Kershaw Rehab at Rancho Photo Series

Clayton Kershaw was side lined earlier this season with an injury and ended up making a rehab appearance with the Dodgers minor league affiliate the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The appearance happened to coincide with the Quakes giving out a Brian Wilson bobble head. I went out to try getting Kershaw and didn't have any luck.

The crowd was huge with at least 4 people deep from the railings and people who didn't have tickets lined outside the gates as well.

The crowd was backed up along the stairwell and of course the shot I took got photo bombed after they noticed my camera out for a few shots.

Finally the man of the hour came out to sign some autographs. And I emphasize some. Kershaw walked out and immediately skipped the section of fans who had been waiting the longest for him. Kershaw would sign three or four autographs and then walk another 10 feet before he'd knock a few more until he got to the car. And that was it. Not the best trip but at least I got a few photos of the Dodger stud and his fans during Clayton Kershaw's minor league rehab.

Autograph Recap Brian Wilson Rancho Cucamonga Rehab 4/5/14

Well the day after I went to Rancho for Josh Beckett's rehab start I was back in the car heading out to try and catch Brian Wilson doing his own rehab assignment.

I got there later than for Beckett since I didn't have a need for the minor leaguers and waited for Wilson. Apparently he caught very heavy traffic on the drive in so he didn't sign since he arrived barely before the gates opened.

Note the shoes. Only Brian Wilson could get away with that. I like how these are done in the team colors so he can have his personality and avoid another notice from MLB about his flair.

After warming up Wilson tossed one quick inning and then headed out to drive to Los Angeles.

When Wilson came out there was a large crowd but he started knocking out the autographs for those who waited. I got my Brian Wilson and Buster Posey Sports Illustrated autographed, which was nice since I've held onto it since 2010 when the Giants won the World Series.

After he signed my Sports Illustrated Wilson also autographed my 2014 Topps Heritage. One more off the list for the set, and now happily I can ignore him when I see the Dodgers and chase other players.

Autograph Recap Josh Beckett Rancho Cucamonga Rehab 4/4/14

Dodgers starting pitcher Josh Beckett was slated for a surprise rehab start in Rancho Cucamonga. With the Dodgers home opener the same day I figured the graphers would be light in attendance and I'd be able to knock out a big autograph for myself without having to go to LA.

The day started off well with much hyped prospect Corey Seager signing a 2013 Bowman prospect card for me. I've seen Corey be a good signer the past few times I've gone to Rancho, but I've never had anything for him so I made sure to bring along a card this time. He was really nice and I'm glad to have finally gotten a Corey Seager autographed Bowman card in the collection.

After Seager came in a steady stream of minor leaguers made their way in before Beckett finally came. Josh autographed my Fenway seat back, and it was a big addition for me to put the 2007 World Series Champion on it.

After Beckett signed I returned home and waited to head back to Rancho for the game. I went inside and ran into fellow graphers Matt and David and it began the second part of the day.

Finally Beckett left his rehab start and signed a for a few fans, he ran with a black sharpie and I was able to get my 2014 Topps Heritage card done for my set.

To cap the day uber prospect Julio Urias also signed after the game. I remember watching Puig walk past me in Rancho and regret never taking a shot at him considering how things turned out. I wasn't going to let this happen again so I got this Julio Urias autographed baseball and had him sign his Quakes debut ticket.

It was a very long but satisfying day to knock off a card for my set, pair of top prospects and my Fenway seat back.

Autograph Recap 2014 Exhibition Angels Vs Dodgers series...

As I posted previously when I put up the Kenley Jansen autograph I got I went to Dodger Stadium to graph the Angels. The following day was the Angels pitiful excuse of a "fiesta" fan fest, Mike Trout extension press conference and Dodger game. This year I'll be beginning the long and arduous task of collecting the Topps Heritage 2014 set and getting it autographed. I've bought a complete low number set and am working on assembling the short prints.

The first card I got signed for my set was my David Freese short print during Spring Training so it was time to finally get to work on the set. While at Dodger stadium I was able to get Kole Calhoun to sign his heritage and inscribe "Red Baron" on it.

I started off the next day Saturday at Angel Stadium getting this Matt Shoemaker autograph on his Rookie stars card with my buddy David.

After Shoemaker we went to the press conference and the fiesta where the only coaches to sign were Steve Soliz, Gary DiSarcina, and Don Baylor, and no active player did an autograph session or signed at the press conference. Bust.

