Mike Marshall signing

[39special]

I received the latest Chris Potter email that Mike Marshall is signing in '13.
$150.00 for a card,$220.00 for a ball.I know he doesn't like to sign.I was wondering what you guys think of those prices?

[drc]

If you're talking about Dr. Mike Marshall, a few years ago I sold a ball signed by him for perhaps $270, maybe a bit higher.

The value is due to the rarity, so the more he signs the less rare they become.

[dgo71]

He's done two signings, the first by Bill Corcoran, the second I believe was also Bill or may have been Chris Potter. Either way, his prices at those signings started at $250 for cards/8x10s. So it's dropped pretty significantly, but as the poster above me mentioned, there are only so many set collectors, CY collectors etc. willing to pay that price and once they have added him to their collections the market will be fairly non-existant.

That said, if you're one of those wanting to add him, $150 is a great price considering there is simply ZERO chance of getting him elsewhere. The guy just does not sign. Period.

[drc]

My opinion is if you really need to get his signed baseball, $220 directly from a private signing is a fair enough price. He's not signing for cheap, but isn't gouging either.

[39special]

I thought it was a good price considering he doesn't sign.

[JimStinson]

The first private signing Mike G. Marshall did was back about 11 or 12 years ago. It was with Bill Corcoran and me.

I was the one that negotiated the deal and it took me five years to convince him to do it. It was the first signing he ever did. We offered mail in's advertised in SCD and charged $250.00 per if I remember correctly. After that Bill did a signing with him solo and I think the prices remained the same but since I was not part of the 2nd signing I don't know.

He was overall a very nice fellow , and the signing went well. Even having done those two signings already I would say he's likely the toughest autograph of any living former ball player.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[jgmp123]

I guess I am unfamiliar with his story...why is he so hesitant to sign? Any specific reasons or just doesn't want to be bothered?

[JimStinson]

I guess I am unfamiliar with his story...why is he so hesitant to sign? Any specific reasons or just doesn't want to be bothered?

According to Marshall autograph collecting is a miss directed form of "hero worship" he believes that athletes are not heros and that instead the REAL heros should be teachers, parents etc. ,

Its probably a little more complicated than that but thats the gist of it. This goes all the way back to his playing days. In his defense he was always very nice to kids and fans and his refusals to sign were always polite in contrast to Thurman Munson (and others) who would shout expletives, shove kids to the ground, throw their baseball cards in the mud etc. depending on his mood.
At least Marshall was consistent...:)
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[JimStinson]

That reminded me of an amusing thing that happened when Bill and I met with him. Someone had sent in an 8x10 color photo to be signed of Mike Marshall , a man and his son and others all seated at a picnic bench having lunch.
Marshall looked at it and smiled , I asked him about it and he said it was his friends family and was taken at a bar-b-q they had about a year prior. His friend had asked him numerous times to sign it for him and he wouldn't.
His words were "I guess I HAVE to sign it now"

Tom H. a member of this board has a couple amusing Mike Marshall stories of his own but I'll let him tell them if he wants to...:)
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[jgmp123]

Thanks Jim...I still think it sounds so outlandish to think that. Hero worship.maybe, but the guys has got to understand what that autograph would mean to a kid.

[byrone]

According to Marshall autograph collecting is a miss directed form of "hero worship" he believes that athletes are not heros and that instead the REAL heros should be teachers, parents etc. ,

Its probably a little more complicated than that but thats the gist of it. This goes all the way back to his playing days. In his defense he was always very nice to kids and fans and his refusals to sign were always polite in contrast to Thurman Munson (and others) who would shout expletives, shove kids to the ground, throw their baseball cards in the mud etc. depending on his mood.
At least Marshall was consistent...:)
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jim@stinsonsports.com

That's too bad about Munson. A little kindness and politeness goes a long way.

[JimStinson]

Thanks Jim...I still think it sounds so outlandish to think that. Hero worship.maybe, but the guys has got to understand what that autograph would mean to a kid.

I can't even begin to try and guess his philosophy regarding autographs, My point was that in all of the interaction I ever saw him have with kids and fans in general he was pleasant , would shake hands and often even pose for pictures. And talk baseball. Compared to many horror stories from my youth in which the player would not only refuse to sign but would go out of their way to be insulting, Leon Wagner, Jerry Grote, Thurman Munson, George Foster etc.

From my personal experiences at Yankee Stadium we were kids the Yankees were awful, Late 60's no one was in the stands and Mickey Mantle was taking fielding practice at 1st base he was our idol and we yelled our lungs out just to have "The Mick" turn in our direction and "WAVE" would have been nice but he went out of his way to ignore us and even poked fun at us with the other players.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[HexsHeroes]

.

. . . considering the number of collectors who consider Munson one of the "great" Yankee catchers, and who are willing to pay several hundreds of dollars for a Munson signed item (to be a treasured part of their collection). I know of afew collectors who fit this mold. And I realize that a good part of the demand is from the very limited number of autographs he signed over the years, and that certainly influences the higher prices for authentic Munson signed items. But it still sounds alittle like misplaced hero-worship to me; wanting and valuing a signed items from someone who treated the fans poorly, on more than the rare occasion.

[drc]

Reading his bio, Marshall was not your normal baseball guy. He got a Ph.d. from Michigan State while he was still playing in the bigs and went on to teach at several colleges.

[jgmp123]

.

. . . considering the number of collectors who consider Munson one of the "great" Yankee catchers, and who are willing to pay several hundreds of dollars for a Munson signed item (to be a treasured part of their collection). I know of afew collectors who fit this mold. And I realize that a good part of the demand is from the very limited number of autographs he signed over the years, and that certainly influences the higher prices for authentic Munson signed items. But it still sounds alittle like misplaced hero-worship to me; wanting and valuing a signed items from someone who treated the fans poorly, on more than the rare occasion.

I think it could also due with "Completion". I know I would only want a Munson if it pertained to a certain collection I was trying to build....

[JimStinson]

.

. . . considering the number of collectors who consider Munson one of the "great" Yankee catchers, and who are willing to pay several hundreds of dollars for a Munson signed item (to be a treasured part of their collection). I know of afew collectors who fit this mold. And I realize that a good part of the demand is from the very limited number of autographs he signed over the years, and that certainly influences the higher prices for authentic Munson signed items. But it still sounds alittle like misplaced hero-worship to me; wanting and valuing a signed items from someone who treated the fans poorly, on more than the rare occasion.

I didn't mean to degrade Thurman Munson in any way , in fact ON THE FIELD he played his heart out ! A true competitor ! He owed the fans that and he DELIVERED ! How he or any other athlete interacts with fans off the field is their choice. Some are A joy to meet , some are "quirky" and some are downright SOB's....:), I prefer either of the first two over the latter.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[travrosty]

I guess I am unfamiliar with his story...why is he so hesitant to sign? Any specific reasons or just doesn't want to be bothered?



he wants to be different because it makes him feel special. its an ego stroke in a weird sort of a way. he enjoys being the martyr. if he signed a lot people would generally forget about him, so he refuses to sign. its his way of being remembered, even if it is for not signing. I think he secretly enjoys people asking him so he can say no. it's a display of power. Muhammad Ali is the opposite, he loved the fans and signed all day. My opinion.

