Only ten days between updates?!
Fortunately I was able to go to the Sidekicks' Alumni Game. The list of players was smaller than previous years, but it still was good. The Alumni Game lasted a whole three minutes. I know at least one player wasn't too happy about that. I hope they expand it out more next season. It's just kind of insulting and a waste of time to give them only three minutes. Perhaps they could do like the Dallas Stars and make it into a postgame event. Play the regular game at 4 pm, then have a shorter game, maybe two ten-minute halves starting an hour afterward.
I only had cards on six players, but as usual they signed everything I had. I was hanging out with the three other local collectors I've probably mentioned on here, Brian, Dave, and Mark. Mike Powers was the first one we saw, and he signed all ten cards I had. Powers is always great, enjoys talking to fans, gives a great sig, and is careful on his placement of it, trying to put it in a good, visible spot.
Doc Lawson came by next, signing nine. Brian used to work with him so of course they had a great time chatting. I've probably mentioned Doc's charity on here before but if I haven't definitely go and check it out. And even if I have, it certainly can use extra promotion.
Donami Sport is working to expand youth soccer in Lawson's birth land of Liberia, a West African country that has been hit hard by civil war and outbreaks of Ebola.
We saw Victor Moreland come through after that. He was walking with a cane, but we did see him on the field moving around alright during the game. He signed the four I had with me (and 8 more later on) and mentioned that he signs his full name on Wichita Wings cards, but just his last name on others. I always like knowing about signing quirks like that.
Gordon Jago stopped and chatted for a good while as well. It's always great hearing his stories. For example, we learned that he worked with the Baltimore Orioles during their 1970 Championship season. While coaching the Baltimore Bays, who were owned by Orioles' owner Jerold Hoffberger, he worked in the Orioles' front office on the side as well. It's not every day you get to say you talked to someone who was member of a World Series winner AND is an Indoor Soccer Hall of Famer AND was knighted a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. He has a book coming out soon as well, and he signed three cards for me.
I also was able to help Ray in Baltimore out with a Jay Bednar sig. Brian actually played defense in high school in front of Bednar.
We watched the first half of the game and the Alumni match before heading to the concourse. David Doyle was the first one we saw, and he signed the three cards I had. I keep forgetting but I'll have to post the Doyle sigs I have, as he's changed how he signs the last few years.
Moreland passed by later and signed again, as did Billy Phillips who signed the two I had.
After the game we waited around hoping to see a few others that I wanted to get for Ray, but had no luck; I think they may have taken the stairs down rather than the elevator. Out on the field, I was able to get a few current players: Fernando Garza, David Kamali, and Carlos Videla each signed two (one for me and one for Ray), and Tony Santibanez signed the card Ray sent along.
Overall, a pretty good outing. I'm hoping for more and there's still talk that the team might do a salute to the 1987 Champs later in the season, so I'll keep an eye out for that. I'll also be hoping for the next card giveaway to be on a weekend when I'm in town.