We went inside the stadium and I was able to get a long time favorite Matt Kemp's autograph on his heritage card when he finished his batting practice session.

After Kemp signed I waited for the rest of batting practice to finish up, but it was slow so I tried my luck with the players when they stretched. I got my Carl Crawford autographed card, even though it wasn't the best signature.

Post game was a bust as I got shot down by the players as they left for San Diego to start the regular season.

RBI (203) Kenley Jansen…

I went to Dodger Stadium with some friends to catch the Angels Dodgers preseason action and get a bit of graphing in to train for the season. I'm not often in Los Angeles for baseball autographs so I was glad to get some Dodger Stadium graphing in.

I was able to get this Kenley Jansen autographed baseball at the Dodger dugout after he chatted with a few suits on his way into the clubhouse. I'm glad to knock this out since he's one of the top closers in the National League and the hard throwing righty has one of the highest K/9 ratios in the game for a reliever. He's only 26 and already sitting on over 300 Strikeouts and 60 Saves. If the Dodgers are going to the World Series he's going to be a big part of it.

Dodgers Fanfest 2014 Photo Series

So it's delayed by a while but here's a short photo set I took at Dodgers Fan Fest 2014.

Good Morning Los Angeles.

The new Mr. LA Jerry Hairston Jr.

Viva Los Dodgers.

Autograph Opportunity, Kenny Landreaux March, 15 2014

Well everyone, if you're not able to make it to Spring Training this year but looking for an autograph signing feel free to check out a signing happening at Dr. Alex Corbin Liu's practice. It looks like it's a good deal to snag a popular Dodger alumni.

Appearing : 1981 World Series Champion and All-Star Kenny Landreaux

Autograph signing
March 15, 2014 from 3:00-4:00pm
The Optometry Practice of Dr. Alex Corbin Liu
19735 E. Colima Rd.
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
1 free autograph for patients.
$10 per autograph for public on any item.
Only 50 public autograph tickets available.

Contact xcorbinod@gmail.com for any questions and to purchase presale tickets.

Dodgers Fanfest 2014 Summary

Well I don't often make it to Dodger Stadium to get autographs so it was nice to have Dodgers Fanfest 2014 happen this week for the opportunity to get some Dodger autographs.

That was one of the few nice things besides hanging out with my friends. Basically I misplayed most of fanfest and then didn't get some help from the most important part of a grapher. My pen.

The day started out well because instead of going to an early autograph session I actually graphed. I staked out a spot and started my day getting Nomar Garciaparra's autograph. Only I didn't notice until I got home that the pen also streaked. Which I don't understand, but it was the theme of my day. Great.

After Nomar I was able to get Orel Hershiser's autograph on this baseball. Using the same pen, but the autograph looks infinitely better. Great.

After Orel signed autographs Jerry Hairston Jr. came over and autographed a card Rob hooked me up with.

After getting Jerry Hairston's autograph I proceeded to start the rest of my day. My first autograph was Yasiel Puig on this 11x14. Only Puig was too busy flirting with the handler and leaning back bored while signing to actually have any sort of interest in the autographs he was giving. Oh and the perfectly fine and prepped pen I had fell on the table somehow and streaked. Great.

After Puig I didn't understand what was happening and Jaime Jarrin autographed this 8x10 photo inscribing "HOF 98" with the same streaky pen. Great.

Not to be deterred I switched pens with Rob for the next autograph session which was for Carl Crawford's autograph. Apparently it didn't matter what pen I used because that one didn't work either as soon as Crawford took it from me despite it being prepped and working fine on the prep paper. Great.

So that's my Dodgers Fanfest summary. Great. At least the Orel came through and looks good or it would have been a total waste.

Oh and that Jerry Hairston is nice to. Great.

Update. I have to admit that I was pretty upset about the Puig encounter. I wasn't happy with how some of my other autographs came out, but that's just how the day went for me. Some days that's just how the hobby goes. What I wasn't okay with was being treated dismissively and ignored at a fan fest after I had paid for an autograph ticket. So I contacted the Dodgers. Here's where most of you are thinking oh well the Dodgers are going to send him something to make up for it. They're not.

That's not the point of this update either. The point is both fan relations people I've spoken to said they'd work with their baseball operations people to help the players (Puig) understand the importance of not ignoring the fans, and that he's young so please bear with him. Considering his reckless driving case was just dismissed apparently that's the feeling everyone has for him. That's crap. I'm over him already, and people need to stop making excuses for him.