[cubsfan-budman]

If someone doesn't sign because of principles but then WILL sign when a bunch of money is involved, I think that person is a hypocrite.

Either sign or don't. Or even only sign when a lot of money is involved. But don't say you're against signing because it feels like hero worship then only sign for people when they pay you $220.

Gross.

[JimStinson]

he wants to be different because it makes him feel special. its an ego stroke in a weird sort of a way. he enjoys being the martyr. if he signed a lot people would generally forget about him, so he refuses to sign. its his way of being remembered, even if it is for not signing. I think he secretly enjoys people asking him so he can say no. it's a display of power. Muhammad Ali is the opposite, he loved the fans and signed all day. My opinion.

I love that ! To have the ability to READS PEOPLES MINDS It would come in especially handle with the girls at the CLUBS , I have a selfish motive but would like you to teach me how it works ......Have money will travel :)

[Deertick]

he wants to be different because it makes him feel special. its an ego stroke in a weird sort of a way. he enjoys being the martyr. if he signed a lot people would generally forget about him, so he refuses to sign. its his way of being remembered, even if it is for not signing. I think he secretly enjoys people asking him so he can say no. it's a display of power. Muhammad Ali is the opposite, he loved the fans and signed all day. My opinion.

That is idiotic.

[dgo71]

If someone doesn't sign because of principles but then WILL sign when a bunch of money is involved, I think that person is a hypocrite.

Either sign or don't. Or even only sign when a lot of money is involved. But don't say you're against signing because it feels like hero worship then only sign for people when they pay you $220.

Gross.

+1. I don't have a problem with athletes refusing to sign (I don't necessarily GET it sometimes, but that's different) but don't say you don't sign because of some weird moral high ground and then waiver when a large sum of money is thrown in your face. I understand the check Bill stroked to Marshall for the first signing would have made a nice down payment on a new house.

[stewbacca]

I am an autographed set collector and need Marshall for 2 different sets(1969 and 1976 topps) and see these prices and getting down to $150 is starting to look like a bargain for me. Here is an old article from SI about him and I think it is a good read.


http://www.drmikemarshall.com/1974_August12SportsIllustrated.html

[dgo71]

I once heard that the reason Marshall's later issue cards are all action shots (the last 8-10 years or so, not sure exactly) is because Marshall had even gone so far as to start refusing to pose for the Topps photographers.

[Deertick]

+1. I don't have a problem with athletes refusing to sign (I don't necessarily GET it sometimes, but that's different) but don't say you don't sign because of some weird moral high ground and then waiver when a large sum of money is thrown in your face. I understand the check Bill stroked to Marshall for the first signing would have made a nice down payment on a new house.

My understanding that he used the money to expand his facility and use it for his center. Which he holds as paramount, his mission. I don't see a major moral ambiguity. I'm pretty sure he can give a whit about his autograph value.

Jim, any recollection what his fee was? How many items signed? In other words, if he took his time and signed 100 /hr, did you guys break even? ;)

When I played against him (almost 20 years ago) in a men's league, he would only pitch, never bat. He would write down every pitch (or sequence) at the end of an inning in a notebook. No one ever talked to him during the game. If you got a hit, he was annoyed. He seemed to approach the game as a puzzle that needed to be solved. Most times he left as soon as he was finished pitching for the game. If he stayed, he would discuss the game, at bats you had, and general theory. But if anyone asked about or mentioned his MLB career he would brush it off (Yeah, those were the days") If someone didn't get it and pressed on....icy stare or blank silence.

Something I'll never forget: One of my younger teamates hit a homerun off of him. We convinced him to ask for Mike to autograph it. He just looked over at us, gave a disgusted look, and simply said. "Not today".We were laughing so hard it hurt. I must say he was never rude, just businesslike.

*Just read that SI article. WOW. 20 years before my story. 40 years of consistency in philosophy.

[dgo71]

I don't think Marshall cares about the value of his signature either, but what he used the money for doesn't change the fact that he did indeed sell out on his core values. His stance was always that signing autographs (or any fan interaction for that matter) perpetuated what he saw as social "shortcomings."

Marshall relented on his self-imposed policy for a price, and to imply that it's OK because the money went to a good cause negates the hypocrisy of his actions. At the end of the day, he had a price and that price was enough to get him to do something that he clearly looked at as trivial and wrong.

I'm not claiming to even begin to know what goes on in the mind of someone as cerebral as Marshall, but I see his actions as hypocritical and at the end of the day it's just my opinion of what he did. IMO, if he wanted money to pour into his facility, I'm sure there are other ways that a man of his obvious intelligence could have gone about getting it.

EDIT:
All that said, I LOL'd a few times reading this. You have to kinda smile at his blatant deflection of questions he had no interest in.

http://twinstrivia.com/interview-archives/dr-mike-marshall/

[thecatspajamas]

The first private signing Mike G. Marshall did was back about 11 or 12 years ago. It was with Bill Corcoran and me.

I was the one that negotiated the deal and it took me five years to convince him to do it. It was the first signing he ever did.

Jim,
Could you elaborate more on what you recall of his motivations for finally doing that first autograph signing, and what finally tipped the scales after 5 years of trying to convince him? It seems to me that after 30+ years of refusing to sign (if I'm getting my timeline right), the decision to do a signing session couldn't have been as simple as needing some quick cash or a boost to his sagging ego. Rather than opining as to what I think his motivations may have been though, it seems more reasonable to ask the guy that was there spearheading the negotiations, and I would be glad to hear any specifics that you can recall.

[travrosty]

I don't think Marshall cares about the value of his signature either, but what he used the money for doesn't change the fact that he did indeed sell out on his core values. His stance was always that signing autographs (or any fan interaction for that matter) perpetuated what he saw as social "shortcomings."

Marshall relented on his self-imposed policy for a price, and to imply that it's OK because the money went to a good cause negates the hypocrisy of his actions. At the end of the day, he had a price and that price was enough to get him to do something that he clearly looked at as trivial and wrong.

I'm not claiming to even begin to know what goes on in the mind of someone as cerebral as Marshall, but I see his actions as hypocritical and at the end of the day it's just my opinion of what he did. IMO, if he wanted money to pour into his facility, I'm sure there are other ways that a man of his obvious intelligence could have gone about getting it.




of course its hypocritical, he lectured people on their misguidance in asking a ballplayer for his autograph, chided them. then he takes the money and signs.

but it is what it is. bill russel didnt sign until he saw his friends make a boatload of money. others wont sign for various reasons. try getting a alfredo evangelista boxing autograph. it takes years if you can pry one from him at all. but ali signed all day in the streets for free.

[Deertick]

I don't think Marshall cares about the value of his signature either, but what he used the money for doesn't change the fact that he did indeed sell out on his core values. His stance was always that signing autographs (or any fan interaction for that matter) perpetuated what he saw as social "shortcomings."

Marshall relented on his self-imposed policy for a price, and to imply that it's OK because the money went to a good cause negates the hypocrisy of his actions. At the end of the day, he had a price and that price was enough to get him to do something that he clearly looked at as trivial and wrong.

I'm not claiming to even begin to know what goes on in the mind of someone as cerebral as Marshall, but I see his actions as hypocritical and at the end of the day it's just my opinion of what he did. IMO, if he wanted money to pour into his facility, I'm sure there are other ways that a man of his obvious intelligence could have gone about getting it.

