Finallly meeting Juan this weekend... :)

[juanfan19]

Well I have collected Juan since 1990, and one of these days will add all my cards to the online list (have everything except for 12 from 87-96). Anyway through some good contacts I will be meeting him and Albert Pujols this weekend. Pretty excited to say the least.

Albert who? I just want to meet Juan and get a pic with him :)
Any questions I should ask him? I plan on photographing my collection to show him, and having him sign a Cardinals jersey if I can find one by then.

[knr47]

That sounds like an AWESOME opportunity! Be sure to mention this site to him and to give us a report when you get back.:)

[juanfan19]

I will definitely do that.

[Gonzaleznut]

Make sure you post pics on this site once you get back. Good for you Jacob. Tell him "Hi" from all of us.

[adelith]

Hey guys that sounds great! I want to take this oportunity to request some pictures of all of you to be post on the site, or at least send them to me on a private message. It is great to chat with all of you, but I really like to see your faces and know how you look like. Please let me know.
Roberto.

[Rafferity]

Sounds like you are about to have a blast, take many, many pics. May have to try to get a 'candid' 8x10 from a neg from you.:p

[juanfan19]

I will post all the photos I take here tomorrow on the way home, and be happy to send 8x10s to anyone who wants them (everyone I'm sure!)

[jzk_ksy]

Congrats on getting your chance to meet Juan,Jacob....I met him at a cardshow in 1995 in Cherry Hill NJ...Juan was the main signer at the show...he was signing so fast that the bald headed guy seated next to him was actually feeding him a sandwich as he was signing but there was no way I was leaving without shaking his hand...I was amazed at how big his hands are...I'd like to purchase an 8*10 or 2 from you...HAVE FUN!!!!

Kevin

[nosterbor]

lucky you! looking forward to seeing some great pictures.hope you have some great fun,and be safe.

[juanfan19]

OK here are some of the pics.... :) this is my 3 yr old son with me and Juan... had a goofy grin on my face, pretty excited (understandably). collected this guy's stuff since I was a kid 18 yrs ago, and finally got to meet him with my wife, son and 17 yr old brother.

My wife took the pic. she zoomed way in but Juan was holding my son in the photo, he's pretty shy but he let Juan hold him (I was quite happy about that!)


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0761.jpg

[juanfan19]

we got to the spring training site in Jupiter FL on Saturday. Roger Dean stadium is the site for both the FL marlins and Cardinals spring training. Very beautiful place and awesome for baseball!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0006.jpg


My brother Isaac and I walking towards the training site at 9 AM (wife and son sleeping in at the hotel :)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0005-1.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0007-1.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0010.jpg

Juan getting ready to hit a few..

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0016.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0017-1.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/gonzopic.jpg


perspective from outside the outfield fence... Juan hit one over and I paid the guy that got it $20 for it... not too bad! got him to sign it later along with several other Cards.


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0038.jpg

The following day, waiting for the Cardinals Meet and Greet for season pass holders... Line started at 9 AM (Pujols brought the crowd). Players didn't start signing until 2:30! My wife and son are in the photo playing with a baseball (both tired of waiting in heat!)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0043.jpg

[JuanGone]

thanks for the pics man they are awesome! juan looks like he's in pretty good shape!

[juanfan19]

Getting ready to go inside (Juan had signed his Spiderman hat earlier next to spidey's web)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0044-1.jpg?t=1203922563

Split the players into sets of tables up against the wall... thankfully Pujols was on left and was not on the right like Juan, even though we were early anyway there were MOBS to see Pujols.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0754.jpg

The players entered down the steps from the field to sign... I heard someone yell IGOR! Juan got a lot of cheers, second only to Albert.





http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0757.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0758.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0763.jpg


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0764.jpg

one of two Team signed balls (the one Juan hit)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSC_0765.jpg

[juanfan19]

Spent an afternoon in Juno Beach (5 miles from park)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSCN0155.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/jdorule/DSCN0154.jpg

[juanfan19]

Was a pretty expensive trip but well worth it. Got free tickets to meet the team, but was told wrong on the dates and had to change our return flight dates (costed me another $1000 bucks on top of the $900 already spent), plus 3 nights in Jupiter FL doesn't come cheap. Had a great time though. Hope you enjoyed the pics. I have many more but can't post too many here. I will get the good shots of Juan printed in glossy 8x10 and post proofs in then next week or 2.

L8TR!

[juanfan19]

(duplicate post)

[freddie]

We can add as many pictures to the Gallery that you would like.

[Gonzaleznut]

Absolutely fantastic stuff!!

[nosterbor]

WOW! gave me goose bumps:D:D:D

[jzk_ksy]

Great Stuff Jacob...looks like you had a blast...now lets hope Juan makes the roster....would be great to see him hit in front of or behind Albert...

Kevin