June 10th, 2013

Who Signs It? Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens, Autograph Signing, Pasadena, Maryland…A Sport’s Personality!!

Never say never, right?  About 2 months ago I was being such a good mother and took off for Baltimore, Maryland, from the Delaware Beaches to gather a signature from Joe Flacco….a post was written on AboutMyBeaches on 4/21/13.

At the time I told my son that the talk was that Ray Lewis was probably going to be signing his last public signing on June 6th.  I am not sure if that was correct.  He is holding camps in Miami where he will also sign.

Guess what?  Last Thursday, June 6th, I was driving to Northeast High School in Pasadena, Maryland, in my quest for Ray Lewis’ signature.  I had a large canvas to be signed and I had even called to find out if I could upgrade my ticket from $169 to $189.  Oh, yes.  For signings, you have to buy a ticket ahead of time.  It would secure your spot.

First thing that happened?  No parking, so I had to park about 2 blocks away at a public library.

Then, there was a line coming out of the school.  All I could think was…what in the world am I doing here at 6 p.m.   And, get this, everyone was wearing purple.  I, on the other hand, was wearing orange.

Apparently, people made a line, but you did not need to.  You had a ticket with a number!!  Mine was 104.

The first people to go in were the ones having only photos taken with Ray Lewis.  Then, it was our turn.  In the meantime, at these events you start making friends.  Some even recognized me from the last one.  I had to take their picture; the mother and son with the grandmother.  We had become friends during Flacco’s signing.  It was great to see them again.

I met several people who were waiting, as well.. Their number was 675.  Then, there was the young woman who was there for her husband, who actually, was doing work in Rehoboth Beach.  She had never been to a signing.

I had gone inside with the help of a seasoned signature seeker and they told me that I could not upgrade.  All tickets were sold.  I had cash….that did not matter.

Then, my next step was to buy a poster in order to get something signed.  So, I said to the guy standing next to me….I just drove from Rehoboth Beach, which poster would you pick?  He said he had just driven from Lewes.  He graduated from University of Delaware and he would pick the one that showed Pittsburgh down.  Me too!!  Another $74 for the poster and signature.

People were so excited.  The boys were a riot!!

Cake was being passed around while people were waiting.

Numbers were being called in increments of 50.  Finally, my turn!!

Observing Mr. Lewis I noticed that he looked good.  He is a consummate sport’s personality.  He knows how to work his fans and gives them what they want.  He signed everything that was put in front of him.  He opened letters from little kids and took the time to read them.  He smiled and made small talk.

So, I stood in front of him. I told him what I wanted on the poster and he started to look down to sign.  Then, I said “Gosh, when this evening is over, you are going to wish you were back in Delray Beach”.  A smile started to form.  Ray Lewis does have a place near Delray Beach.  I proceeded to tell him how I knew about it.  He was totally surprised!

And, here is the signed poster!

Last stop was the authentication…..JSA Authentication.  He said “how nice to see you again”.  My answer was “Are you charging $5?”  No way, with all these people here.  It was all included.  He then proceeded to tell me that I am in the “club”.  Fans looking for signature…always the same group.  I laughed.

Pouring rain.  How was I going to walk with the poster, and the big canvas in the rain?  Of course, nobody had a bag or anything to wrap it up.  One of my new “friends” ran to her car and brought me a trash bag…..Thanks!

A “friend” yelled…don’t cause any problems in the parking lot!!  See you next time   And, off to the Delaware Beaches I went.

Talk to you later.

April 21st, 2013

Who Signs It? Joe Flacco, Ravens, Quaterback, Super Bowl 47 MVP, 2013, University of Delaware Alum, Public Signing, Baltimore, Maryland

Who signs it? It is my post as I took off for Baltimore, Maryland in search of Joe Flacco’s signature on Saturday, 4/20.

There are variables in the value of collectibles….supply and demand being one of them; another might be a sentimental reason. What’s it worth to you or anyone else?  If you want some info. on this topic, please visit http://www.sportsgalleryweb.com/whats_it_worth.htm.

Joe Flacco played for University of Delaware.  My son was part of that graduating class.  On that graduation day, Carl Ripkin, Baltimore Orioles, gave his first commencement speech, as well.  We follow both teams; the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens.  So it is understandable that when opportunities arise for a signature….we take them.  Right now, my son’s University of Delaware’s diploma is signed by both of them.  And every time….it has been said that, it is one of the most unique signing requests.

At this particular public signing, some of the fans present were surprised that Joe Flacco was signing so quickly after the Ravens’ win.  There were probably around 400 plus fans waiting for him to sign for only 2 hours.  It can get a little pricey….the cost is driven by how many pieces you want signed, and how you want them signed.  There were people there with small items of memorabilia, helmets, posters…and some big photos, as well.

You also have to have patience.  When Joe came in, you could not help but notice him.  Very tall, clean cut..and he smiled.  Immediately flashes of light were hitting him.  I think he is used to it…did not even flinch.

As I was waiting for my turn, I met Bill.  We chatted and it made the time pass a little faster.  He was a true fan with plenty of signatures already in his possession.  He also told me that he was getting his “man cave” ready for his retirement in Lewes, Delaware, with plenty of Ravens in that “cave”.

The magic of attending Super Bowl week is a total experience; more so, if your team is playing.  My son, also, attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans.  The entry ticket was what I was having Joe Flacco sign.  Finally my turn came.  Joe was very gracious to all of us.

The waiting was long, the signing took a few seconds.  You better be fast with the camera.  I was standing right in front of him.  My ticket was an easy one to sign.  I said to him…wait a minute, the picture….he said…”action shot, action shot”, while moving his hands with a smile.  Here it is.

I stopped at the next table to get Joe Flacco’s signature officially authenticated….you might as well.  No questions asked…it was his signature.

Have a good one!!