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jt16
07-31-2011, 10:14 AM
Had tickets to last nights Phillies game. I decided to take my son and go early and try to get an autograph or two. I haven't done this in at least 20 years. We usually drink a few out in the parking lot and never get in early. But since it was just me and my son I thought I give it a shot. I went to LCS and picked up a 3 MLB baseballs and we were off.
We got in the park around 5:30 and headed down to the railing to try to get a spot. It was packed already. From the dugout all the way to right field. I decided to go half way and squeeze in. My son got a spot right against the railing. So we watch the Pirates take BP. Now I am wondering how long before we see any players. It was hot 93 degrees and we just sat there waiting. 530, 6pm, 630, 645.....finally Chase Utley comes out and stretches and then Rollins. I start talking to this guy next to me. He is one of those autograph experts. He says Utley will come over for about a minute and maybe Howard. But you have to get lucky because he could walk over directly in front of you. Well after a few minutes Rollins walks over but way down the other end.

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Now notice how many people are now there waiting. At least 3 rows deep from dugout to right field. Utley walks over right next to us but my 8 year old son is too short and can't reach the ball out far enough. I grab another ball out of the bag and try but to late. We get ready to leave but the here comes Hunter Pence out to stretch. We watch, cheer and get ready to leave. It is 6:57pm. The auto expert say Pence signs all the time at home in Houston. So I think to myself why not wait and see if he comes over. We wait and they sing the national anthem and then it happens. Pence starts walking over. Right towards us. I mean like he knew me. It was like hitting the lottery.

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Still can't believe it. He grabbed my son's ball then mine. We got 2 autographs from Hunter Pence on his Phillies debut. SWEET. I was more excited then my son. It was crazy, after we got the autographs I had to grab my son because it was crazy. So many people pushing and trying to get him to sign.

Hunter Pence is class act. I really didn't follow him in Houston but he was like a kid out there. He got 3 standing ovations from 45,000 people. He loved every minute of it. When he took the field in the first inning he was waving his glove in air and thanking all the fans. It is a shame the ump took away his first hit he was safe and then Charlie Manual knew he had to get the kid's back and went out there and gave it to the first base umpire.

Awesome game and I think I have a new favorite Phillie. And I love the socks.
Screamer
07-31-2011, 10:18 AM
Phillies fans should fall in love with this guy. He plays hard every minute and just loves playing baseball

Great story; thank you for sharing
xbignick
07-31-2011, 10:26 AM
Great story.
Hunter Pence once offered me his auto but I said no :()
Only want stars on the official balls.
whywhy
07-31-2011, 10:34 AM
Great story.
Hunter Pence once offered me his auto but I said no :()
Only want stars on the official balls.

wtf are you serios:confused: hes a great player, and an all-star????????
dizzydolse
07-31-2011, 10:48 AM
Great story.
Hunter Pence once offered me his auto but I said no :()
Only want stars on the official balls.

I can't believe he had the nerve to offer you his autograph on one of your ROMLB!! He should have known you were such a tool.
JDK16
07-31-2011, 10:55 AM
dont feed the trolls.
awesome story was so disappointed Braves didnt get him.. i think he is the true definition of a ballplayer gives his all all the time..
Laxbam619
07-31-2011, 11:00 AM
Wow what a great story! congrats to you and your son
IndyKMB
07-31-2011, 11:02 AM
Great story! Pence had to be on Cloud Nine getting saluted by the Phillies Fans like that. Glad you and your son got to have such an experience on his debut night; you'll all have great memories of that night! Makes me want to make the trek out to Philly with my kids sooner rather than later!
jt16
07-31-2011, 11:11 AM
I was just hoping to get anybody. I would have taken an autograph from Juan Samuel. I just didn't want my son to leave empty handed. I mean we waited for so long in that hot weather. To pull this off was awesome.

I have been to 3 Super Bowls, Halladay playoff no hitter, game 5 of the NLCS when they beat the LAD to face the Yankees, the game when Iverson crossed over Jordan, the 1996 Home run derby, Flyers stanley cup game 3 last year, and this ranks up there with them.
jt16
07-31-2011, 11:12 AM
Great story! Pence had to be on Cloud Nine getting saluted by the Phillies Fans like that. Glad you and your son got to have such an experience on his debut night; you'll all have great memories of that night! Makes me want to make the trek out to Philly with my kids sooner rather than later!

Do it, you won't regret it. It is a fun place to watch a ball game.
trogdor
07-31-2011, 11:33 AM
I met Pence down in Astros Spring Training and he had to be the nicest guy there. Talked with all of the fans and enjoyed every minute. Signed for at least 45 minutes every day
IndyKMB
07-31-2011, 11:54 AM
Do it, you won't regret it. It is a fun place to watch a ball game.

With all the family I have in and around Philly, I'm setting things up for an October road trip .... :)!
And by the way, Juan Samuel is one of my all-time favorite Phils, so I'd definitely not pass up an opp to get his auto!
jt16
07-31-2011, 12:12 PM
With all the family I have in and around Philly, I'm setting things up for an October road trip .... :)!
And by the way, Juan Samuel is one of my all-time favorite Phils, so I'd definitely not pass up an opp to get his auto!


October would be great, wait for the NLDS day game. You can always get them cheaper then night playoff games. It would be last minute because the schedule will not come out right away but playoff baseball, Roy Halladay, in Philadelphia is a sight to see.

I always go to the day wild card game, usually the MLB saves the night games for NYY/Bos. Thats when Roy Halladay threw the no hitter last year.