Where's a Good Place for Getting Autographs?

[Archive]

Posted By: peter chao

Normally, I obtain autographs at card shows and at Spring Training. In ball parks, I step aside for the kids, that's where they get their autographs from.

I don't like mailing for autographs because you don't have an opportunity to speak with the ballplayer.

Are there any other good places for getting autographs?

Peter C.

[Archive]

Posted By: DJ

Peter,

1) Pay for them at shows! Want to meet Emmitt Smith? $225! Want to meet Dan Marino? $175!

2) Buy from Steiner Or The Player's Personal Web Sites! Want to buy a Joba Chamberlain signed 8x10? That will cost you $200 through Steiner.

This is why there is so much fraud out there. Pay $200 for Joba or buy a fake from eBay for $25.

Sad but true...

I know there will be some that say "I met ____ and he was really nice", but for the most part, players for the most part look at adults as dealers and children as children hired by dealers. I have enough horror stories to put Stephen King out of business.

A retired chaser
(baseball enthusiast and collector)

DJ

[Archive]

Posted By: Mark

You can always go the auction route... there a number of on-line, telephone and live auction houses who offer only PSA or Spence authenticated pieces. Not much risk with bad pieces, if you choose this route.

If you'd rather do it live, you can also try celebrity golf events, charitable functions, etc. Something about standing in long lines at trade shows just leaves me cold.

[Archive]

Posted By: peter chao

Mark,

Thanks for the suggestions. If you don't like long lines then sometimes card stores will have an athlete signing. Also, shopping mall card shows will have shorter lines.

Peter C.

[Archive]

Posted By: Mark

Right... I did that with Tony Perez (obviously a favorite of mine) who was appearing at Mill Creek Sports Cards in Washington. Among other items, I brought an early game-used bat of his, to be signed. It had a major crack and he joked, saying that he remembered this happening, and it was definitely the work of Bob Gibson (who liked to jam him inside). He spent lots and lots of time visiting and conversing with us, and was very gracious.

Outside of that (and a great encounter with Tony Gwynn), not many memorable experiences to report.

That gives me an idea... I will start a separate thread on who are the most and least accomodating autograph signers. Stay tuned...

[Archive]

Posted By: Dennis

For vintage material it is hard to beat Jim Stinson. Trustworty and knowledgable, he sends out email offerings and sells on eBay. The Bob Feller Museum has frequent in person guests and sells extra signed items via USPS. I believe Brooks Robinson and Roy Sievers are there this month. I think profits go to support the museum in Van Meter Ia. Dennis