Meeting Dennis Gentry (85 Chicago Bears)

This past Saturday (August 17) I went to Steven's Collectibles in Countryside, Ill., to meet 85 Bear Dennis Gentry. Gentry was a backup running back on the team behind the legendary Walter Payton. The signing took place from 12 until 2 p.m. Upon arriving at Steven's, I realized that this place was packed to the max. I had to park further away than any other signing that I have been to there which included Jimmy Hayes, Brandon Bollig and Dave Kingman among others. I went inside and picked up my ticket which was number 177 so I knew I would be waiting a while especially since they were only on 1-20 when I got there. I got this ticket for free through my membership with CSAC (csac.biz) which is a website that lists all of the autograph signings going on in the state of Illinois and some in Indiana/Wisconsin. I waited for about an hour or so before my number was called. Throughout my time waiting I looked at what everyone else had and people were bringing in artwork, helmets, books, pictures, footballs, etc. I have always wanted to get a full size helmet signed by someone, but have yet to get that done. I had my 85 Bear ball signed by Gentry and once I got inside the line moved extremely fast. It was quite deceiving since I was number 177, because many people had multiple tickets (some people had 10-15 items to get signed), so there really was not 176 people ahead of me. At $15 an autograph that place had to have made some solid cash from this signing. I got my ball signed and I took off and headed home. Another great signing that I have been to and another 85 Bear to add to my collection.