McCoy VIP Meet and Greet Experience

An option in the Sports Vault, In-Store Signings page caught my attention this week: A VIP, meet and greet with LeSean McCoy.

For the past week or so, I've had the standard autograph appearance listing on this site's "Upcoming Signings" page - where for $79 you can have the NFL's leading rusher sign whatever you want.  With interest in the team at a high-level, there will be no shortage of patrons lining up with photos, footballs and mini-helmets on the 30th.  However, if you are craving something above and beyond what the general public will enjoy, this unique experience is for you.

Much like we have seen in recent years with big name musicians on tour - sports promoters are beginning to provide premium access to the athletes fans most want to meet.  And, don't let me understate this: You will pay mightily for the VIP treatment!  That's not to say it is a bad thing - just be warned, it is not for the casual fan.  The McCoy Meet and Greet costs $500, and includes the following perks:

• Autograph ticket
• Private room access with McCoy for you and one other
• Full Sized Eagles Helmet
• Professional photo with McCoy
• DVD of the experience to take home

Personally, I am in favor of the Sports Vault providing this opportunity. While there is currently no one I would pay to have this personalized experience with, I can appreciate that there is a market for these meet and greets.  In fact, while I am sure he is being compensated to provide this forum, I applaud Shady for making himself available in this way.  It would be very easy for him to do his time at the signing table and leave.  But, he is willing to do more.  It would be nice to see this trend continue with future local signings.

Only 10 VIP packages are being made available... What are your thoughts on this, and other VIP Meet and Greet experiences?   

Eagles TTM: Who's Signing

While I've historically talked a lot about the Phillies TTM signing habits, but there are plenty of opportunities for Eagles fans to get involved in TTM, too.  Here are some recent successes...

Herm Edwards

The former Eagles cornerback turned NFL coach and commentator is just about as solid a bet as you can make TTM.  I had a picture of him running with the ball from the "Miracle at the Meadowlands" signed a few years back.  I recommend printing one of  several still frames on Google image searches, if you're interested...

If you write: 1627 Highland Street  Seaside, CA 93955

Chad Lewis

I've always been a fan of TE play, and especially loved Lewis in his heyday during the early 2000s.  He would make a great addition to any 2004 team project you are currently working on...

If you write: 9688 Charleston Drive  Pleasant Grove, UT 84062

Jeff Feagles

It has been a long time since Feagles wore Kelly green, but he was a member of the team during my formative years - the early 1990s, and has always seemed like an Eagle to me.

If you write: 219 Sunset Avenue  Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Autograph Appearance Cancellations and Postponements

Over the past week there have been a few instances of scheduled, area autograph appearances being either cancelled or postponed.  In case you hadn't taken note earlier, here is a quick rundown of those changes:

Brad Lidge

About a month ago, the 2008 Phillies closer was announced as the featured signer at the annual Ephrata Lions Club Sports Card Show.  The press release promised some great prices - $20 and $25 for autographs.  Guess they were too good to be true.  An update on the Lions Club homepage states Lidge will no longer be appearing.  Replacement signer is TBD.

Link to the Ephrata Lions Club Sports Card Show listing

Brandon Boykin/Mychal Kendricks

The duo, previously scheduled for an in-store appearance at Sports Vault in King of Prussia Mall, has been moved over to the December Philly Show a little more than a week later.  Probably a good move, considering the built in crowd that will be in attendance at the show.

Link to the Philly Show lineup

Claude Giroux

Unlike the past few years, we have not seen much of Giroux this season (yet).  It looks like we'll be waiting a little longer, as The Captain's appearance at The Court at King of Prussia Mall has been pushed back to January.  Rumors he is buying time to hope for an improved record have not been substantiated.  

Link to the Giroux listing