The 2007 Red Sox team project is officially over. Sunday evening I flew out to San Antonio to add the final name to our team pieces. That final name is arguably the most important on the roster...Josh Beckett. Beckett was their best pitcher during the entire run. He was the ALCS MVP and the winner of Game One of the World Series. After making the big mistake of having some local food for a late Sunday dinner I awoke Monday morning and began setting up the pieces for the final time. Josh came over to the hotel at about 12:30 and completed the signing in about two and a half hours. In addition to the team items Josh also signed a strong variety of individual pieces (including some great game used items such as champagne bottles from the World Series and some game used balls). After Beckett was done it was then time to pack up the items (for the last time!). This took about four hours as it was the first time I had to ship the pieces (versus load up a van). I flew back to New York yesterday afternoon and, after a typical two hour flight delay (they...whoever they is..must know when I am flying because, as you all know, I am always delayed..it's insane) I made it back to our warehouse at about 8:15 last night. I dropped off the team photos which I brought back on the plane with me and then, finally, headed home. I am now home for a minimum of six nights, five days (which sounds like how people describe their vacations).
I am extremely proud of these Red Sox pieces. I have been gone for weeks working on them and every item came out amazing. This was the first team signing I have ever done since the game-used thing really took off. Not only do we have the team-signed balls, bats, jerseys and photos but we also were able to get team-signed game used home plates, champagne bottles, balls and bases. Everything should be up on the site within the next day or two so be sure to check out all the images.
Now that there is closure to the 2007 season I have to admit I am already looking forward to next year's team signed 2008 World Champion Mets signings...you heard it here first.