Sunday, April 29, 2012

Tucson Padres & Winston-Salem Dash

In addition to the many card sets, tickets, and other things teams have sent, I've also received some autographs.  The Tucson Padres and the Winston-Salem Dash have sent some things to us that they got signed.  The Tucson Padres sent us a logo ball with autographs on it as well as a team signed 2011 card set.  The Winston-Salem Dash sent us 2 autographed team photos.  Thanks so much to both organizations for your help in raising money and awareness for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.



Today's Autographs: 81
2012 Autographs:  214

2012 My donation: $10.65

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Game 2: Lancaster Barnstormers Spring Training

Last Friday dad surprised us and took us to the Lancaster Barnstormers spring training game against the Sugar Land Skeeters.  It was great getting back to the ballpark and seeing a few familiar faces as well as meet some new guys.  The Barnstormers won and with the low spring training crowd we were able to snag a few foul balls. 

Saturday was their fan fest followed by a game against the Camden Riversharks.  Gavin had a game too so we only stayed for the beginning but did really well in 2 days for autographs!  Baseball is back!





Today's Autographs: 60
2012 Autographs:  133

2012 My donation: $6.60

Friday, April 27, 2012

More Minor League Mail

Getting home from school and checking the mailbox has been something to look forward to.  More teams in Minor League Baseball have sent us mail that has included tickets, card sets, first pitch opportunities, and some fun other things.  Because of distance, we will not be able to attend a game at all the teams, but are very thankful for them thinking of us.  We would like to thank the Boise Hawks, West Virginia Power, Vermont Lake Monsters, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Portland Sea Dogs, Gwinnett Braves, Binghamton Mets, and the Tennessee Smokies  for helping us with our effort to raise money for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. 







Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Dayton Dragons & Rochester Red Wings

There has been an awesome response from minor league teams wanting to help and this past week was no different. Last week we received a few autographs from the Dayton Dragons and the Rochester Red Wings.  The Red Wings sent a signed photo of their manager Gene Glynn and the Dragons sent an opening night program signed by the starting lineup.  Thanks so much to both organizations for helping me raise money and awareness for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.




Today's Autographs:  11
2012 Autographs:  73

2012 My donation: $4.02

Friday, April 20, 2012

Game 1: Harrisburg Stampede 70 Virginia Badgers 24

Last Saturday we were able to take in our first indoor football game.  We went to see the Harrisburg Stampede take on the Virginia Badgers.  They play in the Professional Indoor Football League.  It was a test they were doing by playing the game in York looking at possible expansion.  The one downfall was they played in the ice rink and we didn't think about it being cold so we didn't pack sweatshirts. 

We ended up leaving a little into the 4th quarter because we were freezing so we really didn't get the chance to try to get autographs after the game.  Before the game we were able to get Marques Colston to sign for us.  He is a co owner of the team and we were also able to meet Mr. Coble.  He is the other owner and remembered us from our letter.  He talked to us for several minutes and was very supportive of what we are doing.  We are looking forward to going to more Stampede games in the future!




Today's Autographs: 2
2012 Autographs: 62

2012 My donation: $3.47

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Minor League Mail

Several teams have responded this year by sending cards, tickets, programs, and other cool stuff. Thank you to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Louisville Bats, and the Hudson Valley Renegades for the awesome response. We already have some of the cards ready to be signed this season! Thanks again!





Tuesday, April 17, 2012

All Aboard! Ride the Express!


It looks like we'll be spending some time in Reading. We've already heard from the Reading Phillies and Reading Royals...now add the Reading Express. I received an email from Zach telling me they would be happy having us at an upcoming game. We love football and are looking forward to checking out the Express this season. They don't have any cards, but do have a player autograph session after the games. Thanks so much to Zach and the Express staff and we look forward to the game.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Jackie Robinson #42

Today is a special day in baseball...Jackie Robinson Day. All the teams will wear #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson and what he meant not only to baseball, but to America. A few months back we had the privilege of meeting his daughter, Sharon Robinson. I got an email from Mrs. Robinson this week that said she will be celebrating tonight in NY as the Angels take on the Yankees. We'll be watching to as former Barnstormer Jerome Williams takes the mound wearing #42 for the Angels tonight! I wanted to re post our entry from the day we met Mrs. Robinson...enjoy!


We love hearing stories of some of the old time baseball players. Some of my dad's favorites were Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, Andre Dawson, Mike Schmidt, and Dave Winfield. Even before those guys would step onto a baseball field, there was Jackie Robinson. He broke the color barrier in baseball back in 1947 and opened the doors for African Americans to play baseball in the Major Leagues.

His daughter Sharon Robinson was coming to the Lititz Library to sign books, talk about her dad, and telling us all what it was like growing up the daughter of Jackie Robinson. We spent over 2 hours listening to her stories, checking out her books, and asking questions. One of the coolest stories was about their first Christmas in Brooklyn which she wrote about in Jackie's Gift. At the end she signed her books for us.

It was a really cool afternoon listening to her stories comparing baseball back then to now. She is a great author of books for all ages and has a job in MLB as the director for educational programs. If you get a chance, check out one of her books.

Baseball helps remember the legacy of Jackie by retiring the number 42. So, today we will donate .42 for our autographs from Sharon. Thanks Sharon!

Friday, April 13, 2012

All Pro Dad

Yesterday our school had it's second All Pro Dad meeting. We have breakfast with our dad before school and there is a short program to discuss as a family. This month's breakfast featured a guest speaker, Jim Johnson. Jim is the basketball coach at Greece Athena High School in Rochester, New York. February 15, 2006 was a game he and most of the country will never forget. Take a look at the story ESPN did and realize that dreams do come true! It was great to meet Coach Johnson and hear his inspiring story of J Mac.






Today's Autographs: 1
2012 Autographs: 60
2012 My donation: $3.37

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Royal Treatment!

We are expanding beyond baseball and we got our first hockey team. The Reading Royals responded by sending us autographed cards from guys on their team. They also included ticket vouchers for next season to catch our first Royals game! We have met Slapshot at Cylo's birthday parties, but we've never been to a game. Thanks to the Royals staff and we can't wait!





Today's Autographs: 14
2012 Autographs: 59
2012 My Donation: $3.32

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Opening Day!

Happy Opening Day! Today is one of the best days of the year...baseball is back! There is not too much that beats the crack of the bat, the smell of fresh cut grass, and a hot dog at the ballpark. I'm not sure why they don't just make this a holiday and have no school. So no matter who you cheer for, enjoy the season!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Bowa Baseball

Saturday we went to the Ephrata Rec Center for their annual card show. We got some good cards that we can hopefully get signed this season. Larry Bowa was there signing autographs so we got to meet him and he signed a card for us from when he managed the Phillies. Baseball season is here!





Today's Autographs: 1
2012 Autographs: 45
2012 $ Raised for Alopecia Areata: $2.62

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

STAMPEDE!!!

I've mentioned we are expanding beyond baseball this season and we contacted a few of the other teams in our area. The Harrisburg Stampede responded by sending us tickets to their April 14th football game. They play in the American Indoor Football League and have Marques Colston as part of their ownership group. We've never been to one of their games and don't know how it will be for autographs, but we are looking forward to it! They also had 3 tickets that were signed on the back. I'm not sure yet who they are, but we will find out soon enough. Thanks to the Stampede staff and we are looking forward to the game!





Today's Autographs: 3
2012 Autographs: 44
2012 $ Raised for Alopecia Areata: $2.57