Which players made you work for the autograph?

[GoCubsGo32]

Sandy Koufax 3 years ago.

My father is a pilot and was riding in the back of the plane to get home.Before boarding the airplane, a random guy told my dad, "Hey! You are lucky!" "Koufax is on that plane!".. Dad was confused..he said, "Sandy Koufax?" sure enough, he was sitting 2 rows in front of my Dad. Pretty surprising considering it was a very small airport they were flying to. My dad knew I collected autographs and was going to surprise me with getting his autograph. Dad didn't feel comfortable asking since he was still in uniform(even though he was off duty) and he wanted my brother to get a chance to meet him. So he text my brother ( who was picking him up) telling him that Koufax was on the plane and to bring something to get sign.

My dad had no idea about Sandy and how "recluse" he is. In addition, my dad is not an autograph guy. He still thinks anyone who played baseball during the golden era are super friendly.

When Koufax was making his way to baggage claim (one on one) my brother asked him politely, " Mr. Koufax could you please sign this?"

He looked at my brother and scream "WHO THE F**K are you!?!" "WHO TOLD YA I WAS HERE!!" "HUH!!"

My brother who is 30 was so shocked and taken back, that he didn't know what to say. My dad walk over and politely said,"I told him you were on the plane.We are fans of yours and it was a rare occurrence.I wanted my son, to get a chance to meet you sir.Sorry to bother you Mr.Koufax." My dad then took the card, ripped it up, and threw it in the trash can as they left.

Granted, I kinda figure that would probably happen, but since my dad was trying to make it a surprise for me, I didn't know about it, or else I would of told him not to try. Sandy could of been alot nicer to my brother in turning him down. At least he got to meet him! ...kinda...

[1963Topps Set]

Reclusive is just another word for being a jerk.

[jimjim]

Originally Posted by 1963Topps Set

Reclusive is just another word for being a jerk.

I agree to an extent about the recluse. Koufax knows the value of his signature. It's all about supply and demand. Plus his agent is one of the best in the business. Represents Ali. Every time I have seen him in the baseball setting, he gracefully signs multiple autographs; however, I heard this year at spring training he wouldn't sign the sweet spot on baseballs. I think he gets the reclusive statement, because he doesn't do card shows or public appearances. Tom Seaver doesn't do them anymore either. Is he a recluse?

[1963Topps Set]

Tom Seaver just did a show at Hofstra here last year.

[GoCubsGo32]

As far as I know,It wasn't until maybe 2-3 years ago that Koufax starting showing up to Dodgers spring training( to assist Kershaw). Before that, he didn't want to be in the public eye. Seaver had been doing shows but I believe he is/was battling lyme disease.

Dad mention no recognize him at all. He just looked like another other person. The airport only has 2 gates. I would have to guess he flew into a smaller airport for a reason. It's okay, if he wants to be left alone, it's another to be complete asshole to someone.

[packs]

I'm pretty sure last year was Koufax's first year at spring training and from what I hear his being back in a Dodgers uniform has to do with $$$ they're giving him. He used to show up at Mets camp in Florida a lot because he's a long time friend of the Wilpons. Apparently the bad blood went back to a NY Post article that insinuated Koufax was gay. He held the Dodgers responsible because News Corp owned the Dodgers and the paper at the time.

[jimjim]

Originally Posted by packs

I'm pretty sure last year was Koufax's first year at spring training and from what I hear his being back in a Dodgers uniform has to do with $$$ they're giving him. He used to show up at Mets camp in Florida a lot because he's a long time friend of the Wilpons. Apparently the bad blood went back to a NY Post article that insinuated Koufax was gay. He held the Dodgers responsible because News Corp owned the Dodgers and the paper at the time.

This is his third year in an official position with the Dodgers. However, he had been making appearances at Camelback and Vero Beach for a day or two during spring training for many years prior. But that was unofficial and for free.

[Scott Garner]

Gary is correct re: Seaver and Lyme Disease. His health has been compromised and I've heard that he won't probably be doing any more public signings.

Here's hoping that Tom Terrific makes a full recovery from Lyme Disease.

BTW, apparently it's easy to treat if caught early, but quite problematic if diagnosed late. We actually lost a close friend whose Lyme Disease was not properly diagnosed, leading to many serious complications and eventual early death.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by GoCubsGo32

Sandy Koufax 3 years ago.

My father is a pilot and was riding in the back of the plane to get home.Before boarding the airplane, a random guy told my dad, "Hey! You are lucky!" "Koufax is on that plane!".. Dad was confused..he said, "Sandy Koufax?" sure enough, he was sitting 2 rows in front of my Dad. Pretty surprising considering it was a very small airport they were flying to. My dad knew I collected autographs and was going to surprise me with getting his autograph. Dad didn't feel comfortable asking since he was still in uniform(even though he was off duty) and he wanted my brother to get a chance to meet him. So he text my brother ( who was picking him up) telling him that Koufax was on the plane and to bring something to get sign.

My dad had no idea about Sandy and how "recluse" he is. In addition, my dad is not an autograph guy. He still thinks anyone who played baseball during the golden era are super friendly.

When Koufax was making his way to baggage claim (one on one) my brother asked him politely, " Mr. Koufax could you please sign this?"

He looked at my brother and scream "WHO THE F***K are you!?!" "WHO TOLD YA I WAS HERE!!" "HUH!!"

My brother who is 30 was so shocked and taken back, that he didn't know what to say. My dad walk over and politely said,"I told him you were on the plane.We are fans of yours and it was a rare occurrence.I wanted my son, to get a chance to meet you sir.Sorry to bother you Mr.Koufax." My dad then took the card, ripped it up, and threw it in the trash can as they left.

Granted, I kinda figure that would probably happen, but since my dad was trying to make it a surprise for me, I didn't know about it, or else I would of told him not to try. Sandy could of been alot nicer to my brother in turning him down. At least he got to meet him! ...kinda...

WOW!!

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by GoCubsGo32

Sandy Koufax 3 years ago.

My father is a pilot and was riding in the back of the plane to get home.Before boarding the airplane, a random guy told my dad, "Hey! You are lucky!" "Koufax is on that plane!".. Dad was confused..he said, "Sandy Koufax?" sure enough, he was sitting 2 rows in front of my Dad. Pretty surprising considering it was a very small airport they were flying to. My dad knew I collected autographs and was going to surprise me with getting his autograph. Dad didn't feel comfortable asking since he was still in uniform(even though he was off duty) and he wanted my brother to get a chance to meet him. So he text my brother ( who was picking him up) telling him that Koufax was on the plane and to bring something to get sign.

My dad had no idea about Sandy and how "recluse" he is. In addition, my dad is not an autograph guy. He still thinks anyone who played baseball during the golden era are super friendly.

When Koufax was making his way to baggage claim (one on one) my brother asked him politely, " Mr. Koufax could you please sign this?"

He looked at my brother and scream "WHO THE F**K are you!?!" "WHO TOLD YA I WAS HERE!!" "HUH!!"

My brother who is 30 was so shocked and taken back, that he didn't know what to say. My dad walk over and politely said,"I told him you were on the plane.We are fans of yours and it was a rare occurrence.I wanted my son, to get a chance to meet you sir.Sorry to bother you Mr.Koufax." My dad then took the card, ripped it up, and threw it in the trash can as they left.

Granted, I kinda figure that would probably happen, but since my dad was trying to make it a surprise for me, I didn't know about it, or else I would of told him not to try. Sandy could of been alot nicer to my brother in turning him down. At least he got to meet him! ...kinda...

I knew Sandy was tough, but I didn't think he'd be a jackass! Glad your dad ripped up the card right in front of him!