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.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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