Graphing the Ducks 2014-2015

I've made a few trips out this year to graph the Anaheim Ducks. They're a solid team pushing the pace for best in the NHL this season and have their usual standouts being stronger than ever. Team captain Ryan Getzlaf is playing like a beast right now and on pace to be leading the conversation for league MVP at the end of the season.

Each season I've worked on graphing the Ducks I've liked to get a team set of cards done. I made some progress on last year's Score set getting a few guys that I've missed and started this years O-Pee-Chee team set.

I added a few other nicer items getting a few pucks and some photos done to go along with the cards I got signed by the Ducks.

Ryan Getzlaf autographed puck.

Scott Niedermayer autographed puck.

Cam Fowler 2014 Olympics autographed 8x10 of him scoring the go ahead goal to beat Russia.

Ryan Kesler autographed 8x10 photograph from his time with Vancouver.

Scott Niedermayer autographed 8x10 photograph from when the Ducks won the 2007 Stanley Cup.

Cam Fowler 2014 Olympics autographed 8x10 of him scoring the go ahead goal to beat Russia inscribed "Go USA"

Ryan Kesler autographed 8x10 since joining the Ducks.

Ryan Getzlaf autographed 8x10 photo.

Corey Perry autographed 8x10 photo with the Ducks.

I got Sami Vatanen, Ryan Getzlaf, Cam Fowler, Frederik Andersen, Ben Lovejoy, Devante Smith-Pelly, Bryan Allen, Patrick Maroon, and Kyle Palmieri started off my O-Pee-Chee set and finished off some of the active Score cards I needed.

 Kyle Palmieri, Patrick Maroon, Hampus Lindholm, Ilya Bryzgalov, Andrew Cogliano, Francois Beauchemin, Jakob Silfverberg, Corey Perry signed some of the inserts and team cards I needed for the team set.

 Matt Beleskey, Patrick Maroon, Cam Fowler, Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Getzlaf, Sami Vatanen, Frederik Andersen, Eric Brewer, and Ben Lovejoy all signed their team card for me.

The Ducks are a great team and the couple of days I've spent graphing them has really had me come away with some great signed pucks, photos and cards.

RBI (216) Don Sutton...

I made the trip down to San Diego to graph the Atlanta Braves. I made a silly mistake and neglected to bring with me a card for the broadcast crew as there was Hall of Famer Don Sutton working for them. I was able to get ahold of a card down there from another grapher for a buck in case I had the chance to get Sutton.

Sutton pitched for the Dodgers from 1966-1980 and made his way to the Astros, Brewers, Athletics, Angels and finally back to the Dodgers for a final retirement season in 1988. His numbers are standout at 324 Wins supported by a 3.26 ERA and 3,574 Strikeouts. Throughout his career he was however only a 4-time All Star, though he was the MVP of the 1977 All Star game. His number 20 was retired by the Dodgers  in 1998 the same year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as the only inductee into Cooperstown that year.

I got this Don Sutton autographed 1988 Score card by literally accidentally walking into Mr. Sutton in the street after the game. It was a nice surprise pick up and its always a good day when you can add a Hall of Famer to your collection.

RPS (10) Graphing the Anaheim Ducks 10/19/13

With baseball in Southern California finished for the season I went with some friends to try graphing the Anaheim Ducks for the first time. I had heard of some good successes and big numbers by other experienced hockey autograph collectors so I figured it was worth a Saturday morning to give it a shot.

I wasn't sure what to bring along with me for my first attempt so I settled on a buying a 2013-14 Score team set of cards and printing an 8x10 photograph. When I got to the Honda Center to meet up with my friends I learned the Ducks weren't there due to a concert so we went to their back up practice facility.

I had heard hockey players were some of the nicest pros out there to collect and I always wondered if it was just an exaggeration. It's not. The Ducks are one of the nicest groups of professionals I've ever encountered and they had no hesitation to sign for us when we asked. The only guys who didn't sign for us on their way in were the players who didn't park by where we were standing to see them arrive. Everyone had a nice thing to say as they signed and were extremely polite to us graphers. I kid you not. Today I became a Ducks fan and decided collecting hockey autographs isn't too bad.

In no particular order here's how I did today.
Cam Fowler autographed Score card.

Kyle Palmieri autographed Score card.

Lucas Sbisa autographed Score card.

Corey Perry autographed Score card.

