New Ethier and Kershaw T-Shirts

On Saturday, I blogged about two new Nike Matt Kemp t-shirts.  You can view that post here. Today we'll take a look at two other Nike t-shirts.  The first one, which you can see above, is the Clayton Kershaw t-shirt.  With the nicely worded UP & IN LIKE KERSHAW across the chest.  The second t-shirt, which you can see below, is the new Nike Andre Ethier t-shirt which reads, DRIVE 'EM HOME LIKE ETHIER.

I like all four of the new t-shirt a lot.  Both the Kemp shirts, the Kershaw and the Ethier are all available for purchase in time for Opening Day and the 2013 season.  Which one, if any, will you be buying?

True to the Blue!

New Matt Kemp Nike Shirts

With Spring Training officially underway, it is time for us fans to get ready for Opening Day.  It's time to get dust off our old gear and even pick up some new gear for the 2013 season.  Today, I am posting two new Matt Kemp Nike T-shirts.  The shirt above, HIT IT LIKE KEMP, is now available in stores.

Also available is a second Matt Kemp Nike T-shirt, KEMP 27, is also currently available.  Take a look at the KEMP 27 shirt below.

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Mike Piazza Book Signing - Photos & Recap

On Wednesday February 20, 2013, Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena hosted a Mike Piazza book signing.  Piazza was scheduled to sign copies of his book, Long Shot, starting at 6 p.m.  This was the first book signing i've attended at Vroman's and was impressed by how orderly and well planned it was.  They used a ticket system and had us line up in that order.  There were 50 tickets per letter and I was in group B.  They printed tickets through the letter F and after that it was first come first serve, so there were at least 300 people in line.  

I arrived at Vroman's at approximately 4:00 p.m. and jumped in line with others in group B.  Time went by as I chatted with folks in line next to me and realized I was a few people in front of Greg from plaschkethysweaterisargyle, as always it is nice to meet fellow bloggers!  As you might imagine people in line were discussing Piazza's comments on Vin Scully and the Dodgers front office.  I finished reading the book on Tuesday night and will save my opinions for another post.

The signing began promptly at 6:00 p.m. and Piazza was signing like a madman.  I estimate I was roughly the 60th person in line and I was out of the store by 6:10 p.m.  In order to keep the line moving there was a Vroman's employee taking your book from you, placing it in front of Piazza and security guard rushing you out once your book was signed.  Piazza was engaging and friendly.  I thanked him for signing my book and told him I was a big fan and he smiled and thanked me for coming out to the signing.  You were allowed to take photos in line and were also allowed to hand your camera to a Vroman's employee to take a photo or two for you while Piazza signed your book(s).  Unfortunately, the pictures she took for me came out really blurry.

I overheard someone ask him if he had any plans to do a memorabilia signing any time soon and he said, he would try and work something out.  I won't get my hopes up to high but it would be awesome for Piazza to have a local autograph signing!  Overall, the book signing was a great experience and I was able to get a few books signed.  Check out my photos below.

Fans taking lots of pictures

Mike Piazza smiling for the cameras

Mike Piazza looking at the next book to sign

One of my signed copies of Long Shot

True to the Blue!

Mike Piazza on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Last night Italian American Superstar Catcher Mike Piazza was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Check out the video below







True to the Blue!

Video: Mike Piazza on the Daily Show with John Stewart

On February 12, 2013, Mike Piazza made an appearance on The Daily Show with John Stewart.  Mike was there to discuss his new book, Long Shot.    Check out the video below.

Piazza will be on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight.  Check your local listings.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

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Vince Ferragamo Autograph Signing - Photos & Recap

On Saturday February 16, 2013, Dr. Alex Corbin Liu hosted a Meet & Greet with former Los Angeles Rams quarterback, Vince Ferragamo.  Ferragamo played seven seasons with the Rams and led them to their first Super Bowl appearance.  The Rams lost Super Bowl XIV to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The signing was scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. and the first 100 people in line were guaranteed autographs and it was announced there would be a one autograph per person limit.  At 2:30 p.m. Ferragamo began signing for special guests and clients of Dr. Alex Corbin Liu and at approximately 2:50 p.m. began signing for everyone else in line.  Luckily, I was the second person in line so I was able to get  in and out quickly.

