I've met Bob Feller several times. I've never had a positive experience with him. He's always come off as an arogant, self-absorbed idiot. I was at a mall show in Cleveland in the late 80's where Bob Feller was signing for two hours. You had to purchase tickets ($15) for the event in advance. A line quickly formed when Feller arrived. I ended up near the end of the line. For two hours, I listened to a father and his two sons (6 & 8) talk about how much they loved Mr. Feller. The kids had watched old tapes of Bobs games and talked about his throw, how much they admired him, how great he was, etc. Two hours I sat and listened to them talk. I got to Mr Feller and handed him my 8x10 and he signed it and then looked at his watch. He stood up and said, Time's up. Goodbye everyone and began to walk away. The 6 year old burst into tears. The 8 year old looked at his dad trying not to cry and asked why Mr. Feller was leaving. The dad told the kid, Times up, he has to go. There were about 12 people still left in the line. A guard put a sign on the table "No Refunds" and walked away. The 8 year old ran off after Mr. Feller yelling, "Mr. Feller, Mr. Feller, would you please sign one more for my little brother." Bob stopped, turned around, looked at the kid and said "I'll be at the X Mall show next weekend. Tell your dad to buy you another ticket" and walked away. I handed the kid my 8x10 and told him that it meant more to him than me. I lost all respect for Mr. Feller that day.
I've had a few other experiences with Mr. Feller since then, none of them positive. I can't stand the man and I will NEVER own a Bob Feller piece in my personal collection.
~OC
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