The Dodgers people were great, they were respectful and heard out all my thoughts and concerns. I'm generally pleased with how they interacted with me, but I'm still annoyed that Puig gets off again with other people covering for him.

Autograph Recap Eddie Guardado and Michael Young Stars and Strikes Bowling Charity Event 1/26/14...

The 3rd annual Eddie Guardado and Michael Young Stars and Strikes Bowling Charity Event occurred   January 26, 2014 and I decided to attend this year. It's proven to be a solid event and a large group of Southern California autograph seekers attended to knock out the stars that were in attendance to support Eddie and Michaels fundraiser to benefit children with Autism.

The event was set up differently from what I heard from graphers who previously attended past years. I was able to start the day off by getting UFC welterweight fighter Jake Ellenberger's autograph on this 8x10 photograph.

After Ellenberger signed Eddie Guardado popped out to speak to some of the event handlers, and I got Guardado's autograph on this 8x10 photograph. It was nice to add the two-time All Star and recent member of the Twins' Hall of Fame to the collection.

It was a good start so far and then Ian Kinsler arrived. Kinsler autographed this 8x10 photograph really nicely signature wise, but he signed on a dark spot so it's a little tough to see. Needless to say I was a little disappointed even though I'm still glad I got it signed.

I was disappointed about the nice Kinsler signature being in a tough spot, eventually Adrian Beltre came out and I was able to get his autograph. Beltre's one of my favorite players so I'm really glad to add a nice clean Beltre autographed photograph to my collection of the Gold Glover at work.

After Beltre left the next autograph I was able to get was a big one for me. It was my first time getting Adrian Gonzalez's autograph and I was excited to put the Silver Slugger, Gold Glover All star's signature in my collection on this photo. Making the photo even nicer to me is a opted for a photo of him still playing with the Padres and swinging a nice Trinity Bat Co. piece of wood.

After Gonzalez left the next autograph I got was a surprising one but it was a good one I was very excited to have. 3-time Olympic gold medalist Misty May Treanor was in attendance with her husband MLB player Matt Treanor. I got Misty May autograph a baseball on the sweetspot and then had Matt Treanor sign the ball also and he got a kick that she had already signed the sweet spot before he could.

The last thing I was able to get was this Michael Young autographed 8x10 photograph even though like his former teammate he also signed it in a spot where it's tough to see. I'm glad I was finally able to put something from the 7x All Star in my collection since he's been a great consistent player to watch growing up.

The whole thing was a great event and there were even more signers there at the event that I either couldn't get or didn't have anything for them to sign. It was definitely a nice way to wrap up the off season and add some major names and nice items into my collection.

RBI (188) Mike Scioscia, Last 2013 Graph...

I already posted about getting Albert Pujols' autograph on the last day of the regular season at Angel Stadium, well I neglected to post knocking out another long time goal longtime Angels manager Mike Scioscia.

Scioscia as a player won 2 World Series Championships with the Dodgers while being a 2-time All Star. He's managed the Angels to over 1,200 Wins, 2 AL Manager of the Year awards, a World Series Championship and somehow found time to make two appearances in the Simpsons.

I haven't had much luck getting this Mike Scioscia autograph so getting after he got to the stadium was a nice pull for me. I've been after him for my 1987 Topps project for two seasons now. It's not like I have any sort of realistic belief that I'll finish the set but the guys in the set seem to be decent signers, its a pleasant design and it's something to work on every once in a while.

RBI (138) Clayton Kershaw...

Another player who needs no witty tagline or introduction, is Dodgers' ace Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw is a man who needs no real introduction because his stuff on the mound has spoken for him since he broke into the Majors.

Kershaw was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 7th pick of the 2006 MLB Draft. It's a choice regretted 5 of the 6 teams with only Evan Longoria taken by the Rays panning out to a reasonably comparable level of success. And even then the Rays would be pushing it to say they wouldn't trade places with the Dodgers. Since his debut in 2008 Kershaw has been the elite of the elite with his only real peer being Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander. He's an All-Star, Gold Glover, Cy Young winner and already topped the 1,000 strikeout plateau. Without a doubt he's going to be a pitcher to remembered from his generation and it's always special when he takes the mound.

