To be a little bit more concise, it's been a few months since I went to the Frisco RoughRiders game with a few friends.
Pretty much from the time I started playing baseball as a little kid, I've been a catcher. I have a place in my heart for them. And so when my friendasked me if I wanted any cards to get autographed, of course I requested the Riders catcher, Cooper Johnson.
It was a little bit tough to get his signature since Johnson was starting behind the plate that day. When I was watching him do his drills in the bullpen, he must've noticed me, because he turned to me and said he'd give me an autograph.
Cooper was such a nice guy. I don't know if I've ever met a more polite ballplayer. It really made an impression on me that he went out of his way to sign my card when he was obviously busy. I wasn't even asking for his autograph. I was a fan of his before, but I would say I'm a bigger fan now. As far as my personal player encounters go, thisthe most pleasant of them all.
At the game, whenever Johnson came up to bat, all the fans in the stadium chanted, 'Cooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!'
I think y'all get the point. It was a very long an excited cheer.
I think y'all get the point. It was a very long an excited cheer.
Since the game, Cooper Johnson has been promoted to AAA Round Rock, where he's slashing .212/.339/.283 in 30 games. At 27 years of age, he might need to get moving if he wants his chance in the big-leagues. I hope he gets there soon and can play at least a handful of games for the Rangers.
I love adding autographs acquired in-person to my collection. Almost every minor leaguer or ex-major leaguer I've met has been very friendly. I'm even personal friends with one of them (who just retired after the 2024 season). It's special to me to be able to meet and talk to the guys I enjoy watching so much.
That was an experience I'm glad to remember on the blog. Thanks for sharing the memory with me, have a great week, and happy collecting!
Sounds like you had an exciting day. Cool!
ReplyDeleteVery nice of Mr. Johnson to sign that card for you. Hope he ends up making it to the bigs one day.
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