My Autographed Mcfarlane Collection

Two years ago I was in Toronto for the collectors expo waiting for my turn for AJsportsworlds Jean Beliveau signing. The line was massive and I ended up having to wait a couple hours. Given that I had come from Montreal via train I didn't really have many options but to wait my turn. I came across a man selling McFarlane figures which I had not collected or had any interest in at that time. I ended up buying a Jean Beliveau figure from him to have signed that day. Since then my collection has grown tremendously.

My Canadiens McFarlane Collection

I now have 22 autographed Habs McFarlanes in my collection. All obtained in person with the expection of....

-Steve Shutt and Chris Chelios (RED) both purchased from AJsportsworld
-Alex Tanguay purchased from "Mcfarlane Guy" at Toronto Collectors show.

New Additions

NHL 8 Montreal Chris Chelios Varient with "88 Norris" inscription

Mcfarlane Series 21 Carey Price (Grosner exclusive white jersey)

Mcfarlane Limited Edition 12" Series 1 Patrick Roy

Mcfarlane Legends 2 Variant Jean Beliveau with "Le Gros Bill" Inscription

NHL LEGENDS SERIES 1 Yvan Cournoyer Mcfarlane

 

NHL Series 31 Carey Price

 

NHL Series 11 Michael Ryder

NHL Series 21 Alex Tanguay

Olympic Stadium Seat (1981 Montreal Expos Edition)

April 17th 1976, the first day of the Montreal landmark known as the Olympic Stadium was born. Its original purpose was to be the main stadium in which competitions would take place for the 1976 Olympics.  Overtime this has served as the home for many Montreal based sports franchises including the Expos, Alouettes and Impact.

For most Montrealers born after the Olympics this was a symbol of our baseball team. The place where the expos at times celebrated some of there most historic moments. However this was also where the expos sadly had there darkest days and eventually became the grave for the first MLB franchise outside of the United States.

Earlier this year while listening to the Team 990 (another fabric of Montreal sports culture that we may lose) I heard Warren Cromartie explain that he would be bringing back the 1981 Expos! This was in part of a Montreal Baseball Awareness campaign (www.mpb2012.com for more info) set up by "Cro" himself.

The collector in me thought "What would be the best item I could get signed by the only pennant winning Expos squad?" After a little bit of thinking I thought a seat back from the Stadium would be something really great. For those who have been to the stadium remember the unconventional styling of the seats. This to me would truly be something linked to the Expos history.

A month prior to the event I made my way down to the stadium in order to see if getting a seat back was a possibility. Well as it turns out the official answer is no. However the first man who worked at the stadium that I asked explained that there were many seat backs in storage at the stadium however did not think I would be able to obtain one. Prior to sending me off with the name of a manager, he told me to leave him my number and see if he could help me out.

A week later (After my own failed attempts at contacting someone at the stadium) the gentleman I spoke to originally called me and explained not only could he get me a seat back but the entire seat.
Needless to say I was ecstatic at the thought.

After picking up the seat I was pleased but did notice the seat needed some work as it had a rusty stand in a awful color that would not be very nice to look at. The other hiccup with the seat was that it was impossible to remove the seat back for the signing taking place with the 1981 squad.

Seat in its original none restored form

Now the photo of the seat as I received it does not exactly depict the condition it was actually in. the stand in which the plastic of the seat sits on was grey and faded and included cobwebs, dirt, filth and was sitting on this greyish stand which was rusty and discolored. 

Lucky for me my friend owns a construction business not far from where I live and was able to help me strip the paint from the stand and cut off a rusty piece from the front of the stand.

My friend stripping the old paint off/ Cutting the rusty pieces off

Bracket holding the seat after 10+ layers of old paint were sawed off

After the initial paint removal and cutting of the frame it was ready to be painted and placed back on the seat. Now keep in mind aside from the cleaning of the actual seat nothing was painted or cut from the original seat only the makeshift stand it came with.

Different cleaning products used to clean up actual seat.

After completing the painting of the stand I was also able to purchase a vinyl sticker which I then placed on the chair. Also the seat's number plate was also removed. In order not to leave an empty spot in the seat I had my framer make me a custom plate to fit in the place of the number. Overall I was very pleased with the completed look.

New and Improved stand with decal and custom plate that reads "Montreal Expos 1969-2004"

Once arriving at the event the seat garnered much attention and was a big success with the overall crowd. The only disappointed was my spot in the line. Being approximately 200 people back in the line, my concerns were that I might not be able to get to the signing table prior to the event ending.

Overall the event could not have gone any better, at the start of the event not all the players were signing as they were also running a youth camp. By the time I arrived at the table all the players were now signing with the exception of Warren Cromartie and Bill Lee. The players really seemed to enjoy the seat, I was getting various questions on how I was able to obtain it. The highlight however came from Expos former manager Jim Fanning who offered me 200$ for the seat. I laughed it off initially only to realized Mr.Fanning was serious.

