Yesterday was our appearance at Last Licks Armonk with skateboard legend (and video game king) Tony Hawk. Before heading over the store Hawk came up to our office for a private signing. The skateboard decks have become one of our bestsellers (with good reason- the things are sick!) so this was a great opportunity for us to get more of each style signed. Not only did we re-up on some of those classic designs but we were also able to acquire some of Tony's newest designs (there is one green one with a japanimation font on it..very strong!) The decks are probably the most difficult thing to get signed. It takes a while for them to dry so, like photos, they need to be scattered as to allow time for the signature to dry. The problem is that they are an awkward size and take up a lot more space than a photo. It was crazy but we got through it and they all came out unbelievable. Aside from the decks Tony also signed helmets and photos. In the past we have done black helmets and have now added a red one (which Tony is now using) to our Tony Hawk collection. After the private signing was done we went right over to Last Licks Armonk where there was a big line of excited fans awaiting Tony's arrival. Unfortunately Armonk is the one Last Licks store that does not have an awning. It was pouring rain so the customers were soaked by the time they got in. We did our best to move the line along so that no one was stuck in the rain for too long and Tony went out of his way for each and every one of the fans. It's pretty cool that Hawk's fan base are mostly kids. He loves interacting with them and talking about boarding and his video games. He definitely ranks up there as one of the most down-to-earth celebrities I have ever encountered (we spent a little bit of time talking about South Park...how many times have you heard me say that on the blog?)
Anyway, aside from the rain it was an awesome and gratifying day.
We have a ridiculous number of signings going on in the next five days (not to mention the start of Phil Lesh's ten run at the Nokia Theater...had to throw that in there as I will be at most of those shows) We are conducting signings with Robinson Cano, Martin St. Louis, Tony LaRussa, Lou Holtz and Gary Carter (just to name a few). Also next Sunday we have an appearance with Rangers superstar Jaromir Jagr. I am about to start holding some new contests here that will give you guys an opportunity to win tickets to upcoming public signings so make sure to check back daily. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

After a layover in Chicago I got on the short flight to South Bend, Indiana at 5:30 Tuesday afternoon. After landing I hailed a taxi to the Howard Johnsons about two miles from campus. Surprisingly enough (considering Notre Dame was closed for the week) it was the only hotel I was able to secure a room at. I normally stay at this one place right off campus. The reason I bring this up is to warn you all not to ever (ever) stay there. It was awful (have any of you ever stayed at a hotel where you aren't comfortable going under the covers...this was one of these place). If you have a chance be sure to check out the reviews on tripadvisor.com as all the comments are extremely accurate. Anyway, I left the hotel at the crack of dawn on Wednesday to begin setting up for the day's signings. Going into the day I was a little nervous about not having enough time to prepare but I did get it all done with some time to spare (I underestimate myself sometimes). The first to arrive was Coach Parseghian. He signed all of our multi-signed Notre Dame pieces as well as some awesome individual product. Ara is one of, if not the, greatest coaches the Irish have ever had. He won two national championships there and even signed a handful of Play Like A Champion posters with the championship years...very strong!




It took Ara about ninety minutes to complete the signings. It was all working out perfectly as Reggie Brooks walked in about fifteen minutes after Coach was done. Reggie blew threw the signing in about forty five minutes. I have always enjoyed talking with Brooks as he knows a lot about football( and loves to talk about the game). As a former Redskin he loves talking NFC East football and about the DC area in general (two of my favorite topics). Aside from autographing the project pieces Reggie also signed some Play Like A Champion 8x10 photographs. We are starting to build up a pretty serious line of the classic Play Like A Champion 8x10s. The are all very cool, affordable pieces for any Notre Dame collector.




