I was able to attend the 2nd home Pre-Season game the Pacers had vs. the Rockets at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on October 16, 2009. The game was, really, anything but spectacular. Indiana pulled out the game 119-104, but the stars saw minimal minutes to allow those trying to make the team a final push.

For the autograph chaser, the game turned out to be the perfect place to be. As the players were finishing warm-ups, some decided to sign on their way to the locker room. Rod Benson stopped and signed my NBA Basketball in blue paint pen. Lawrence Roberts stopped by and did the same. Unfortunately, both of these players were cut by the Pacers just a few days later. Also cut was Demetris Nichols, although he didn't sign for me this day. Solomen Jones and Luther Head made a stop and signed for several people too. They signed my NBA Basketball in blue paint pen as well. TJ Ford was the last to stop and sign. If you remember from my last post, he already signed my ball. I got him on my game ticket this time.

Danny Granger was signing too, but he likes to pretend he's really rushed! Maybe he really is, but it's almost comical...Danny comes off the court and a handler gives him a black sharpie. Danny will look up at the clock then sign for a couple of fans. Next thing you hear is, "Come on Danny, you've gotta go!" Danny looks up at the clock again, signs for 2-3 more people then jets to the locker room. Every time they do this same routine! He was reaching for my ball to sign (so I sure could have gotten him) but I pulled the ball back and asked if he could sign it in Pacers blue. He said "sorry, no time." Danny really is a good signer and is good to his fans. I'll have my chance again with him later.

So, I got 5 of the 6 Pacers who stopped after warm-ups and signed. Not a bad ratio. After all the Pacers took off to the locker room, I took off to the other side of the court. The only player I got from the Houston Rockets was Carl Landry. He put a nice sig on my floorboard.

During the game I got Larry Bird. Larry sits in the corner of the arena about three rows up. He'll sign for the fans, but only during time outs...and only on your ticket. I've never seen him sign anything but tickets, and I've seen plenty of people try. The "green coats" (security) always squash any hopes for anything but tickets. I think it is very commendable that Larry signs and always give him a hearty "Thank you Mr. Bird!"

The after game autograph hunt is always fun too. Many times the players will come out of the locker room and into the restaurant located next to the locker room. Tonight Josh McRoberts and Brandon Rush stopped to sign, and both signed my NBA basketball in blue paint pen. Tyler Hansbrough stopped through too, which surprised a lot of people. Since I already had him on my ball too, I had him sign another ticket I had. Funny how sloppy his signature was on the ticket compared to the one he did on my ball at the private event. Great that the kid stopped and signed though; I sure appreciated it.

So all in all a GREAT night!

Total autographs = 10
Pacers = 8
Rockets = 1
NBA HOF = 1

Eric