Ferragamo was very friendly and was very talkative with everyone.  He commented on the two old Rams yearbooks I brought to be signed.  Ferragamo was so cool, he signed all three of my items.  I wanna thank Edgar at myautographsignings for posting the info on this signing.  It was cool to meet Edgar after always reading his blog.  Check out my pics below.

Vince getting ready to take his seat

Vince getting comfortable

My 1984 Los Angeles Rams Yearbook

Now signed by Ferragamo and HOF's

Jack Youngblood, Jackie Slater & Eric Dickerson

My 1983 Los Angeles Rams Yearbook and a 

1980 Topps Football card

Overall a great signing.  Multiple items signed and Vince Ferragamo was very friendly and engaging with all his fans.  Thanks to Dr. Alex Corbin Liu for putting this event together.

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Legends Weekend

On Saturday February 23, 2013 the Dodgers are scheduled to open Cactus League play @ 1:05 pm against the Chicago White Sox.  Prior to the Dodgers home opener, the team will host their Legends Weekend autograph signing.

Appearing at the in stadium autograph signing are:

Ron Cey
Tim Leary
Manny Mota
Maury Wills
Steve Yeager

The above listed players are scheduled to sign autographs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
After the signing, these Dodgers legends and Fernando Valenzuela, will be honored before the first pitch.

True to the Blue!

Autograph Appearance Shane Mosley & Abner Mares - Photos & Recap

On Saturday February 9, 2013, Sugar Shane Mosley and Abner Mares had autograph signings at Frank & Son.  Mosley is a former lightweight, welterweight and light middleweight champion and Mares is the current WBC Super Bantamweight Champion.  I've always been a big boxing fan so after I left the Jerry West signing, linked here I headed out to Frank & Son.

Due to Raider Fest taking place the same day, there was a massive crowd at Frank & Son but luckily by the time I arrived there were little to no lines for Mosley and Mares.  I had an old program from Mosley's second fight with Oscar De La Hoya and had him sign it with a Gold Deco paint marker.  I thanked Shane and shook his hand and headed over to the Mares line.  I got his signature on two different 8x10's with a Silver Deco paint marker.

Check out the pictures below:

It was a long day heading out to Long Beach for the Jerry West signing and then heading over to Frank & Son for the Mosely & Mares signing but definitely well worth it!

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Mike Piazza

Wednesday February 20, 2013

Mike Piazza

Event Guidelines:

Tickets will be available at the Will Call department at the main store & at the Hastings Ranch location beginning Tuesday, February 12, the release date for the book.

This is a signing only
Mike Piazza will be signing copies of Long Shot only. Up to 4 copies.

Line ups are according to the group letter on the ticket

Event starts at 6 p.m.

No memorabilia

There will be no personalizations

No posed photos, but photos from the line are ok. A Vroman's employee will be present at the signing table to take unposed photos for customers while getting their book signed.

I picked up my copy of Long Shot today and also got my ticket.  As you can see in the picture, i'll be in group B.  I was informed by an employee of the store, that there will be 50 tickets per letter.  50 in group A, another 50 in group B and so on.  I'll be in the first 100, not bad at all!

True to the Blue!

Jerry West Autograph Signing - Recap & Photos

On Saturday February 9, 2013, Lakers legend Jerry West was scheduled to make an appearance at the Long Beach Expo Coin, Stamp & Sports Collectible Show.  West was scheduled to sign from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Magic Johnson was scheduled to sign from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  I arrived at the Expo around 11:45 a.m. and by the time I made it inside and picked up my tickets from will call it was about 12:15 p.m.  Luckily I had purchased my autograph ticket in advance and they were lining up according to numbers.  The first group called was 1 through 25 and I had #24!

Jerry West was dressed in a suit and tie and was somewhat engaging to fans who spoke to him.  I greeted him with a "hello" and he said "hi" back.  I asked for a Mr. Clutch inscription, he smiled, signed my ball and handed it back to me.  I just thanked him and walked away.  The autograph area was a bit of a madhouse so I was looking forward to getting out of there.