Daniel Winnik autographed Score card.

Nick Bonino autographed Score card.

Andrew Cogliano autographed Score card.

All-Star Saku Koivu autographed Score card.

All-Star Jonas Hiller autographed Score card.

Captain, Stanley Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Getzlaf autographed Score card.

If you're an autograph collector reading this post then you're probably used to seeing the cars athletes drive around in. Let me say this. Ryan Getzlaf has the sickest car I've ever seen a pro driving. A blacked out matte black luxury ride. While he was signing for us we couldn't even pretend to not be drooling over his car and I told him "You have the sickest car I've ever seen a pro drive. You win the Anaheim car game. Your car is cooler than Albert Pujols'." To which he hid a grin and said thanks while finishing my Ducks Team Leaders card also autographed by Corey Perry and Viktor Fasth.

After the Ducks came in we followed them into the practice facility and watched their practice. Something you can never do anywhere else, so one more reason I'll be a Ducks fan from now on. They worked hard and then finished up practice so we went back outside to wait for the man of the hour. Future NHL Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne came out and was nice enough to knock out autographs for everyone who waited and asked. First I got this Teemu Selanne autographed 8x10 photograph.

After he signed the photo I had Teemu to sign a puck I picked up from the team store during practice. He signed quickly but gave the nice items people had good signatures, signing in good spots and inscribed when asked. Definitely a class act from a hockey legend so I'm very happy to knocked out getting the "Finnish Flash" autograph before he retires, hopefully with another run at a Stanley Cup championship.

Basically I knocked out almost the entire Ducks team in one day. At some point I'm going to go back to try for more Teemu Selanne autographs and to finish my Score team set. It was a cool day spent with Rob, Al, Benson and Matt and I'm glad I went out to collect the Ducks and start collecting NHL autographs.

RBI (73) A graded slugger's hit...

This week I've gotten 0 replies in the mail and to be honest with the start of the season coming around it's kind of bummed me out. Lucky for me I needed to pick up a few things and strolled through the card aisle of a chain store that will remain secret seeing as all my awesome retail hits are from there and I'm going to protect my spot like a fisherman hiding his favorite fishing hole.

I picked up a blaster of Gems of the Game and cracked it open when I got home. What could be inside this box filled with repackaged packs? Well just an interesting little gem that goes along with the Hank Aaron relic I opened up the day before. This Barry Bonds 1988 Score and Game Used Jersey graded 10.

Oh Barry. I'm not sure how I feel about you. As a Southern California native and him quite literally being a home town guy I suppose I support him being one of the top sluggers of the game. But there's the asterisk. Once again, literally the asterisk that goes along with his name in the record books, in Cooperstown...and the court documents.

I'm not sure how the Baseball Writers Association of America will respond to his first year of eligibility in the 2013 vote. On one hand he is a 14-time All-Star with 7 NL MVP's earned by 756 home runs. On the other...yeah. There are relics from his career in Cooperstown, but I'm not really sure if this has a permanent place in my collection. Offers will be listened to if anyone is interested.

RBI (69) An Angel Hall of Famer...

And I quite literally mean the Angel's franchise Hall of Fame as the franchise has no members in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. But it doesn't make getting pitcher Chuck Finley's autograph any less awesome. As many of my fellow bloggers have reported Finley recently did a free autograph signing at Living Spaces. I went with my family and was able to get a slew of things signed by the reliable lefty.

The Louisiana native was the Angels' 1st round pick in 1985, taken 4th overall. The highly polished prospect made his debut in 1986 and stayed in the Majors for 17 seasons. His time in the MLB was well regarded across baseball as he was a 5-time All-Star. When he finally retired in 2002, Finley's 3.85 ERA supported a 200-173 record and 2,610 Strikeouts. He did improve that record in my mind to 201 as he was the winning pitcher at Angel Stadium of the 2010 Celebrity Softball All Star Game.

Though he was dropped of the ballot in his first year of candidacy for Cooperstown, Finley was inducted into the Angel Hall of Fame in 2009. He's been on hand for plenty of important Angel events such as the All Star festivities in 2010, and being there to celebrate Jered Weaver's 2011 contract extension.

Finley signed for fans at Living Spaces and was kind enough to sign multiple items for everyone as well as a photo that was provided. And don't worry folks I didn't roll up and hand him a huge stack of cards. My family and I split up the cards so we all got the chance to meet him, but my family was nice enough to give me the autographed cards.

