Rays @ Red Sox, 9/8

I took a half day at work to go for autographs before the game yesterday. The crowds weren't as bad as Monday, but there was still a decent crowd waiting for the Rays. Here's how I did outside the stadium:

• Chad Qualls- 09 Topps
• Brad Hawpe- 10 National Chicle
• Wade Davis- 10 Topps
• Ben Zobrist- 09 Topps U&H, 09 Topps U&H All-Stars, and personalized bible card

As I was walking back towards the Kenmore T station to go home, I saw a couple with an extra ticket and bought a grandstand seat for $20. I hadn't scored any big names during the series and was determined to get someone inside. It was definitely worth buying the ticket to the game, as I received the following autographs:

• Desmond Jennings- team baseball
• Evan Longoria- 09 Topps Postseason Highlights

I love that Longoria continues to sign consistently inside the stadium, as I got him around this time last year as well. Zobrist is also very generous and friendly to anyone that stops to say hello. The season's winding down, but fortunately I made the most of this Rays series and plan to do the same for the Yankees at the beginning of October.

3 TTM Returns: Chris Tillman, John Russell, & Mike Sweeney

Great mail day today:

• Mike Sweeney 1/2- Mike kept my 09 Topps Heritage and signed his 09 Updates & Highlights. Sent 8/30 (9 days)

• John Russell 1/1- Mr. Russell signed his 09 Topps card. Sent 7/16 (53 days)

• Chris Tillman 2/2- The young Orioles pitcher signed his 09 Topps U&H and 10 Topps and personalized both. Sent 7/28 (41 days)
  

Rays @ Red Sox, 9/6

There was a huge crowd outside of Fenway for the Rays today. I missed out on a few big pitchers, so I might try again Wednesday afternoon. Here's how I did:

• John Jaso- 09 Topps Finest
• Joe Maddon- 09 Topps
• Dan Wheeler- 08 Upper Deck
• Brad Hawpe- 09 Topps
• Dustin Richardson- 2010 Topps Allen & Ginter
• Rocco Baldelli- 09 Topps

Pretty good day, managed to get 3 cards done for my set. The season's gone by way too fast, but I'm still hopeful I can reach 150 signed cards for the 09 Topps set by the end of this year.

White Sox @ Red Sox, 9/4

I was originally going to go for autographs outside the stadium before the night game on Saturday, but Hurricane Earl postponed Friday's game and turned Saturday into a day-night doubleheader. Since I had to work in the morning, my only shot was to get autographs inside pre-game. I only managed to get one, but it was a good one:

• Omar Vizquel- 09 Topps Updates & Highlights, still a great signer and very fan-friendly, I hope he makes it to the Hall if he ever decides to retire.
  

TTM Return: Chad Billingsley

• Chad Billingsley 3/3- I've been looking forward to getting this one back ever since I sent it out last month. Chad signed cards from the '09 Topps, Updates & Highlights, and Heritage sets in just over a month. Sent 8/2 (32 days)
  

TTM Return: Joe Martinez

• Joe Martinez 1/1- Joe signed his rookie card from the 09 Topps set in one week from the Indianapolis Indians organization. Sent 8/26 (7 days)
  

TTM Return: Justin Masterson

• Justin Masterson 2/2- Justin signed his cards from the 09 Updates & Highlights and T206 sets in just over 2 months. Sent 6/28 (65 days)