After Reggie finished signing I had about an hour to finish setting up for Weis. Charlie walked in right on time at 1:00. He had an extremely serious look on his face and immediately begand setting up helmets. I must admit I was slightly nervous about this signing. While Coach Weis and I have gotten pretty tight over the past two years I knew that he could not be in a great mood after the team's recent losses. I was totally wrong...Charlie was awesome. Once we sat down to sign photos we started talking music (as always). We are both huge Springsteen fans so we spent some time analyzing the new album (in my opionion the album is great but will still go down as Bruce's worst one with the band....but even Bruce's worst album is still better than pretty much anyone elses!) We also talked some baseball as Coach Weis is a huge Yankees fan. Charlie finished the signing in a little less than two hours. Thankfully I had a ton of help throughout the day and by the time Weis was done everything was basically packed up. I then proceeded to head back to my scary hotel to watch Game 1 of the World Series.
Thursday morning I was able to catch an early flight to Cleveland. I really thought that, with me getting out of South Bend on time for once, that my travel luck was changing. I could not have been more wrong. After a few cancelled flights and delays I made it back to New York at around 6:00 PM. Even with the problems in Cleveland I still feel that everything evens out in the end so my next few trips should hopefully be painless.
Check back tomorrow for a recap of the Tony Hawk appearance.

Last Sunday morning I boarded a flight from New York to Colorado. Rockies superstar rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was slated to sign Monday morning. I landed in Denver at about 1:00 mountain time and I was a little surprised to see snow (hasn't snowed too much in New York over the past few years) I then cabbed it downtown to my hotel and began a long night of prepping product. In what has become routine for me this time of year I had World Series baseballs shipped directly to the hotel. I spent most of the afternoon/evening opening these balls. My workday finally did end at about 10:00 that night which gave me time to watch the conclusion of the ALCS. Originally Troy was supposed to arrive at 11:00 but, once the Rockies knew they were heading to Boston, we actually ended up starting at 9:00 AM. Tulowitzki was awesome. I really enjoyed my two hours with him as we talked about a million things. Tulo is a huge Jeter fan (which is why he wears #2 and once can easily see the similarities in their games). Between 9 and 11 Tulo signed an impressive variety of items including World Series baseballs, MLB baseballs, bats, several amazing photos (in both 8x10 and 16x20) and some unreal game-used pieces. While it looks bleak for Colorado right now Tulo is well on his way to becoming one of the game's elite players. Once Troy left my work then began. I spent until close to 11:00 that evening boxing and bagging product to ship out from the hotel. When I did finally complete the task I went straight to sleep as I had a flight the next day to South Bend (via Chicago).
Check back for a recap of part two of my five day trip

