Athletes who won’t signs specific card
 

Was at a show today with Bob Stinson as a signer, friend brought a 1976 SSPC card and he refused to sign. Said it was a bootleg card he never got paid for. Googled and sure enough others have had the same experience including Keith Olbermann.

Any other instances of athletes refusing to sign a specific card for some reason?

Jayhawk Owens would only sign the back of his 1995 Score Rookie card because the picture on the front was Jim Tatum. But he at least signed it. Apparently he changed his stance after he got called up as a number of the Score cards can be found on ebay signed.

I got thousands of autographs over the years we had season tickets to the Sky Sox and never had a player refuse to sign a specific card. Some just would not sign, Brett Boone comes to mind, but players would always sign for me.

David Wells used to have a thing about not signing cards of him in a Blue Jays uniform, don't know if he still does. From what I heard, he'll only sign them for his kids.

1987 topps Ricky Wright
1985 donruss Al Nipper
1987 diamond kings roger clemens

1990 score b&w bo jackson


I have a 1952 Topps #391 Ben Chapman , which I believe pictures Sam Chapman. It Is back signed and i always thought it could have been due to the error.

I was at a signing featuring Don Sutton, and I offered him his rookie card to sign. He signed it, but as he did he said "I always hated this card!" (I guess because his ears stick out so prominently), as he signed right across his face. It was like he was intentionally defacing the card.

Hard to believe at one time, a signature on a card was considered "defacing" it, and lowered the cards value.

It was the vigorous way he signed directly across his face when there was plenty of room below his photo that upset me. It was the only copy of that card I had. I wish I had given him a 1974 Topps, or some other card I had multiple copies of.

Ah my misunderstanding, I understand why you would be so upset.

I've noticed players seemed to be a lot less careful about where they signed before the hobby took off. I have a number of vintage signed cards where the signature is in a dark spot, or over the face or over text, but my more recent signed cards the player took the effort to find a spot it would show up well. I noticed that especially with Carl Yastrzemski's rookie, he is very reliable about signing on the red, white and blue ribbon. I was looking for one to send in to an upcoming autograph signing, and had a devil of a time finding one within my budget that didn't have a crease or a tear in that spot.

I've heard that Pete Runnells didn't like signing his 1953 Topps with Don Johnson pictured instead, but the one I have he signed without an issue.

Bingo.....Bob Montgomery from the 75 SSPC set.......

In the early 90s the Orioles had a set of cards sponsored by Crown Petroleum as a stadium giveaway. Hank Foiles wouldn’t sign his card in that set and actually filed a lawsuit over the use of his likeness without compensation.

Other way around actually. He only signs Blue Jays cards and will not sign any other team for anyone but his kids.

Some others, I'm sure there's many more I'm forgetting:
1982 Fleer Steve Garvey
1990 Leaf Kelly Gruber
1995 UD Steve Rodriguez (signed one for his mom)
2004 Topps Total Jay Witasick (name spelled wrong on the front)
1987 Topps Traded Mike Dunne (though he signed them early on)

As someone pointed out Bo Jackson, he won’t sign the famous picture of him with his shirt off (appears on the Score card) because of a copyright issue


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1986 fleer Jordan


Not sure if he will.only.sign UD cards, but he wont sign the 86 fleer

There’s a bunch of stuff that Bo Jackson won’t sign, such as Bucs items or items signed by Cam Newton and Pat Sullivan. I don’t think he’ll sign Heisman items either.

Was there a time in the 1980s when certain players would not sign any Topps cards because of the affiliation with Garbage Pail Kids?

I'm really not a fan of these guys who choose not to sign a particular card because of some built in belief that in the future their family will be able to cash in. You're denying real-time collectors the satisfaction of completing their sets for no logical reason. If you're a fringe guy like Steve Rodriguez, who is really going to be chasing your 1995 UD card?

The 1987 Topps set is iconic so I guess there is some built-in desirability from Ricky Wright's perspective, but not really. Even with a huge iconic set like the 87 Topps set there are still only going to be a handful of people who care to have every card signed. Stop the nonsense already.

Honestly, in my opinion, that’s one way for someone like Ricky Wright to be more well known. A player lost to MLB history is more well known to some, in my opinion, for notoriously not signing his 1987 Topps than he would be if he just signed like many other former players do. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but some people are still talking about him for more than 30 years later. That’s one way to stand out.

The way he explained it was he wanted to do something special for his mom and it wasn't intended to be a slight towards set collectors. I doubt it had anything to do with a perceived big payday down the road.

I seem to remember hearing Tom Herr did that, but that's definitely no longer the case with him. There may have been others, I believe it was mostly religious guys who took issue with the Garbage Pail Kids.

True there is the infamy vs anonymity angle. I think a fair caveat for any of these guys would be if a collector can show them that they have every other card signed in the set but theirs, it should prove they aren't in it for the money and they should be rewarded with a signed card.

