Tagged: Giant Baseball Glove
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Arizona Diamondbacks August 6-8, 2012 PNC Park Pittsburgh, PA
Yes, I’ve been slacking really bad lately when it comes to doing these blogs. Between Chasing Baseballs, Steelers Training Camp, Pitt Football Practice, Car Accident, Dating, Sleeping, and Kayaking, I’ve been quite busy the past few weeks. The Pirates were hosting the Diamondbacks for a 4 games series. I had big hopes for these games. My plans included finishing a Diamondbacks Team Signed Baseball, getting Kirk Gibson to sign a Dodgers Commemorative Baseball, getting Alan Trammell to sign a Sports Illustrated from 1984, finish my Pirates Team Signed Baseball, and snag as many baseballs as possible.
Pirates
Diamondbacks
Shot of LF and the Wicked Sun and Shadows
Despite the sun, I was still able to catch a Starling Marte Toss-Up during the 2nd Inning of the August 6th game.
Marte B&W
I had an AYCE Wristband for each of the 3 games versus the Diamondbacks. I probably ate 18 burgers, 7 hot dogs, 13 orders of nachos, 12 ice cream sandwiches, 19 bags of peanuts, 3 boxes of popcorn, 6 bags of peanut butter pretzels, and washed it all down with 104 soft drinks. Let’s just say I got my money’s worth.
Prior to one of the games, Ian and I spotted Garrett Jones who graciously signed our items then took a moment to pose with the Giant Glove.
The “Regulars” who wait at the Visiting Team Entrance to PNC Park day after day in hopes of getting their items signed for eBay. They are all pretty friendly for the most part.
PNC Park Security. The most out of shape Security Team in MLB.
The Security Member pictured above reminds me of Paul Blart, Mall Cop. Anyone else see the resemblance? I didn’t take any photos because I was running around like a lunatic during BP and didn’t have time. I apologize. During the 3 games versus Arizona, I was able to snag 23 baseballs. The majority of them were obtained via the Glove Trick. Also, in an embarrassing side note, I was hit in the head by a Josh Collmenter Toss-Up after BP on August 7th. Despite feeling a bit woozy, I was still able to reach down and pick up the ball before it was scooped up by one of the many kids screaming “Here!,Here!,Here!”. Now, to the autographing.
Dodger Stadium Commemorative. Goal: Kirk Gibson.
Mission Accomplished. After Gibson signed my Dodgers Commemorative, I asked if he would also signed my Diamondbacks Team Ball. His exact words were as follows, “JESUS CHRIST!, I just signed a ball for you”. He then stopped signing and marched off to the dugout.
Gibson might be a decent manager, but he sure as hell ain’t a people person. He doesn’t even look friendly.
The Diamondbacks do have a few friendly players. One such player is 2012 ROY Candidate, Wade Miley. Ian and I stuck around PNC Park late one night and were rewarded with signatures from quite a few D-Backs.
In addition to signing a baseball for me on the sweet spot, Miley also added his John Hancock to my Team Ball. The other signature in this photo is Josh Collmenter.
Chris Johnson # 28 and Paul Goldschmidt #44 also signed. Goldschmidt also thanked Ian and I for asking him to sign. I think he may have had a few drinks in the clubhouse prior to leaving the ballpark. Players who also signed my Team Ball are as follows: Jason Kubel, Ryan Wheeler, Stephen Drew, Miguel Montero, and Mike Zagurski. I forgot to take a photo of the panel of the baseball where they signed. :(. After Kirk Gibson refused to sign my Team Ball, I gave up on trying to complete it and instead concentrated on finishing my Pirates Team Ball. Below are some photos of my Pirates Team Signed Baseball as it is right now.
Clint Hurdle, Sweet Spot.
James McDonald, Erik Bedard, Jeff Karstens, Rod Barajas, and Andrew McCutchen.
Frank Coonelly & Garrett Jones.
Michael McKenry, Evan Meek, Drew Sutton, Travis Snider, and Chad Qualls.
