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Last week, amidst the '69 Jets event, I did signings with a few of the Yankees. The first was with rookie pitcher Jeff Karstens. Karstens has been solid since being called up. He has really good stuff and will only improve over time. I enjoyed talking with him about all the great prospects he had seen this year in the minors. I was happy to hear great things about Mets pitcher Henry Owens. You all may remember him from earlier in the season. The guy was lights out for a few appearances in July. As you all can tell, as much I like doing signings with the superstars, I love spending time with the younger players. Karstens signed some great product including baseballs inscribed with the date of his first win.
While Jeff was in our office we had a customer up who actually met Karstens at a game. As the story goes the young girl asked Karstens for an autograph as he was walking on the field before his first MLB game. He was unable to sign that day but took the time during the next game to go over and sign and talk with the kid. Jeff immediately recognized the family when he ran into them at our office. You gotta love that.
Later in the week I did signings with both Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera. There isn't much more adulation I can give these guys that I haven't already. They are having monster seasons and, undoubtably, will have continued success in the playoffs. I did, however, have the privilege of meeting some of their family members. I had an unbelievable lunch, courtesy of Robinson's mother. It is easy to see why these guys are so level-headed despite their success at such a young age. It's all about upbringing. Robinson and Melky both signed MLB baseballs as well as some great photos. We did some awesome web exclusive product with Melky.
My last Yankees signing of the week was with my boy Chien-Ming Wang. Again, I have had countless posts on Wang. This one will be a little bit different because Wang really has become the ace of the Yankees staff. Back in July (on this blog) I said that he was well on his way to being the number one starter. It turns out that Chien will be pitching Game 1 of the ALDS. He seemed extremely focused and I am really excited to see him pitch on the big stage.
Good luck to them all in playoffs....until the World Series (of course).