Who's the earliest HOF you met in person?

[scottglevy]

For me it was Eddie Mathews. He was signing cards at a local card show when I was around 10...but I didn't have any of his cards and also didn't have the money for the autograph.

I simply waived as I saw Eddie leaving. At which point he came over, shook my hand and asked me what I was holding (it was the flyer for the show). He took out a blue sharpie, signed his name, shook my hand again and told me to enjoy the show

Scott

[smrtn240]

Johnny Bench
Also met Pete Rose the same day, not a HOF though...

[frankbmd]

An in person autograph obtained in 1957.



He was pretty old then, 67.

I'm pretty old now, 67.

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

An in person autograph obtained in 1957.



He was pretty old then, 67.

I'm pretty old now, 67.

Great Share, Frank...just remember 'not to be (67) again.'

As for me, I'm sure Aaron, Mathews, Niekro, and Torre were in the dughout when cousin Whitlow lifted me down from the stands on Opening Day, 1966, but I was far too starry eyed to recognize them. . and that was my one and only 'known' meet...guess I need to go to some card shows, huh?

[slipk1068]

Johnny Mize at Gloria Rothstein Card Show. I was talking to him and asked him a question. He seemed to be completely ignoring me. Then I got to thinking the guy is 80 years old maybe he is hard of hearing

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Luke Appling late 1980's, he was very nice.

[bbcard1]

Mantle and Ford. They used to tour as an attraction to minor league baseball parks and sign autographs. One of the cooler things I got to do is Bob Feller would actually pitch to you for $2 with contributions going to youth organizations. Blooped a single over second base at the Charleston Charlies game in 1976 or so. I am 1-for-1 career vs. hall of famers.

[Stonepony]

Paige, DiMaggio in 70s

[packs]

I remember in the early 90s I was at a Gloria Rothstein show with my dad and Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, and Joe DiMaggio were all signing at the same show. We didn't get any autographs, but my dad talked the attendant into letting us into the room for a minute so we could see them.

I was maybe 9 or 10 at the time.

[darwinbulldog]

I met Bob Feller at a card show just outside of New Orleans back in about '89.

And though he won't ever make the Hall of Fame, I likely saw Will Clark play in a high school game or two back when I was still on my first set of teeth.

[jakebeckleyoldeagleeye]

Originally Posted by scottglevy

For me it was Eddie Mathews. He was signing cards at a local card show when I was around 10...but I didn't have any of his cards and also didn't have the money for the autograph.

I simply waived as I saw Eddie leaving. At which point he came over, shook my hand and asked me what I was holding (it was the flyer for the show). He took out a blue sharpie, signed his name, shook my hand again and told me to enjoy the show

Scott

I meant Mr. Mathews at a card show in St. Louis and he treated me like an old buddy. What a guy!

[skil55voy]

Jim Bunning. Before he was in the Hall of Fame at a card show in Toledo, Ohio. I had my 2 young daughters with me. I was standing in line waiting for him to sign and I told him he pitched in the first came I ever went to at Tiger Stadium. After he signed my ball, he asked me to stay and we talked about the game. He was great.

Also, Bert Blyleven before he was in the hall. I had him sign a Sporting News cover with and Jeff Reardon on it. He asked me if I wanted him to sign Jeff's name for him. Hilarious!

[quinnsryche]

Hank Aaron 1975 getting on the Brewers team bus for a game vs the White Sox. We used to go to the visiting team's hotel for autographs. Once gave Lou Piniella a ride to Comiskey Park when he missed the bus. The next day he gave me a game used bat. Pretty cool for a nine year old at the time.
Also - Feller, Appling and Lopez in the mid 70's too.