I would like your opinion on a couple of Mike Schmidt autographs.

[r2678]

The top signature is from a 3/84 letter and the bottom is from an 8/84 letter. The letters are four paragraphs in length and are identical except for the third paragraph. The letters are general "thank you for writing" in theme while the third paragraphs reflect the current state of the Phillies. I'm not familiar with circa 1984 Mike Schmidt signatures but eleven years into his MLB career, I find it hard to believe he would take the time out to personally sign such letters so I assume they're secretarial. Am I right?

http://jacockscollectibles.com/ebay/schmidt.jpg

[otismalibu]

FWIW, this piece came out in 1985. Click on below photo.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/otismalibu/th_Prism.jpg (http://s209.beta.photobucket.com/user/otismalibu/media/Prism.jpg.html)

[Deertick]

Standard TTM 'form letter' reply. Most I have seen are authentic signatures, as yours are. I have seen 1986 and later letters that were pre-printed.

[CardsFan999]

Looks right -- especially his first name with the "M". Last name looks good too.

Schmidt's signature changed radically over the years.

I have some early to mid 70's sigs that my friends and I got in person various times and they are not only quite different from one year to the next, they look almost nothing like what came later (especially his last name). If I get some time tonight I'll post them. I've never bothered to have them authenticated or even looked at as I got them in-person and don't intend to ever sell them, but I would not be the least surprised if they got a thumbs-down from an authenticator. I don't think he really got a consistent signature until the 1980s.

[r2678]

I want to thank everyone for their comments. Goes to show there's always something new to learn.

[CardsFan999]

As promised here are my early Schmidt autos. The first one is from 1973, the next 3 from 1974 IIRC, and the last one for 1975. It's interesting to see his signature evolution. All of these were received by me in-person at Vet Stadium.

[Gmrson]

I had one of those and heard it was auto pen. Your two look different enough that they aren't auto pen, or at least one of them. I don't think I still have mine, but I may have a signed Donruss Action All Star I sent and got back with the letter.

[7nohitter]

why was 'base' spelled with a c?

[CardsFan999]

why was 'base' spelled with a c?

It's actually a Canadian variant spelling, they tend to spell a lot of words with
a French flavour. LOL.

Seriosuly I was a good speller but my neighborhood friend wasn't. LOL

We were probably in 7th grade so he should have done better.

[toyman55]

I have seen the early ones posted but is this one a good autograph of Mikes?

[murphusa]

yes,

the biggest change in Schmidts autograph came when Pete Rose joined the Phillies. Rose taught him to sign in a manner that he could sign the fastest so he could sign more and get more money per hour

[CardsFan999]

I have seen the early ones posted but is this one a good autograph of Mikes?

FWIW -- I believe it's good. I'm not a Schmidt expert but I've seen a lot of his signatures over the years.

This may prove helpful:

http://www.psaautographfacts.com/AutographDetail/170/mike-schmidt