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NORTH ATTLEBORO - For those who could afford the ticket, the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

No, it was not a trip to the World Series. It wasn't even a regular season game.

For $125 to $150 each, local residents clamored to get the autograph of Boston Red Sox rookie Jacoby Ellsbury, who made a signing appearance at Sports Treasures Saturday afternoon.

"Absolutely," said Scott Gagan, of Coventry, R.I., who took his 12-year-old son Austin to the mall, to get the autograph and shake Ellsbury's hand.

"He's my favorite player, too, for the excitement he adds to the game. I wanted him to be here, and remember this when he's older. Maybe he'll do it for his kids." There were a whole lot of lucky kids like Austin Gagan, who had balls, bats and posters for Ellsbury - who was accompanied by his new agent - to sign.

But there were also hundreds of others who either didn't know they needed a ticket to get his signature, or couldn't afford the entrance price.

Store employees said they received around 1,500 phone calls inquiring about the event, which went off relatively smoothly.

As Ellsbury rounded the corner, some screams and claps broke out, as people with tickets lined up 30 at a time to get their autograph.

But store managers - trying to keep a path clear for shoppers who weren't interested - were quick to move along those who came without a ticket, trying to get a quick photo of Ellsbury.

Robert White, of Sandwich, brought his son, Tyler, 11, to the event.

"We try to go to everything," Robert White said. "He's been thinking about this for a month."

Tyler White said Ellsbury was his favorite player because "he's good."

Austin Gagan had much the same reaction, echoing his father's thoughts that the popular outfielder brings excitement to the game.