 Finley was nice enough to personalize "To Ryan Good Luck Chuck Finley 31" on the free 8x11 he gave me.

 He signed this 1989 Fleer.

 Signed just perfectly on this awesome '96 Score.

 He inscribed "5x All Star" on my 1987 Topps.

And autographed this 1990 Topps.

It was awesome to meet Finley and see him being so fan friendly. He really didn't have to sign multiples or take photos with fans but he did. When some people even got in line more than once he graciously signed for them and if they wanted another 8x11 he checked the size of the line to make sure he'd have enough for everyone. It was great to prepare for another season of baseball with this signing.

Oh yeah, and this was my 100th post. Wooo

RBI (52) A Slammin' Salmon...

That's right folks the Tim "King Fish" Salmon. Angel readers need no introduction to the King Fish, but the rest of you can enjoy the recap to the franchises' greatest homegrown player.

A native of Long Beach, the Angels took Salmon in the 3rd round of the 1989 draft. Salmon eventually made his debut in the bigs in 1992 for a cup of coffee in the form of 23 games.

The Angels would keep him up for the following 1993 season, and Salmon would overcome his 1992 difficulties to mash his way to Rookie of the Year Honors. The power would maintain throughout his career and in 1995, he was given the Silver Slugger award. Salmon would patrol the outfield for years, but in 2001 have a largely disappointing season as his elite power and average would leave him. 2002 would prove to be a bounce back year as the Fish would help the franchise win it's first World Series Championship, and he would claim the AL Comeback Player of the Year award. When he finally hung up his cleats after 14 seasons with the Angels he would have 299 Home Runs, 1016 RBI, .282 average, and an impressive .385 OBP.

When the Angels hosted the 2010 All Star Game they were sure to include Salmon in the festivities and he won the celebrity softball game's MVP award. He also flexed his muscles in a home run derby contest to wow fans with his ability to still drive the ball.

I was able to get Tim Salmon's autograph on those at Angel stadium during the 2011 season when he began doing pregame broadcasts for the team. The first is a 1994 Upper Deck, a 1996 Score, and lastly a 1996 Topps signed "To Ryan Tim Salmon ROY '93" When I asked Mr. Salmon if he could "Please sign 'ROY'," he asked "Why?" I couldn't think of a response beyond the most obvious and truthful, "Because you're awesome and it'd just look really cool."

I was able to get this Tim Salmon's autographed ball during his signing during the Angel 50th Anniversary celebration.

There is some debate as to whether Salmon's numbers are worthy of entry into the Hall of Fame when comparing his numbers to those of his peers. However if you realize that he did them clean in a era of baseball highly in debate, it's a tough sell to deny him entry. Especially as a broadcaster he's been media friendly, so unlike some candidates there shouldn't be an overwhelming lockout for personal reasons/clashes. I wouldn't be surprised to eventually see him get a plaque in Cooperstown....except it won't happen via the BBWAA vote. On Salmon's first year of eligibility he was given 5 votes, well below the minimum needed to stay on the ballot. I like how 5 voters shared the same wave length that I did, but any trip to Cooperstown will have to be as a vacation unless the Veterans Committee decides to give Salmon a nod.

RBI (51) A TTM and In person success...

It's not often that as a fan you have access to a former player, that's part of why TTM collecting and getting letter responses is so special. It's even less often that the player is someone of the top tier. I was able to have a few opportunities to get closer Troy "Percy" Percival's autograph.

The Southern California native was taken in the 6th round of the 1990 draft by the California Angels. Originally drafted as a defensive catcher, Percival eventually made his debut in 1995 as a pitcher when coaching staff members realized his throws back to the pitcher were faster than the actual pitch. When Percival debuted in 1995 he stayed with the big league club making a astounding 62 appearances his rookie year. Since his call up he was a reliable anchor of the bullpen as a career closer.

For his 14 season career he would play primarily for the Angels but would spend the end between the Tigers, Cardinals, and finally the Rays. Injuries would make closing a difficult task, but clubs continued to bet on the ever reliable "Percy" in hopes to find a diamond in the rough. Eventually he would retire and end his comeback attempts with stellar stats. 8th all-time with 358 Saves,  Percival would have a career 3.17 ERA to go with 781 Strikeouts and a 35-43 record. He would be be a 4-time All-Star and member of the 2002 World Series champion Angels.