Early today was our appearance in Armonk with 1996 World Series heroes Charlie Hayes and John Wetteland. I know that I throw this phrase around a lot but this pair truly are two of the nicest athletes, no to mention people in general, that you will ever meet. The last time I had the privilege of working with these two was at Last Licks Massapequa January 2006 (in a blizzard on the L.I.E....another traffic horror story) so I was really looking forward to catching up with them. While I thought I would have a chance to talk to them for a few hours our time was monopolized by reporter after reporter coming to interview them about the Joe Torre situation. Just like all of Joe's former players they spoke about how much he meant to them as not only a manager but as a father figure and friend. It was very cool to hear them gush over the eventual Hall of Famer. Anyway, overall the appearance was great. We had the 1996 World Series DVD on in the background and every few minutes both Charlie and John would look up and comment. It is hard to believe that was eleven years ago (then again it is even harder to believe the Mets have yet to win a title in 21 years) Hayes and Wetteland could not have been stronger with the public. They both are so humble and seemed to enjoy talking to the fans more than the customers liked talking to them (I rarely see that). After the public concluded both guys signed in private for about an hour. John signed three different images from the '96 WS celebration. He inscribed them all with '96 WS MVP. Hayes signed his "moment" photo which was the last out of the '96 series. Charlie added Last Out '96 to each of these. As the Yankees are about to enter a new era these moments and memories become more and more special. That was never more apparent than today while listening to Hayes and Wetteland talk about Torre and watching them interact with the fans.
Tomorrow I am flying out to Colorado for a private signing with Rockies rookie star Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies are three days away from the start of the World Series and I can't wait to check out the vibe in Denver...it must be out of control.
Check back tomorrow for an update from the Mile High City.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Yesterday afternoon I headed out to Last Licks Massapequa for our appearance with "The Franchise" Tom Seaver. As I have said in the past I have no love for driving in Long Island. The traffic is bad enough without sub-par weather but when it rains or snows it becomes unbearable. Normally it takes me about forty-five minutes to get to the store. Yesterday I made it in a cool three hours and ten minutes...it was ridiculous. One of the great things about the Massapequa store is the overhang outside the store. If the appearance was at any other store it would have been quite difficult to bring in my product in the rain. In Pequa I am able to pull right up in front of store and unload rain-free. Yesterday I was not the only one that was late to the appearance. Tom Seaver's car was an hour behind me so when I did finally pull up to the store the customers all thought I was Tom Terrific (it was funny at the time). Anyway Seaver did finally arrive at about 7:00 to a thunderous ovation. He immediately began signing for the public and really had a great time talking to the kids and taking photos. Over the past few years Tom has become somewhat of a fixture behind the counter at our Last Licks stores. Every time I look away for a minute Seaver always seems to wander off to scoop ice cream for customers..it's awesome. Once I was able to get Tom focused again we began knocking out the private items. "The Franchise" signed a ton of strong items including HOF inscription baseballs, MLB baseballs, pitching rubbers with three inscriptions (3!) and even dual signed some interesting Joe Namath pieces (both '69 champs..both played at Shea...check the auction this week as the items are awesome) The bulk of Seaver's signing time was dedicated to autographing one of my all-time favorite pieces- the Nolan Ryan, Jerry Koosman, Tom Seaver locker-room 16x20. Nolan and Jerry signed these a few weeks ago so this gave us an opportunity to complete this round. We finished at about 10:00. I then proceeded to pull my car under that incredible overhang again (it does not take much to make me happy) and re-loaded up the car. I finally arrived home at about 11:30 (again Long Island traffic gets me again)
Tomorrow is our appearance at Last Licks Armonk with John Wetteland and Charlie Hayes. Check back for a recap.

Yesterday afternoon Yankee star (and one of the newest Steiner Exclusives) Melky Cabrera came up to our office for a private signing. This was Melky's first signing with us since becoming an exclusive. While I am not a Yankee fan (as if you didn't know that already) I can see why you all have taken to Cabrera so quickly. The kid is an unbelievable talent. We all knew how good he is is with the glove but Melky really started to come on with his bat late in the season. We are extremely excited about having him as an exclusive. Melky signed some great pieces for us including that classic catch photo in both 8x10 and 16x20, ash bats and MLB baseballs. Not only did Cabrera sign those items but he also autographed a handful of incredible game used product (baseballs and bases- the signatures on the bases rank up there with strongest that have ever been added to any game-used equipment)
I will be quite busy over the next seven days so be sure to check back daily for updates.

Right after the Andy Pettitte signing I began a long private autograph session with the legendary Jerome Bettis. While Bettis is most remembered for his time in the NFL with Pittsburgh Steelers this signing was almost solely focused on his incredible college career at Notre Dame. As you all know we have an awesome partnership with the university and all of the great product that was signed today will be an unbelievable addition to that already strong product line. Over the course of the three hour signing I was able to talk to Bettis about yesterday's NFL games and the league in general. Jerome is part of NBC's Sunday night football teams and has really grown into an amazing analyst. Bettis and Tiki Barber both look like they have been doing television for years. As said earlier we got some sick Notre Dame product signed including several photos (my favorite is an image of ND versus Michigan during Bettis' Senior year) and Notre Dame footballs. Along with the single signed pieces Jerome also autographed the ongoing Fighting Irish project that I have been talking about for months. Next week I am actually heading back to South Bend (my third home- after Indianapolis and New York) to continue the project.
Today was extremely busy and it only going to get crazier over the next few weeks. Keep checking back daily for updates, recaps and a few surprises.