Jason Grilli, Clint Barmes, Josh Harrison, Chris Resop, and Joel Hanrahan. I’m still missing a handful of guys including A.J. Burnett and Juan Cruz. I haven’t seen Burnett touch a pen once this whole season. Cruz signed once after a game. However, it was only because his POS Range Rover broke down while exiting the parking garage and he was waiting for AAA to come save him. Other notable players missing are Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez. Both are fairly easy to obtain. I would have both on the ball already but I’ve been getting them on Single Signed Balls, 8×10’s, etc. My goal is to add at least 7 guys to the ball during the series versus the Dodgers. That’s about it for the D-Backs Series. Stay tuned for a recap of Steelers Training Camp, Pitt Football Practice, Pirates vs. Padres, and Pirates vs. Dodgers. I have a lot of catching up to do. I promise to be all caught up before the weekend.
Houston Astros vs. Pittsburgh Pirates July 2nd, 3rd, and 5th 2012 PNC Park Pittsburgh, PA
I’m pretty far behind on my blogging so I will combine the Astros Series into one blog. I attended 3 games of the 4 game series. I missed the July 4th game because I’m not really a fan of games with no BP and also due to the fact that the game was a Sell Out. No BP + Sell Out Crowd = Recipe for Failure. I took quite a few pictures during the series and will post them below in no specific order.
I think this photo is from July 2nd. I arrived at the Ballpark early in hopes of obtaining some autographs. One of my goals each season is to complete a Team Signed Baseball. Last season, I did a Tampa Bay Rays Baseball since I spent the season in Florida. I’m missing 1 signature on the ball. Would anybody like to guess who it is?
Juan Cruz. Yes, the same Juan Cruz who is currently playing for my hometown Pittsburgh Pirates. Cruz is a complete dick, end of story.
I have spotted my fair share of celebrities at PNC Park this season. Rocky Balboa, Hines Ward, Mike Tomlin, Rocco from Cincinnati, Korn, and a few others. However, most of you might be surprised to know that Howard Stern is a regular at PNC Park.
In addition to Stern, PNC Park is also home to Harold. Harold has been a Ballhawk since he caught his 1st Baseball in 1963 at Forbes Field. I recently sat down with Harold and had a nice chat about his collection.
Harold claims to have snagged the baseball that Sidney Crosby hit into the RF Seats on 9/8/2010 Harold also caught a ball during the 1994 All Star Game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA which he designates as his All-Time Favorite Baseball.
My All-Time Favorite Baseball is the 1st Ball I ever snagged. On June 5th, 1997 I obtained my first ball, a Toss Up from St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher Andy Benes at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. I was 13 years old and caught the ball in a Barry Larkin Model Glove in Right Field. I remember it like it was yesterday. I have snagged thousands of balls since then but the Andy Benes Toss Up has remained my favorite. I also caught my first Game Home Run in June of 1997 as well. I believe it was a Kevin Young Home Run against the New York Mets. I will do some homework this week and figure it out.
I know you all enjoy me reminiscing about the past, but I need to get back to the Astros Series. Prior to each game, Max and I have some pretty intense throwing sessions on the Clemente Bridge. We recently started a game where we take turns trying to throw baseballs thru the various holes in the arch of the bridge. After getting warmed up, we also take turns trying to launch the ball over the arch. I will take a video of our session on Sunday and upload it in a later blog. Below are some random photos from the series.
I would say 70% of the Batting Practice Crowd are Autograph Seekers. They all usually crowd the Bullpen Area.
My favorite spot to chill during BP, the area near the Handicap Seats between Section 136/137.
Baseball Joe prefers there LF Corner where he pounds on the wall hoping for a Toss Up from Pirates Trainer Kiyoshi Momose. Baseball Joe suffered 3 Major Strokes during his life which left him unable to speak or hear. Joe’s preferred way of communication is the TISK TISK TISK noise he makes to get people’s attention and he also carries around a small computer that he types messages on. Joe is very good at reading lips and is always up for a game of catch with the baseball he carries around with him all the time. Also pictured in this photo are Ian, Erik, and Robbie.
