[sanjosefuji]

It's been almost 10 years since I've gone Shark hunting... but Labor Day freed up my schedule and allowed me to go. So after two hours of standing in the sun... here's what I hauled in:

Douglas Murray

My first catch of the day was our Swedish defensemen, who happens to be one of my favorite players on the team. I like the way Murray carries himself on the ice... always willing to stand up for his teammates. I'm not 100% sure... but I think he fought in almost every game I attended last year.

Antti Niemi

After Murray, a bunch of the younger players came out... but I didn't recognize any of them... so I didn't bother to ask for their signatures. Then a few minutes later our starting goalie walked out. I've never seen him in person, but I knew he was a bigger name, because my buddy started digging through his photos. He told me it was Antti Niemi, so I pulled a puck out of my pocket... walked over to him and said hello... asked him to sign my puck... and then wished him luck this season.

Ryan Clowe

When I turned around... Mr. Clowe was walking towards me... so I pulled the other puck out of my pocket and repeated my greeting. He smiled and said "thanks" and started signing for a few others in the group.

Todd McLellan

After those three, we stood around for another 30 minutes. I had to call it a day, because I was meeting my brother for lunch. And just as I was about to head out, Coach McLellan walked out of the building smiled at us and headed towards his car. Nobody else was interested in his autograph... but I figured what the heck and walked over to his car. Just as he was about to put the car in reverse, he noticed me and rolled down his window. Like with the rest of them, I said "thank you" and wished him luck this season.


I couldn't wait around any longer... or risk being late for lunch... so I took off without seeing Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, or anyone else. But you won't hear me complaining. I just met and acquired autographs from three players and the head coach... all of whom I had never seen before in person.


Today's question of the day:

Who's the nicest professional athlete you've had the privilege to meet in person?

Happy hump day everyone! Sayonara!



More...

[schwood]

Nicest Professional Athlete I have met in person was Dwight Evans.

[ryancrew11]

i think it has to be mike cameron... he doesnt sign outside (never has, never will ) but told us inside he will.... and he did for everyone class act!!!!

[sanjosefuji]

I love Dwight Evans growing up... along with Fred Lynn and Jim Rice. Glad to hear Evans was nice in person.

Originally Posted by schwood

Nicest Professional Athlete I have met in person was Dwight Evans.

[sanjosefuji]

Gotta love players who take the time to make a fans dream come true. Kudos to Cameron. I liked him when he was on the Padres a few seasons ago.

Originally Posted by ryancrew11

i think it has to be mike cameron... he doesnt sign outside (never has, never will ) but told us inside he will.... and he did for everyone class act!!!!