The 8th and 9th inning would always be the favorite part of the game for me when Scot Shields and Percy would come to lock down the game and send the Angels home with a win. Knowing Percival came from a mere 20 minutes away also made me root hard for the hometown boy. I also know he has been active coaching locally for his son's team and helping coach at a local high school. I'm really appreciative he's giving back still to Southern California baseball.

I was able to get this Topps 2011 Angels team card signed through the 50th Anniversary promotion. I got a nice sense of symmetry having my favorite Angel player growing up sign the Topps 60th Anniversary team card in the Angels 50th Anniversary year.

I sent this 1996 Score card to Percy's home address, I love the trademark expression he's making in the action shot. It always looked like he was excited to bare down and make the pitch count. Percival was nice enough to sign and return the card in 61 Days.

The crown jewel though was this ball. While at an Angel game I heard from a friend that Percy was actually in attendance and they knew where he was sitting. Deciding to not intrude on his game experience we watched the game away from his section, and waited to ask him if he could sign for us on his walk out at the end of the game. Percy didn't seem to mind signing for a few people on his way out and was really nice about it, even sweet spotting it unprompted. Its one of my favorite autographs and I'm really happy to put this Troy Percival autographed baseball in my collection. The ball is a game used certified by MLB from Jered Weaver to Russell Martin foul ball from the September 9th, 2011 Yankees and Angels game.

I'm not sure if the Angels will retire his number or add him to the Angel Hall of Fame, but if I got a vote he'd be in there for sure. He is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame by being a member since the entire 2002 World Series team was inducted but I hope they add him individually. I also got a Troy Percival autographed World Series baseball and it's a nice piece to go along with the other Percival autographs I have.

RBI (39) Another local boy done good...

It seems to be a general theme with the Angels especially that they like to acquire Southern California natives. This proved to be true with Long Beach native former catcher Mike Fitzgerald even though it was only for a lone season.

Fitzgerald was drafted by the New York Mets in the 6th round of the 1978 draft after attending Lakewood High school. It wasn't until 1983 that Fitzgerald made his debut for the Mets, appearing in only 8 games. Fitz' had the distinction of being one of the few Major Leaguers to hit a Home Run in his first Major League at-bat. Following the '83 season Fitz' became a regular player for the Mets appearing in 112 games before being traded to the Montreal Expos.

Fitzgerald played the majority of his career for the Expos and in seven seasons from 1985-1991 acted as a primary catcher for the team appearing in 633 games. He displayed solid glove work and when needed moved from behind the plate to play in every position except for pitcher and shortstop. Offensively Fitz' made modest contributions, but his defense, versatility, and ability to get on base were positive enough for the California Angels to take a stab at the Long Beach native in 1992.

After his lone year with the Angels, Fitzgerald hung up his cleats and retired from professional baseball. He ended his career with a .235 average to go with 48 Home Runs and 293 RBI. Most impressive though, was the catcher's ability to draw a walk throughout his career despite his low power numbers. Fitz retired with a .321 OBP and an astoundingly few number of double plays grounded into for his 10 years in the bigs, a mere 65. In today's metric analyzed game I'm confident in saying his talents would most definitely be appreciated by GM's.

Mike was an amazingly kind veteran to have the opportunity to meet. I was able to get his autograph through the Angel's 50th Anniversary promotion, but when I first got into line I was planning on having Fitz autograph a ball since I couldn't find a card for him. When a few friends got their autograph they came back and showed Mike had actually brought his own very large stack of cards from throughout his career and was signing the item and offering an autographed card to go with it. I couldn't believe it and really do appreciate Mr. Fitzgerald being so kind to offer that. I know all the fans walked away happy and grateful that the local boy treated everyone so well. 

Also I think the signature is one of the more unique and almost artsy signatures that I've seen. This 1988 Score card from Fitzgerald's Expos days is definitely a keeper. 

RBI (32) An interesting TTM combination...

At least that tends to be the way former pitcher Bob Milacki got things done throughout his career. Mr. Milacki has had some interesting highlights throughout his career and I'm sure he's having some of those moments still as he works for the Phillies Organization.

