Signing with Alex Rodriguez

So, to say it has been awhile since my last post is the understatement of the summer (that or possibly the myriad of folks stating that Lebron took the easy way out..but I think we may have that beat…off topic be sure to check my twitter from the night of “The Decision”-MJ stole my material a few weeks later).  Despite popular opinion and the various rumors surrounding my conspicuous absence from this hobby’s blogging world (most of which revolve around the Mets misfortunes and my hiding under a rock) I am doing well and have actually been extremely busy as of late.  A long time ago, in my last post, I mentioned that summer is notoriously quiet in the signings world.   That fact remains somewhat true.  We are always light on public appearances in July and August as many people take vacations over those months.  I even took some time off to follow Phil Lesh and Furthur up and down the east coast.  Having said all that the past ten days have been pretty busy.  Literally straight from summer tour I hit Citi Field last Sunday for the Mets 2010 Hall of Fame induction.   I went as a guest of Doc Gooden’s and had a blast in his suite after the emotional on-field festivities.  Then two nights later we actually had Dwight appearing at Last Licks NYC.  It was obviously his first public signing since being inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame and the fans came out in full force to congratulate him.  His popularity-given his accessibility-is remarkable.  While it doesn’t hurt that he played for both New York teams the adulation has more to do with how Doc is around his adoring fans.  The guy , for all his issues, truly does get and appreciate the people of New York.  The following day (last Thursday) I attended the Turn 2 Foundation annual dinner.  It was a terrific event that raised a ton of money for young Americans.  You can check out more about the foundation and the amazing work they do at derekjeter.com .

That brings us to Friday where we did our post 600th Home Run signing with Alex Rodriguez.  The entire sports memorabilia industry had been anticipating this milestone for several weeks and we had already done our due diligence in order to unveil an incredible product line as soon as the Home Run was hit. As far as the business goes a milestone accomplishment is very different from a no-hitter, cycle , perfect game or anything of that nature (things that happen randomly).  Just like with Derek’s record breaking hit last season we slowly built the line over time and, with the exception of the photo, were ready to roll when the time came.  The Arod signing was a true marathon.  It wasn’t that it was a ton of pieces (in all actuality quantities are somewhat limited so get them while you can…) but each and every piece is inscribed.  Other than a few choice auction pieces (check back to this site shortly to see those) and a spectacular panoramic all the items were inscribed either “Youngest to 600″ and/or “600 HR 8/4/10″…very cool stuff.  Personally my favorite item is the gold bat.  Each of these is dated and looks ridiculously awesome.  The only problem with bats is they are the most difficult item to unload, set up and repack up/re-load…that, in itself, is a great story (but we’ll save that for another day).  Amidst the excitement of the Arod milestone and ensuing private signing we were sure to book Alex for his first public appearance since joining the elusively elite 600 Club.  We are extremely elated to have Alex signing at the Steiner Sports Store on Thursday 8/19 from 7:30-9:00.  As always we will be offering the choicest in blank photos and raw product .. or come down and bring your own pieces ot start a new project. (thus the fun of collecting)  Hope to see you there!

Check back tomorrow for a preview of everything else (over and above the Arod signing) we have slated for the next week or so.   Random note- at this very moment another episode of “Memories of the Game” is being filmed right in front of my desk.  Every time I see a camera crew I can’t help but think of  “in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….you don’t say 2 or 1″ (then Garth starts nodding with the 2 and 1)…one of my all time favorites.

Enjoy the day..party on Wayne…

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