EDIT:
All that said, I LOL'd a few times reading this. You have to kinda smile at his blatant deflection of questions he had no interest in.

http://twinstrivia.com/interview-archives/dr-mike-marshall/

Another fun read! I only met the man a few times, and only spoke to him briefly. I was facinated then watching a Cy Young pitcher playing in a local over-40 league (against my over-30 team) and am still facinated. His dispassion for the game is clear, as is his obsession with it.

[dgo71]

Yeah, I think the most fascinating thing about him is how much he HATES the idea of baseball in and of itself but cannot escape from baseball because it provides him the perfect opportunity to ply his trade. It must be the ultimate catch-22 for a guy like him!

[Scott Garner]

I don't think Marshall cares about the value of his signature either, but what he used the money for doesn't change the fact that he did indeed sell out on his core values. His stance was always that signing autographs (or any fan interaction for that matter) perpetuated what he saw as social "shortcomings."

Marshall relented on his self-imposed policy for a price, and to imply that it's OK because the money went to a good cause negates the hypocrisy of his actions. At the end of the day, he had a price and that price was enough to get him to do something that he clearly looked at as trivial and wrong.

I'm not claiming to even begin to know what goes on in the mind of someone as cerebral as Marshall, but I see his actions as hypocritical and at the end of the day it's just my opinion of what he did. IMO, if he wanted money to pour into his facility, I'm sure there are other ways that a man of his obvious intelligence could have gone about getting it.

EDIT:
All that said, I LOL'd a few times reading this. You have to kinda smile at his blatant deflection of questions he had no interest in.

http://twinstrivia.com/interview-archives/dr-mike-marshall/

THAT is one awesome interview!! Dr. Mike is a trip... :)

[Mr. Zipper]

THAT is one awesome interview!! Dr. Mike is a trip... :)

Could be the best baseball interview I've ever read.

You think I could get him to inscribe a ball, "I trust me the most." ?

[Scott Garner]

Could be the best baseball interview I've ever read.

You think I could get him to inscribe a ball, "I trust me the most." ?

Absolutely! What a classic line!! Mike is Mike's biggest fan. :D

[JimStinson]

Jim,
Could you elaborate more on what you recall of his motivations for finally doing that first autograph signing, and what finally tipped the scales after 5 years of trying to convince him? It seems to me that after 30+ years of refusing to sign (if I'm getting my timeline right), the decision to do a signing session couldn't have been as simple as needing some quick cash or a boost to his sagging ego. Rather than opining as to what I think his motivations may have been though, it seems more reasonable to ask the guy that was there spearheading the negotiations, and I would be glad to hear any specifics that you can recall.

In answer to your question I really don't know, I was on the phone with him every other month for five years so I don't think it was really about money. I would GUESS that as someone said it was to expand his baseball complex. I do remember his saying that he hoped by doing a signing it would eliminate the constant requests he recieved asking for his autograph. The irony of the entire project was that I was doing alot of private signings at the time with various athletes and celebrities and the question that kept coming up over and over was "Why don't you do a signing with Mike G. Marshall ?" and how great it would be for the hobby etc.

When finally I was able to pull it off I got just as many complaints that I was "Charging too much !!!" :) some of them quite nasty. So I learned you can't make everyone happy.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[jgmp123]

Sorry, but this guy is a prick.

From the SI article posted above...
They say I don't like kids. I think that refusing to sign autographs, I am giving the strongest demonstration that I really do like them.

The guy is delusional....Kids aren't at a PHD level to understand that kind of thinking.
Topps and MLB forged the agreement to start paying players for their appearances on baseball cards around the 70's correct? right about the same time he was in the Majors...Hey Dr. Mike who bought the baseball cards back then that helped coat your pockets with money? THE KIDS AT THE BALLPARK. Who paid to see you play? THOSE SAME KIDS AT THE BALLPARK.

Refusing to sign unless they had autographs of their teachers is an asinine statement.

Sorry guys, but Dr. Mike idea of thinking sucks. My guess is that his money has began to run out and he now sees it fit to sell his autograph.

Hypocrite.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

I'm sure there has been a thread somewhere that has gone over this, but other than Dr. Mike, are there any other players currently who are extremely difficult to obtain autographs from or don't sign. I know Piazza is tough, but a player that doesn't even have certified autographed cards from Upper Deck, Topps etc.

I know Dr. Mike has a few Sweet Spot autographs from Upper Deck.

[dgo71]

Piazza is not really that tough at all. In fact, I am 5-for-5 in IP experiences with him over the years. Maybe I'm lucky but he's been pretty friendly every time I've seen him. He's not even in the same galaxy as Dr. Mike, in terms of toughness.

George Hendrick is another notorious toughie. Rarely signs IP but at least you can break him down every once in a while. When he does sign IP, he will usually sign only Cardinals items for some reason.

[Scott Garner]

Piazza is not really that tough at all. In fact, I am 5-for-5 in IP experiences with him over the years. Maybe I'm lucky but he's been pretty friendly every time I've seen him. He's not even in the same galaxy as Dr. Mike, in terms of toughness.

George Hendrick is another notorious toughie. Rarely signs IP but at least you can break him down every once in a while. When he does sign IP, he will usually sign only Cardinals items for some reason.

Rickey Henderson, Eddie Murray (late in his career, but always polite about it)and Albert Belle were the toughest guys IP that I ever faced, FWIW...

[JimStinson]

Piazza is not really that tough at all. In fact, I am 5-for-5 in IP experiences with him over the years. Maybe I'm lucky but he's been pretty friendly every time I've seen him. He's not even in the same galaxy as Dr. Mike, in terms of toughness.

George Hendrick is another notorious toughie. Rarely signs IP but at least you can break him down every once in a while. When he does sign IP, he will usually sign only Cardinals items for some reason.

The George Hendrick experience ! When he was playing in the senior league in Florida when ever he was asked for an autograph he'd politely say "No Thanks" ....I had a $50.00 bet with another collector that he could NOT get Hendrick to sign.

One day in the parking lot he found Tom Paciorek's wallet and it had about $400.00 in it, he returned it to Paciorek personally and the Tom kept thanking him over and over , couldn't believe the guys honesty. So Paciorek reached over and gave the guy that returned his wallet one of his bats as a way of saying thanks. The collector politely refused and said there "IS ONE FAVOR you can do for me" determined to win his bet he asked Paciorek if he could get Hendrick to sign a ball for him, Paciorek looked at him like....."Thats all you want ?" and grabbed a baseball trotted over to Hendrick and we all sat there in stitches laughing as Hendrick kept shaking his head NO ! Tom Paciorek was so furious we thought he was going to deck him...lol. Finally red in the face he trotted back over and said you are going to have to settle for one of my bats .....
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[HOF Auto Rookies]

The George Hendrick experience ! When he was playing in the senior league in Florida when ever he was asked for an autograph he'd politely say "No Thanks" ....I had a $50.00 bet with another collector that he could NOT get Hendrick to sign.

