I use to be an autograph collector back in the day. I had a ton. All sports and even some celebrities. We chased the popular athletes all over the city to get them to sign their name on a piece of paper.
‘Excuse me, can I have your autograph?“
I was crushed the day my idol George Brett of the Kansas City Royals turned me down. Right there, my opinion changed about him; he was no longer my favorite player.
I have saved a couple like Ali, James Remar, Steve Garvey, Magic Johnson and Brian Bosworth. But the most important autographs that have any of value to me is my 8th grade graduation, vintage autograph book.
You remember that little black book with the zipper? Do they still have them or has it been phased out? I think I signed a couple. Does anyone still have theirs?
My mother signed the first page back on June 8th, 1978. That makes the book 30 years old this June!
Everyone was an aspiring poet. Some left heart-warming messages some just jotted a few words down wishing me luck in the future. I get a kick out of looking at it every now and then.
People like Richie Dixon, Annie Burns, Mike Van Tassell, John John Hernandez, Eddie Valdone, John Costello, Kevin Molloy, Janice Wallert, John Godfrey, Laura Cox, Mary K., Raymond Stewart, Mike Reed, Joanne Mackey, Fiore Tierno, John Cain, Franny Cagino, James Carroll, Joey Cannucci, Pat DeRossi, Dave Cullen, George Dewey, Noreen Davis, John Rowland, Pepe Fis, Soraida Martinez, Dianne Rafferty, Maureen Delaney, Maureen Horan, Mr. Civello, Alicia I., Donato Barrucco, James White, and Mickey Reilly all signed my book.
Oh and some of the things written? Here they go…
2 in a car, 2 little kisses, 2 weeks later, it’s Mr. and Mrs.
Good luck in high school and don’t get caught smoking joints in the bathroom. (I wouldn’t think of doing such a thing)
Holy name is the prison and Sister Jane’s (RIP) the guard. And we’re all the little convicts that run around in the yard.
2 stupid 2 be 4 got 10
Yours till the Green Giant peas.
2 young 2 drink 4 Qts.
Your friend till Beer makes Bud wiser.
2 nice 2 B 4 got 10
Florida grows oranges, California does to but it takes Brooklyn to grow a nut like you.
And my favorite…
I met you as a stranger, I took you as a friend. I hope we meet in heaven and our friendship never ends…
The one thing I do notice on most pages is a lot of people wrote, ‘don’t forget me!’ To the Class of 1978 at Holy name and my friends, I will never forget you!
-SF
Yours till the Green Giant peas. It was funny then and it is still funny now. Thanks for the chuckle. My daughter who is 8 enjoyed it too! I have to go look for my book now.
Coach,
I am sorry about your encounter with Brett. From what I read, he is usually one of the nicer guys. My favorite encounter with a childhood hero was running into Dave Debusschere dowtown about 10 years ago. He was my favorite Knick. I am about 6′5 and He was listed at 6′6 when he played. I always thought he was taller and when I met him I was right. He was nore like 6′8. Anyway, I shook his hand and tole him he was a hero of mine and was very pleasant. Divine Intervention must have ahppended, because I asked if I could walk with him and he said sure. I asked him why he retuired when he was coming off a season where he average 18PPg and he mentioned he felt he was slipping and had a great offer form the NEts to become a GM. He asked me about how I coached little kids. Anyway, I tthanked him and he shook my hand and patted me on the shoulder and told me My pleasure, Jim He walked away and I felt likeI was 10 years old again.
A frined of mine said it best,” You not only got to meet your hero but he was everyhing you thought he would be…
Hope you and yours all had Happy Easters!!!!!!!
Jimmy,
In my 20’s I worked the newsstand in Penn Station and Dave D. used to take the LIRR in every morning. At times he would stop by and pick up a paper. He seemed like a good guy.
Currently I’m reading ‘Life on the Run’ by Bill Bradley - them two were roommates while members of the Knicks and Bradley talks a lot about him in the book.
As for Brett, well he was a jerk this day - it took me a while to get over it. I was the only one around, and he declined. No biggie though!
I ran into Debusschere a couple of times after that and we exchanged greetings. The last time I spoke to him was kinda funny. My buddy John and I were hanging near our building and shooting the bull while we waited for the bomb squad to check a briefcase left on Broadway.. De Busschere stops me and asks
waht’s going on. I tell him he’s gotta cuta round since the block is sealed off. He said goodbye and I turned to John and calmly resumed our conversation. He said,” HOld on.. you’re friends with Dave De Busschere”. I said no he wants to be but he’s getting on my nerves. He looked at me and I started laughing . I will not repeat the names he called me. RIP DAVE.
I’ve gone to the Teddy Atlas Fundraiser in Staten Island the past two years. They have entertainers and athletes there like
Tony Sirroco. I got to talk with Brandon Jacobs, Chuck Wepner,
Gerry Cooney, Tom Hoover (1960s Knick). I enjoy taking pictures with them rather than autographs. They are great with the crowd and it is a great cause. It is held the Thurs before Thanksgiving.
F
Hey Fin,
You bring back so many great memories. I remember Raymond Buzzo wrote “remember the kids in the class that were skuzz, remember the coolest, remember the Buzz”, in my autograph book. Every time that I would see him for the next 30 years you know I had to remind him what he wrote. I’m going home to dig out my book so that I can have a few good laughs. MK
MK,
Thanks a ton. You wrote in my book. Not sure if I wrote in yours?
JV,
I have heard a lot of about Atlas’ fundraiser. I read his book, awesome read. His father was a saint.
Stapleton was a lot like Park Slope in the 1960s and 1970s.. Tough neighborhood but alot of good peopleand families My wife and her siblings grew uo like we did. Unfortunately, Stapleton became real bad in the late 70’s and many moved out. They begain neighborhood reunions about 6-7 years ago and they were alot fun.
The Atlas foundation does alot of good. The money goes right to the people that need it. They do eerything from remodeling houses for handicapped to paying for rehab for sick people. Alot of contractors and others donate their services.
Coash, hope your Easter was good. How uya like the NCAA’s so far?
The NCAA”s are just what they are every year - upsets, excitement, brackets and great first and second round games. It’s the first year I have picked all #1 seeds to go all the way with UCLA over Kansas.
UCLA has an excellent squad and great depth. But Kansas looks strong and has a big edge in three point shooting. I gotta go with Kansas on Thursday….
Kansas is good, real good. Well-coached, and they play hard. How about New York-born Russell Robinson for the Jayhawks. Some consider him the best defensive guard in the country. Who says NYC players don’t play defense?
When I watch Kansas, they remind me of an NBA team.
My autograph book got destroyed when parents basement flooded. I remember i was very annoyed that i had left it behind when I moved out. Where are all the people from the class of 1977??
Hmmm…class of 77 huh? We need to send out an APB.
hi everyone nice to see that everyone is trying to get together. Love what your dong fin. class of 77
joann hickey
Joann,
How you feeling? How’s the gang from 8th avenue?