Ian prefers to spend his time in BP roaming the Upper Bleacher Area hoping for a Moon Shot or also near the Notch by the Bullpens. Ian was recently given a “How to Snag a Baseball During BP” lesson by Pirates Pitcher Jason Grilli. Hopefully the lesson pays off and Ian starts snagging a lot more baseballs.
Here is another shot of Baseball Joe. Joe is also a fan of sneaking into the Seating Area early to search for Easter Eggs as he is seen doing above.
Robbie aka Scoonz is another PNC Park Ballhawk. Robbie is a different breed of Ballhawk. Recently, Robbie began using tactics that have never before been seen including trading Pirates Pitcher Jason Grilli an Italian Sausage for a Baseball. Robbie has also began using the Glove Trick.
Robbie is also not one to leave a ball unclaimed. Pictured above, Robbie and Ballhawk Jim are seen climbing the CF Fence in hope of retrieving a ball from the Batter’s Eye Area.
I believe Robbie was trying to retrieve a ball from the “R” in the word PIRATES. Photo courtesy of Cook & Son Bats’ Blog
Another PNC Park Ballhawk is Erik Jabs. As you can see in the picture above, Jabs as he is called has some guns. Erik is rumored to bench press 500+ pounds.
In addition to being stronger than Paul Bunyan, Erik towers over the BP Crowd like Godzilla. If you are trying to catch a ball during BP, my advice is to stay far far away from Erik. Erik is in 1st Place on MYGAMEBALLS for a reason. He’s a beast. LoL
Another PNC Park Ballhawk is Nick. Nick is one of the friendliest Ballhawks, always giving balls to kids and being sure never to interfere with another fan trying to catch a ball.
Nicknamed “Cougar”, Nick will give you a chance to catch a ball on the fly. However, if you miss, he will be waiting ready to pounce. Nick is probably the most athletic of us all. I should also note that he also obtains all of his balls WITHOUT using the Glove Trick.
Another PNC Park Ballhawk is Max. Max is visiting from Oklahoma for the Summer.
Max claims to be 15. However, just like Danny Almonte in the Little League World Series a few years back, we all have our suspicions.
Max and Robbie posing for a Photo. Ian is playing photographer.
One more PNC Park Ballhawk, Zachary Weiss. Zachary is an aspiring Journalist. Zachary spends his time near the LF Foul Pole of in the Handicap Seats near First Base asking various players and coaches for Toss Ups. 90% of Zachary’s Baseballs are obtained via Toss Up.
Zachary is quite the Humanitarian, donating proceeds from his Baseballs to the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. Zachary is also a firm believer in the “Ballhawk Code of Ethics”. Please ask him for details.
Pirates
Astros
I will catch a Neil Walker Home Run sometime this season.
Drew Sutton, this kid has the WORST arm I have ever seen. I almost stormed down to the dugout and demanded to Clint Hundle to put me in to replace him. I can easily throw a ball from the RF Wall to Home Plate ON THE FLY. Sutton barely made it to the Infield. Pathetic!!
Greg Brown with my Giant Glove.
Steve Blass with my Giant Glove.
Don’t ask.
The meal I eat every Thursday. Hot Sausage Sub and Fried Dough from Vibo’s in Brackenridge, PA. I recently purchased a new camera and discovered it has a panoramic option. Below are a few photos I took while messing around with it on the River Walk.
Allegheny White Fish, known only to be found in the waters of the Allegheny River outside of PNC Park.
This fella here was “Fishin’ fo’ Dinna”.
Buccos win and complete 4 game sweep of Astros.
I took one more photo on my way back to the vehicle. City of Bridges… In total, I snagged 21 balls during the 3 games of the Astros Series I attended. 15 of the 21 were via Glove Trick. I’ve got to admit, that’s just dirty. Check back soon for my recap of the Pirates vs. Giants Game on July 6th, 2012.
I snagged my 2nd Pedro Alvarez Home Run this season, both of which left PNC Park. Check back for details. Adios Amigos.
Chasing Baseballs 