Bill Lee and Warren Cromarite were still on the field taking photos and answering questions from the press. Luckily a photographer spotted me in the crowd and got me direclty one on one with both athletes not only getting their autographs but taking pictures and getting me a real one on one chance with them.

"The Spaceman" Bill Lee and I

This event was a huge success as I was able to obtain what now has become my favorite item. Also given the circumstances I'd like to think this is truely a 1/1 item and something I can pass down in my family.

To Recap the following members of the 1981 Expos autographed this seat:

-Andre Dawson
-Tim Raines
-Bill 'The Spaceman' Lee
-Warren Cromartie
-Jim Fanning
-Ellis Valentine
-Rodney Scott
-Larry Parrish
-Wallace Johnson
-Bryn Smith

Olympic Stadium Seat With Auto 1

Olympic Stadium Seat With Auto2

Special Thanks to my girlfriend and sister for helping me complete this.

A memorable birthday! (featuring Nick Swisher)

This July I celebrated my 25th birthday which makes me entirely to old to be so excited about birthdays. However this was clearly one of the most memorable to date.

On the day of my actual birthday I got what I consider to be one of the greatest pieces in my collection. My mother in law works in a spectrum that allows here to deal directly with a few members of the Montreal Canadiens. Now most of the people who read this blog can conclude that I am a huge fan. When she handed me the gift I had a good idea what I was looking at and luckily for me my assumptions were confirmed with a Game Used Erik Cole Autographed stick!

She explained to me that she was on the hunt for this stick for months and was able to seal the deal with Erik Cole just days before he left back to South Carolina for the off season. Nothing can make this stick more legitmate then having Mr.Cole himself hand her the stick to have it passed on to me.

Erik Cole Signed stick on the blade

Stick shaft with Player edition name.

Needless to say I was speechless. Game used memorabilia is harder and much more expensive to come by then most of the pieces I collect. A great gift by both of my parents in law who were so considerate of my interest and exceeded my wildest dreams with this gift! Thanks again Kelly & Jay!

The night of memorable gifts was not quite over there. I was also given a pair of tickets for the Yankees Vs. Blue Jays in Toronto! Being a big Yankees fan since the departure of my beloved expos this was a great gift also. Thanks Nick & Sheena!

Prior to going to the game I decided to make jumbo Nick Swisher heads for the game which I thought would be fun. Not only was the idea fun for the event but ended being the key ingredient in one of the greatest sports events I have ever been to.

Nick Swisher Jumbo Head

When the ball park opened I presented myself to the 3rd baseline gates. I waited around during the whole session coming up empty on the autograph front. However highlights included Derek Jeter asking me why the jumbo head was not made of him and Yankees catcher Russell Martin explaining that the sign was "fucking awesome".

Batting practice was now over and no autographs or any sign of Nick Swisher. The security guard started kicking people out for the start of the game. I was lucky enough just to sit and have no one tell me to move. Two minutes prior to the National anthem out came Nick Swisher and walked towards my sign. As expected Nick was awesome, he signed autographs and the whole nine yards. I was also lucky enough to capture the whole Nick Swisher event on tape!

Nick Swisher and I

Also in between innings I was told by a Yankees fan that this photo had made it onto the Yankee's Official facebook page and had over 17 000 Likes! To say this was a good time was an understatement.

Screen shots of my internet stardom!

 To recap Curtis Granderson was also nice enough to stop and sign my ticket stub which I turned into a cut for a mcfarlane base. Here is a look at everything I was able to obtain that day.

The Ken Dryden Experience (Part One)

I have been collecting autograph's since I was a kid. Whenever I spoke to anyone about who they wished they had in their collection or who was impossible to get, the answer was always the same. Ken Dryden. The man has never done a sit down autograph session in his life and I was told he was tough to get even in person. Most of the time when you hear things of this nature the rumors are often false and the athletes are usually fairly good with autographs. Well the rumors are true to a certain degree. My sister was nice enough to let me know that Ken Dryden was a guest teacher at her University (Mcgill) this semester and this was most likely my best chance to ever meet him. My first thought was I had picked the wrong university to attend (Concordia) and second was I could add Ken Dryden to my monopoly project which was really a once in a life time type deal (Super nerd excitement). So my sister being the kind younger sibling she is, agreed to come with me and show me where his class was taking place. We waited until the class was completely over and the room only had Mr. Dryden left. We approached him and explained we are big fans and politely asked if he could sign for us. He really seemed taken off guard and explained "Well...why don't we start with just one autograph...you know I don't sign at shows and things of that sort." He was very polite but seemed to be against autographs. I presented him with a Sports Illustrated that he was on the cover of and he responded 'Oh no! See guys I really can't sign that, I don't sign anything that could have monetary value'. This was extremely disappointing to me as it came off as he believed we were in it strictly for resale which could not be further from the truth. He also declined to sign the monopoly board(From the Monopoly Project post). I was left with my last hope, as you could see in a previous post I was able to find a mint condition replica cardboard mask given at his jersey retirement ceremony. He kindly agreed to sign this and wanted to personalize it to me. To some collectors that maybe something that they don't like but in all honesty this was something that made it that much of a better conversation piece. This is why I am really into collecting so this was actually a bonus for me.

