This past week has been a whirlwind (ironically this used to be the norm for me so I guess i'm a little out of practice).  I have done four publics (Gallinari, Francoeur, Ovechkin and Magic) in addition to four private signings (Feely, Leonhard Keller, and Flynn).  A few quick notes on these before we look ahead to another crazy week:  Gallinari was a super nice guy.  While it was not the most raucous crowd in appearance history the fans that did brave it outside wearing Knicks garb were extremely excited to meet the young star.  Many of his fellow italians came out literally wearing Italian flags as capes.  His following has grown immensely over the past few months and it sure to bud even more as the season continues. 
Franceour was awesome.  This was my first time meeting him but I have heard for years that he really cool.  There was a huge line waiting for him and he took photos with and got real face time with each and every customer there.  I am looking forward to a monster season from him and to work more with Jeff in the future.
Then there was Monday (same spot as Saturday's Francoeur appearance- Roosevelt Field Mall) where Alex Ovechkin signed for a sold out crowd.  Ovie is far and away the best player in the league and, as always, the fans came out to show him love.
That brings us to yesterday which was basically a basketball day for me.  In the afternoon I did a private signing with former Syracuse standout (and current T-Wolves rookie) Jonny Flynn.  Aside from a few Indoor/Outdoor NBA balls the whole signing has a Syracuse theme to it.  Jonny (who was extremely nice and great to hang with) autographed a few different images from that classic 6 OT game as well as some stellar 'Cuse game used and 'Cuse Game Model "Rock" basketballs.   I was even able to secure a few basketballs with the date and his ridiculous line from that game (34 pts, 11 assists, 67 minutes..pretty good....)  This guy is a must have autograph for not only the Syracuse enthusiast but any NBA fan. 
The latter statement's sentiment was re-iterated by last nights signer- Magic Johnson.  Upon leaving the T-Wolves team hotel I headed straight uptown to our Last Licks NYC location for a 6:00 appearance with Magic.  As always Johnson was unbelievable with the fans.  He talks hoops with everyone on line and really takes the time to do the little things with the customers that make the experience so special.  After the line dissipated we headed to the backroom for a big basketball signing.  Magic is as meticulous as can be so I am always sure to have a workable assembly line system in place anytime we do a bulk signing.  The highlight of my day was by far talking Lakers with #32 (and also about J Flynn- Magic likes his game).
With all the above in mind I am sure some of you tuned in to our streaming footage of the signing (last night on this site).  It is a new direction we are going in and I have gotten nothing but positive feedback on it.
I am going to re-establish myself on twitter so keep looking for updates on when we will be streaming actual live signings.
As a big fan of MTVs the Jersey Shore, I have decided to make a new motto for 2010. GTS, Gym Tanning and Signings.

Enjoy the day!
Go Lakers!

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Here's some pics from the past week.

As promised, here are some pictures from the past few days. More to come soon.

Happy New Year all and welcome back to another season of the blog!  While the year is only a few weeks old we are already several signings deep (check back later today for both photos and video from signings with Yogi Berra, Joe Girardi, Brandon Dubinksy and Dan Marino) and have some unbelievable events and shows planned over the next few months.  This Wednesday at 6:30 we have Knicks star Danillo Gallinari appearing at our Last Licks Manhattan location.  There is a little more than usual to be excited about with this current Knicks team and Gallinari (along with David Lee) has played a huge role in this mini-run they are on.
Then on Saturday (1/23) Jeff Francoeur will be signing at the Steiner Sports Store in Roosevelt Field Mall from 11:30-1:00.   This should be a great one (always is with a Met in Long Island).  Then on Monday (1/25) Alex Ovechkin will be at the Mall in the evening.  Alex is probably the biggest star in the NHL and we are extremely proud to have him at our stores whenever he is in town.  I have done several appearances with Ovechkin and it is always a blast.  Then on Tuesday (1/26)  we have a private signing with current Timberwolves guard and former Syracuse standout Jonny Flynn.  We will be boasting an incredible product line around him so be on the lookout for some awesome new arrivals.  Later that day (we're still on 1/26) Magic Johnson will be appearing at Last Licks Manhattan from 6:00-7:00.  On a personal note (and I think I have written this every time he has signed since the conception of the blog) Magic is my all-time favorite basketball player... as well as a must-have autograph for any basketball collector.
So there you have it.. the next eight days mapped out.  The excitement will undoubtedly carry over to the next few weeks and ensuing months (our big Yankee show, Giants show, Spring Training, etc...)
As said earlier be sure to check back for some stellar video and photos from the past two weeks of signings.
Enjoy!