I believe Goose goslin wont sign his HOF plaque on the front. He thought it was a hideous rendition, or so the rumor goes

Why is 1987 Topps iconic? Just the number of big name stars included? I don't really like the wood border.

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1986 fleer Jordan


Not sure if he will.only.sign UD cards, but he wont sign the 86 fleer


Not true. I had access to him for a couple years and he signed one for me.

Like the OP stated, there are a handful of players who wouldn't/won't sign SSPC cards because they weren't compensated. I don't have a full list, but it's definitely a handful.

I think this belief stems from the rule that prevented attendees of his basketball fantasy camps from bringing Fleer cards as their item to get signed. Realistically for the longest time that was the best way to get a specific item signed. He doesn't do paid signings, he's not approachable in public, and anything he does sign under contract is UD related. I'd bet 90% of the non-rookie Fleer, Hopps, Topps etc signed cards I've seen date to his time with the Barons as that was the one time he was great with larger groups. Most of the signed RC's I see are more modern signatures probably garnered at golf tournaments, the MGM, or the Arena where small groups get access to him.


Here's some tough signed cards not mentioned yet to get from living signers. Sadly most aren't mine. I just track them as I see them.



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Someone stated Steve Garvey won't sign his 1982 Fleer card. I've seen one I felt was authentic then a couple years ago someone picked up a raw example on eBay and was able to get it in a PSA/DNA holder. I didn't fell comfortable with the card though. At one time I was working on that set signed and knew I probably get the Garvey so I got creative. I eventually broke up that near set, but I kept my Frakengarvey.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1486/2...af8efe61_w.jpg+https://live.staticflickr.com/1602/2...84fbf8e4_w.jpg=https://live.staticflickr.com/1445/2...08616a04_w.jpg

Then of course, there is the living legend himself....


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Interesting thread and some interesting reasons why many players will not sign specific cards but will sign others

Great THread

I was able to get Leonard Garcia to sign the 1969 Rodriquez. I think they had an agreement though that they wouldn't sign it if the other already had.

I honestly don't know because I think the design is crappy too. But of all of the complete signed sets I've heard people go after it's one of the most popular.

I think there is one Ron Kittle won’t sign. Can’t remember which one. Overall good guy and signer.

I don't chase the set myself but I think one of the appeal points is that the set is heavy with portraits and close up shots. Whatever you think of the design they do look very nice with signatures on them. Plus it is dirt cheap to find unsigned cards, even stars.

The photography is great and signatures generally show up well. That being said, the wood borders have always looked very dated to me. I didn't like them on the 1987 Topps, or in 1962, or when Bowman used them in 1955.

1984 Topps, but he does sign the card with a charitable donation. I think it's $25.

Garvey was just added to past pros and the 82 Fleer is singled out. Being a long time Garvey collector, I am glad that this was the card he chose for this reason, because I am not a fan of it. I have a couple copies that I think could be legit and the one that sold on for big bucks and was certified was fake in my opinion. if the owner or person who got it signed knows differently, would love to hear that story.

I also heard about the Kittle 84 T directly from Ron through facebook. He does sign it for a $25 donation to Indiana Sports Charity. I needed one because it would have been a Topps ALL Rookie (Trophy) card, hard they done the trophies in 84.

I also was told by Dave Stewart that he wouldn't sign Rangers or Phillies cards. This was at a signing at a minor league ballpark before the game. He was actually very nice and apologetic about it. I figured it was because he didn't care for how he was treated by the team, but I didn't ask him exactly why he wouldn't. He willingly signed anything and everything else I had. However, I have seen signed cards from those teams for sale online, so maybe it was more recent thing?

Singing habits is a very interesting subject to me. Why some guys won't sign at all, why they exclude certain items, etc. The funniest part is, whether they intended for demand to grow or not, by refusing to sign something, they automatically create additional demand for it.

Last thought. I think I captured a photo of it, but can't find it now. Maybe I dreamt it up, but I doubt it. I am pretty sure that I saw an image of a card Gary Carter signed that would for sure be a 1/1, except that anyone could add an inscription later. When he must have known that the cancer would get him, he apparently signed a card for a friend that had his lifespan noted under the signature, showing the year of his death, like 1958-2001 (i don't know the actual years, but in this type of format)! How is that for dealing with what life dealt you in stride?

Gary Pettis won't sign the '85 Topps that actually depicts his younger brother. But I guess the brother will sign it, and someone is offering it on eBay.

That's VERY unusual. I can't believe he did that. I think if I saw it I would immediately think it was fake, because I would think "How could he put a date of death?"

I guess it would depend on what kind of shape Carter was in at the end. He died in April of 2012, so if he was still lucid enough to sign, and realistic about his lifespan, then I could see it. It seems rather morbid for him though, based on what I've read about his personality.

If my memory is correct, it was sold raw on eBay for ~$50 and ended up in a PSA/DNA holder a month later.

