Experiences w/ballplayers-Good and Bad?

[Spitball]

I was reading the "favorite player" thread and saw Buddy Bell mentioned. I started to post a story about my son's experience with him, but decided it might highjack the thread. So, I'm starting a new one.

Back in the mid-'80's, my oldest loved Buddy Bell when he was in kindergarten and first grade. He also loved Steve Grogan, the New England Patriots' quarterback at the time. My son wrote to both and told them what a big fan he was, and he included a self addressed stamped envelope and asked for an autograph. I must say the letters were written in laborious block print with several misspellings, but they were very sweet.

Anyway, Steve Grogan ignored the SASE and sent him a packet of stuff, including a written response, an autographed individual photo, and a team picture. Buddy Bell didn't respond, so he sent him another letter and self addressed stamped envelope. My son kept going to the mailbox to check, but again, no response. I don't remember how many times or strategies he tried, but he wrote him several more times before he gave up.

I remember being a thirteen year-old and going to Fenway in 1966 to see Frank Robinson and the Orioles play the Red Sox. After the game, we joined several other fans trying to get autographs outside the park. The Orioles were loading on a bus and while they waited several signed scorecards and such that were passed through windows. I had on a Cincinnati Reds shirt and stood outside Frank Robinson's window and begged him to sign my scorecard. Finally, Brooks Robinson signaled for me to hand him the scorecard. He took it to Frank who scribbled F.R followed by a short wiggly mark and gave it back to Brooks. Brooks wrote something, signed it also, and handed it back.

Another time, Boston pitcher Jose Santiago was locked out of his car after a game. He was in some distress but still took the time to sign my scorecard. Nice guy.

Another time in 1968, Johnny Bench loaned my sister and me a dime after a game to call our dad because we had car trouble. He also waited with us until my dad arrived. Nice guy.

I have a few more, but I've rambled longer than I planned. Anybody else have stories?