Did Johnny Bench Ruin My 68 Topps Rookie of His
 

Recently got some Bench autos from a private signing a few months ago (2 68’s and 2 69’s). The others turned out pretty good but this one just looks totally off. I know they’re real and plan on keeping it for my PC, but still a little frustrating because I doubt it would pass PSA if I did want to sell it one day. Was slabbed in an SGC 70 and the other that he signed came out perfect but was raw and probably GD+ or maybe VG at best. What do you guys think? IMO, the B and h are totally different than normal. Also a little disappointed because I asked for a thin sharpie but he signed them with a regular.

Here’s one of the 69’s he signed. Much better looking but still has changed from others I have of his. Have noticed that his signature has changed a lot over the last 10 years... still much better than modern players but definitely looking more grungy than it was during the 90’s.

Maybe he didn't want to sign on Tompkins so he had to squeeze.

These are very odd and very ugly for him. Bench is usually a much more careful signer. Unlike the Ryan RC, I've always advocated for having Bench and Tompkins sign at the top of this card for a cleaner aesthetic.

I'm sure you're already aware, but Mr. Tompkins signs this one for $10 which he donates to charity. All other autographs are free of charge. He has a tendency to stack his signature at the top left of his photo. If you want something different in this regard, be sure to specify. He's a very nice person, so chances are he'll comply with whatever your preference may be.

Edit: Just wanted to add that I've seen more than just these two sloppy efforts from Bench as of late, so it's a very safe bet that any TPA has encountered even more of them and will be familiar, especially if you give it a little more time before submitting. It truly does appear that Bench has gotten less careful, but it can't possibly be that. Considering how exacting he has been in signing his name for so long, you have to wonder if maybe it's something like arthritis. He was always a perfectionist with his autograph.

looks fine to me, a typical bench signature these days. the sharpie started out thin but after signing a couple sigs that's how it ended up...just be glad it wasn't dying.

I do remember reading a post a while back on SCN about Bench indicating that he had been having some problems with his hands and worried about his writing being affected. This was back in 2014 regarding an appearance on WFAN.

But he uses Blue Emu and it doesn't stink!

I just got back my 70 Topps Bench from Tom Orr's private signing and it looks about the same as yours.

That comment made me laugh out loud!

Agreed. Bench has always had a strong, heavy, signature. He just turned 73 years of age and the hands of catchers take a beating. Given his position and age, I would expect his signature to get a tad loose/sloppy. I have a Yogi Berra lithograph, I had him sign and he really looped the bottom of the Y. Given that I witnessed the signing, I know the signature is legit, but it is much different from every other Berra signature in the collection.

To answer your question, no, I don't think Bench ruined the card. I have always taken the way the person signs with a grain of salt. Once the item is in front of them it is theirs to autograph in a way they think best (I am not a location freak). That is what their signature was at that point in time. If it is not clear where to sign, most ask. When signing a Perez-Steele postcard Lou Brock asked "Do you want the Yogi Berra, Lou Brock autograph or the regular autograph?" I have had players start, stop and restart. Start on part of a post card and then realize that the area where they were signing was not ideal and start at another location. I have a Charlie Brown piece where I ask pitchers to inscribe the # of home runs they gave up lifetime. It is a fun piece. Most pitchers don't know how many home runs they gave up over their career. Whitey Ford said "Hmm, I thought the number would have been higher." I asked Steve Carlton to inscribe 414 HRs, I even had the number written down on a piece of paper. Carlton inscribed 415 HRs. When he realized his error, he made a mathematical equation subtracting 1 and wrote "Sorry with a sad face". Did he ruin the poster? I don't think so. I think it is awesome!

Am I the only one who finds that kind of funny?

I assume you have paperwork from the private signing, how could they NOT pass it?

And if it's possible that they wouldn't, well... that's kind of a commentary on the whole opinion selling business, isn't it?

Doug "I doubt I would pass either" Goodman