Minor League Baseball: An Amazing Way To Say "I Know Him"

"I don't know about you guys, but I am a huge fan of minor league baseball."

I love going to games and getting pictures and autographs from minor league players, especially from the top prospects.

It's great to just get an autograph or talk to a player that you don't even know yet, and then years later that player, who's autograph you obtained, is now up in the major leagues tearing it up.

Having met the guy before he made it to the big leagues is such a great feeling. Anyone else?

While attending a minor league game in the NY Penn League (Brooklyn Cyclones @ Hudson Valley Renegades) last season, I knew the Cyclone's roster and they had the Mets 1st round pick Eddie Kunz.

Kunz is a relief pitcher and I figured that hopefully, in the future, he will replace Wagner. I got a picture with him (shown above) and got a few autograph's from him. Then, I see a few days ago, that he is up in the Majors pitching for the NY Mets. 

I also attended a Renegades game in 2006 and there was this player who was a 1st overall draft  pick.  I figured I'd get some autograph's from him and take some pictures too.

This "guy" ended up being none other than Josh Hamilton who finally (in 2007) comes up and does pretty well. And now, in 2008, he finally broke-out.  I was so happy to see a player I've met in the minor leagues now tearing up the big leagues. 

This is something that is thrilling about baseball, especially in the minor leagues - does anyone else have a similar story?

Does anyone do anything like this other than me??

Has anyone seen a great player while in the minors or gone to NY Penn Game?

Please comment.