Goose Goslin has been dead for 50 years. Did you mean Goose Gossage?
Too many Gooses on the looses to keep track of them all. :D

What is Garvey's rationale for not signing the 1982 Fleer card? He has been a gracious TTM signer for me and many others, albeit for a fee, but still a nice signature nonetheless.

Also, what's the story on Fritz Fisher/John Hiller on the 1966 Topps RC? Love hearing these stories!

Supposedly Garvey signed one for a charity event and that was it.

It was his 1984 Topps card. I had him as an autograph guest at a show I was promoting in the 90's and had to put in all the advertising that he was NOT signing the '84 Topps card.

Thanks for the reminder about Kittle and 84 Topps.

I like the fact that there are certain issues guys won’t sign or will only sign for a premium. Adds complexity to the hobby and the thrill of the hunt.

I tend to agree that auto’ed 87 Topps are overrated (although I admit to collecting them). I prefer autos on 86 Topps and 87 Fleer which I’m sure puts me in the minority.

Dick Ellsworth will not sign his 1966 Topps card. The picture is of Ken Hubbs. He was killed in a plane crash in 1964. I have heard of the card being signed on the back but have never seen one.

I signed up just to respond to this. Even though it's six months old now.

Brandon Phillips, Keith Hernandez, Jeremy Guthrie, and Oddibe McDowell won't sign Indians items; or at least wouldn't for a long time. Hernandez will at shows and signings but charges extra. Guthrie would often sign but write in "Go O's!" or "Go Royals!" or whoever he was with at the time.
Tommy Gregg won't sign Braves items.
Greg Deichmann won't sign his 2018 Bowman Draft since it shows Kevin Merrill (Merrill will sign it, however)
Tim Bogar's 1993 Stadium Club card depicts Aaron Ledesma. Bogar will sign the back though.
Andy Hawkins stopped signing Fleer cards at some point. They can still be found somewhat easily though.
Scott Radinsky will not sign his Jewish Major Leaguers card because he is not Jewish. I want to get him on a Ten Foot Pole album.
Steve Busby will sign his 1975 Topps card (shows Fran Healy) but writes "NOT MY PICTURE" or something of the sort on it

He had issues with a LOT of his early career cards and not liking his ears on them and would sign over his face on them.

Glenn Davis.

He did have a rather infamous arrest as a Ranger, and I heard he just didn't want to be reminded of that and his time with them.

I know of more hockey ones than baseball but given time I'm sure I could think of more to add to the list. I may eventually put a list on my site of cards players won't sign in every sport.

First post, absolutely love it! Welcome and thanks for the great info!! I'd love to see the other sports as well.

Rich Reese won't sign the 1965 Topps because they put Dick Reese.
Lew Krausse would sign his 1965 Topps card even though it was Pete Lovrich pictured. Was fortunate to have had both of them sign the front.
Tried to get Floyd Bannister to sign the 1985 Donruss error card and he kept it.

Since I have the whole Jewish major Leaguer set signed except Sam Nahem who died shortly after- Radinsky was tough. At first he refused. I even tried cutting off the top of the card where it said Jewish hoping to sneak it by when I saw him at spring training and he caught it and wouldn't sign it. I tried in the mail and he replaced it with another card he signed. Eventually he reached a time where he stopped caring and signed it for me. Not sure where he is at with it now. There were a few others like that too. Margaret Wigiser wouldn't sign the card. Eventually I got her too but she cut off the top and only initialed it

I know of one collector who got Montgomery to sign that card. Don't know of any others.

I had talked about this card up thread. It is a 95 Score card of Jayhawk Owens. Well the front of the card is Jim Tatum and the back of the card is indeed Jayhawk (Claude) Owens.

One of the earliest horrible trades that Bob Gebhardt made as General Manager of the Rockies. The Rockies had two young and good catchers at the AAA level, Jayhawk Owens and some dude named Brad Ausmus (much better than good).

Brad went on to have a really nice career. Jayhawk was out of baseball after a couple of years. I remember when Gebhardt made the trade, he was at Sky Sox stadium one evening shortly after the trade. I saw him and I went up to him and told him that he traded the wrong catcher.

We sent Alan Ashby (player to be named later), Doug Bochtler and Brad Ausmus for Greg Harris, and a throw in Bruce Hurst from San Diego, and none of these did anything spectacular for the Rockies.

While Claude was still in AAA I asked him to sign this card but he would only, at that time, sign the back of it. Later on, I guess he changed his mind as you can find his autograph on the front of this card.

I have one with Tatum and Owens signed in the team set for that year. Good times.....

Howard Bailey
 

This isn’t technically a “won’t sign” but Howard Bailey always blacks-out Marty Castillo’s eyes on the ‘82 Topps Tigers Future Stars card they share apparently in protest over Castillo’s domestic violence issues. One of the more interesting TTM quirks I have noticed.

"This isn’t technically a “won’t sign” but Howard Bailey always blacks-out Marty Castillo’s eyes on the ‘82 Topps Tigers Future Stars card they share apparently in protest over Castillo’s domestic violence issues. One of the more interesting TTM quirks I have noticed."