I got this Clayton Kershaw autographed glove before an exhibition game between the Dodgers and Angels at Angel Stadium. I had originally tossed him a baseball hoping he would switch from the sharpie for a pen but he ran with the black sharpie and autographed a side panel. I wasn't going to complain too much seeing as it's still my first Kershaw autograph so I can check him off my list. As I was putting my ball away I realized Kershaw was still knocking out autographs for fans so I asked if he'd sign my glove too. He nodded and signed the leather for me. It's awesome and I'm debating retiring this glove since I already have a new one except for pulling it out once in a while since I don't want the auto to fade very quickly. Hopefully Kershaw is a Dodger for life and continues at his level of success to be an all-time great.

RBI (132) Hanley Ramirez...

Yeah no fancy title or clever turn of phrase for this one. Why? Well honestly Hanley doesn't deserve one in my opinion. I went to get Hanley's autograph during his rehab stint with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and was less than pleased with the experience.

The obligatory Hanley Ramirez career stats so far. He was signed by the Red Sox as a international free agent and debuted in September 2005. He was traded to the Marlins as the center piece with Annibal Sanchez for the Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and Guillermo Mota. He's a 3 time All-Star, won 2 Silver Sluggers, was 2006 NL Rookie of the Year and was the '09 NL Batting Champion.

I wasn't very pleased with the experience I had getting this Hanley Ramirez autographed baseball. There were about 15 people waiting for him in Rancho and when he showed up he seemed less than happy that we were waiting for him. Sorry you have fans? He walked over and said he wasn't going to sign for everyone while he took a pen and grabbed a baseball. Originally I had printed 8x10's for him but when I saw him run with the pen I pulled out a baseball and he signed it. He then did another ball and started to walk off stopping only to sign one for a kid and a girl.

He was standoffish, refused to sign my friends jersey, and I'm not really understanding why he only signed about 7 autographs when there were only a handful more people. If you're not in the mood to sign for a while I understand that, but doing one per is fine with me and everyone would have left happy instead of plenty of disappointed faces. He was honestly the only star I've heard of going to Rancho who wasn't very pleasant to deal with. I'm not saying all the others are over the moon happy to see people wanting their autograph but they're at least less surly than Hanley was. Andre Ethier normally earns tons of a fans when he has to make a rehab appearance being pretty pleasant and funny to those who hang around for him. Even Dan Haren who was notoriously difficult to graph at Angel Stadium was more pleasant during his minor league rehab stint.

At least there were some fun moments hanging out with David, Benson, Matt, and Matt C.

RBI Collecting Custom Baseball Bat

As you've seen in previous posts I took advantage of a sale to get a custom bat from the Orange County based Trinity Bat Company. Trinity is a great bat company used by tons of pros in the Majors. If you've ever wondered what bat Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder, Skip Schumaker, Carlos Gomez, Everth Cabrera, Kendrys Morales, Mark Trumbo, Cameron Maybin, Tony Gwynn Jr.,  Howie Kendrick, Hank Conger, and Chase Headley hit with. Well know you know they swing Trinity Bat wood.

I had the bat cut to the same specifications Mark Trumbo uses.

Basically this is going to be an evolving piece with players who accomplish something special in my eyes added to it. There are no firm rules for what it takes to make it on the bat, but I definitely have to have taken a shine to them.

First I had Mark Trumbo autograph the bat and he inscribed "All Star" under his name for me. I asked him to check to see if I got the specs right and after holding it and taking a half cut he said it looked like I got it right, which is definitely something I used to be happy about.

Steve Garvey autographed the bat and he inscribed "'74 NL MVP" for me on his bat. I know he played before my time but Garvey is one of those slick players that survived LA and I grew up hearing about every time a Dodger player made an error in the field.

Tony Gwynn autographed the bat and inscribed "HOF '07" for me above his former teammate Garvey. Gwynn really needs no explanation for why I had him added to the bat. Hall of Famer who played in Southern California his whole career and was always great to watch play. Easy add. When I had him sign the bat I told him it was the same brand his son used and cut to Mark's specs. He started checking out the bat and told me he wondered how Trumbo could hit with such a monster. I was later told getting Gwynn on the bat was a great pickup as previous attempts to graph him on a bat have had him shoot graphers down if it wasn't his brand of bat.

RBI (125) Matt Kemp, Beast Mode...

I was finally able to get one of my favorite player's autograph to start 2013 at Angel Stadium. Matt Kemp is quite possibly a Dodger for life after having signed a 8-year extension in 2012 and definitely a Southern California fan favorite.