One day in the parking lot he found Tom Paciorek's wallet and it had about $400.00 in it, he returned it to Paciorek personally and the Tom kept thanking him over and over , couldn't believe the guys honesty. So Paciorek reached over and gave the guy that returned his wallet one of his bats as a way of saying thanks. The collector politely refused and said there "IS ONE FAVOR you can do for me" determined to win his bet he asked Paciorek if he could get Hendrick to sign a ball for him, Paciorek looked at him like....."Thats all you want ?" and grabbed a baseball trotted over to Hendrick and we all sat there in stitches laughing as Hendrick kept shaking his head NO ! Tom Paciorek was so furious we thought he was going to deck him...lol. Finally red in the face he trotted back over and said you are going to have to settle for one of my bats .....
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jim@stinsonsports.com

That is hilarious! Jim, you need to write a book based off your stories and experiences, I definitely would be one of the first in line to buy it lol

[mr2686]

Jim, what year was that? I know Hendrick has signed at a couple shows in the last couple of years so I wonder if his position has changed...or maybe he just wants to be paid for them.

[Deertick]

Jim, what year was that? I know Hendrick has signed at a couple shows in the last couple of years so I wonder if his position has changed...or maybe he just wants to be paid for them.

And I have seen him ocassionally sign at Rays games.

[JimStinson]

And I have seen him ocassionally sign at Rays games.

That would have been 1989-90, the league went broke I think part way through the 1990 season. Mike Marshall played in 1990 and even he signed SOME, not alot but he signed. Bake McBride was tough too but he signed sparingly , I never witnessed Hendrick sign ANYTHING he was considered the toughest autograph in the league at that time. Since then I think he did a private signing or two and is not such a hard case as he was then.

The FUN guys were Rick Wise and Fergie Jenkins who played for Winterhaven , I'd show up with 10 or 20 photos of them and Wise used to tell me to set them on the edge of the dugout and he and Fergie would sign them BETWEEN INNINGS OF THE GAME ...is that a hoot ! and Wise would ask me , so what do these sell for these days and I'd tell him and Jenkins and him would chide each others who's photos were selling for more.

The first private signing Bill C. and I did together was in the senior league it was with Mike Cuellar, Cesar Cedeno, Pedro Ramos and another I can't remember. I lived in Ocala Florida then and so did Earl Battey and he and I became friends , He loved to talk baseball and we'd drink coffee and he's smoke his Salem's and tell me some of the funniest damn baseball stories I've ever heard.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[Leon]

So I learned you can't make everyone happy.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

So you are saying you could manage this board? :)

[JimStinson]

So you are saying you could manage this board? :)

Let me consider my options ...pour battery acid directly into my eyes or manage the board ?mmmmmmmm (theme song from jeopardy plays in background)...I'll take the 1st option ,
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[dgo71]

He's no longer active (he is now coaching college actually, I believe) but Billy Traber was always a real piece of work. I got him to FINALLY sign a card for me after about 10 tries over a couple seasons. He literally looked like he was going to throw up while signing the card. He is a very odd guy.

That Hendrick story is classic and right in line with how he was. As a player, forget it, he wasn't signing EVER. When he coached with the Dodgers organization, I did get him a few times in Vero but it was always Cardinals cards only. I'll say this, when he does actually sign, he has a great graph!

[mr2686]

Let me consider my options ...pour battery acid directly into my eyes or manage the board ?mmmmmmmm (theme song from jeopardy plays in background)...I'll take the 1st option ,
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jim@stinsonsports.com

I'm sorry, you didn't put it in the form of a question. :)

[Hot Springs Bathers]

I am coming to this thread a little late but this is the first time I have really sorted through the autograph side.

I worked with Dr. Mike Marshall for two years at Henderson State University in the late 1980s. He was indeed a very interesting fellow and was acually a lot of fun to work with.

We would always play a number of northern teams early each Spring as they took their breaks to head south to get in games while the snow melted at home. This would usually be the first time they were out of gym and we would pound them 30-3, 19-3 and our players just couldn't help it.

After many/most of these games a few of the opponents would always ask Mike to sign their gloves or something and I never once saw him refuse. I might also mentioned that many times these teams would play us again at the end of the week and the scores would be much closer after they had seen some sunshine and knocked off some rust. Funny, they were always pretty sunbruned after a week.

Mike kept a stack of black and white Twins postcards on his desk and would stuff one unsigned into each autograph request he received TTM. He also returned everything sent to him unsigned.

We didn't talk about the signing or lack of very often but he loved to talk baseball. He did have some problems interacting with the rest of the university system. Our budget was pathetic and he couldn't understand why, it really created some problems.

When I resigned to move into a different profession he came to my going away party. As he was about to leave he handed me a paper bag, inside were two signed balls. Both of course signed Dr. Mike Marshall.

While I too have had personal issues watching players from different sports act poorly when asked to sign I can honestly say that Mike was always pleasent and never rude. We have had several phone conversations since that time and he is always great talk with.

As far whether a player should sign or not, I have always felt like they should, it is part of the big picture for their sport. The adoration of the fans is where the TV dollars come from ot to mention the ticket money.

I was fortunate, growing up in the early 60s my two favorites were Bart Starr and Mickey Mantle. I had the chance to see both in person and both were great. I think of the thousands of pro athletes I have encountered over the years Bart Starr, Stan Musial, Brooks Robinson and Ernie Banks are by far the best people I have had the chance to ask for an autograph.

[Marckus99]

All these years its a "no", until the money was "right"?

And $150 for him, is like spending $150 on a
1980 Donruss PSA 10 common.

Prick +1


Side note: When I was a batboy for the Yankees in '89,
Canseco would only sign if you spoke to him in spanish.
And Bo Jackson sign a large "X" on photos and
this was IN the clubhouse!!!

[travrosty]

i agree,

he should lighten up and sign autographs, be happy. life is too short to hold a grudge. he was blessed with enough talent to play major league baseball at its highest level, lighten up and be thankful, sign some autographs for the fans who go to their 9-5 salt mine jobs wishing they could play in the major leagues for just a day.

[milkit1]

Yeah no person is a decent person who holds a grudge against people that have never even met him. He made and still makes a good living. If he had been a prolific signer all along he probably would only get a few requests a month tops. Because of not signing now he has this backlog of people that are willing to pay a lot and....what a surprise he is now willing to take their money. I sure hope there is a hell. Mike marshall can sit there for eternity next to bill russell signing autographs for an endless line.
The ironic thing about bo jackson is that X Autograph is probably worth as much as his real one lol

[JimStinson]

In bringing back an old thread ...Since I was the one that lined up the first private signing with Mike G. Marshall let me say this. Having completed private signings with the IMPOSSIBLE , Boxer CARLOS MONZON (in Argentina prison), NINO BENVENUTI (Rome Italy), etc etc I was deluged with requests for a signing with Mike G. Marshall which after many YEARS, yes YEARS I was able to compete , His autograph would have otherwise been unavailable ...Like it or not. But when finally it was offered I recieved late night phone calls to tell me what an idiot I was , Hate mail for charging so much. You name it I got it .....so you can't have it both ways.
On a personal level throughout the negotiations Marshall was always pleasent to talk to and a very intelligent man. I enjoyed our conversations but his level of responsibility to you and I was no different than any other athlete or celebrity. To give his 100% best when doing what you paid to watch him do. Nothing more nothing less. Its his choice to sign autographs for free , which by the way is a favor not an obligation. So the next time you watch a commercial for KFC during your favorite NFL game , stroll down there and tell them that since you have watched all of their commericials and assorted propaganda that you are entitled .......ENTITLED to a free chicken dinner , see what they tell you.
____________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[joed25]