Not really sure that's the reason. It might be more innocent in nature. Castillo is known as The Grinch for his striking resemblance to the Dr. Seuss character. Blacking out the eyes just makes him look even more like the cartoon. Also of interest is that Howie has toned down the Grinching of the eyes a bit as of late.

Also, Dave Rucker won't sign that card anymore, as it's not him pictured.

Great thread and things you could not always learn otherwise

Very interesting

thanks everyone for sharing

1991 Crown Gas Hank Foiles
 

If anyone wants that Crown Hank Foiles card signed, he is signing it for the very first time here:

https://www.sportscollectors.net/Signing.aspx?id=15207

$75 to sign but as he is 92, this might be the only time to get it.

(Note: I have no affiliation with either the dealer or this signing, aside from sending in cards).

Foiles has signed the card before. I'm not sure how many times, but can confirm at least one card signed in person for a friend.

Anyhow, the fellow doing the upcoming signing is trustworthy and reliable, in case anyone is interested.

Good to know. Who’s the guy captioned as Rucker?

Yes, signing habits are interesting. A little off topic, but at a Tuff-Stuff show back in the 90's, Yogi Berra would not sign single signed bats. The collector had one of those huge 5-6 foot long display bats and Yogi would not sign it. So, the collector had Stan Musial sign it first and then Yogi signed it. Kind of odd.

I observed Orel Hershiser not signing a specific ticket. I believe it was the scoreless inning streak ticket. The collector begged and begged him to sign it, but Orel's handler/agent was adamant about Orel not signing the item. Eventually, I think Orel relented and signed the ticket. In Orel's case, I believe he is not signing that specific item and stockpiling the item for his heirs.

Purportedly, David Wells refuses to sign his Sports Illustrated cover, although I have seen signed copies.

And then there is the charmer Barry Bonds, again a Tuff-Stuff show and in the advertisement for the show, NO SWEET SPOT. Bonds would not sign on the sweet spot of the ball, only the side panel. Barry has to be different. I took a pass.

After some research on a few places, here's what I've found...

