Terry Francona: The Best Red Sox Manager Ever



Terry Francona Bobblehead

 Prior to 2004, I can think of the names of popular or not so popular Red Sox managers; Dick Williams, Don Zimmer, Darrell Johnson, Jimy Williams, John McNamara, Butch Hobson, Joe Morgan, Grady Little, Joe Cronin, etc....I remember when Francona was hired.  It was no surprise that Grady Little was fired after the 2003 ALCS game 7 debacle, but I also was like "Terry Francona"?  "Who the hell is that?"  "He Sucks."

On October 27, in his first season that all changed.  He managed the Red Sox to their first World Series championship in 86 years.  He instantly became a Red Sox legend after the last out.  Then 3 seasons later, history repeated itself and he managed another World Series champion with the same team, only legitimizing his legendary status and making him the most popular and greatest Red Sox manager ever.


2004 World Series Team Signed ball, Terry Francona on the sweet spot.

So what does that mean after he and the Red Sox legally separated today?  It means to find his autographed bat, photo, ball or other item and purchase it.  It means that his memorabilia will forever be marked as historic and valuable in the Boston Market.  His autograph is one that you'll want to pass onto children and grandchildren.  It means you have a piece of Red Sox history.  

Terry Francona 2004 World Series Autographed ball.

Thanks for the past 8 years Terry and we hope to see you in the visitor dugout for your much deserved Fenway Park standing ovation.

Chasing the Movie Star

For one person who does not particularly like movies (The only time I watch a movie is if it was made prior to 1996, or is a Disney movie my daughter wants to see.), it is no surprise most of my autographs come from athletes.  However, I do have some autographs from actors in the movies Return of the Jedi (My favorite movie in the Star Wars series) and How Do You Know.  In fact one of those is Jack Nicholson.  Now, this is still of no major interest to me, however, movie star autographs are highly valuable and frankly, not as available, and there is a strong market for them.



Autographed Return of the Jedi poster.  Signed by Kenny Baker (R2D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and 2 other actors.

In the past few years, Boston has been the backdrop, and setting for many movies.  Many famous stars have come to Boston to film their productions.  And honestly, from most accounts, these people are easy to find and sometimes accessible.  Now I'm not going to stalk an actor/actress, as I have athletes, but if I know someone will be at a location, at a particular time, and I have a good chance to pick up an autograph from say, a Tom Cruise, Drew Barrymore or Jack Nicholson, I might check it out.  So, have your star scrap book ready, a sharpie in hand and maybe a camera.  You may not only be an extra in a movie, you might add to your movie star autograph collection.


How Do You Know Poster autographed by Jack Nicholson, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd and 2 other people.



The political autograph!!!

For one who hates most aspects of politics, whether locally, nationally or at work; I have to say I am fascinated by the whole process.  The art of the campaign, selling your ideas, the rhetoric, not offending people and what intrigues me most, the meet and greet.  I have been fortunate to meet many, many politicians including local mayors, up to U.S. presidents and every experience has been different.

As I've been collecting autographs, it took me time and courage to ask a politician to sign an item.  For years, and this is still the case, I've collected political buttons, but never their autographs.  That changed in 2003/2004 when I met Joe Lieberman, John Edwards, John Kerry and John McCain on the presidential campaign trail in New Hampshire.  As I attended more and more functions I realized these people could some day become president and started asking for autographs.  As I researched autograph values of politicians, president or not, I quickly discovered their values are far more valuable than most athletes.  Senators and congressman are valued at about the same as top athletes, presidents about 20 - 30% more and supreme court justices about 50% higher.  Moreover, meeting people that have so much power and influence over the nation and world is what makes these experiences and signatures so valuable.

So now is the time to start visiting New Hampshire.  The presidential primary is coming up in 4 short months. and folks such as Giuliani, Romney, Perry, Paul and Bachmann will be appearing regularly in the granite state.  Most of their functions are free to the public and more often than not they will both local and national politicians there to speak on behalf of them.  Hence, how I met Bill Clinton 4 years ago at a Hillary Clinton rally.  All their appearances will posted on the individual candidate web pages. 

So bring your sharpie, a magazine or button and have it ready to be signed when they mingle with the crowd following their speeches. 


Bill and Hillary Clinton, Scott Brown autographed items.



Meet NHL Hall of Famer Cam Neely



Cam Neely Autographed puck.

Bruins great and NHL Hall Of Famer Cam Neely will be appearing at New England Picture Store in the South Shore Plaza in Braintree Mass, on Saturday September 10th.

Cam is a Bruin legend, the current Bruin president and one of the people responsible for building a stanley cup winning team.  This is a rare opportunity to meet him and score an autograph at a reasonable price.

He is appearing from 3:00 to 4:00pm.  His prices are $39 for regular items, $49 for premium and $20 for inscriptions.  This is a steal for any hall of fame athlete.

Please check the following websites for more information and presale tickets:
http://www.newenglandpicture.com/
http://www.sureshotpromotions.com/