I first met Randy Arozarena on May 16, 2021 at Al Lang Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. I had heard that Randy's brother was a soccer player for the Rowdies and that he sometimes shows up. Well, on that day, I came prepared. I spotted him prior to the game outside of the stadium as he parked his car. He was very friendly and signed an 8x10 picture of himself holding his 2020 ALCS MVP trophy.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Evan Longoria
July 13, 2024 former Tampa Bay Rays all-star 3rd baseman Evan Longoria signed an 8x10 picture for me at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Evan was signing autographs for fans from 1pm-2pm. I am thrilled to add him into my collection. Evan is a fan favorite for many, but he's been a tough autograph to obtain. I'm very happy to finally have this piece in my collection!
Rick Manning
On Saturday July 13, 2024 I went to Tropicana Field to see the home town Tampa Bay Rays play the Cleveland Guardians. Rick Manning is a Bally Sports TV announcer for the Guardians. After the game, as he was exiting the TV booth, my brother had asked him for an autograph. Mr. Manning declined by saying he was in a rush to catch a bus and headed to the elevator. My brother, son and a friend of ours were heading in the same direction and ended up in the elevator with Mr. Manning. As the elevator doors closed, my brother tried again. Mr. Manning was clearly annoyed and rolled his eyes, but agreed to do so. After he handed my brothers 1987 Topps card back to him, I nervously asked as well, "Could I get you, too?" He sighed, but grabbed my 1985 Topps card and pen. My son then chimes in my saying, "I'm a kid... Can I get you?" Now, this elevator was jammed packed and Mr. Manning seemed so annoyed, but agreed. The mood in the elevator was very tense and uncomfortable for everybody, but now, it was our friends turn and he asked if he could get his Gold Glove baseball signed as Rick had received that award in 1976. Mr. Manning signed the ball. The elevator doors finally opened up again and I couldn't wait to get out! This was one of the most awkward and uncomfortable moments of my life! Very grateful to have Mr. Manning in my collection and even more grateful to never have a need to ask him for anything ever again!
Friday, July 12, 2024
DJ LeMahieu
DJ LeMahieu was kind enough to stop to sign autographs for a few fans outside of Tropicana Field as he was leaving for the night after the New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. DJ signed a 2021 Topps baseball card.
Nestor Cortes
Nestor Cortes signed this 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card on July 10, 2024 as he was getting ready to exit Tropicana Field after his Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays.
Carlos Rodon
July 10, 2024 Carlos Rodon signed this 2016 Topps Bunt baseball card as he was leaving Tropicana Field after his New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays.
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