by Anne P. Jordan

Created on: April 12, 2009

ALWAYS HAVE A SHARPIE and ITEM TO SIGN on hand! Don't forget your camera, too! You will meet your favorite baseball players EVERYWHERE!

Let's start with the easy ways.....

Outside the park (before and after games) Different players, coaches and icons are there every day. They take turns. These parks are small and many enter the same way you do. Some of the players who are not playing that day, may just come into the park to watch the game.

Inside the park - The security is not what you find at major league ballparks. They actually let you walk down to the seats by the bullpen and dugouts. You can go over to the guys in the bullpen and CHAT! Moises Alou went looking for Joe Borowski for me. to sign something. He asked LaTroy Hawkins, who asked the bullpen coach, who said he wasn't there that day. Good CUBS FANS should be able to figure out what year this was. Get down near the dugout, at the end of the game. There are always players there to give autographs.

Concession stands - The ballplayers not playing that day are drinking beer and eating food with the rest of us! How fun it is when you are standing in line to buy beer and your favorite pitcher is standing in front of you. When he's standing behind you, offer to buy one for them. (Wait - with what they make - they should be buying beer for you!)

On to the ideas for the more adventurous.....

Hotels - They have to stay somewhere. Just ask around. There is always someone in the know! Ask the people around you in the stands. Also, the ushers and food vendors. You will find them in the lounges and lobbys, being more than happy to pose for a picture with you and your family.

Restaurants - There are many favorites. Again, you need to keep your ears open to find out where they all hang out. This is probably the MOST FUN! You never know who you are sitting next to at the bar and strike up a conversation with!?!

Functions - Read up on your favorite sports teams websites about charity functions they may have. Many businesses also have players at their establishments, signing autographs on a particular day. Try your search engines and newspapers, too. You can even call your favorite team and ask about marketing promotions they may have coming up.

DO NOT FORGET THE UNKNOWNS! Who knows when the next Albert Pujols, Carlos Zambrano or Evan Longoria may appear. How sweet it would be if you had the picture or autograph BEFORE they became an all-star!

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