Meeting Mean Joe Greene

Joe Greene will be in Phoenix and signing autographs Saturday.

Prepaid and will be in the first group. I am taking Lambert and Bleier with me to get some photos and the autograph.

 

Here's my mean joe story (he lived up to his name)...

I went to the opening of training camp probably 3 years ago when it's at Latrobe high school and the players sign autographs before hand. I was there, wearing my Joe Greene jersey and walking around the fence around the field with a ball and a hat that I got a few autographs on (Kiesel, Aaron Smith, Sepulveda, Max Starks). I really wanted Hines or Troy but there was an insane crowd around them, and I didn't want to risk not getting any to get theirs. I was making my way around when I spotted Mean Joe making his way from the center of the field towards one edge of the fence. I immediately SPRINTED around the fence to get to where he was headed. I couldn't believe that there wasn't a bigger crowd in his area. I'm not old enough to have seen him play (I'm 24 now, so like 21-22 then), but I have every Steelers Superbowl on DVD that I've watched many a times, and consider myself a die hard fan. Loved seeing old footage of Mean Joe...

Anyway, I get a spot on the fence and he's about 3-4 people from me when I realize I'm wearing his jersey, so I quickly take it off just before he gets to me, and drape it on the fence and hold out my sharpie eagerly. He gets to me after signing balls/hats/etc down the line, looks me in the eye, and just shakes his head and says "NO," I looked at him a little confused and said "What?" and he again replies "NO" and goes to the person next to me and continues signing on down the line. I stood there sort of dumbfounded before he did the same to a kid a few people down from me holding out a helmet. Then people around me made mention of the fact that apparently he doesn't sign jerseys or helmets because they are worth too much.

 

So did you get his autograph on nothing else?

 

The flyer indicated he won't sign coke items, full size jerseys or full size helmets...

So, I will have him sign the mini helmet with Ernie Holmes, Lc Greenwood and Dwight White... plus I have to pay 85 dollars for it, he is the only one I haven't met...go figure.

And NO, my helmet will not be on Ebay, it will go in the case in either Lambert or Bleier Lynn's room. (yes, that is my son and daughter' names)

 

No, I was caught off guard and he just moved on so quickly I didn't get a chance.

 

Man Steel that would suck dude! But did he atleast seem nice to the people he would sign for? I mean I think if I met Joe Greene I would probably crap on myself even if I didn't have anything for him to sign! But to have him just look at me and say "NO" I think I would just fall over. Lol.

 

I'm thinking of heading to phoenix. Any other details on when and when and all that? Google I'm on my way.

Here's the info:
ports Card and Collectibles Show

Saturday June 16th, 2012
North Phoenix Baptist Church
(Central and Bethany Home Rd.)
Admission $1.00 >55 Tables

Show Hours: 10am to 3pm

Advance Tickets on sale NOW! Meet Pittsburgh Steelers Legend "Mean" Joe Greene
Time 12pm to 1:30pm
Autograph Fees:
$85 - Photo, Football, Mini Helmets

$100 - Full Size Helmet or Jersey

Includes FREE Inscription "HOF 87"

Mr. Greene will not sign any Coke related products and does not sign MEAN JOE GREENE (Just "Joe Greene HOF 87")

_____________________________________

 

Is this for real?

There is no other way to purchase "tickets" except calling this guy named Jeff and giving HIM my cc #? Uh....

What does "55 tables" mean????

 

That's too bad. I'm sure deep in his heart he KNEW you were a fan and not some guy who was going to take that jersey (that you'd been wearing) and sell it. On one hand, I think it's terrible, but on the other I see where these guys are coming from. An autographed jersey can get you about $300 on eBay.

 

I have two comments about your mean joe story steelbydesign. First, I'm disappointed you weren't able to get his signature on your jersey. I know the feeling having been re-buffed numerous times by more current Steelers in the parking lot after games. Second, you can't use the term "die hard" on this board without permission.... just kidding!