BASEBALL
Jimmy Anderson: 2001 Fleer Tradition; photo is Mike Williams
Rolando Arrojo: 2000 Upper Deck Victory: photo is Scott Aldred
Carlos Azuaje: 2015 Bowman Prospects
Floyd Bannister: 1985 Donruss; photo is Tom Seaver
Marty Barrett: 2004 Topps All-Time Fan Favorites; claims some sort of contractual agreement (will sign through paid signings)
Steve Bedrosian: 1982 Topps; wrong photo
Craig Biggio: bats; had several game-used bats stolen, and will no longer sign ANY bats
Tim Bogar: 1993 Stadium Club; photo is Aaron Ledesma (will sign back)
Brian Bohannon: New York Mets items
Archie Bradley: 2012 Topps Heritage Minors, 2012 Bowman Platinum; photo is J.R. Bradley
Milton Bradley: 2004 Topps; will sign but notes it's Matt Lawton
Tom Browning: 1991 Fleer Ultra; photo is Norm Charlton (will sign back)
Mark Buehrle: 2000 Bowman
Steve Busby: 1975 Topps; signs but also writes "Not My Photo" on it, as the photo is Fran Healy
Ernie Camacho: 1985 Donruss; photo is George Frazier
Mike Cameron: 2004 Topps Gold Glove; photo is Randy Winn (will sign back)
Stephen Cardullo: 2017 Topps Heritage
Rod Carew: Silver Slugger photo with Joe Mauer and Tony Oliva
Tony Castillo: 1994 Score; photo is Luis Sojo (will sign back)
Francisco Cervelli: 2009 Topps; photo is Austin Jackson (Jackson will sign front; Cervelli will sign back)
Wes Chamberlain: 1991 Topps error; photo is Louie Meadows
Stubby Clapp: 2001 Bowman; used the wrong printed signature
Brady Clark: 2004 Topps Total; photo is Wes Helms
Keith Comstock: 1991 Topps error and 1988 Topps error
Greg Deichmann: 2018 Bowman Draft; photo is Kevin Merrill (Merrill will sign it)
Elmer Dessens: 2009 Bowman Draft; wrong photo
Tom Dettore: Will not sign any cards
Miguel Dilone: 1978 Topps if signed by others already
Brandon Drury: 2016 Bowman; photo is Jake Lamb
Mike Dunne: 1987 Topps Traded
Deck Ellsworth: 1966 Topps; photo is Ken Hubbs
Danny Espinoso: 2017 Topps Heritage
Shawn Estes: 2001 Bowman Heritage; photo is Tim Worrell
Chone Figgins: Seattle Mariners items
Fritz Fisher: Will not sign any cards
Carlton Fisk: 1991 Score Record Breaker
Dave Flemming: 1994 Flair
Doug Flynn: 1986 Topps
Hank Foiles: 1991 Crown Orioles card only for a large sum; was not paid for his appearance in the set
Darren Ford: Bowman cards, Milwaukee Brewers items
Dexter Fowler: 2008 PROjections; photo is Chris Nelson
Juan Francisco: 2006 Bowman (photo Chris Valaika), 2014 Topps Heritage (photo Martin Maldonado)
Marvin Freeman: 1989 Donruss
Ron Gant: Will not sign items showing David Justice
Steve Garvey: 1982 Fleer
Bob Geren: 1989 Topps Traded; photo is Mike Fennell
Dan Gladden: Sports Illustrated cover if already signed by Greg Olson
Ed Glynn: 1983 Fleer; photo is Bud Anderson
Wiki Gonzalez: 2000 Skybox Dominion; with Mike Darr, does not sign it as a memorial to him
Terrance Gore: 2015 Panini Prizm, 2018 Topps Heritage (if signed by Finnegan)
Khalil Greene: 2003 Fleer Tradition; name misspelled
Rusty Greer: 1997 Skybox Metal Universe; wrong photo (will sign back)
Tommy Gregg: Atlanta Braves items, claims the team "did [him] wrong"
Kelly Gruber: any Leaf cards; only signs for family
Andy Hawkins: any Fleer cards; only signs for family
LaTroy Hawkins: San Francisco Giants cards, insert cards, Japanese cards
Kyle Heckathorn: 2010 Topps Pro Debut; photo is Caleb Thielbar
Rickey Henderson: Bases
George Hendrick: ONLY signs Rays and Cardinals items
Bill Henry: 1980 TCMA '61 Reds; unauthorized card
Keith Hernandez: Cleveland Indians items charged a premium; did not like his time playing there
John Hiller: 1966 Topps
Daniel Hudson: 2013 Topps Heritage
Orlando Hudson: 2008 Allen & Ginter; photo is Alberto Callaspo
Bo Jackson: 1990 Score bat and shoulder pads; copyright issues with the photo
Danny Jackson: 1985 Donruss; photo is Frank Wills
Ron Jackson: 1991 Crown Orioles; depicts the wrong Ron Jackson
Jason Jaramillo: 2010 Topps; photo is Ramon Vazquez
Reggie Jefferson: 1992 Triple Play; photo is Stan Jefferson
Steve Jeltz: 1988 Donruss; photo is Juan Samuel
Kevin Jordan: 1990 Score; photo is Ricky Jordan
Ron Kittle: 1984 Topps gets charged a premium; fee goes to a charity
Frank LaCorte: 1981 Donruss
Pete LaForest: 2003 Topps Traded, 2004 Topps Total; photo is Toby Hall (will sign back)
Cory Lee: 1999 Just Minors; photo is Mike Venafro
John Littlefield: 1981 Topps; photo is Mark Riggins (will sign the back)
Scott Livingstone: 1992 O-Pee-Chee Premier; photo is Travis Fryman
Sparky Lyle: 1976 SSPC; unauthorized card
Mike Maddux: Minor league cards
Jose Malave: 1997 Fleer; photo is Alex Delgado (Delgado will sign front; Malave will sign back)
Ketel Marte: 2016 Topps Heritage
Octavio Martinez: 2011 Bowman; wrong photo
Doug Mathis: 2008 SP Authentic Rookie Exclusives; only signs for family
James McCann: 2016 Topps Heritage
Oddibe McDowell: Cleveland Indians items
Andy McGaffigan: 1990 Upper Deck error; #48 photo is Rich Thompson (will sign the back)
Mark McGwire: will not sign items with Jose Canseco
Mark McLemore: 1994 Score
Butch Metzger: 1991 WIZ Mets
Rick Miller: 1984 Donruss; name is wrong on it
Craig Monroe: 2007 Topps Heritage; photo is Roman Colon
John Montefusco: Atlanta Braves items
Bob Montgomery: 1975 SSPC; unauthorized card
Mike Moore: 1990 Score w/ Dave Stewart; neither player will sign it
Nyjer Morgan: Washington Nationals items
Jim Morrison: 1981 Topps; doesn't like the photo
Jason Motte: Colorado Rockies items
Chad Mottola: 1994 Ted Williams The Campaign; photo is Jason Moler
Al Nipper: 1985 Donruss; photo is Mike Brown
Hector Noesi: 2011 Bowman Prospects; photo is Ivan Nova
Rougned Odor: photos fighting Jose Bautista
Jayhawk Owens: 1995 Score; card depicts Jim Tatum
Orlando Palmeiro: 2006 Topps Heritage
Gary Pettis: 1985 Topps; card depicts his brother Lynn
Brandon Phillips: Cleveland Indians items; did not like his time playing there
Scott Radinsky: 1992 Score (wrong photo) and Jewish Major Leaguers (not Jewish)
Hanley Ramirez: 2006 Topps 52; photo is not him
Rafael Ramirez: 1981 Topps if signed by others already
Eric Rasmussen: 1976 Topps; listed as "Harry"
Edgar Renteria: 2006 Upper Deck
Rich Reese: 1965 Topps; name is listed as "Dick"
Luis Rivas: 2001 Bowman Heritage; photo is Jacque Jones
Brandon Roberts: Reds and Twins Bowman cards; wrong photo
Kerry Robinson: Tampa Bay Devil Rays items
Trayvon Robinson: 2005 Bowman Draft, 2010 & 2011 Tristar cards
Fernando Rodney: 2007 Topps, 2009 Topps Tigers Team set; photo is Roman Colon
Steve Rodriguez: 1995 Upper Deck; only signs it for family
Ryan Rolison: 2019 Panini Stars & Stripes
J.C. Romero: 2011 Topps Update; never played for Yankees
Kevin Romine: 1989 Fleer; photo is Randy Kutcher
Bob Scanlan: 1991 Line Drive AAA
Jeff Schaefer: 1992 Donruss; photo is Tino Martinez (Schaefer will sign back)
Mike Schmidt: Rawlings bats
Dick Schofield: 1960 TCMA; photo is Gino Cimoli
Rodney Scott: 1982 Fleer; photo is Tim Raines
Magneuris Sierra: 2019 Topps Big League; wrong photo
Ruben Sierra: Oakland A's items
Jason Simontacchi: 2003 Fleer Tradition Banner Season; only signs for family
Bill Spiers: 1990 Topps; photo is George Canale (Canale will sign it)
Denny Stark: 2002 Upper Deck; photo is Caleb Balbuena
Dave Stewart: Rangers and Phillies cards; off-field issues in this era (has been signing them recently)
Bob Stinson: 1976 SSPC; unauthorized card
Steve Stone: 1974 Topps Traded; bad airbrush job
Stephen Strasburg: Tristar cards
Greg Swindell: 1991 Studio; photo is Tim Costo
Mark Teahen: 2005 Upper Deck SP; photo is Chris Lubanski
Derrel Thomas: Senior League cards
Joe Thurston: 2006 Upper Deck; photo is Bobby Scales (Thurston will sign back)
Mike Trout: September 2012 Sports Illustrated
Jason Varitek: photos fighting Alex Rodriguez
Robin Ventura: photos fighting Nolan Ryan
Oscar Villareal: 2005 Topps Total; name misspelled
Arodys Vizcaino: 2015 Topps; photo is Yoanner Negrin
Ryan Vogelsong: 2017 Topps
Turner Ward: 1998 Fleer Ultra
Jarrod Washburn: 2003 Topps Heritage
Rico Washington: 2000 Upper Deck; photo is Adrian Brown (Washington will sign back)
David Wells: Any cards other than Blue Jays ones; only signs others for family
Randy Wells: 2012 Topps
Dave Wickersham: 1978 TCMA; unauthorized card
Keith Williams: 1996 Fleer Excel; photo is Jacob Cruz
Herm Winningham: 1990 Upper Deck; name misspelled on back (signs, but charges a premium)
Jay Witasick: 2004 Topps Total; name misspelled
Vance Worley: Minnesota Twins items; signs, but blacks out the logo
Ricky Wright: 1987 Topps
Dmitri Young: 1993 Upper Deck; doesn't like photo
Gregg Zaun: 2006 Topps; photo is Jason Phillips
Brad Ziegler: 2018 Topps Heritage