Early this morning I conducted a private signing with Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte. Pettitte was money again this season (and post-season). The team could not have asked for more from the ace. I have done several signings with Andy since spring training (it is incredible how much has gone down in Yankee-land since that promising time I spent in Tampa this past March) and he has become one of my favorite guys to do signings with. Despite the fact that I am way high on Pettitte as both a pitcher and a person I did place a friendly wager against him the beginning of the season. At the start of the 2007 campaign I wagered lunch with a co-worker over who would finish the season with more wins- Andy or Tom Glavine. While Glavine had a solid year he had 14 wins when all was said and done (should have been 15 but I really don't want to get into that) and Pettitte ended with 15. My co-worker actually brought up the bet to Pettitte who laughed hysterically. I told him that I thought it was a lock due to his history of spending time on the DL..it was classic. Anyway, Andy signed an outstanding mix of items including photos, jerseys and some awesome inscription baseballs. As soon as the signing was over I jumped right into another private signing (I told you guys there was a lot going on this week).
Check back later for a recap of the Jerome Bettis signing.

Earlier today we had our public signing with USA softball star Jennie Finch. Our staff at Last Licks Scarsdale (everyone from Boof to Sam) did an unbelievable job orchestrating this event with New Rochelle Little League. The signing did not actually take place at the store. Instead it took place at Pinebrook Field. For those of you who don't know I grew up here in New Rochelle and played out my illustrious Little League career at Pinebrook. In all honesty I was terrible- couldn't hit, field or do anything- and have not improved much since. It did bring back memories of playing there hoping that the ball would not get hit to me. Anyway, the event was a total success and we could not have asked for a nicer day. Jennie arrived at about 11:40 and began signing items in private. She had just came in on the red-eye from the west coast and, bleary eyed and all, was unbelievable with her adoring fans. Just like with Brandi Chastain and the other female sports stars there is a very different crowd at the appearances. The crowd was mostly made up of young girls who were in complete awe of their idol. Jennie could not have been nicer. Right before she began signing for the public she spoke to the group on the field and even took questions from her young fans. Finch even got on the mound and threw a few pitches to a catcher. She then took the time to take photos with everyone and personalize practically everyone's pieces. Once the public portion was complete Jennie finished signing items in private. She autographed softballs and three different photos in both 8x10 and 16x20.


Jennie is in New York to compete on Celebrity Apprentice. I am really looking forward to seeing her on it and wish her the best of luck. I am sure she will excel it in just as she has done on the softball field her whole career.
We have an incredible number of signings happening in the next few days. Tomorrow alone I will be doing three private signings. With that in mind be sure to check back each night for a recap. Enjoy what is left of the weekend

Last Friday I met up with the young Yankees phenom Phil Hughes for a small private signing in Manhattan. Now that the season is over Hughes is about to head home for the winter. Despite the Yankees short-comings against the Indians, Hughes was a huge bright spot for the team. He was brilliant in relief and New York should be incredibly excited about his future. Over the forty-five minute signing Phil signed MLB baseballs, replica jerseys, Yankees pitching rubbers and some awesome game-used pieces. I have said this before but I must re-iterate- Phil Hughes is the real-deal and an absolute must-have for the serious Yankees collector.

Last Monday I flew out to Indianapolis (where I have been way too often over the past six months) for private signings with Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. I spent the bulk of Monday afternoon/evening setting up the pieces for the Tuesday signings. After the set-up I watched the end of the Yankees/Indians game in what may have been (hopefully not) the final game of the Joe Torre era. I figured this is as good a time as any (not that my opinion matters) to throw my support in Joe's direction. He is one of , if not the, best managers in the game and deserves to be there on the bench when Yankee Stadium closes and the new stadium opens. Anyway, Coach Dungy arrived at 9:00 AM sharp. I figured he would be right on time. This was the second time I have met Tony as I was just coming in from a signing last time he was at our office. I really enjoyed talking with him about the NFL and am looking forward to reading his best-selling book on my next flight (most likely to South Bend next week). Dungy signed some spectacular items including carry-off photos, mini-helmets and footballs. As soon as the signing was completed I began packing up the Dungy product to make more room for Peyton to sign. I held back a handful of footballs to get dual signed with Manning. Peyton began signing at about noon. It always takes a while when he signs as there are so many Super Bowl 41 MVP inscriptions to be written out. After signing some strong individual product (including photos, mini-helmets, footballs and revolution helmets) Peyton added his signature to another round of Manning Family pieces. These were the ones that his father Archie signed last month. These items are so unique and have quickly become one of our best-sellers. Hopefully soon this round will be complete. Ironically Eli Manning was appearing at Last Licks Massapequa on the same day so we will have to get him in a few weeks. Once Peyton completed the signing my work, as always, was just getting started. It took me close to eight hours to box up and prep the product to be shipped back to New York. It is such a monotonous process that takes forever. After finally finishing up I went to sleep for a few hours and then headed to the airport for the first flight back to New York. As always I had several travel problems including a cancelled flight (after we boarded we had to deplane due to mechanical problems) and two more flight delays. I finally did touch down at La Guardia late that afternoon. Overall, despite the delays and cancellations, it was an incredibly strong trip. The Colts look poised to repeat as champions and the gave us an opportunity to re-up on some classic Manning and Dungy product.
We have a ton of amazing signings coming up so keep checking back for updates.