Die Hard

 

I went to a Cardinal game in Tempe years ago when Mean Joe was a coach for the Cards and Pittsburgh beat them in Overtime. We all waited at the exit gate and as the players started to trickle out here come Joe, I was in full Steeler gear and he would not even sign my hat. # sore loser !

 

Many years ago the Steelers scrimmaged the Redskins here in my home town of Carlisle PA. Dickinson college in Carlisle used to be the summer training camp for the Redskins so it made for a rather close and convenient joint practice or scrimmage situation between the two teams. Anyhow to make a long story short, after the scrimmage I went to where the Steelers were loading the buses to go back to Latrobe and before he boarded the bus Mean Joe autographed a football for me. The guy couldn't have been any nicer about it.

 

Yeah. I'm not hating on Joe, he doesn't have to sign anything, so it's cool he was for other people.

But okay, sure maybe the jersey is worth a lot on ebay, but what's it matter really? What does Joe Greene care if I make a few bucks off his name? Not saying I would, because I wouldn't... but what difference does it make to him. The only argument i see is that it means he makes less off his name if there's "too many" autographs out there, but for one there's millions of Steeler fans everywhere... I don't see that ever being an issue... and secondly Mean Joe is living comfortably I'm sure.

Just my thought. I thought it was pretty messed up he wouldn't sign it, but it doesn't make me less of a fan. I think you'd have to have a little bit of A-Hole in you to play like he did on the field.

 

It all comes down to greed, we as human beings are always looking for more more more. These guys make a good living doing what they do, or did, but God forbid someone go out and make any money off their name. IF THEY DON'T GET A MAJOR CUT OF THE ACTION! Of course, it is their name.

So they shouldn't care, I agree with you BUT they all do and that's the way of the world. Not just Joe, everyone.

Money makes this old world go around, know it now or know it later and you'll save yourself a lot of time and disappointment in life.

 

I'm calling no one!

 

The fact that he does travel around and sell his autograph on those items is the reason he would not sign yours. What would his signature be worth if you just walked up to him and he signed them for free, but then tried to charge somewhere else?

I have no problem with him restricting what he signs. There are more fakes out there than anything else and this is one way to insure his are the real deals.

 

Just another celebrity getting caught up in his own ego being fed benefitial information from a bunch of leeches.

Wow, he wouldn't sign a jersey for a regular fan hanging out at training camp.

Although, I can see his point of view cause there are scalpers looking to make a buck everywhere but it is a complete shame that it has to be that way.

I never paid for Lamberts autograph 3 years ago once I found out what he was charging. Wonder what he would charge me if I happen to run into him while catching a couple trout?

 

I don't get the issue. He was signing everything else for a bunch of people, just not jerseys and full size helmets. If I had something people were willing to pay me for I sure as hell wouldn't give them out free. Also, I'm sure he has an agreement with some sports memorabilia as well. (speculative, since we don't know) That agreement probably allows him to give out autographs in his paid sessions on those things, but restricts his random signings anywhere else. It's simple, that way they can track how many should be out in the market and be able to set a price tag on their legitimate merchandise. These guys didn't make a crap ton of money when they played and they are paying for the entertainment they gave us with their bodies. I have no problem with it.

 

Like I said. He signed a football for me for free and couldn't have been any nicer to talk to so Joe's still #1 in my book. Maybe he was just in a foul mood that day. It happens

 

Same thing happned to me a few years ago when I took my son, daughter and grandson, Joe signed my daughters and grandsons Terrible Towel but said NO to signing my sons mini Steelers helmet that has several other Steeler players autographs.

 

Met Mean Joe at the show and got him to autograph a football for me. Nice man. Sad truth is, these men are now getting very old. I could see the arthritis (swollen joints) in his hands.

 

i just do not understand the point of signatures from others

 

Depends on whose signature it is. Joe's was the last of four I have wanted. I have a Bradshaw jersey, a Swann helmet, and footballs by Franco, and now Mean Joe.

These four were my favorite players growing up.