FOOTBALL
Eric Allen: New Orleans Saints items
Marcus Allen: 10/5/81 Sports Illustrated
Albert Bentley: 1992 Fleer Gameday
Lyle Blackwood: 2004 Topps All-Time Fan Favorites
Bryan Cox: Rookie cards
Len Dawson: photos smoking in locker room
Kenny Easley: Rookie cards
Franco Harris: Seattle Seahawks items
Andre Hastings: Will not sign cards
Qadry Ismail: 1992 Wild Card; name misspelled
Bo Jackson: Heisman items; Tampa Bay Buccaneers items; Auburn items signed by Pat Sullivan and Cam Newton; shoulder pads and bat photo
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson: 1997 Legends; wearing black shoes (will sign back)
Eddie Kennison: St. Louis Rams items
Dick Lebeau: Goal Line art cards
Peyton Manning: Sports Illustrated "Gator Bait" issue; Will not sign rookie cards TTM but will IP
Ed Marinaro: 2005 Topps All-Americans
Dennis McKinnon: 1986 Topps
Stanley Morgan: Rookie cards
Scott Norwood: 1991 Pro Set Super Bowl Highlight
John Offerdahl: Rookie cards
Jerry Porter: Oakland Raiders items
Andre Rison: 1990 Topps; photo is Clarence Weathers
Jackie Smith: 1990 Pro Set Super Bowl Supermen
Lynn Swann: Will not sign cards
Carson Wentz: Panini Super Bowl 52 card
Aaron Williams: 2011 Topps Rising Rookies; wrong photo
Steve Worster: 2011 Upper Deck U. of Texas; photo is Jim Bertlestein
Alvin Wyatt: 1973 Topps; wrong photo

