I was just discussing autographs with two co-workers. I don’t really understand the point of autographs and I never have, because I don’t understand why I should want an example of someone’s handwriting just because they are famous.
Cerrone pointed out that, in a lot of cases, people just use autographs to prove that they met someone, and he’s probably right. But I don’t understand why I should have to prove that one time I sat next to Bill Murray at a Mets game (I did, hilarious experience) or saw Heather Graham in a restaurant (quite pleasant). You can feel free to not believe me; what do I care? I know it happened.
The conversation meandered and eventually became a discussion of what living current or former Met we would most like to have lunch with.
I said Kevin Mitchell. Say what you will about the guy, it sounds as though he’s had a pretty interesting life, in baseball and otherwise. Plus he seems like a guy who’d give it to you straight, so maybe I could finally find out the truth about the cat story.
Also, he’s got to be the only guy to ever injure himself eating a donut. That sort of makes him my hero by default.
And furthermore, he’s the subject of my single favorite baseball card of all-time, the 1987 Topps one showed here. There are still about 30 of those — no exaggeration — in a binder in my parents’ basement.
Anyone have any better ideas? Is there a Met that would make for a more interesting lunch date than Kevin Mitchell?
Tedquarters 
I agree with your thoughts on autographs. That said, I’d much prefer a picture with the person, if it’s available to me, to be taken.
As for lunch with any Mets player…I’d say Gary Carter. Despite his ego and the things people say about him, he was my favorite player as a kid. Mookie Wilson is a close second.
ooh ooh, i want to have lunch with Mo Vaughn, just to see that guy demolish a hoagie. id be mindful to keep my hands away from his plate though, least they be confused for a side order of fries and end up in his tummy!
Mitch is a good choice, although I’d probably opt for Keith. I imagine that could be a pretty fun conversation that veered from history to baseball to fine wines or whatever. Maybe I’ll have heard a lot of what he’s got to say from his work on teevee, but I still think it’d be a hell of a meal.
Uncle Cliffy might be fun, too, if only because he’s the guy who came up with “King Ding-a-Ling.”
After reading about the cat story and hearing it from Jeff Pearlman’s own mouth, I’m convinced you have to get not only Mitchell, but Gooden (my choice) AND Bob Klapisch in the same room. Maybe Jay-Z can drive you all to the restaurant.
I think I’d pay $1,000 to sit in on that.
id have to go with keith also. i wouldnt even say a word… i’d let him do all the talking.
i had a very similar experience with Heather Graham in a restaurant. interesting….