Milacki was taken in the 2nd round of the 1983 draft by the Orioles, and made his MLB debut in 1988 with Balitmore. It was with the Orioles he gained most of his career's shine by pitching in two memorable games. In his rookie year he led the American League with 36 games started and posted a 14-12 record with 3 Complete Games and 2 Shut Outs.

On April 23, 1989 Milacki posted a complete game shutout against the Minnesota Twins, but did so facing only the minimum 27 batters. He wasn't credited with a perfect game or no hitter as he gave up 3 hits and 2 walks, but he was able to escape trouble thanks to coaxing 4 key double plays. The game was not only his first Shut Out of the season, but was also his first win for the year.

Two years later while still an Oriole Milacki combined with Mike Flanagan, Mark Williamson, and Gregg Olson to no hit the Oakland A's. Milacki had put up six scoreless frames with no hits, but had issued out 3 walks prior to being pulled by manager Johnny Oates.

Baltimore would be the highlight of Milacki's career as he left at the end of the 1992 season for Cleveland, Kansas City, Seattle, and a stint pitching in Japan. He would only make 22 starts in the 3 MLB seasons he played after leaving Baltimore, despite having 109 starts in his 5 years with the Orioles.  In 143 appearances, Milacki would post a 39-47 record with 8 Complete Games, 5 Shut Outs, 387 Strikeouts, and a 4.38 ERA.

Bob Milacki autographed this 1992 Score card mailed to him at the Double-A Reading Phillies facility. He responded to me after 54 Days.

RBI (29) An MVP TTM...

Ok well maybe not a league MVP, but the 1998 Angels' team MVP Gary DiSarcina. Gary didn't respond to my letter but the former shortstop was kind enough to take the time to autograph and mail back my card.

DiSarcina was the California Angels 6th round pick in the 1988 draft and shot through the system making his first appearance in the Majors in September of 1989 to play in 2 games. The following two seasons he played in only 18 games a season, but by 1992 he took over as the Angels starting shortstop. He had an All-Star first half in 1995, but only appeared in 99 games by the end of the season. In 1999 DiSarcina appeared in his lowest number of games since taking over as starting shortstop, playing only in 81 and finally a mere 12 apperances in 2000 before he finally retired, ending his 12 year career as an Angel.

DiSarcina was a career .258 hitter, retiring just short of a hitting milestone with 966 hits. To go with his almost one thousand hits, he scored 444 Runs thanks in part to 47 Steals and 28 Home Runs.

Despite his playing career ending, DiSarcina continues life in baseball having been a manager for the Red Sox affiliate Lowell Spinners from 2007-2009. He returned to the Angels family in 2011 as a special assistant to General Manager Tony Reagins.

DiSarcina was scheduled to throw a first pitch for the Angels 50th Anniversary, but did not sign autographs during the game. Amazingly the game he threw the pitch for was on a Monday, and that Thursday I received my card in the mail. I guess he went through some fan mail and sent out a few! Gary DiSarcina autographed this 1996 Score card and responded to my request mailed to Angel stadium after 56 days.

RBI (21) An original super utility player...

Or at least one of the best. Tony Phillips played in the Majors for 18 years and on 6 teams in almost every position a player can man. While some think teams ask a lot of Michael Young and Ben Zobrist, Phillips played second, shortstop and third regularly while also logging more than 100 games in left and right field with 3 games short of 100 in center.

The 1978 first round pick was selected 10th overall by the Expos but surprisingly despite his 6 teams he never played for them. Instead he debuted with the Oakland Athletics in 1982 and would be a member of the 1989 World Series championship team after being defeated in the 1988 World Series by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Phillips left the A's to join the Tigers and he would master the skill that would extend his career to almost two decades, the ability to take a walk. In hist first year with the Tigers Phillips would end the season with 99 Walks against only 85 strikeouts. For the rest of his career he would excel as being an on base machine and be driven for 90+ Runs 7 times and 4 of those times would be for more than 100 runs.

Phillips would have two terms of service with the Angels, joining them as a California Angel in 1995, and as an Anaheim Angel in 1997. As a member of the Angels, Phillips would smash a single season career best 27 Home runs and be driven in 192 times.

At the end of 18 seasons he would have scored 1300 Runs and collected 2023 hits. Even more impressively Phillips would have 1318 Walks which combined with his .266 average for a .374 career On Base Percentage, good enough for 220th all time.

I was able to get Tony Phillips to autographed this 1997 Score card for at Angel Stadium as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration.