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Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, four Sopranos cast members among the guests at Expo at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Great athletes and "4 actors from The Sopranos" will be at the Western New York Sports Card Expo at Batavia Downs on Sept. 20-21.

In addition to the unspecified cast members of The Sopranos, the event will feature: Dave Bing, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Lou Piniella, Jose Canseco, Gayle Sayers, and Ric Flair.

The Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Parking is free. Admission is $5 and includes $5 in free play for those 18 and older. Children under 8 get in free.

Ryan Hasenauer

Full details are at: http://www.thepurplepeopleeaters.com/

The 4 Sopranos actors are Aida Turtuorro who played Janice (Tony's sister), John Ventimiglia who played Artie the restaurant owner, Vincent Pastore who played one of the gangsters and Tony Darrow who played one of the other gangsters on the show.

Sep 5, 2014, 12:41pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'm so getting Johnny Bench's autograph.

When I was 8 or 9, my parents took me to a Padres-Reds game. After the game, my parents took me to the tunnel where the players exit the stadium. All I wanted was Johnny Bench's autograph. I was right at the front of the gate. As Bench walked up he said, "no autographs, no autographs." Dejected, I turned away.

As soon as the gate opened, Bench started signing. He signed dozens, but I couldn't get back close to him.

He got in a car driven by Al Ferrara. I went up to the car for one last try to get an autograph and Ferrara snarls at me, "get away from the car, kid."

I've been mad at Bench ever since.

Sep 5, 2014, 12:53pm Permalink

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