Comment by Coachgd on December 19, 2015 at 4:02pm

Being from the Cleveland area, of course the Johnny Football story was all over the news.  Johnny actually signed the hundy before the game, and some fans here gave him some flack for not concentrating on the game.  I say big deal, it was like an hour before kick off.  I agree with you, if I was that guy, I would turn that 100 into a thousand if someone wanted to pay it.  It is a one of a kind item though!

One time in the mid 90's when the Indians were making their run, the Tribe had a fan fest and Dick Jacobs, the owner of the team, was walking around.  I didn't have anything for him to sign so I pulled out a dollar bill and asked him to sign it.  He grabbed it, smiled and put it in his pocket then said "I need every one of these to sign Albert Belle!"  We both laughed, then he pulled it out of his pocket and signed it for me.  As it turned out, I guess Dick didn't have enough money as Albert went to the White Sox.

I also have a good O.J. story, but I don't want to hijack your blog!

Comment by Josh Board on January 1, 2016 at 3:37pm

Coach...come on! Hijacking threads is what this world (well, this website) is all about. The more stories, the merrier. Let's hear it.

Comment by Coachgd on January 1, 2016 at 8:19pm

I was first into collecting sports autographs.  After a few years, I decided I wanted to start a project that was kind of unique- so I bought a full sized authentic Heisman Trophy helmet.  There were some Heisman winners are also Hall of Famers, so I figured I could get some of those guys during induction weekend in Canton.  Over the years I have gotten Staubach, Dorsett, Marcus Allen (jerk), and Paul Hornung either in the old tent sessions or with a paid admission to the hall.  Pretty good deal!

Also, Tri-Star was making an annual stop in Cleveland and they usually had some Heisman winners on their lineup and I figured I could get quite a few.

Like usual, once I start something, I get addicted.  So I saw that the National was being held in Chicago one year and they had a lot of Heisman winners at the show so I decided to make the 6 hour drive.  

Most of the Heisman guys were signing on Sat. but I decided to go to the show on Friday and walk around to see what what there.  As I turned the corner, I literally run into O.J.!  He and his crew were setting up their own table and he was not a part of the signings that were advertised.  Of course I left my helmet in my car, which was parked a few blocks away.  Yes, I was conflicted for a moment.  Do I pay a (not guilty) murderer to sign the helmet?  So I go running down the street to my car to get my Heisman helmet, when would I ever get to get his autograph?

I make it back in time to get him to sign my helmet and I also bought a throw back mini helmet and had him put "Juice" on it.   The guys running the show kicked OJ from the venue.  On the way out he said that he would be signing from his hotel room across the street.  As it turns out, I guess he needed the money.

I decided to get my picture taken with him as well.  I do have a sick sense of humor sometimes, and I decided not to tell any of my friends.  I waited until Christmas and sent out Christmas cards with the picture of me and O.J. on the front that said "Have a killer Christmas!"  Oh, the phone calls I got!  "Is that real?"  "Is that a cardboard cut out?"  "You didn't really meet OJ did you?"  "Holy crap, that's funny!"  

Gotta love my friends.

My Heisman helmet is now signed by 44 guys who won the trophy.  I think there are only a few out there that has OJ's auto on it.

Comment by Josh Board on January 1, 2016 at 9:53pm

Okay, that is the best story ever. "have a killer Christmas." Wow. That is awesome.

My friend had moved to UTAH, and a few days after the "high speed chase," his wife bought a brand new white Ford Bronco. Not to be funny, she didn't even realize it. She got home and he was saying, "What the hell?!" So, he was going to get a personalized license plate that read "NOT OJS" but...he ended up not doing it.

Comment by Josh Board on January 1, 2016 at 9:54pm

Oh, I like the part also where you said you "get addicted," or whatever, because I do the same thing. I will have a movie poster signed by one of the actors I interviewed, and I get obsessed with wanting as many of the rest of the cast to then sign it.

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