Quote:
Originally Posted by novakjr
This manufactured crap, not only ruins the experience for people over the long haul. BUT the contracts that the players sign for the exclusive rights to their autographs, often lead to players not signing. Thus removing and/or limiting the possibility of these cherished moments for young and/or inexperienced fans, that may ultimately lead them into the hobby.
As a kid, I could go to any game, and pretty much get just about any signature I wanted. Everyone signed, and it was always a memorable experience getting to meet your favorite players.. No matter how big and popular they were. Nowadays, forget about it. Kids these days have been robbed of these passing moments with their heroes.. And to an extent Steiner and others like them have stolen these opportunities from this and future generations..
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It's not just that. The new ballparks seem to be designed in a way intended to minimize actual fan-ballplayer contact. For example, at Citi Field, the player's entrance is fenced off, and for those players who do choose to sign after the game, the height of the fence around the players' parking lot prevents fans from having a real "I got to meet a ballplayer" experience - Eric Young, Jr. as shown in the photo below, but it applies to all players...
(Photo taken September 29, 2013. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here.)