Kemp was taken in the 6th round of the 2003 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers and debuted for them in 2006. He's a remarkable blend of power and speed having over 150 Home Runs and 150 Steals. His counting stat totals are impressive with both 500 Runs and RBI's and he should cross 1000 hits this season. He uses both of his tools to lead the league both defensively and offensively already having earned multiple All Star selections, Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger awards. Personally I think Kemp was robbed of the NL MVP award in 2011 which went to Ryan Braun instead. Now that Braun is embroiled in his second PED scandal, I'm even more set in thinking Kemp deserved the MVP even though his Dodgers missed the playoffs. I think a healthy Kemp with the new look Dodgers around him should be able to win his own MVP award in the near future.

I was able to get this Matt Kemp autographed baseball at Angel Stadium. He didn't sweet spot it but it's still a nice Kemp and pretty large rather than a small scribble that I wouldn't be able to see. It still made my display case, and I'm happy with it being in my collection.

RBI (94) A Pair of Rehab Hits...

The past week there have been a few stars making a few rehab starts with the local minor league teams here in Southern California. Matt Kemp made one recently but I wasn't in town to go out and try to get him. I did however return from my vacation with the perfect timing to recharge my batteries and get ready to graph.

I eased myself back into graphing with a rehab start of my own by going to get Andre Ethier when he made his second rehab start out in Rancho.

Ethier was really nice and signed for the reasonably sized crowd that was waiting for him, even doing multiples and taking photos with people. I had Andre Ethier autograph this 2011 Topps Lineage and an 8x10 photo that I'm working on getting done.

It was a pretty short wait for Andre and I got to get him pretty quickly. It was a nice and easy at bat to get ready for graphing again.

I worked a full game though when I went to try and get Angels pitcher Dan Haren for his start at Inland Empire with the 66ers. I only had to wait about 45 minutes for Ethier. I had to wait 2 and a half hours for Haren, thankfully it was only in the mid 80's today.

Haren is a tough guy to get. He rarely signs at the stadium and I've heard stories of him being spotted out and about without a very happy ending for the fan who saw him. I wasn't really sure if he'd even sign especially with 7 of us waiting for him. Surprisingly though he parked his car and walked over to us waiting for him and started to sign. I was happy to finally add him to my 2011 team ball. It took him a while to find a spot to sign because it's almost complete and is that much closer with a Dan Haren autograph on my baseball.

All in all not a bad way to end my minor league assignment and get prepared for the Angels coming back home.

RBI (89) Excuse me Mr. Lasorda...

it would mean so much to me if you'd please autograph my ball. That's right folks, this weekend during the 2012 Angels vs Dodgers Freeway Series I was able to get Hall of Fame manager and Dodger icon Tommy Lasorda's autograph.

Lasorda played in the MLB for part of 3 seasons but in the International League became a pitching legend helping the Montreal Royals win 5 Governors Cups. He was counted as a member of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers who won the World Series. After retiring as a player Lasorda joined the Dodgers organization as a scout and began a relationship that would be legendary in baseball.

Joining the franchise as a scout Lasorda eventually worked his way up through the Dodgers organization. As a scout turned minor league manager and then being named 3rd base coach under Walter Alston in 1973. Lasorda was deemed Alston's eventual replacement and when he retired in 1976 he took over the club. As the club's manager he complied a 1,599-1,439 record that included 4 National League pennants and 8 Divisional titles. Of those 4 NL pennants he took the club to win 2 World Series Championships and also took home 2 National League Manager of the Year awards.

The Dodgers retired his #2 and the Cooperstown Hall of Fame Veterans Committee inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Since retiring as a manager in 1996, Lasorda has been an executive for the organization and entered his 6th decade working for the organization in various capacities. He has the longest running continual service in franchise history, edging out legendary broadcaster Vin Scully by a single season.

I was able to get Tommy Lasorda's autograph on my baseball in person at Angel stadium when he was in attendance to watch his Dodgers play the Angels during the 2012 season.

RBI (88) A TTM True California catch...

er...Long time Dodger and Angels catcher Jeff Torborg was nice enough to add me to his TTM response list this past week.

Torborg was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963 as an amateur free agent. While with the club he proved to be a steady presence behind the plate and remained there for 7 seasons. He would move down the freeway to the California Angels for 3 seasons before finally retiring as a player. While in the batters box he hit .214 with 8 career homers and drove in 101 runs. Behind the plate though he showed a talent for greatness and would catch no-hitters by Sandy Koufax, Bill Singer, and Nolan Ryan.