Yeah no person is a decent person who holds a grudge against people that have never even met him. He made and still makes a good living. If he had been a prolific signer all along he probably would only get a few requests a month tops. Because of not signing now he has this backlog of people that are willing to pay a lot and....what a surprise he is now willing to take their money. I sure hope there is a hell. Mike marshall can sit there for eternity next to bill russell signing autographs for an endless line.
The ironic thing about bo jackson is that X Autograph is probably worth as much as his real one lol
+1

[JimStinson]

Also another ......Non Signer , I offered Actor Marlon Brando ONE MILLION dollars to do a private signing , ONE MILLION and do you know what he said ? NO , I asked for a counter offer and do you know what it was ? NO I am not interested in your proposal at any price .....so there you go , If he agreed collectors would have been required to pay $500.00 or more for his autograph. Just because you watched "The Godfather" does not mean he owed you OR me a favor
____________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[milkit1]

The problem with the chicken scenario is that kfc has always set a standard of Charging for their chicken. What these players do is decide willy nilly wether to sign or charge or whatever. If sir mike didnt want to sign then fine don't. But waiting thirty years and bilking minimum wage collectors is the move of an ahole. Marlon brando made a mill a day for his work on superman. Do you think he gets that because he works hard? No stars get paid big bucks to compensate for living a stars lifestyle of being harassed day and night. So yes it is their duty to sign for the people that generate the money to cover their rediculous paychecks. They are also rich enough that if they wanted they could avoid autograph hounds yet at premiere time they have no problem passing up those people to be interviewed by E!
I'm sure mike marshall probably isnt filthy rich but he put this on himself to have people calling him names for being a hypocrite money grubbing ahole.

[cubsfan-budman]

Yeah, definitely the issue with Marshall is that his principles appear to be for sale.

At least Brando wasn't for sale at that high price.

I don't even mind being charged for autographs, as it must be somewhat of a pain in the rear to deal with if you're really popular. I have a feeling Mr. Marshall would probably get 20 or 30 requests a year, which seems very manageable.

If he's not going to sign, awesome...who really gives a crap about his signature other than some completists. Claiming to not sign out of some principle and then signing when the check gets big enough is LAME.

[JimStinson]

Its their DUTY ??? come one man ! I don;t know what you do for a living but if I told you it was YOUR DUTY to spend four hours a day EVERY DAY to sign autographs and mail them back to so called fans would you do it ???? time away from your family, your kids , your real life ??? just so some annomous stranger could have your name scrawled on a piece of paper.
_________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[JimStinson]

and if that still messes you up , Turn the channel and watch womens basketball, last I heard they ALL sign for free
________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[JimStinson]

30 requests a year ? try 30 a day thats reality
_____________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[cubsfan-budman]

For Mike Marshall? 30 a day?

Anyhow, that wouldn't take anyone but a stroke victim 4 hours to accomplish.

Still, sign or don't. My entire point is that he claims he won't sign but then he gets talked into it by a big check. Hard to have respect for that.

[packs]

I agree. Mike Marshall's "principles" are absurd.

Baseball players DO have an obligation to their fans. We are all aware that baseball used to be a part-time job. Now it enables hundreds of athletes to make more money than they'll ever need in a year, every year. Why the shift?

THE FANS

You want to talk about how your job is to go out there and play baseball and that's it? Fine. Do you know who gave you that job?

THE FANS

Have some respect. Not only for yourself, but for the people who enable you to live the life that you're living. We are all taught from a young age to appreciate what we have, and the people who made it possible for us to have what we have. Why does that stop when you're a professional athlete?

[JimStinson]

respect it or not....agree with it or not ...My job was to convince IMPOSSILE non signers to sign FOR THE HOBBY I am not a doctor I don;t claim to know why. They do or don't SORRY ....But I made them available and I have to think that was a good thing. Otherwise there would be NOTHING as in the case of BRANDO , I did my best
_____________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[cubsfan-budman]

oh damn Jim, i'm not criticizing you.

my point was only in reference to Marshall.

sorry if it seemed otherwise.

[JimStinson]

oh damn Jim, i'm not criticizing you.

my point was only in reference to Marshall.

sorry if it seemed otherwise.

I understand 100% but my point is that when everyone was bleeding for it I did it and then everyone complained....Hell if someone wanted MY autograph I'd send it for free but I didn;t win the Cy Young award ...everyone has their own beliefs and quirks
_______________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[milkit1]

Its their DUTY ??? come one man ! I don;t know what you do for a living but if I told you it was YOUR DUTY to spend four hours a day EVERY DAY to sign autographs and mail them back to so called fans would you do it ???? time away from your family, your kids , your real life ??? just so some annomous stranger could have your name scrawled on a piece of paper.
_________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

yes, my heart bleeds for these idiot athletes and celebs who didnt think their life through when they signed their first million dollar contract. When I make $2500 an hour at my job and get autograph requests through the mail, yes I would take the time to sign them. The aholes that say they are too busy is nonsense. I remember James Stewart in his 80's signed EVERYTHING sent to him through the mail and Im sure even in his 80's he was ten times busier then the average person. Groucho Marx in his eighties was asked by his assistant why e takes the time to sign all his fan mail and he said " Because its my job"
I also love when celebs excuse is someone will sell their autograph. if they signed in the first place, though it wouldnt stop people from trying to sell them on ebay, and would turn that 1987 Topps Ricky Wright from a $5200 card into a $3 buy it now

[JimStinson]

Spoke with Clancy Smyres on the pnone I offered Clancy Smyres $500.00 per autograph ...he refused , played 5 games for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944. Today I get e-mails all of the time offering $2,000 for a Smyres signature , what was his logic ? what did he owe ? I have no idea but I wish I had a few of them ...sometimes this hobby defies logic.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

[packs]

I don't know what would drive a person to constantly deny regular people who enabled them to make a living the smallest satisfaction of having you write your name on something. Maybe sports attracts sadists more than any other personality types.

[stewbacca]

I dont think a player owes us anything. I consider myself an huge autograph collector and have been turned down by Hendrick, Jeff Leonard multiple times, Joel Youngblood and have been given attitude by players of even less ability, but they owe me nothing. If the market will allow Marshall the opportunity to charge $150, then so be it. Many people went ot autograph shows in the 90's thinking that all of these autographs were going to be their retirement. Nope. I need Marshall on 2 sets(69 and 76 topps) but willwait it out or pay for a signing. Its up to me if it is worth it or not. Mr Marshall has probably been bothered so often that he caved at a crazy price and we are willing to pay it. Also, good for him making money where people will be putting many of these on ebay anyways.

[HRBAKER]

Paul,
I agree with you. I don't think these players (past and present) owe anybody anything other than signing if they want too or cordially refusing. I can't imagine what it would be like to be hounded all the time for my signature. I can't remember whether it was on this board or another that I told this story.

