The Joe Saunders autograph signing at the Upper Deck Retail Store, on 7/5/08, was very eventful. First of all, many of Joe’s fans arrived at the location 1-2 hours early to buy tickets and wait in line. It was a virtual
sea of red shirts waiting for the 2008 All-Star Angel pitcher to arrive. Unfortunately for all in attendance (me included), Mr. Saunders ran late. His 9-month pregnant wife had to go to the doctor’s office that morning and their schedule was thrown off.
When Mr. Saunders eventually arrived to the event, he was greeted with great applause and admiration. He signed autographs for nearly 150 fans in attendance as well as some additional items that will be made available on NAXCOM.com and ThePit.com sometime next week. Many congratulated Joe on his 2008 All-Star nomination as well as the upcoming birth of his first child, a baby girl. Joe signed everyone’s items, apologized repeatedly for his tardiness and posed for dozens of photographs. In all, it was a very successful event.
Joe Saunders and Fans
Jeff Francouer’s autograph signing on July 10 was a lot of fun. I traveled to the Atlanta Braves team hotel in Pasadena to meet with Jeff in his room. When I got there, I was greeted by both Jeff and his representative Carlton. We talked for a while as I unloaded the various items for him to sign. I had told him about “NAXCOM Karma”. NAXCOM Karma is a phrase that we have talked about in our company for years. It seems that when athletes sign autographs for NAXCOM they go on to have a great season and sometimes see immediate results. For example in 2000 former LA Dodger Darren Dreifort signed for us at our show. He then went on to win his next 6 starts and had the best year of his career.
Last year, youngsters Cole Hamels, Chris B. Young & Troy Tulowitzki made autograph appearances for NAXCOM. They went on to have huge seasons. Hamels made the All-Star team and received Cy Young consideration, Chris B. Young had a 32 HRs & 27 SBs, and Troy Tulowitzki went to the World Series and was just 2 votes shy of winning the ‘07 NL ROY. Francouer, who had just been recalled from AA and was hitting about .235, said that he could really use any extra help. That night, after the signing, Jeff Francouer hit a Derek Lowe 8th inning fastball over the left field wall for his 9th homer of the season. I doubt that I’ll be getting a thank you card in the mail, but I bet it was in the back of Jeff’s mind as he rounded the bases.
Jeff Francoeur's Private Autograph Signing
Thank you Joe and Jeff.
Posted by sportsbuy 
Posted by sportsbuy 