On a day when my Red Sox end the drama and lock up Daisuke Matsuzaka for 6 years/$52 million, we hear the horrible news about Paul Arizin's passing.

This guy was an absolute scoring machine in th 1950's and 1960's for the Philadelphia Warriors (who also had Tom Gola and Wilt Chamberlain). He was voted one of the 50 greatest players and a Hall of Famer.

Now here's the part that blows my mind.
Over the years, all of our SportsCollectors.Net members had sent 120 requests to him... and he signed autographs for all 120 attempts!!! 100% success rate. Yes, an all time great who loved his fans and always took the time out of his day for them. I feel incredibly lucky that I received my 1961 Fleer Paul Arizin card with an autograph personalized to me.

I have heard some wonderful stories from friends who had met Mr. Arizin, and said he was as nice of a guy as you will meet. So whenever we all think how athletes are spoiled prima donas who are above everyone, remember there are great guys like Paul Arizin. He will be missed.