“Can’t Sign One…for This Boy?”: Michael Phelps’ Father Lost His Temper When MLB Star Snubbed Him for an Autograph During His Childhood

In the sporting world, athletes look immense. The very reason kids worship them like superheroes. They never pass the opportunity to get autographs or pictures. Growing up young, Michael Phelps himself was an ardent follower of baseball. Attending games regularly, he loved his favorite team, Baltimore Orioles. Like other kids, he wanted an autograph from his favorite players. But things don’t work like that.

He recollected when he waited a long time to get an autograph, only to be pushed aside by the player. He still recalls that moment to date and explains how his father reacted to the pitcher’s arrogance. It is a very touchy subject to understand, and Phelps felt undone. 

Michael Phelps rejected for an autograph!

Phelps loves baseball and often sits in the Camden Yards’ third-base-line seats. He remembered how he received many autographs from players like Mike Mussina, Chris Hoiles, Ben McDonald, David Segui, and Roberto Alomar. But Bob Milacki thought otherwise. One day, as usual, Phelps spoke to his dad about wanting an autograph and approaching Milacki, who was talking to another player. 

His father, Michael Fred Phelps, advised him to wait until he finished talking to his friend so that it would not come across as rude behavior. But, as soon as he stopped talking, the pitcher stepped aside, deciding not to sign the autograph. Seeing this, Fred lost it. He then went on a rant to the player about his conduct. 

“Now why are you so special that you can’t sign one autograph for this boy? He was waiting for you for ten minutes. I know you saw him,” shouted Fred, venting out at Milacki. He continued, “He was the only one waiting and he was very polite. Do you really think you’d be playing baseball in Camden Yards if you didn’t have kids looking up to you like that?”

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At that moment, the pitcher went away and did not come back. However, things changed for a reason, and he finally received his coveted autograph. 

But Phelps finally gets it!

During an interview with Dan Patrick, Michael Phelps‘ childhood dream was finally fulfilled. Patrick passed him on a Bob Milacki baseball, some cards, a letter written to Michael, and a Bob Milacki signed jersey. He wrote a note for Phelps on the baseball jersey. “To Michael, the greatest Olympian of all time, best regards, Bob Milacki.”

Phelps loved it. It became an iconic story. Probably Bob would never have fathomed to understand who he was dealing with at that age. Imagine what Bob Milacki would have thought when he met that kid during that day. He would have met a kid who won 28 Olympic medals. Just amazing!

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