretching. I never have, and never will, stand in any line or pay for an autograph, ever.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
did he hit him with a helmet?
March 8th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
I’d rather a guy not sign than come out and be pouty about it. Unless you’re a memorabilia shark, the big thrill for most people is the brief interaction with the player while getting the autograph.
Since my son loves getting autographs, I’ve had a few of these experiences. Absolute worst experiences were with Alex Rios, A.J. Burnett and Paul Coffey. Best guys we’ve met, in no particular order, are: Vernon Wells, Pat Hentgen, Wendel Clark, Dikembe Mutombo and Steve Nash. All five were engaging and didn’t act like they were in a huge rush to be somewhere else.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:22 PM
I don’t think I’d ever ask for an autograph now. I’d much rather get a quick picture.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:22 PM
i paid for a few when i had the extra cash laying around and they seemed cool to have. but i gave up long ago when i had more important things to spend my money on.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:22 PM
Tony Stewart was a bitchass mofo to my 12 year old little brother about 8 or 9 years ago.
This is very unsurprising.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:22 PM
I once passed Sam Horn on the side walk, and said to him Hey Sam, KAPOW!! and he yelled KAPOW right back to me and laughed. Highlight of my life.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:22 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcP89yZCRoE
:20 sec
that’s how you sign autographs
March 8th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Oddest ever is easily Randy Johnson. He looks like he’s constantly being accused of sexual harassment. Weird, weird dude.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
I don’t think I’d ever ask for an autograph now. I’d much rather get a quick picture.
Agree… I think a picture is much cooler than an autograph… but also find that to be more of an intrusion… so it would have to be in a setting where the guy practically offers to take a picture with me.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
That’s what I do also, just a quick hi nice to meet you and quick get out and try not to bother them.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
I’ve never heard that and hope I never hear it. For me the worst is “warsh” instead of “wash”
March 8th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Didn’t catch that the first time, but this.
Also true. Fuck, everyone has a bad day. It would just suck if you ran into your hero on his.
The two nicest “celebrities” I’ve ever met are Jim Ross from the WWE and Andrew McMahon from Jack’s Mannequin. I ate dinner at Ross’s restaurant in Oklahoma once and he was making the rounds saying hello to people and hung out at my table for almost a half an hour talking about all sorts of wrestling stuff. It was really cool.
McMahon played a “Kegs and Eggs” thing here in KC one morning at like 8:00am and hung around for over an hour meeting fans and taking pictures. To my knowledge, the radio station that puts that stuff on has never had anyone else do that.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
I’ve never heard that and hope I never hear it. For me the worst is “warsh” instead of “wash”
That’s an Ohio thing, isn’t it?
March 8th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
not a suprise
March 8th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
That’s what I do also, just a quick hi nice to meet you and quick get out and try not to bother them.
yep.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Mark Grace was my best interaction with an athlete as a kid. Took my brother and I to his Nissan Maxima in the parking lot at Ho Ho Kam park and signed a couple of balls in his car while he smoked a cigarette.
On the other end of the spectrum, Dennis Rodman is a fucking prick.
/also stood in line no more than 4 months ago for Marian Hossa’s autograph
//I have a mancrush, I admit it
March 8th, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Pearlman is like a child who just found out that Santa Claus isn’t real.
What a hatchet job. Was there any other point to this “piece” other than to try to make Pujols look like an asshole?
March 8th, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Oh shit, during the time I saw Magic, Jerry West and Kurt Rambis rode the elevator with me and my sister. West was a suave m’fer hitting on my sister.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:26 PM
i read an article years ago on athlete’s takes on autograph hunters, in SI or ESPN the magazine, and it was pretty enlightening on the athlete’s take.
a lot look at any adult asking for auto’s on specific items “randomly” as hunters and aren’t as accommodating. Most will inscribe it personally so it can’t be resold with as much value.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:27 PM
I don’t understand why east coasters say “on line” instead of “in line.” You’re not standing on a line. You’re IN a line full of people.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:27 PM
figuratively.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:27 PM
Not if it’s little people like CJ and her husband.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:28 PM
It is more intrusive, which makes it a bit more valuable. If they decline, that’s cool, I understand.
Keep in mind, this is more hypothetical for me. I’ve never asked a celebrity for a picture. The one opportunity I had was with Cuba Gooding, Jr who was at the same Sandals as us during our honeymoon, but he was with his family and I didn’t want to intrude.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:28 PM
but also find that to be more of an intrusion… so it would have to be in a setting where the guy practically offers to take a picture with me.