After his playing career ended in 1973 he was an Indians coach by '75 and the skipper in '77. He would manage the Indians, White Sox, Mets, Expos, and Marlins. With the White Sox he would win the AL Manager of the Year award in 1990 and his career managerial line stood 634-718.

Mr. Torborg was nice enough to sign and personalize this 1971 Topps card for me after 185 Days from his home address. Anyone who also reads Card Buzz saw we actually sent our requests at about the same time and Mr. Torborg has recently responded to some of his mail.

After a card has been gone about 3 months I tend to assume it's not coming back so it was a pleasant surprise to get this card back especially since he caught a no-hitter from one of my favorite pitchers of all time. I especially like that you can see the MLB trademark logo on the sleeve facing the photographer, it's a nice touch that though a little garish for now is a cool flashback.

RPS (3) Dodgers-Angels Exhibition Freeway Series

It's that time folks, time for the 2012 season to start. How'd the Angels prepare for the coming season? Just a little freeway action against the rival Dodgers (Doyers) to start off the week. Game 1 was hosted by the Angels in Anaheim and the following 2 will be played at Dodger Stadium.

I couldn't wait for opening day, so I opted to go spend the day graphing the Dodgers and Angels as they arrived. I split time between the two sides, but missed most of the Angels while on the Dodger side and heard they weren't really in a signing mood. The Dodgers on the other hand were not so bad. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me before the game while outside the stadium but got some nice shots inside.

First up I was able to get from the Angel side back to the Dodgers fast enough to catch pitching coach Rick Honeycutt right as he was finishing up signing and Honeycutt autographed this 1987 Topps for me.

Don Mattingly came into the stadium after Honeycutt, and was nice enough to stay for a long time signing and taking photos with the fans. I liked that he was calling fans out for trying to come back and get multiples when he still hadn't finished with half the crowd. Mattingly signed this 2012 Topps Heritage for me.

A few Dodgers came after and I wasn't able to get all of them. Tony Gwyn Jr. signed for a while, Juan Rivera made a really nice dent in the crowd, James Loney tried to get a good amount done, but someone knocked his Gucci sunglass case and contacts off the ledge and that kind of killed his mood, Todd Coffey said he'd sign after the game, Tim Federowicz did like 3, Javy Guerra signed for most of the kids, Kenley Jansen did like two kids and a few more guys I didn't know came but didn't sign.

I'm sure most of you want to know about the big 3. Kershaw, Kemp and Ethier. Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon shared a car ride to the stadium. The fans stayed back at first and most of us went to form a line at the barrier but some less patient "fans" rushed the car as soon as Dee Gordon got out. He signed for a few people before realizing he was surrounded in a mob and security helped save him. While Gordon was walking through Kemp got out of the car and was also mobbed so he signed the first three literally shoved in his face quickly before darting to safety behind the barriers. Kershaw came as they were being bum rushed and he cut his way through saying he would sign inside the stadium (I didn't see him sign but did see him imitate Kemp making a jump in center field trying to rob a homer).

The last hope was Ethier. It's a good thing he was awesome. He came and started to work his way down the barrier signing for all the fans sweet spotting when asked and making light banter with the fans. I'm not sure if you guys know this, but Andre Ethier is awesome. One guy in a Pujols shirt asked for his autograph and got a ton of flack from the other fans and Ethier himself. It was pretty funny.

Andre Ethier autographed Gold Glove Award ball under the logo, and after he signed it I just had to take the chance and ask him if he would sign a card too so I could find a display case for them together. He nodded and instead of working his way farther down the line stopped to sign around me while I fished out my sharpie and he signed this 2011 Topps Lineage. Anyone who says he isn't good to the fans obviously hasn't met the man.

Now for the other good stuff, the photos.

Pujols taking his first pre-game jog at Angel Stadium as an Angel.

Dan Haren took the mound for the Angels.

Pujols taking his first at-bat in a game at Angel Stadium as an Angel.

Matt Kemp most likely made ESPN tonight doing a crazy double stealing dive and catch while in beast mode. I was too busy freaking out to get a shot of the catch, but you can tell he's pleased with himself.

Oh did I mention Kendrys Morales is back too? Yup he's pleased with himself. Look closely at the bat he's using in the game.

Angels won 12-3. I don't make it out to Dodger Stadium often so it was nice to get some Dodger autographs while at Angel Stadium.