Four score and one Fan Fest ago…
2022-23 Indiana Hoosiers Team Signed Basketball
Type 1 Photo Signed by Jay Edwards
2011-12 Indiana Hoosiers Team Signed Photo
“Legends” Ball Adds a Sig!
While the first edition of the Hoosier Fan Fest was both a fan and collector’s dream come true, for nearly a year now I’ve been stewing on the fact that I missed the opportunity to kindly approach a guy whose shot I admired and emulated growing up as a kid: Jay Edwards. You see…I have this ball that’s been signed by 22 IU basketball greats, from the likes of Bob Knight, Scott May, George McGinnis, and many others…which I’ve dubbed the “Legends” ball. No doubt Jay’s signature belongs on this ball. Check it out the ball here: LINK
I was hoping that Jay would attend again this year and I would get another chance to have him sign the ball. Much to my surprise, that chance would present itself before the doors even opened to Fan Fest! Because I’m a hysterical fan, I got to the event quite early and was lined up at very front of the left side entrance, which Jay entered. He was gracious to sign a few items for a few fans before he got through the doors of Assembly, including my ball. At that moment, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Score #1!
Later, I was able to get him to sign the Type 1 photo pictured here that I also brought with me, which by definition of PSA, is a first-generation photograph produced from the original negative within two years of taking the photo. This photo came directly from a defunct newspaper’s archive. When showing this to Jay, he said he’d never seen this photo before — so that was neat to know. I probably should have handed him a red or black Sharpie to sign with, because the silver came out pretty faint on this. Score #2, baby!
Score #3 came when Jordan Hulls was hanging out near one of the player line queues during the autograph session. Considering he just joined the staff this summer, I brought with me the team photo shown here, which was missing three sigs, including Jordy’s. Probably tough to get a Mo Creek on this at this point, but I’m hoping that Cody will come back and visit at some point to plug one of the remaining two.
And finally…with some help from my son…I was able to complete my 2022-23 team signed ball, one of my perennial collecting goals. I have a feeling this is going to be a special season for IU basketball, so I’m really excited to have this ball on display in my collection.
BAM! And there you have it…4 scores at Fan Fest #2! I can’t wait for next year’s edition. Not to overshadow the current team, but I’m hoping more legendary alums will join in on the fun next year — and perhaps add another coveted signature to the “Legends” ball.