It was in Atlanta, my wife and I were eating at The Palm restaurant. David Ortiz was in there eating (by himself). All of the sudden three of these hotel hounds show up at his table with stuff for him to sign, while he's eating. Strangely enough, he was cordial and signed an autograph for them. I would not have.

My bet, seeing how these folks operate - they were waiting outside to hit hom again when he left. Unreal.

[packs]

I understand the privacy issue and not wanting to be bothered when you're living your life. But I feel like most requests come at the ball park / spring training or through the mail, which are requests you can answer at your convenience.

[Kzoo]

And Bo Jackson would sign a large "X" on photos and this was IN the clubhouse!!!

Wow. I've never met him, but I always pictured Bo as a decent guy towards autograph collectors in person, but......maybe not?

Matt

[JimStinson]

Wow. I've never met him, but I always pictured Bo as a decent guy towards autograph collectors in person, but......maybe not?

Matt

Now THATS rude ,,,Its one thing to refuse to sign and another to ruin the photo to be obnoxious. Funny thing I had a woman approach me once to sell me an autograph , her and her husband were at a bar and her husband asked her to get Mickey Mantle's autograph , Mickey politely asked her name and signed the page for her. When she showed it to her husband he was furious , her name was Marilyn and it read "To Marilyn Best wishes and F--K You, your friend Mickey Mantle
____________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[packs]

Haha what an inscription.

[MooseDog]

I spent the bulk of my teen years chasing autographs in person, baseball and hockey for the most part. As I was brought up to respect people, I always asked politely and if they said no, so be it.

Then and even now, I don't hold anyone who holds celebrity status to the idea that they have any kind of requirement to sign autographs. In a way, it made the thrill of catching a Reggie Jackson or Carl Yastrzemski on a "good" day all the more sweet.

At the other end of the spectrum are hockey players. It may be different now in big markets, but back in the day, hockey players were the most friendly, approachable, and accommodating professional athletes I ever came across. I think as a whole, they understand that signing autographs is good PR for the game.

Even Gretzky was a willing IP signer until I think it just got to be too much.

Despite the recent labor stupidity, hockey is about the last sport left where the athletes don't all act like a bunch of individualists.

[isaac2004]

I see it as this...

Sign or don't sign, change your mind, charge as much as you want, sign through the mail if you want, it all makes no difference to me. But if your going to take my money and sign an item for me, you sure as hell better be nice and cordial when you are doing it. You can be as much as an ass if you want if you sign for free, but not on my dollar, that's just poor taste.

As for appearance fee, charge what you want. People talk about how expensive some people are, think about what it will be like in a few years. Stephen Strasburg just signed for $300 a ball, and all he has done is blow out his arm. Imagine when Mike Trout starts charging, $500 a ball would not be out of the question. If some you hoe wants to pay that, he can waste it, I just won't waste mine.

[theshleps]

back to Hendrick. About 5 years ago a bunch of us collectors were in the stands at a fall league game and Hendrick entered the stands. W keep cards of about everyone in our cards so 2 of us got cards and each of us sent our wives over- nice middle aged women. He signed a card for both of them. Then he turned everyone else down.
Most of the collectors couldn't believe he signed

[Exhibitman]

Sign or don't sign, change your mind, charge as much as you want, sign through the mail if you want, it all makes no difference to me. But if your going to take my money and sign an item for me, you sure as hell better be nice and cordial when you are doing it. You can be as much as an ass if you want if you sign for free, but not on my dollar, that's just poor taste.



I agree 100%. If you are going to do a job don't act like you are doing the world a favor.

As for Marshall and any other player who refuses to sign on "principle" then signs when the money gets big, I call BS. There is an old joke that sums up how I feel about them:

Churchill: Madam, would you sleep with me for five million pounds?
Socialite: My goodness, Mr. Churchill… Well, I suppose… we would have to discuss terms, of course…
Churchill: Would you sleep with me for five pounds?
Socialite: Mr. Churchill, what kind of woman do you think I am?!
Churchill: Madam, we’ve already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.

[dgo71]

back to Hendrick. About 5 years ago a bunch of us collectors were in the stands at a fall league game and Hendrick entered the stands. W keep cards of about everyone in our cards so 2 of us got cards and each of us sent our wives over- nice middle aged women. He signed a card for both of them. Then he turned everyone else down.
Most of the collectors couldn't believe he signed

Reminds me of when I was in high school and my mom would drive my friend and I up to Baltimore to get autographs. Frank Robinson was notorious for never signing, and turned me down more times than I could count. Finally my mom said "give me that card", went up to Robby and he signed for her no problem. For whatever reason he would sign for her every time she asked. She was like 3-for-3 with him, and he'd consistently turn down everyone else.

[JimStinson]

I agree 100%. If you are going to do a job don't act like you are doing the world a favor.

As for Marshall and any other player who refuses to sign on "principle" then signs when the money gets big, I call BS. There is an old joke that sums up how I feel about them:

Churchill: Madam, would you sleep with me for five million pounds?
Socialite: My goodness, Mr. Churchill… Well, I suppose… we would have to discuss terms, of course…
Churchill: Would you sleep with me for five pounds?
Socialite: Mr. Churchill, what kind of woman do you think I am?!
Churchill: Madam, we’ve already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.

I love Winston Churchill quotes .....:):)

Here are a couple more good ones

Bessie Braddock: “Sir, you are drunk.”
Churchill: “Madam, you are ugly. In the morning, I shall be sober.”

Nancy Astor: “If you were my husband, I would give you poison.”
Churchill: “If I were your husband I would take it.”

_____________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[byrone]

Imagine all the time wasted declining to sign autographs and the process of explaining why. Better off just signing.

[theshleps]

My son batboyed for Frank Robinso when he managed Team Usa. He would talk with Noah for hours. Noah had some team leader cards of Frank and others from the 60's signed by everyone except Frank. Frand would say "maybe you'll get me some day" but never signed them

[Exhibitman]

My son batboyed for Frank Robinso when he managed Team Usa. He would talk with Noah for hours. Noah had some team leader cards of Frank and others from the 60's signed by everyone except Frank. Frand would say "maybe you'll get me some day" but never signed them

And there we have the opening lesson of How To Be A Douchebag 101: Alienating your next generation of customers.

Of course if your son goes to the National he can pay Frank for an autograph and finish the card.

Or not...

[isaac2004]

And there we have the opening lesson of How To Be A Douchebag 101: Alienating your next generation of customers.

Of course if your son goes to the National he can pay Frank for an autograph and finish the card.

Or not...

What would be funny if his son did that.. and said

"Hey Frank, remember me, I talked to you every damn day and you never gave me an autograph. Looks like i had to be pay to "get yours"."

Now that would be good

[Gmrson]

Reminds me of when I was in high school and my mom would drive my friend and I up to Baltimore to get autographs. Frank Robinson was notorious for never signing, and turned me down more times than I could count. Finally my mom said "give me that card", went up to Robby and he signed for her no problem. For whatever reason he would sign for her every time she asked. She was like 3-for-3 with him, and he'd consistently turn down everyone else.

back in the 80's when I worked in a card shop, the owner and I became friends with O's pitcher Mike Boddicker. One time he asked us to pick him up at the airport since he skipped the team plane from Boston to go home for a day. He asked us if we had room for a couple other guys...thankfully we had a minivan..and out walked Cal Ripken, Jr and Frank Robinson. The stories of Dempsey stealing everyones stuff to give to friends and family was priceless. I think I was too star struck to ask Frank Robby to sign the O's yearbook I was working on, but once he check in and came down from his room to go to the park I asked him...and he said NO!! We should have took the "scenic route" through Detroit and asked him then :D Mike Boddicker ended up taking it for a couple days and got me Frank and the always elusive Alan Wiggins.