That kind of makes it seem like I put athletes up on this pedestal and “they can’t be bothered” — which I certainly do not. I’m not impressed with celebrity at all. George Clooney could sit right down next to me on a plane and I could care less. He’s no better than me. He’s just good looking and was in the right place at the right time. Same for athletes… so they can throw a ball far.. big deal. Their shit stinks too. I just don’t like bothering people in general.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:28 PM
“Pujols does not look up—ever.
Maybe his Proactiv wasn’t working yet.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:28 PM
I think it is a PA and part of east coast thing. Whatever it is, it is crap.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:28 PM
Mark Grace was my best interaction with an athlete as a kid. Took my brother and I to his Nissan Maxima in the parking lot at Ho Ho Kam park and signed a couple of balls in his car while he smoked a cigarette.
Did he lend you any slumpbrusters brah?
/Jim Rome’d.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:28 PM
Its just New Yorkers, I swear! They said it on Seinfeld once.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Actually, my dad and I took a picture with noted donut shop proprietor and NHL legend Stan Mikita last fall at the Blackhawks convention. My old man was busting over meeting him finally and started to gush when he shook his hand. Stan looks at him and says, “Listen, I’m 70 years old and I’ve been standing here for an hour. Just turn around so we can take the picture.”
I still give him shit about that.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Best- Ray Nitschke (and I hate the Packers, but great guy0
Worst- Ron Kittle- eat shit and die DH
Got Joe DiMaggio’s autograph (free) 5 mos before he died. Shook his hand also. Went home shook my Dad’s hand and said “You just shook the hand that shook the hand of the hand that fondled Marylin Monroe.”
Got a kick out of it.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:29 PM
well if you only read the St. Louis media, you’d think the guy was an angel. they worship him. i’m all for difference perspectives.
i had one brief encounter with Pujols in the bowels of old shea stadium. he was with Renteria. they brushed me off (granted, i was reporting and had a press pass) like i didn’t exist. no surprise, really
March 8th, 2011 at 1:29 PM
I’ve heard Vince Mcmahon is a really nice guy with fans. Also does a lot of charity work that goes unnoticed and helps out guys that are no longer in the business with personal matters
March 8th, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Keep in mind, this is more hypothetical for me. I’ve never asked a celebrity for a picture. The one opportunity I had was with Cuba Gooding, Jr who was at the same Sandals as us during our honeymoon, but he was with his family and I didn’t want to intrude.
something something joke about his career since winning an Oscar.
/gettin lazy.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Two folks I’ve met on random occasions were Kirby Puckett, who was friendly to everyone who came up to him while he was shopping at a sporting good place, and Kevin McHale. McHale was shopping for one the more difficult thing for a guy of his height to find: Neoprene Waders. Never could find him a pair.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:31 PM
just penciled in a non-commenter favorite for the roundup tomorrow.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:31 PM
yeah, and they’ve all probably heard whatever any fan has to say anyway, nothing they’ve heard would be unique at this point.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:32 PM
One of my pet peeves.. annoying New Yorkers saying “on line” instead of “in line”
I also hate when people say “on accident” instead of “by accident” – it seems to be getting more common unfortunately.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:32 PM
hopefully no one approached him from his blind side while in the firearms section though.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:33 PM
That’s why I would go up and ask them if they think my rash looks contagious.
/not really
March 8th, 2011 at 1:33 PM
that’s fucking great.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:33 PM
I was at the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto and saw coach Tomlin with his family at a corner window table. All I did was confirm with the waitress if that was indeed him and not Omar Epps. She very hesitatingly said yes, and I left it at that. Not 1 person in the restaurant bothered him that night.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:33 PM
This story would have been much more interesting if you had stopped right there.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:34 PM
R.I.P. Legend.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:34 PM
I met Ray Allen once…really nice guy… he came back to the golf course I was working at a few days later and remembered my name (giddy school girl laughter)… thought that was pretty cool. I didn’t bother him for an autograph or picture though. I’ll remember the fact that he was a nice guy better than I would if he signed some napkin I had in my pocket.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Bill Walton is extremly nice too. He was standing near me before a Springsteen concert at Fenway and he was very nice to everyone who kept going up to him to say hi. Probably was high as a kite, but whatever.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:35 PM
my wife and I came up with the idea the last time we were up in NYC after we saw the Chupacabra that if we ever see a celebrity again, our move would be to ask that person to take a picture of us.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:35 PM
no surprise indeed.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:35 PM
I got Chris Bosh’s autograph but it was hard to read ’cause of the tear streaks…
March 8th, 2011 at 1:36 PM
Ryne Sandberg is really nice and still very, very handsome.
