Unrealistic Expectations, or Just Bad Manners?

Ok, in order to discuss my chosen topic today, I have to reveal something somewhat embarrassing about myself, so here goes. Those of you who know me also know that I've had a huge crush on Chris Capuano for a while now. And no, not because he's a baseball player or just because he's "cute" or whatever. I always respected his talent as a pitcher, but was never interested in him socially until I found out how smart he is. (Phi Beta Kappa from Duke for cripes' sake??) What can I say? Smart guys turn me on. From interviews, articles, and his weekly call-in on the Hog, I found out that he and I actually had quite a few things in common.

My well-meaning friends had convinced me that Chris would surely say yes to a date with me, should I be given the opportunity to meet him, and I, deluded as I was, believed them. Hey, I'm an educated, independent, intelligent, not bad looking woman, so it's not completely far fetched. But I digress.

So I thought about how I could get his attention in a way that would convey the fact that I was more interested in his brain than his pitching arm. It turns out that he is fascinated with vampires, as am I, and he had read all of the Anne Rice vampire books, as had I. Because I was a fan, I knew that she had released a 20th Anniversary Edition of "Interview with the Vampire," and each book was autographed. As soon as I remembered that edition, I knew I had my "in."

So I started looking online for a copy I could afford. $35 direct from the publisher, or $50 - $200 on eBay and similar sites. Well I liked him but not that much. I kept looking and found one that was priced under $20. I decided that wasn't too much to waste should he blow me off, so I ordered it, and then waited for the opportune moment to give it to him.

Some of you may know that August 19th was Chris's birthday, and he was one of the scheduled signers for Autograph Friday on the 18th, so I decided that was a good time. I sat by the dugout and waited for him to finish his session. Thankfully, a kid next to me called him over to sign a baseball card, saving me the embarassment of having to yell at him.

He came over, and I told him I had something for him, gave him the book and said that I had heard he was a fan. He agreed, saying that he was a huge fan. I told him that this was the autographed 20th Anniversay Edition, and from his response, he seemed to be pretty floored by it. He thanked me, saying how great it was, but that I shouldn't spend money on him. I told him to consider it a birthday gift. Then he offered to sign something for me. I told him I'd rather take him to dinner. He just smiled and continued signing cards for the kids next to me. I gave him my business card, said he should call if he changed his mind, and I walked away.

That was over two weeks ago. Of course I was crazy to think that I'd actually get a date out of it, but wouldn't you think I'd at least get a "thank you" card or something? Maybe he was raised differently, but where I grew up, when someone gives you a gift, you send them a thank-you note. He didn't even bother to ask my name at the park when I gave him the book. I had always thought Chris was a totally classy guy, but this incident has completely changed my views. He really would have just said thanks, taken the book and walked away without ever having asked my name or anything, like it was no big deal, and he was entitled to things like that.

So now I put the question to you all out there. Did I have unrealistic expectations in thinking I'd receive, at the very least, a note of thanks, or is this just really bad manners? I'd welcome any comments any of you might have, aside from telling me how lame it was that I thought he might really go out with me. I already know that! Until next time, go Brewers!