I did see Bill Russell down at a golf course in Kent one day, but I knew he was notorious for NOT signing so I just got to shake his hand.
I worked as his stat/spotter guy a time or two when he was doing NBA broadcasts on ABC (or maybe it was CBS?). They always grabbed someone to help out and since I was working at the arena (Hofheinz Pavillion on the U of Houston campus) I made myself available. He was very nice and after one of the games I asked him for his notes. He leaned over the table and signed them and handed them to me! I have no idea where that sheet is today, stuck in one of my many storage boxes of memorabilia I hope.
But my Honus Wagner? Hmmm.....
I have a couple of things that mean something to me that I wouldn't part with:
An original Phi Slamma Jamma warmup set from the Hakeem/Clyde UH teams.
A letter and picture sent to me from Brooks Robinson about my naming my son for him.
Ticket stub and program from the Jan 1968 game between UH and UCLA in the Astrodome.
The ticket from the Texans win over the Cowboys in their first ever game. It was special in that I took my Dad and I've never seen him so excited about any game. It was a great night to pay him back for all the cool stuff he took me to when I was growing up.
Russell's autograph was going for over a grand,because he never signed. he's done some signings now,so it may be less, but those autographed notes would be worth a grand, I bet.