BASKETBALL
Lou Carnesecca: 2000-01 Fleer Greats of the Game; has the wrong logo
Julius Erving: photos fighting Larry Bird
Blake Griffin: Topps cards

HOCKEY
Kevin Adams: 2007-08 Upper Deck
Brent Ashton: 1991-92 O-Pee-Chee/Topps; only signs for family
Ken Baumgartner: 1990-91 Upper Deck
Radek Bonk: Las Vegas Thunder items
Mel Bridgman: 1983-84 O-Pee-Chee
Randy Carlyle: 1987-88 O-Pee-Chee and Topps
Bob Carpenter: 1989-90 Topps; will only sign back
Kevin Collins: 1990-91 Pro Set
Yvan Cournoyer: 2005-06 In The Game Heroes & Prospects; not him pictured
Russ Courtnall: 1991-92 Pro Set
John Davidson: 2001-02 Fleer Greats of the Game
Kevin Dineen: 1995-96 Edge Ice; only signs for family
Pelle Eklund: 1994-95 Parkhurst
Bob Errey: 1989-90 O-Pee-Chee
Craig Fisher: 1990-91 Upper Deck; Jay Wells on front, but will sign back
Mike Foligno: 1993-94 Upper Deck; only signs for family
Adam Foote: any Upper Deck Victory
Ron Francis: cards with him pictured with the Stanley Cup
Garry Galley: 1991-92 Pro Set (All-Star); only signs for family
Aaron Gavey: 1993-94 Upper Deck
Doug Gilmour: 1990-91 Upper Deck
Martin Gerber: licensed NHL photos
Chris Gratton: 2003-04 Topps Traded
Mike Green: 2003-04 Pacific Prospects; photo is Andy Reierson (maybe?)
Ron Greschner: 1978-79 Topps; will only sign O-Pee-Chee Rangers version
Wayne Gretzky: 1988-89 Topps, cards with his son Ty on the back; only signs for family
Greg Hawgood: 1993-94 Leaf; only signs for family
Phil Housley: 1990-91 Upper Deck; only signs for family
Mark Howe: 1989-90 Topps
Tim Hunter: 1997-98 Pacific Dynagon Best Kept Secrets
Gord Hynes: 2000-01 Upper Deck DEL; photo is Wayne Hynes
Peter Ing: 1990-91 Score; says he was not compensated for the card
Arturs Irbe: 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Red Army
Mike Keane: Montreal Canadians Centennial cards; was not paid for his appearance in it
Petr Klima: 1992-93 Score
Alexei Kovalev: NY Rangers items
Milan Kraft: 2000-01 Upper Deck Reserve
Niklas Kronwall: 2012-13 Score; photo is Tomas Holmstrom
Guy Lapointe: 2001-02 Fleer Greats of the Game, 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends
Gary Leeman: Montreal Canadiens items
Reggie Lemelin: 2006-07 Parkhurst; photo is Yves Belanger
Mario Lemieux: cards with him pictured with the Stanley Cup
Mike Liut: 1990-91 Upper Deck, 1991-92 Upper Deck; only signs for family
Jack Lynch: 1977-78 O-Pee-Chee; photo is Bill Collins
Al Macinnis: 1991-92 Upper Deck (All-Star); only signs for family
Sergei Makarov: 1991-92 Upper Deck; only signs for family
David Maley: 2002-03 Fleer Throwbacks
Dave Manson: Toronto Maple Leafs items
Kip, Kelly, and Kevin Miller: 1991-92 Upper Deck Bloodlines
Stanislav Neckar: 1994-95 Upper Deck
Brian Noonan: 1990-91 O-Pee-Chee Premier; photo is Dan Vincelette, Noonan will sign the back
Teppo Numminen: Adds the year he signed it to all rookie cards
Steve Ott: 2005-06 In The Game Heroes & Prospects; hated playing for Hamilton
Robert Reichel: 1993-94 Leaf
Gary Roberts: 1992-93 Pinnacle Heroes
Stacy Roest: Cards that have wrong player pictured
Christian Ruuttu: 1991-92 O-Pee-Chee/Topps, 1992-93 Upper Deck, 1992-93 Bowman
Tommy Salo: 1995-96 Edge Ice; photo is Milan Hnilicka (Hnilicka will sign it)
Al Secord: 1990-91 Bowman; photo is Duane Sutter (Secord will sign back)
Alexander Semin: 2003-04 Topps C55
Darryl Sittler: 1990-91 Pro Set; only signs for his kids
Billy Smith: 2006-07 In The Game Heroes & Prospects
Ryan Smyth: 1997-98 Upper Deck Collectors Choice
Mario Tremblay: 1975-76 Topps; photo is Gord MacTavish
Marty Turco: 2015 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions
Darren Turcotte: 1995-96 Pinnacle
Wes Walz: Cards that have wrong player pictured
Doug Wilson: Rookie cards and reprints of them
Tyler Wright: 1998-99 Upper Deck; only signs for family

GOLF
Bruce Crampton: 1992 Pro Set; only signs for family
Phil Mickelson: 2002 Upper Deck; only signs for family

WRESTLING
Dan Gable: 2008 Allen & Ginter; biographical error on back

NON-SPORTS
Elizabeth Berkley: Topless photos from Showgirls

Wow! Thanks for that effort Drew!
Interesting reading, and was surprised to see Mike Schmidt on there. I wonder why / when he stopped signing Rawlings bats? never heard that before. Maybe mine will skyrocket now! :D

Drew: Great list!