P.S. Pujols was probably crabby because of where he was in his steroid cycle.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:36 PM
by the way, Len Elmore is nice and Andy Katz is a dick.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:37 PM
That’s an athlete who I’d love to be around if he was telling stories.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:37 PM
He probably would have gone on a tirade about Michael Jordan being overrated if someone came up to him in a Bulls jersey.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:38 PM
his breasts were tender?
March 8th, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Ryne Sandberg is really nice
This is true, I felt bad for banging his wife.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Brian Urlacher is a really cool guy- when I was in high school I met him at a gate at O’Hare- we were both really early for our flights and his didn’t have a gate yet. He was on the phone, and after he got off it, I broke the ice by asking if he was just talking to Paris Hilton (it was around the time he was rumored to have been dating her). He laughed and then we talked about track and field and other things for 20 minutes or so. Pretty surreal for me, but really awesome.
Also met Jamal Crawford last year at the ATM on Peachtree outside my apartment complex- he was really nice too. I’ve never met a “celebrity” that was a dick, and I’ve met a bunch thanks to when I worked at the ATL airport. Young Jeezy was maybe the nicest guy I’ve met besides Urlacher.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Bill Walton is extremly nice too
That’s an athlete who I’d love to be around if he was telling stories.
Walton annoyed me back in the early 90s because he used to take backhanded jabs at the Rockets whenever he was doing one of their playoff games. Meanwhile he would suck off Malone and Stockton. It’s difficult for me to erase that from my memory.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Also met (and had dinner/drinks) with –name drop alert— Bill Raftery and a bunch of people he was with. (I was with some people who knew some of the people he was with). That guy is awesome. He’s essentially the same guy as he is on TV.. great stories too. Very funny.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:40 PM
I broke the ice by asking if he was just talking to Paris Hilton
Damn, that’s pretty ballsy.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:40 PM
ONIONS!
March 8th, 2011 at 1:40 PM
I feel this way too, I am much more envious of professional athletes because I played sports and I know the skill and determination and time it takes to make it on the professional level. An actor/actress is basically a professional liar, what’s so special about that?
March 8th, 2011 at 1:40 PM
SO JEALOUS. I would love to meet Walton.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:40 PM
If there’s ever a TBL meet-and-greet, first thing I’m doing is asking the big guy for an autograph.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:40 PM
+1
Tracy McGrady = cool
March 8th, 2011 at 1:40 PM
Wojo has spent 6 years writing “LeBron is an asshole” stories. He’s doing pretty good for himself.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:41 PM
Oh, one more athlete/media encounter… Digger Phelps is a pervert.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:41 PM
Buddy of mine, big Red Sox fan, collared Kevin Youkilis on the streets of Denver for the picture right before the first Series game. Youk was carrying an actual purse.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:41 PM
who would you rather be around for story telling time – Bill Walton or Charles Barkley?
I fucking love Raftery. Insanely jealous.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:41 PM
for *a* picture
March 8th, 2011 at 1:41 PM
David Wells was like this. Funny, him and Raftery both heart their booze.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:42 PM
fixed
March 8th, 2011 at 1:42 PM
kate upton is in the building
http://www.egotastic.com/entertainment/celebrities/kate-upton/kate-upton-lingerie-pictures-are-literally-eyepopping-007362
March 8th, 2011 at 1:42 PM
There’s no athlete I want to meet more than Chuck.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Steve Kerr is a cool guy, too.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:43 PM
kate upton is in the building
You shouldn’t tease me/us like that while I’m/we’re at work….
/anxiously awaits 600PM.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:44 PM
Ditto. I don’t think anything could be better than a night hanging out with Sir Charles.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:44 PM
Gov. Florio used to have have an office for his business right next to ours. 1st time I met him we were both taking a piss so I couldn’t even shake his hand. Just a quick, “how are you governor”. I saw him a few times after that, but never really said much.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
I’d like to autograph her.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
I’d like to autograph her.
I’d dot her i’s…
March 8th, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Oh yes. The Chuck Wagon would be the ultimate encounter. Especially in Vegas.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:46 PM
ooohhhh….that’s a tough one. Walton would have so many stories from the Lakers and UCLA, but Chuck is….Chuck
March 8th, 2011 at 1:47 PM
at what point are we asking too much from our athletes?
poo-holes never gets arrested off the field, donates to multiple charities, does all the “right” things on the field… so the guy isn’t a bundle of joy at autograph signings? who cares? he’s there signing isn’t he?
damn…
March 8th, 2011 at 1:48 PM
I did meet Krazy Horse Bennett, he was nice enough to let me take a pic of him.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:48 PM
Met Dell Curry and Musgy Bogues as well. Great guys.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:48 PM
Who’s going to be the great person and tweet that Kate Upton link out for those of us with smartphones?
