Summer is in full effect. That means a few things. For one, school is out until the fall. Second, the weather is getting nicer and nicer every day. And third, baseball season is in full swing by now. Being a baseball player and fan of the game for my whole life, I've always enjoyed going to games and watching the players and analyzing the situations. I know that's probably not what most people think of when they go to baseball games, but that's the life I live as a die-hard fan of the game.
Recently, a couple of my friends took me to a game in the Quad Cities. They told me it'd be a long night because after the game they were going to get the autographs of a couple of the players. I knew they were into this, but I never thought they would get me into it as well. Due to the fact that many players will only sign one or two items, my friend gave me a couple baseball cards for a player to autograph. I didn't think much of it, but then I saw the player, Kyle Tucker, and once I asked for him to sign the cards, I was hooked. After player over ten years of baseball, as well as other sports, I have never felt such an adrenaline rush when it comes to sports.
That night on the drive back home, I told my friends that I decided to take up autographing, or "graphing" as we like to call it. They told me what it takes from a money and time standpoint, and I was totally understanding because I know what can happen with autographed memorabilia as far as an increase in price. If it's done right, all of the supplies bought and time spent is easily paid off in the long run due to performance of players who you've gotten autographs from.
Not too long after this trip to the Quad Cities, another one of my friends and I went to the St. Louis Cardinals game. We decided that we were going to try to "graph" the Arizona Diamondbacks, who the Cardinals played that day. We got a couple of decent autographs, but I wasn't satisfied. I wanted to add my own little twist on my new hobby. I decided that I want to also have a collection of "selfies" with these baseball players. That day, I got a selfie with former Cardinals and current Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller.
Even though he's not a big name player or a superstar, this was still one of the coolest moments of my life. It's almost a feeling of being starstruck. All my life, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. Now, to be near these men who are living out my dream is just awesome to me.
Even though it's only been a few weeks since I've started "graphing," I already have a nice little collection going. I'm looking forward to adding to it in the near future. Needless to say, I'm glad that I went to the Quad Cities that night. Also, thanks to my friends, Tyler and Payton for showing me a new hobby.
