It is 7:09 Sunday evening. I literally just returned home from our appearance with Reggie Jackson and Sparky Lyle at Last Licks in Massapequa. My day began at 7 this morning when I headed out to Long Island to unload my product and set up for the event. Not only were the 77 Cy winner and Mr. October slated to appear but also Ray Negron was set to be there to sign copies of his book "The Boy of Steel". Negron was there for a great cause. All the proceeds are to go to cancer research and to Bobby Murcer's charity organization. Sparky arrived at about 11 and began to sign private items for us including some awesome multi-inscription baseballs. Negron walked in shortly after and got a great reception from the crowd. The line of freezing fans wrapped around the side of the shopping center and each of them were frantically awaiting Reggie's arrival. I have noticed that Jackson always makes a big entrance. After exiting the car Mr. October walked the entire line to shake hands with and greet the excited fans. Over the past two years Reggie has really stepped his game up with our customers. Each of the last three appearances he has endeared himself more and more to them. He was nothing short of amazing today. He took photos with the fans and happily shared stories with everyone. We finished the public portion of the signing at about 2:30. Sparky left at that time and I then began working on our private items with Reggie. He stayed until after 4:00 to sign some incredible new product. We have two new images- one of Reggie in the A's locker room with Joe D and one of him with Billy Martin. I was able to get a few one of kind 16x20s of Reggie and Billy with inscriptions. Be sure to check the site tomorrow for these. After Jackson left I packed up the product, loaded up my car and headed home. I could not believe the traffic on the Northern State. (on a Sunday night in January?)
Despite my time spent in traffic it was a great weekend. We had two packed appearances and were able to get some sick new product (I am definitely running out of adjectives and am looking forward to checking out Clyde at the Knicks/Lakers game Tuesday. I need him to teach me a few new descriptive words.)
Wednesday I am flying out to South Bend for a private signing with Charlie Weis. Check back tomorrow for a preview and a few thoughts on the upcoming Super Bowl.