March 8th, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Walton would have so many stories from the Lakers
Lakers???
March 8th, 2011 at 1:49 PM
I met Ed “too tall” Jones as a kid, he was really cool, signed my poster of him and took a picture. Although Mom was standing too close when she snapped the picture. So, the photo is me standing next to a giant, headless torso.
Was in line at the airport in Vegas, waiting to board. Billy Packer was in front of me, he was bitching the entire time about having to stand in line. Ass
March 8th, 2011 at 1:50 PM
or just copy the pic and email it to me…not the link to the pic, the actual pic.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Adults who get autographs deserve the shitty looks they get.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:52 PM
Fucking TBL had to go and ruin all these entertaining celebrity run-in stories with some stupid fucking link of Kate Upton and her saggy tits.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:53 PM
quiet, wench! somebody email me the freaking pic!
March 8th, 2011 at 1:54 PM
Met Jerry springer and michael buffer the same day in Beverly Hills…springer was the man, really nice talked for a while. Buffer, on the other hand was an asshole.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:54 PM
Wish Jersey was around to link to the pissy cat on youtube
March 8th, 2011 at 1:54 PM
poo-holes never gets arrested off the field, donates to multiple charities, does all the “right” things on the field… so the guy isn’t a bundle of joy at autograph signings? who cares? he’s there signing isn’t he?
Don’t forget his support for the Tea Party.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:55 PM
I like the “spotted at the beach” type pics way more than the photo shoots like that one.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Take it back!!!
March 8th, 2011 at 2:02 PM
Fucking TBL had to go and ruin all these entertaining celebrity run-in stories with some stupid fucking link of Kate Upton and her saggy tits.
There’s so much jealousy in this statement I could build a bridge to span it.
March 8th, 2011 at 2:05 PM
I’m bored at work and was enjoying everyone’s stories, dick cheese.
March 8th, 2011 at 2:09 PM
I’m immediately skeptical.
Didn’t someone on here (I think jpq) have a funny “Tiger Woods is an asshole” story?
March 8th, 2011 at 2:09 PM
dick cheese.
+points for being creative and not saying ‘douche’.
March 8th, 2011 at 2:11 PM
We have run into Jeter and Giambi at our local Outback.
March 8th, 2011 at 2:15 PM
They eat at Outback?!
March 8th, 2011 at 2:18 PM
They eat at Outback?!
First Kate Upton, and now you are going to rip the blooming onion?!?!?
March 8th, 2011 at 2:20 PM
Had he just found out he had the HIV? That would put anyone in a sour mood
March 8th, 2011 at 2:43 PM
So late for this thread, but I met Barkley on the streets of chicago when I was like 13. Got my picture taken with him and everything. He seemed like such a nice guy. 10 minutes later, my sister and I see steve fisher (former UofM bball coach). He was a fucking asshat.
March 8th, 2011 at 4:18 PM
I don’t understand why east coasters say “on line” instead of “in line.” You’re not standing on a line. You’re IN a line full of people.
So, do you get “in” line or “on” line? Just asking.
Best autograph experience – Charles Barkley, emerging from the 76er locker room. I say “Excuse me, Mr. Barkley, would you mind signing something for me.” And he goes off “Mr. Barkley?! My name is Charles. Call me Charles.” And then laughs loud and hard as he signs. Terrific experience.
March 8th, 2011 at 4:43 PM
Best experience ever was meeting Tommy Lasorta HANDS down. Was about 12 years old and my pops took me to the Dodger/Giants series at the ‘Stick and this was during Lasorta health kick when he used to walk the parking lots before games (with about 4 security guards).
We got in very early and but chance I wee Lasorta about 50 yards away in the parking lot nears the gates as he was walking. I sprinted over to him where a bunch of kids stopped him for autographs. I got about 10 feet away as he was signing the last autograph and I froze up because I didn’t have anything for him to sign.
This guy sees me standing there, like the stupid 12 year old kid I was, but he turned and walked up to me, stuck out his hand and said “Hey kid, I’m Tommy Lasorta good to meet you.” I shook his hand and I could only muster up a “Hello”. He turned around and started back on his walk but from that moment on Tommy Lasorta could do no wrong.