Tough decision today. The Brewers were playing the Rockies at Maryvale (a stadium that we really like) and the Giants were nearby in Goodyear playing the Reds. Which to choose? Neither--we decided to go back to Scottsdale Stadium, the best free entertainment in town.
The gates were already open at 10am. We found out that the players get there at 7am--yikes!There was a cameraman from CSN filming the action.
I spoke to Shawon Dunstan several times as he schmoozed with fans along the railing. When he signed our bats, he asked if we knew why baseball players signed bats in particular spots. He claimed that they are a superstitious lot and want to sign the ball where the ball should hit. And pitchers want to sign near the handle. He didn't really explain the theory behind that--they want the opposing player to hit the ball on the handle? Or to break the bat? I mentioned as part of a conversation with another fan that Shawon had tossed me a ball during the World Series in 2002. He claimed that it was good luck and the reason that he hit the home run in game six. I concurred, and as he disappeared into the dugout, I told him, "Tell that to everybody else".
I have often held that theory--give me an autograph and you have a great day at the plate. I do have a team photo signed by the 1980 Phillies team during that year's spring training, a spring training program signed by nearly everyone on the 1984 Kansas City Royals, and of course, the Giants and Athletics from each time they were in the World Series 1989 to present. (Hey at least it helps get you there guys; you have the win the Series yourself.)
We weren't at the stadium long before the general practice was over and the bus was getting ready to go.
Meanwhile Matt Cain and Ryan Verdugo were working with Dave Righetti and a select group of hitters, Aaron Rowand, Nate Schierholtz, and some that I didn't recognize. Bruce Bochy was watching closely (though he gave a few autographs to those who tossed him a ball. Tossing my bat didn't seem like such a good idea though). Schierholtz did come over afterward, no doubt to placate the rowdy Danville fans who let him know they were there.
When that was over, we stood out by the bus until it left. We intended to leave too, but there were still a lot of cars in the parking lot, so we figured that there might still be quite a few players remaining inside. Since we saw many of the players leaving the other day, we recognized a few cars and knew that at least Brian Wilson, Matt Cain and Aaron Rowand were still there. Those guys all left without giving any autographs. Once again though, Rich Aurilia (he even gave us photo ops--thanks for posing with my shy friend!) and Barry Zito were gracious. This time Barry did stay in his car while signing and posing for photos. (We still love you Barry and were really glad that you pitched so well in yesterday's game!!)
We saw a number of other random players leave, and there was a sighting of Brian Wilson. He had left at one point (zoom zoom again today) but returned not long afterward. I was pretty crispy from the sunny 80+ degree weather by then though, so my photo from when he was a Norwich NaviGATOR will remain unsigned until another day.
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