Overall Mr.Dryden was a very nice person and was very polite, in the end great experience!

Ken Dryden Piece

Close up-"To J-M With Best Wishes"

Here is the completed piece framed with the program from the retirment of Ken Dryden's Number at the Bell Centre.

The Ken Dryden Exprience (Part 2) Ft. Mike Komisarek

I get a phone call from my grandfather early in the morning. He is a great guy and a big fan of my hobby so he gives me the heads up when he can. He explained to me that he saw in the paper that Ken Dryden was doing a book reading at the Indigo in downtown Montreal. After my lack of success last time around I wasn't sure if I wanted to try again. I came to the conclusion that this maybe my last chance so I decided to go ahead and try. When I arrived I was told Mr. Dryden would sign at the end of the reading. There was proximity 100 people or so at the event. It was very well setup and snacks were passed around during the reading (I was starving so this was a huge win).

A view of the set up at indigo during the reading (Dryden on the right).

 Once the event was coming to an end Mr.Dryden addressed the crowd. He explained he had to catch a flight in about 1 hour so he would stick around to sign for about 30 minutes. I was in a good spot in the line so I wasn't too worried about getting cut off. When he started signing I really was unsure if he would sign outside items or only his book. I noticed a few pucks so this gave me a bit of relief as I waited.  Ahead of me was a man holding a massive framed lithograph. I told my girlfriend "If he signs this I'm in the clear with the Monopoly!". Well that idea went out the window when Mr. Dryden kindly informed the gentlemen that he would not be signing his lithograph. I needed a plan b. When it became my turn I immediately asked Mr Dryden a question you would only really know if you read his book.  "Correct me if I'm wrong Ken but  wasn't the pavement you played on with your brother as a child a red color?" He explained the reason for the red pavement and gave me my chance to ask him to sign the monopoly board. This was my one chance, "Also Mr. Dryden do you enjoy Monopoly?" He seemed confused with the question as I presented him with the Monopoly board. Well not only did he sign it he didn't even ask to personalize! For those who know how he signs this is next to impossible! This coming only a week after he explained to me that he could never sign the Monopoly board as it had resale value.

Ken Dryden on Monopoly project.

I also purchased a retirement ceremony puck with all of his stats earlier in the day. My girlfriend was nice enough to get that done for me. This time he did personalize but I really enjoy personalization for the most part so I was extremely pleased with the outcome.

Puck Also Autographed at the event.

As a bonus I went to the Canadiens Practice today in hopes of getting Andrei Markov on a signed photo with Carey Price (previously signed at a free signing in Montreal). To my surprise there was 40-50 people waiting for autographs today. I gave up as soon as I saw the crowd but remembered that the Maple Leafs were also in the same facility today. The photo I had for Markov also included Mike Komisarek. He was one of the first to come out from practice so he signed the photo and added a comment "I'm sure the leafs scored on that one." A funny comment from a traitor..err I mean former Canadien. He also signed a wooden jersey that I happened to have. Nice guy and a total of about 10 minutes work.

Komisarek/Price Duel Signed 8X10 (Missing Markov to complete)

Wooden Canadiens jersey signed by Mike Komisarek.

Classic Pieces In Rival Territory

I make no excuses when it comes to my alliance to the Montreal Canadiens. Naturally with that comes a hate for the Boston Bruins. What is great about this post is these Montreal Collectors dream pieces sit in a den closer to TD Garden then our very own Centre Bell.  I came across John M. on a sports collectors forum, he is a Montreal Canadiens fan who lives near Boston.

"Although I live right next to Boston, I hate all Boston teams. It's just the way I was brought up. When I was in the 7th and 8th grade my brother and I would go for every visiting hockey team that was playing the Bruins. Back in those days they used to let you actually wait inside the hotel as there were only a handful of people getting autographs. I do not go for autographs anymore. Today there are so many people hanging out at the hotel that they actually rope you off just outside the hotel! I don't feel like jostling with 35 autograph hounds for a couple of scribbles." 

John explains about how his allegiance to the Canadians started over 30 years ago and how autograph hounds and some athletes less then stellar signatures have put him in retirement from being an active collector. However, judging by the photos he shared with the rantingrocket.com, John made out quite well. Here is a look at a few of the gems in his collection.

