I just completed day 1 of my two day Tampa trip. My day began at 5:00 AM where I hobbled (still walking on one good wheel) to my car and headed over to the airport. The airport experience was actually the easiest one I have had in years. I was helped into a wheelchair and then was able to pre-board the flight before it got crowded. Anyway, upon landing in Tampa I went straight to the hotel to begin setting up for the afternoon signing with Yankees phenom Phil Hughes. After about an hour of prepping product I took a short break for lunch. My man MC picked me up at the hotel and we headed over to Big John's Alabama BBQ in Hillsborough. The reason I mention this is that Hillsborough is the area where Doc Gooden and Gary Sheffield are from- that and it was one of the best meals I have ever had. If any of you are down here for spring training next year you need to check it out.
Hughes arrived at about 4:15 and knocked out the signing in no time. His ankle is getting stronger by the day and is hopefully just a few weeks ago from a few quick rehab starts (before rejoining the Yankees) Once Phil comes back the Yankees will have a five man rotation that rivals any in the majors. We got some awesome product signed including two strong photos, black leather baseballs and replica jerseys.
After Phil left I began bagging up baseballs and prepping all the items to ship back to New York. That process took about an hour at which point I locked up and called it a night. Tomorrow I will be doing a small private signing with Dodgers legend Duke Snider. Check back for a recap.