Yesterday afternoon I had the privilege of meeting and conducting a private signing with Willie O'Ree. Willie, who I must admit I knew little about before yesterday, was the first black NHL player. The Canadian-born O'Ree is most known from his days playing for the Bruins. While I am not a huge hockey fan it was great to hear O'Ree's stories. He told us about how tough Bobby Nystrom was as a young minor-league player (that should be no surprise to anyone). That was just one of many cool stories I got to hear over the hour that he spent signing. Willie now spends his time doing great non-profit work for minority youths. Hopefully this is the first of many signings with the legend.
Monday morning I will be flying out to Indianapolis (my second home of late) for private signing with both Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. Check back Monday for an update from Indy. Have a great weekend! (I would love to add a Let's Go Mets! right there but I guess it is what it is at this point)

Upon arriving back to our office (from the Chicago trip) I jumped right into a private signing with Reggie Jackson. Mr. October spent a full afternoon here signing a variety of unbelievable product including inscription baseballs and bats. Towards the end of the afternoon another Yankee legend, Goose Gossage, came up for a signing. I really enjoyed hearing the two of them converse. Just like most old-timers they seem to be a little bit dissilusioned with the game today. It is so different now. Back then there was no such thing as pitch counts and the ballpark dimensions were a lot more pitcher friendly. Goose signed some amazing items including inscription baseballs and a handful of awesome photos.
After the signings both Reggie and Goose were guests on Brandon Steiner's radio show on ESPN. I must admit this was my first time listening to the show and it was great. If any of you have the opportunity give it a listen. There is always an impressive roster of guests.

This past Monday I flew out to Chicago for a public appearance and a private signing with White Sox pitcher (and Steiner Sports Exclusive) Mark Buehrle. I landed at Ohare at about 1:20 and headed straight over to the Athlete's Foot store where the public was to take place. I began setting up for the private and noticed that, already, there was a huge line forming. This was Mark's first appearance since he threw the no-hitter earlier in the season. The signing began at 6:00 and Buehrle was quite busy with his fans up until close to 7:30. Most customers on line had the actual tickets from that game as well as a commemorative lithograph that was given out at the stadium. After the public portion Buehrle signed for about a half hour in private. This gave us an opportunity to re-up on both amazing no-hitter photos as well as no-hitter inscription baseballs. The next morning I was on an early flight back to New York where I was slated to do a private signing with Mr. October Reggie Jackson.

In my haste to get caught up on my posts I neglected to blog on the Michael Strahan and Reuben Droughns appearance at Last Licks Scarsdale. The event took place last Tuesday and was a huge success. Droughns was coming off of that huge game against the Redskins and Strahan, as we all know, is a serious fan favorite. I am kind of glad that I have waited until now to post this as this past Sunday Michael became the Giants all-time sack leader. If he wasn't before he is now a true must-have for any Giants collectors. Also, Michael's book comes out on Tuesday October 9th. I am really looking forward to reading it on the flight to Indianapolis (for the Peyton Manning private signing) Check back throughout the afternoon for a recap of the past few days.