Last Program from the Montreal Forum

In my opinion truly a remarkable piece for any Montreal Canadiens fan.  What I really enjoy about this, is the program itself. It is really a part of Montreal history. This program was the last one ever sold at the Montreal Forum and the art work is simple but also filled with great small detail (Gold names printed all over the program in small writing naming some of the Canadiens legends).  Rarity of course is another part that adds to this piece. Maurice Richard's beautiful autograph is very visible and clear. Joining him on this are notable deceased Montreal legends Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion and charismatic goaltender Gump Worsley. John explained how he was able to complete this piece.

"I went to card shows in my area and Boston College used to bring in all these old Canadiens. I was able to get several photos signed by Maurice Richard, Beliveau, and Lafleur which I love I also got all or most of those signature on the old Forum Program at the same show"

Canadiens royalty Richard,Beliveau and Lafleur

 One classic piece followed by another, Arguably the three best forwards to ever grace the Canadiens uniform in a triple signed piece. As explained by John this is a piece he was able to complete at a card show many years ago.

In terms of cover art this has to be one of the best I've seen. Les Canadiens Magazine made this its cover in the 1990-1991 season. Out of everything that I have seen from John's collection this would be the piece I have enjoyed the most.

Les Canadiens Magazine

This cover was autographed by Patrick Roy, Serge Savard, Jean Beliveau, Bob Gainey, Guy Lafleur, Yvan Cournoyer, Larry Robinson and of course Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. The list of athletes on this project are outstanding and the consistency of using a blue pen for all the autographs really makes this a piece most Canadiens collectors envy. Having the same colored pen for projects is important but John explained that many of his autographs were done in person which makes it difficult to maintain a theme. As a collector I can appreciate the effort and difficulty in completing a piece of this quality.

1994 Beckett Cover of members of the "Fifty in Fifty" Club

NHL Royalty (B.Hull,M.Lemieux,W.Gretzky,B.Orr,G.Howe)

After a mainly Canadiens theme post I could not help but also showcase two pieces from John's collection that included the best players to have ever played hockey. Also with these two last pieces an interesting story from a long time collector about "The Great One' Wayne Gretzky.

"I was also there for Gretzky's rookie year. He was always very nice. He had a totally different autograph back then. I was able to get him on his Topps rookie card and it is one of my most favorite items. Later in his career even though there were tons of autograph hounds waiting for him, he used to put his bags on the bus and then would come down to the bottom step of the bus and would start signing for everyone. For a huge star he always treated his fans right."

A Great little story about one of the most recognizable names in sports. In an era where "Ebay autograph hounds" have ruined the chance for collectors to meet their heroes. Guys like Wayne Gretzky still makes time to please fans.

Overall I was extremely pleased that John was nice enough to share pieces of his collection with me and hope those who see this enjoy them as much as I did.

Thanks John.

Warriors of yesteryear.

Hockey has a history of missing teeth, playing hurt and black eyes. That history was built on the toughness of the men who made this sport what it is today. Without starting a debate about which sport is the toughest.You will find many who argue that hockey may not be today's toughest sport. However very few can argue that this sport was not the toughest sport in the 1950's.

Players like Maurice Richard,Gordie Howe and Elmer Lach defined the meaning of "Warrior" and provided fans stories that will forever be passed on. Iconic moments in hockey history such as the Fontinato Vs. Howe fight defined hockey's reputation. Feb 1st 1959 was the date in which Gordie Howe cemented his reputation and hockey's in one night. "The Rangers downed the Red Wings 5–4 at MSG. Lou Fontinato became incensed when Gordie Howe whacked Eddie Shack over the ear with his stick, and challenged the right wing. Howe terminated the fight with an uppercut that broke Fontinato's nose and left it several degrees off centre". A historic moment for many reasons. This was a time in hockey which you're best player and best fighter could be one and the same. Picture Wayne Gretzky giving Bob Probert a beating so bad that Probert would need reconstructive surgery on his face. This seems absurd to think today but Hockey of the 1950's truly was the toughest sport in the world.

Fontinato after his brawl with Howe.

Maurice Richard also set the tone for toughness on many occasions for this sport. None more so then after scoring the winning goal in the 1952 Stanley Cup semi final versus the hated rivals the Boston Bruins. "As blood dripped down his face after an earlier injury that saw him suffer a concussion, he scored the series-winning goal of the 1952 Stanley Cup Semifinals. Richard had left the game, but returned to the bench in the third period, wearing a bandage. Richard, although somewhat dazed, jumped off the bench and drove to the net to score". These are the type of stories that have now become unheard of. Of course with good reason now that concussion awareness has been raised significantly.

  However one can always wonder if hockey would take the spotlight away from some of the prime time sports of today in U.S markets if it was still played like it was in 1950. Because this is still a Sports Memorabilia blog here's a look at my most prized possession and a gift from my girlfriend!