I had the choice between the Home Run Derby and the All Star Game – I choose the game because I’d rather see it than the derby, and I was scared I’d hear Chris Berman live at the derby.
So during the Derby, I went to the Casino again for another signing – Johnny Bench and Tony Perez. It was a buddy and me (he was also at the Jackson signing), so we figured we’d each get 2 autos from each player. We were both planning on giving one away. So, we get to the casino before the HR Derby begins. We get free drinks at the event and they have employees walking around handing out hot dogs, cotton candy, and peanuts. Bench and Perez arrive and say a few words each. They smartly go to the table and begin signing. We get in line, but my friend isn’t let through. I get my 2 items signed for each player and chat with them. Perez doesn’t say much, but Bench is very nice and answered a few questions.
I then go and try to find out why he wasn’t able to get his signatures. Someone high up at the casino explains that the players signed a contract on how many autographs they would sign and that Reggie Jackson complained about the previous night. Tonight they were only letting the VIPs, not their guests, get the autographs. It was a bit disappointing, but there’s not much that could have been done at that point.
Autographs for the day (2):
Johnny Bench – ROMLB
Tony Perez – ROMLB