Your mom was lucky..I was a hotel troll, but never managed to get Frank to sign.

[JimStinson]

One of the first autographs I ever asked for was as a kid from LEON WAGNER as he was coming into Yankee Stadium, He told me to "F Off" and laughed as did all his bros ....my father and uncle who heard what he said tried to jump him but security grabbed them. That was a nice introduction into the world of collecting.
Another great experience was with Richie Allen , I had two Phillies photos , Johnny Callison who signed his and Allen who told me to wait until he got back from the bathroom and he would sign. It was a hotel Bar. An hour and a half later I went back into the bar and was told Allen went home. In both cases a NO would have been nice instead of a jack job, so it helps when you expect the worst and are surprised at anything otherwise.
______________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[isaac2004]

One of the first autographs I ever asked for was as a kid from LEON WAGNER as he was coming into Yankee Stadium, He told me to "F Off" and laughed as did all his bros ....my father and uncle who heard what he said tried to jump him but security grabbed them. That was a nice introduction into the world of collecting.
Another great experience was with Richie Allen , I had two Phillies photos , Johnny Callison who signed his and Allen who told me to wait until he got back from the bathroom and he would sign. It was a hotel Bar. An hour and a half later I went back into the bar and was told Allen went home. In both cases a NO would have been nice instead of a jack job, so it helps when you expect the worst and are surprised at anything otherwise.
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jim@stinsonsports.com

That Allen story cold have been worse, he could have came back to sign without washing his hands :0

[Gmrson]

I think I only got 1 rude response ever from a player in my years of hitting the hotels and that was Johnny Bench, in for CBS radio, who gave me a "yea, bull s**t!" during our exchange...but he still signed!

I had Reggie cornered at the front desk waiting for a package and he said he didn't want to sign, but when I laid 4 cards out he signed "Reggie J" on them. One of my biggest surprises was with Rod Carew. Another collector and I had lost track of time chatting well past midnight when Rod strolled in with a stunning blonde. She held the elevator door and he signed at least a dozen things between us!

[39special]

Back in 1980 I was at a Reading Phillies game with some friends.Ozzie Virgil Jr
hit 2 HRs.After the game I went to ask Ozzie to sign my glove.He looked at me and said "I have better things to do." Being 13,I was pretty upset.Then
someone grabbed my arm and said "I'll sign your glove for you."The player signed my glove,talked to me alittle,and thanked me for coming out to see them play.That player was Ryne Sandberg.I guess he didn't have anything better to do.

[JimStinson]

That Allen story cold have been worse, he could have came back to sign without washing his hands :0

I agree I remember thinking at the time that after 1 1/2 hours it was the longest CRAP in the history of crap or long....:D
______________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[JimStinson]

A "tape measure" #2
_________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[scooter729]

Ha - I think we all have our own Frank Robinson stories of getting turned down by that jerk! Back in the late 80s, I had Hank Bauer and Brooks Robinson sign the '67 Topps card picturing them and Frank.

So when Frank was in Boston (O's manager), I knew he'd be tough, but I figured with the other two already signed, he may be more obliging. I caught him many hours before the game outside of Fenway, as he got out of a cab with no other autograph seekers around. Seemed like the perfect opportunity.

He looked at the card as I held it, and it went something like this (mind you, I'm a 15 year old kid at this point):

Frank:"Oh, so you already had Brooks and Hank sign it?"
Me: "Yes sir, I would appreciate if you would sign it as well for me."
Frank: "I'll sign it for you tomorrow."
Me: "But this is the Orioles' last day here in Boston."
Frank: "I know!" (walks away laughing)

Seriously - why take the time to talk to me for 30 seconds just to be a jerk? It would've taken a fraction of the time to either just say no or to sign it, but why have a conversation and be an a-hole about it??

[HRBAKER]

My son batboyed for Frank Robinso when he managed Team Usa. He would talk with Noah for hours. Noah had some team leader cards of Frank and others from the 60's signed by everyone except Frank. Frand would say "maybe you'll get me some day" but never signed them

Sadly, I think, some folks just enjoy being a dick.

[Mr. Zipper]

Robinson seems like a sadistic $#@%& a power trip. I'm going to be rude and deny you because I can.

And this was way before "commercialized hounds" and eBay, so that's not even an excuse. I have no respect for guys that are mean to kids.

[JimStinson]

Ha - I think we all have our own Frank Robinson stories of getting turned down by that jerk! Back in the late 80s, I had Hank Bauer and Brooks Robinson sign the '67 Topps card picturing them and Frank.

So when Frank was in Boston (O's manager), I knew he'd be tough, but I figured with the other two already signed, he may be more obliging. I caught him many hours before the game outside of Fenway, as he got out of a cab with no other autograph seekers around. Seemed like the perfect opportunity.

He looked at the card as I held it, and it went something like this (mind you, I'm a 15 year old kid at this point):

Frank:"Oh, so you already had Brooks and Hank sign it?"
Me: "Yes sir, I would appreciate if you would sign it as well for me."
Frank: "I'll sign it for you tomorrow."
Me: "But this is the Orioles' last day here in Boston."
Frank: "I know!" (walks away laughing)

Seriously - why take the time to talk to me for 30 seconds just to be a jerk? It would've taken a fraction of the time to either just say no or to sign it, but why have a conversation and be an a-hole about it??

What a jerk I love those stories.... Here is one for you JIM KAAT coming out of a hotel , No one recognizes him but me and I have an 8x10 photo of him in my arsenal of possible players at the hotel. No one for miles except for me and him.
Mr Kaat would you autograph my photo ?
No response
I ask again,
I'm busy he says ...
Then out my my arsenal I remember he likes to golf and I know the guy that owns the pro shop (Can;t remember his name today but lets say its Bob)
I say I'm a friend of Bob's
He says "The golf guy?"
I say yea "figure I got him now !"
He says tell him I said HI (as he gets in his car to drive away)

[JimStinson]

Another goofy autograph story unrelated to baseball......Shortly after the movie TITANTIC came out I am sitting in a jazz club in Holland. Sitting next to me is a woman that looks familer but can't place the name with the face ....she's seated with a guy, and I with a lady ....so I keep looking at her and every time I look at her she looks back, Its KATE WINSLET so finally I point my finger at her like "OK NOW I recognize you" and she smiled and held a finger to her lips ...like keep quiet...lol, so I never asked her for an autograph but was funny because she NEVER was recognized and both she and the guy she was with said Good Bye and thanks before they left
______________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[clutch]

I don't know if this has ever been brought up in the forum before, but this is one of my favorite autograph stories told by the great Tommy Lasorda.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFYBD-EoCnc

