One and One Half Bob Costas Autographs

Last night was Dan Uggla bobblehead night at the game. Of course I was there! I can't have a Jason "I'm-Too-Lazy-to-Run-Out-a-Ground-Ball" Heyward and Chipper "I'm-Too-Good-to-Sign-Autographs" Jones bobbleheads without getting a Dan "My-Arms-Are-as-Big-as-My-Legs" Uggla one to complete the set!

I love how they used three different uniforms and that one of those wasn't the boring solid gray away uni. To me, the Uggla one looks a bit more like Jim Thome.

I took my dad to the game and he was kind enough to wait patiently with me in hopes of getting a few autographs after the game. There was a car and driver waiting outside the gate by the players' lot. I was wondering who the car could be for when out walks Mr. Bob Costas, announcer extraordinaire. Costas has covered events including MLB, NFL, and NBA games, the Kentucky Derby, the Olympics, and US Open golf tournaments. I gave him my ticket to sign. He began to sign the front, but stopped midways and asked if he could sign the back because it would show up better. I obliged. How could I not? And that is how I ended up with one and a half Bob Costas signatures. Not the most interesting story, but I thought it was unique.

I also managed to get Michael Bourn to sign a card for me. The only problem is, he didn't sign it with the Sharpie I brought. Why is this a problem? Because the Sharpie he had in his hand was some kid's blue, dried out Sharpie that he's probably been using to draw all over his program, his little sister, the wall - anything he could get his hands on. As a result, this is what my Michael Bourn autograph turned out like.

Oh no, have I turned into an autograph snob? Don't lie, you cringe, too, when you look at it.

On the bright side: Craig Kimbrel threw me a ball! I usually go early enough to watch batting practice, secretly hoping one of the players will toss me a ball. It annoys the crap out of me when little kids surround me yelling, "Craig! Craig!" or "Hey, number 46! Can I have a ball?!" or my favorite "Hey...YOU!" Haven't their parents taught them any manners? Nope, not at all. Because I have heard their parents telling them, "Yell their name to get their attention." At best, they'll tell them to call them Mr. So-and-So, but rarely.

So as I was standing at the right centerfield wall, I looked up and saw Kimbrel seemingly looking right at me. He had a ball in his hand and pointed what I thought was at me. Then, he tossed the ball...to the man that had just walked up beside me who gave it to his son. I was so disappointed. My dad also swore that he had looked and pointed right at me. Oh well, I thought. Never got a ball before, won't get one today either. Kimbrel walked all the way out to left and started shagging balls. I figured my chance was gone. But then he drifted back towards right. And finally, he turned around with a ball in his hand, pointed again, and tossed it right at me. I didn't want to be one of those people that get so excited that they drop the ball into the abyss that is crack between outfield wall and wall at the front of the stands. Thankfully, I didn't. I told him thank you, took my ball, and went to grab something to eat so other children, or childish adults like me, could have their turn.

In total: one batting practice ball tossed to me by Craig Kimbrel, two autographs, and one Dan Uggla bobblehead makes for a great day at the ballpark!