Chris Sabo Autograph Day

Hottest day of my life? Easy. Chris Sabo autograph day. You may well remember that baseball card shows would often feature players who would sit behind a table and sign memorabilia. It still happens today but not as frequently. Some of these shows were held in hotel conference rooms or similar facilities. Sometimes shows were put on in rented spaces that I recall being like pole buildings, and often times with no air conditioning. This was one such show and, as my friend’s dad would put it, was hotter than a snake’s butt in a wagon wheel.

Not easily deterred we were present and in line. My dad, my brother and me. This was a chance to get Chris Sabo’s autograph. While we collected autographs I had one rule I always applied. I never collected an autograph that I personally didn’t see signed. I just mean I never purchased memorabilia that was already autographed. I got them myself mostly at stadiums or card shows. Of all the card shows we went to I can’t remember many specifics. This one I do though and maybe because of the photo taken that still haunts me, but my wife and daughter won’t let it go.

Collecting player autographs started when I was young. I can repeat the stories from my first autograph but honestly do not have my own memories of the night. We were at dinner with my family in Norwood Ohio and sitting by Stan Musial. My grandpa gets the credit here for making sure I met him and got his autograph on the back of an advertising card of the restaurant. I still have it.

Now fast forward to a vacation where again, out to dinner with my family, I have another great autograph opportunity. This one I remember. We were eating at Harry Caray’s in Chicago after seeing our first Cubs game at Wrigley. Who comes in a sits by us? Harry Caray. Under the watchful eye of my dad, my brother and I don’t bother him or his wife during their dinner. Of course mom has her purse and is carrying a couple of brand new baseballs in case we have an autograph opportunity. As soon as he finishes dinner Harry waves us over say hello and we get our autographs. Perfect dessert.

And just to set the record straight, there was the one time I was given a Gary Carter autographed picture as a gift later in life. I didn’t see that one signed but I still have it in my collection.

Do you have a specific autograph story that stands out?