FWIW regarding Keith Hernandez, we in Cleveland didn't like his playing time here, either. $1.75 mil for 43 games and 26 hits. What a loser.

I didn't have time to look over that entire list, but this one stuck out:

George Hendrick: ONLY signs Rays and Cardinals items

This may have been true in the past, but George has signed Angels, A's, etc. cards as recently as last year. The whole notion of his being a tough autograph is somewhat hogwash; like many others, he's not difficult if you pay the man. I can't tell you how many "LAST GEORGE HENDRICK SIGNING POSSIBLY EVER!!!!!!!" announcements I have read over the past couple of years. These all stem from the same person. "LAST SIGNING" until some people want to generate more revenue is more like it.

I think you missed a couple.:D

Great info; thanks for putting it all together.

I think you mean 2008 Upper Deck Goudey. (there is no Dan Gable Allen & Ginter card)

I was able to have Ron Jackson sign his 1991 Orioles Crown card a couple years ago in an interesting fashion:

https://i.imgur.com/eMRztpi.jpg

In his later years, the late Preacher Roe would not sign his 1955 Bowman card (his last card), because he insisted that it wasn't him.

I've stared at the card for a very long time, and it sure does look like him.

Sorry I don't have a scan handy. Anybody else want to weigh in on whether or not that's Roe?:confused:

Alan

Ryan vs. Ventura fight lineup cards 1993
 

Not meaning to hijack this great thread about players being unwilling to sign certain specific cards, but I thought some might find this interesting...

Although Robin Ventura has absolutely shown reluctance to sign photos of the infamous Ryan vs. Ventura fight on 8/4/1993, I have been fortunate to get him to sign my game used umpire and dugout lineup cards from that game.

FWIW, I suppose it's not hard to imagine why, because the entire incident is likely a lowlight in an otherwise quality career in the major leagues.
It's certainly an out-of-character moment for someone who has the reputation as being one of the good guys in baseball...

The umpire lineup card was signed by completely covering the card with cardboard and only leaving the space where he was to sign.
The dugout card was signed a few years ago at a private signing in Los Angeles along with a game used Ventura bat from 1993.

On Rich Reese not being willing to sign his 1965 Topps card that said Dick Reese, he frequently actually signed his name "Dick Reese" early in his career.

Very neat pieces Scott!

Thanks Bill!

Drew — Great list. Thanks for sharing.

I remember that; I grew up in Lake County and 1990 was my first year following baseball. So I was very surprised to learn a few years later that Keith Hernandez was a lot better than I gave him credit for!

That's good to know; when he was coaching with Tampa he was super picky about what he would sign so I'm glad he's loosening up. I still need him for my 1972 set.

Looks like you're right, I'll get that corrected on my site!

I did see a small stack of that '72 signed at one of the last signings, so hoping you will find what you need eventually. It's a beautiful card!

'Ron Gant will not sign any item with David Justice on it'.
Gant has a beef with Justice?

I am surprised at so many people not signing items because wrong picture or bad experiences associated with a specific item. It seems petty to me. Some of those guys are probably only wanted/needed BECAUSE they are on a certain card set/design, not that they are well liked or heavily collected otherwise. Obviously each person follows their own set of rules like this, but it's just odd to me.

Likely due to accusations of domestic violence. Justice has denied them though, as has the alleged victim, Halle Berry.

Pete Rose will not sign "The Dowd report" the last few shows he did. been trying to get mine signed.

The guy who did the Foiles signing is a good friend of mine. He did get the Crown card signed and has the five extras below available. If anyone needs this tough card for their Crown or All-Time Orioles collections, feel free to message me and I can get you in contact with him.

Wow, that is some serious pettiness. Remember when life was so mellow the only things people had time to grumble about was Garbage Pail Kids?

Lol, no kidding. For better or worse, there are cartoons on TV regularly that are 100x worse than Garbage Pail Kids. The times they are a-changin'...

Got two more baseball ones to add that I found out while going for the Frisco Roughriders this weekend:

Josh Stowers: will not sign unlicensed photos

Jonathan Ornelas: will no longer sign his 2018 Bowman Draft card. For unknown reasons it lists him as a member of the Diamondbacks and in a D-Backs uni... even though he was a Rangers draft pick and hasn't played in any other organization. He signed it or me in 2019 but has stopped now that he has Rangers cards.