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Another goofy autograph story unrelated to baseball......Shortly after the movie TITANTIC came out I am sitting in a jazz club in Holland. Sitting next to me is a woman that looks familer but can't place the name with the face ....she's seated with a guy, and I with a lady ....so I keep looking at her and every time I look at her she looks back, Its KATE WINSLET so finally I point my finger at her like "OK NOW I recognize you" and she smiled and held a finger to her lips ...like keep quiet...lol, so I never asked her for an autograph but was funny because she NEVER was recognized and both she and the guy she was with said Good Bye and thanks before they left
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jim@stinsonsports.com

Jim, please write a book on your stories and experiences, because I'd buy the shit out of that book! Lol

[JimStinson]

Jim, please write a book on your stories and experiences, because I'd buy the shit out of that book! Lol

Much appreciated ...but no one reads books anymore, Just forums and blogs. thats where the money is , Just ask LEON he's probably reading this right now smiling to himself on some island in Tahiti somewhere as a bikini clad nymph serves him a tropical drink with an umbrella in it
______________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[mr2686]

Another goofy autograph story unrelated to baseball......Shortly after the movie TITANTIC came out I am sitting in a jazz club in Holland. Sitting next to me is a woman that looks familer but can't place the name with the face ....she's seated with a guy, and I with a lady ....so I keep looking at her and every time I look at her she looks back, Its KATE WINSLET so finally I point my finger at her like "OK NOW I recognize you" and she smiled and held a finger to her lips ...like keep quiet...lol, so I never asked her for an autograph but was funny because she NEVER was recognized and both she and the guy she was with said Good Bye and thanks before they left
______________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

Jim, I didn't know they had red lights in a jazz club? :D

[jerseygary]

Hey, wait! I have a blog (http://www.infinitecardset.blogspot.com) and I have no bikini clad nymph and tropical umbrella drinks!

GREAT thread by the way, makes my lunch break fun!

[Michael B]

I was a hotel hound in Boston from 1983 to about 1988 for baseball. I stuck with basketball and hockey into the 1990’s. Since all of the teams pretty much stayed at the same hotel (Sheraton Boston) for most of those years it was easy and difficult at the same time. Players could walk to Fenway Park (15 minutes) and there were multiple ways out of the hotel if they did not want to be seen. Some players I never saw, like Carew, but if we saw them we would ask them. Most of the time they either would sign or not, but rarely were they jerks. Of the toughies; Eddie Murray signed the one time I saw him. Last player I needed on a 1983 team ball. Last day of the season and he left the hotel late. I was able to convince him to sign out on the sidewalk. The only time I ever saw Jerk Brett he signed. My all-time favorite of the toughies was Mr. Ego himself, Reggie Jackson. Never turned me down, four for four with him. He was the second player I ever got at the hotel when I started in 1983. I had a game bat that I had purchased from a card store near Fenway. My friend was a card collector so I went with him to the store. I liked the bat and bought it. I asked him in the hotel after he got off the team bus. He was hesitant, but signed it anyways. I had no clue about clubhouse people taking things and selling them. The second time he walked into the hotel and was hounded. He saw that I had black and white photos of him that I had taken so he asked me to jump into the elevator with him and he signed them all on the way up. He just asked for copies as one of them was of him hitting a home run (386 or 387?).

The third time was my favorite. Anyone who goes to Fenway Park knows that the visiting team is on the left field side and the players loosen up in the outfield. Reggie was the last player out there and as usual all of the kids were yelling at him to come over. I had the June 3, 1974 Time magazine with him on the cover with me. He finished his workout and was doing his usual walk towards the foul line to go into the dugout. He looked casually towards the crowd, but I knew he did not plan on signing. I took the magazine and very casually held it in front of me at waist level. He walked over to the crowd. You can imagine 50 or 60 people yelling at him and holding out balls and cards and the such. He stopped right in front of me and stared at me. I handed him the magazine and a sharpie. He signed it beautifully and handed it back to me. I said ‘Thank you, Mr. Jackson’ he nodded, picked up his bat and glove and walked to the dugout. The silence was deafening.

One of the earlier posters mentioned that hockey players were good. I found that to be true for those years. I got pretty much everyone. Same with basketball, including many of the toughies. Even Jordan was great back in 1984-1985. One of my favorite stories with him signing was when a friend and I handed him a paper grocery bag, one of those ones with handles, filled with magazines, drymounted magazine photos and index cards. He took the whole bag of items to his room and gave them back to us the next morning, 40-50 items, all beautifully signed. What would that cost with UDA these days?

[Scott Garner]

Wow, Michael! Great stories!
The one about Michael Jordan is a classic...
He signed 40+ items at once?? That's truly amazing!

A lot of people were challenged by trying to get Reggie and Carew. I was fortunate, as I got both of them many times when I was a season ticket holder at Anaheim Stadium during the 1980's and 1990's. I certainly saw both Rod and Reggie not sign for others, but I always felt that your approach dictated your result.

Eddie Murray never signed for me in 1997, the one year that he played for the Angels, but he did single me out on Fathers Day and gave me his Fila wrist band with his uni number on it. I think that was his way of rewarding me for attempting to get his autograph so many times that year. I will say that 'Steady Eddie" always ackowledged me and my request for him to sign. He always looked me in the eye and said "Thank you and no sir, not today."

[Michael B]

Scott,

I wholeheartedly agree with you about the approach being the most important part. I always say Mr. or Miss and 'may I have your signature/autograph..." I feel that using the first name is rude as it presumes familiarity with the person. When it is opportune I will also talk about other things not related to their sport and I never ever say 'you are my favorite/greatest' or other type nonsense. At most I will say 'I enjoy(ed) watching you play' or the such. The first time I met Kareem Abdul Jabbar we talked about jazz and Islam. John Grubb and I talked about Australia (I have been 5 times). Bob Lilly and I talked about photography. (He is a very dedicated photographer and I have been shooting for 30+ years). I would like to bump into Keith Hernandez as he collects Civil War items and I used to give lectures on it and have visited many battlefields. I do the same with musicians though it is usually about different recordings, other musicians they have performed with or my photos of them.

Sometimes a comment can change an attitude. For many years I attended the SGMA sporting goods convention, known as the "Supershow'. There would be hundreds of athletes appearing for the companies that they endorsed. Many would be there to sign, but some were there just to schmooze with the store buyers. One year when I was at the show in Atlanta in the late 1990's I saw one of the young stars for either Atlanta or Philadelphia, Ron Gant, David Justice or Ricky Jordan possibly. I asked them to sign and they said they were not there to do that. I completely understood said thank you and mentioned that I saw them play up in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, home of the AAA Phillies in the early 1990's. They stopped and said 'The place with mosquitoes the size of birds, I'll sign for you then.' You never know what can work.

[theshleps]

My last encounter with him was 2 years ago at the winter meetings. I told him I was Noahs dad- his batboy from Team USA. He asked how he was doing and we talked for awhile. I asked him to sign something for Noah and he said no. I paid $65 for him to sign a picture of him (at a signing) and Noah in the dugout. I had a great one of him with his arm around him posing and the Ritz Camera store lost the roll of film (pre digital) so had to settle for one of them talking in the dugout. When I paid I asked for Frank to incribe it and put one of the chants Noah taught Frank that Frank used to yell at the players from the dugout (Frank had heard Noah use it and started using it himself) and he wouldn't do it despite having paid.
He was very personable all the time but don't know why he was so against autographs.