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Display Case #18: Gretzky “Re-Signs” In EDM |
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Well, the days of the free autograph signings are all but gone. Sure, we do have to occasional free for all's, but we don't have them with the same frequency anymore, and when they do happen it’s the rare occasion when it's not a retired, junior, or third/fourth line guy.
It wasn't always like that though! As we see with the latest submission, even the best player ever in many minds would sit down for a few hours and sign away for all the fans in the name of customer satisfaction. But sometimes it's the extra step that really makes the whole thing memorable, as Sheldon describes in relation to his encounter with "The Great One"...
Hey Shawn,
My story about memorabilia has to do with Wayne Gretzky. When I was young, (7/8), Mr. Gretzky came to my hometown of Swift Current, SK. Population 13-14,000 at the time. HUGE news. I was a big Oilers/Gretzky fan so of course Dad took me down to the sporting goods store to meet him and get a poster signed. Well needless to say, we waited in a massive lineup for most of the day and finally got to meet the Great One towards the end of the day. My dad was able to procure the last poster they had up on the walls and I made my way nervously up to the table to get him to sign it for me. With great patience Mr. Gretzky asked me my name so he could address it to me. Being incredibly shy and nervous I mumbled my name what must have been 4-5 times. Finally, he signed it and me and dad were on our way home. Me being one of the happiest people on the planet!
Once outside, dad suggested that we have a look at the poster. Much to my dismay, Mr. Gretzky was unable to understand me and he signed it to Charleton (my name is Sheldon). Well I was devastated. Dad did his best to console me the short drive home.
After explaining what happened to my mom, she took it upon herself to write a letter to the Oilers organization and Mr. Gretzky on my behalf and if I remember correctly without my knowledge. Some time later I got a package in the mail. It turns out that Mr. Gretzky got the letter and signed a 8x10 with my name on it this time and sent it to me. Needless to say, I once again became the happiest little boy and tell this story to anyone who will listen. Just another example of how Mr. Gretzky was not only the greatest to play the game but also a fantastic human being to take the time to do that for me..
Well that's my story. Hope it's worthy for an appearance in the display case!
Glad to see you've held onto the picture and have a great story to go along with it! Would've loved to have had a picture of the “Charleton” poster to put up as well though… ;)
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Do you have a piece of treasured memorabilia that has a great story behind it? Let me know and you can be featured in an article. Doesn't matter how big or small the piece is, how valuable it may be, or whether it's a common item or more oddball. If you think it has a story, contact me via the information below and we'll chat. In the meantime, check out some previous "Display Case" articles via the links below to see what others have submitted in the past...
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Shawn Gates
[email protected]
Facebook: Shawn Gates
Facebook Group: Hockeybuzz Collectibles
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