Take a look at some of my pics below.

Jerry West checking out a ball

Jerry West signing my official Spalding NBA game ball

Jerry West autograph with "Mr. Clutch" inscription

As I was getting my ball authenticated by PSA, Magic arrived about a half hour early and started signing for fans.  An interesting moment took place as I walked out of the expo.  Darryl Strawberry walked right passed me with a box of ROMLB balls in his hand.  I followed him back into the expo just in case he was going to set up somewhere and sign.  I was upset with myself that I didn't have any extra baseballs with me like I usually do.  Strawberry walked over to the autograph area and my guess was he was going to have Magic sign a bunch of baseballs for him.  I had to get to another signing, so I didn't stick around and left.

I was very happy to finally get a Jerry West autograph.  I kept debating whether I wanted a HOF inscription or Mr. Clutch.  I even considered a "The Logo" inscription.  I obviously decided on "Mr. Clutch" and I'm happy with the results.

True to the Blue!

Tom Morello Autograph Appearance - Photos & Recap

My nephew Adam & Tom Morello

On Saturday February 2, 2013, Beach * Ball Comics in Anaheim hosted a Tom Morello autograph signing.  Morello is the guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and is the writer of the comic book Orchid.  Orchid was a twelve issue series that recently came to an end.  Artist Scott Hepburn, the artist of Orchid, was also scheduled to sign.  The signing was scheduled to take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Due to the popularity of Rage Against the Machine I arrived at the comic shop at 3:00 p.m..  At the time I arrived there were only approximately 30 people in line.  I went inside and purchased to issues of Orchid and jumped in line.  While in line I gave my nephew Adam a call and told him the line was short and to head down to the signing.  

A few minutes after 3:00 p.m. the staff of Beach*Ball Comics handed out VIP access passes to the first 20 people in line.  The passes granted them access to a private meet & greet from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. after the signing was complete.  My nephew Adam arrived at 4:45 p.m. and soon after Tom Morello arrived and entered the comic shop.  About ten minutes later he exited and told everyone he needed to get some tacos and he walked over to the taco shop two stores down.

Tom Morello & Scott Hepburn leaving the taco shop

A few minutes before 5:00 p.m. they raffled off some more passes and my nephew Adam and I were lucky enough to win some!  The signing began a few minutes after 5:00 p.m. and the line was moving quickly.  At this point there were approximately 75 people in line.  As I made my way to the counter where Morello and Hepburn were signing, I got my two comics and two Rage Against the Machine CDs ready to be signed.  Both Scott Hepburn and Tom Morello were really cool and posed for pictures.  Morello pretty much signed what everyone put in front of him.  A guy a few spots behind me in line got a few comics signed and about ten 8x10 photos signed.  Take a look at some of my pictures below.

Morello and Hepburn

Morello and Hepburn

Signed Evil Empire CD cover and Signed The Battle of Los Angeles CD

Orchid comic signed by Tom Morello and Scott Hepburn and VIP pass signed by Morello

By about 5:40 p.m. both my nephew Adam and I were out of the signing and completely happy with the experience.  Since there was still over an hour and 15 minutes left of the signing and there were no additional people lining up, we called my other nephew and told him to come down.  He made it by 6:30 p.m. and got two of his comics signed as well.  My nephew Adam had to leave so he gave his VIP Pass to his brother.

My nephew Aaron with Tom Morello

A few minutes after 7:00 p.m. they cleared out the shop and let in everyone with VIP Passes.  Beach*Ball Comics provided soft drinks, water, pizza and beer!  Morello was hanging out in the middle of the shop just chatting it up with everyone.  At one point, for about 10 minutes I was standing less than two feet away from Tom Morello asking him questions about Rage Against the Machine and his solo work as The Night Watchman.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and my phone battery had died!  Overall, this was one of the best signings ever and one of the best experiences I've had.  Beach*Ball Comics put together a well organized event!

True to the Blue!