Against my better judgement, I'm finally sending this out into the wild
 

The first two names I'll be adding to this HOF poster will be Randy Johnson and Roberto Alomar. Both are appearing an a NJ show next month, put on by MAB Celebrity.

This is a very reputable promoter, but I'm still fitful over the idea of it being mishandled.

I'll post my success as soon as it returns.

http://www.mab-celebrity.com/c-2748-march-magic.aspx

http://www.freewebs.com/cjedmonton/hof11.jpg

WOW! What a great item.

I wish you all the best, but I would never take the chance on sending out what looks like several yrs of work & time invested in getting all those autos on that poster.

If it were mine I'd be crushed if something happened to it.

I'm hoping for a safe return for you.

Why not send it to a member who might be going to the show? That way you know your item is good hands.:)

That's my plan for HOF weekend!

Sure, there's some risk involved with this "experiment". However, if I leave clear and concise directions with the promoter, I'm confident it'll come back safe and sound.

As much as I enjoy the item as is, I'm compelled to continue on with the theme (pre-1990 MLB alum who went on to become HOFers).

I think that MAB is a quality organization, but, FWIW...

With MAB, sometimes you end up with what you ask for, sometimes you don't when you send things in for mail order. I've found that they do not always follow instructions very carefully.

Be cautious, FWIW...

Thanks for the tip, Scott. I really only have 3 simple requests:

1. Handle with care

2. Ask the player to sign the poster where his Post It flag is.

3. Fine blue Sharpie only

So long as it comes back in one piece, I'm sure I'll be satisfied.

I have dealt with MAB mail order perhaps 25-30 times. I have used Post It notes, etc. as well as sending a letter with pictures letting them know what I wanted in detail.

I've had items come back with signatures signed in places completely different then where the Post It notes indicated, signatures scribbled over the TOP of deceased players (thanks Roy Halladay, good job for $140-yikes!), signatures signed with the wrong color sharpie (Roy Halladay strikes again!), etc. :rolleyes:

Just sayin', FWIW... I have never not received an item back, which is a plus. :)

I would again ask the promoter if a friend can bring the item in for you. That way you know it will done correctly.:) I am sure there would be many people on here to help you.

No way would I let that out of my sight. Good luck to you. A $40,000+ game used Mel Ott bat went missing from John Taube's booth at the National last year...you really think whoever you send this to is going to keep it under 24/7 watch?

I completely forgot about the Ott bat fiasco. What a nightmare.

I was also informed that both players will be at The National this summer (plus several other HOFers on my wantlist).

Perhaps someone will be willing to help me out as we get closer to the date.

Thanks to all for the insight. I live in a pretty remote location (far off the regular autograph circuit at least). Otherwise, I would take this in person.

I have some multi-signed and it's always a debate if I want to send them through the mail.

The question I would ask myself is, "Are Alomar and Johnson worth the risk of losing the whole thing?"

Given they are both middle aged and semi-regulars on the show circuit, God willing they will be around for many more years to come. I'd probably wait for an opportunity I could do it myself or someone I trusted could do it.

This. All of this....

Where do you live. I am sorry to ask that but I bet someone on this site might be closer than you think.

I live in Alberta, Canada. Hardly the North Pole, but over 1,000 miles from the regular circuit.

I think my best bet now might be to hold off until the National in Chicago and see if someone would be willing to get it signed on my behalf.

I have some contacts at the National and at Tri-Star. If I can help let me know. I will be at the National. That being said, very honestly, I would not want the liability on my shoulders....but if you were to go there I might be able to help some way....LL

i live in Calgary and plan to attend the National this year. should be able to help. chris

Have you ever contacted Scott/SI King-here is his e-mail address. He works directly with MAB and (I believe) gets everything signed in the Back Room. Have used him many times and always professional and very timely in answering all e-mails, which is always important:

SIKINGCOLLECTION@aol.com

Here is his website:
http://sikingcollection.com/index2.html