Your dream baseball autograph?

[GrayGhost]

If you guys could own one authentic rare baseball autograph, who would it be? For me, Id say Shoeless Joe Jackson, signed by him. Also, Candy Cummings, for the lore of his involvement in invention of the curve ball. How bout you guys? And if anyone has any rare ones they have they want to share pics of, feel free, I'd love to see some.

[barrysloate]

I once owned a beautiful twice signed Candy Cummings letter with good baseball content...wish I kept that one. And for the record, there were newspaper reports circa 1860 stating that Jim Creighton was throwing a ball that appeared to curve in flight, so it is unliely that Cummings invented the curveball. He may have popularized it, but wasn't the first to throw one.

[thekingofclout]

especially since I don't have a Gehrig autograph at this time. Also, it's in Memory Lane's current auction. Although I don't think I'll have the cash needed to win it.

Regards, Jimmy

gehrigjimmyAUTO.jpg

On the bright side, I picked this one up recently and in my book, it qualifies. Not too many "Bob" Clemente AP, GPC, or index cards floating around. Plus, it's HUGE.


bobclementeauto2.jpgbobclementeauto1.jpg

[GrayGhost]

Wow, great looking Gehrig, and yeah, Id think a "Bob" Clemente has to be rare. I look forward to more pictures/thoughts.

Barry, thats interesting bout Creighton. I know Cummings has been some "folklore" perhaps, with his involvement, but didnt know bout Creighton. Thanks for the info.

[GKreindler]

No Gehrig, Jimmy? Will you be looking for a cut at the National next week? If so, can we go searching together? I'd love to see the master in action...

[David Atkatz]

I've got two autograph-collecting goals--every member of both the 1927 Yankees, and the 1903 Highlanders. As for the first, no problem. I've got all but Giard, and he's readily obtainable. Just waiting for the right one.

That second goal is another story. I've got a few tough ones--Chesbro, Puttmann (Thanks, Jodi!), O'Connor... But there are a few members of that team that I know I'll never obtain. The one I'd like most, though, is Willie Keeler.

[yanks12025]

My dream autograph would be a better Gehrig then the one i have now.


David,
Are there any Keeler autographs out there.

[GehrigFan]

Originally Posted by yanks12025

My dream autograph would be a better Gehrig then the one i have now.

You should probably donate your other Gehrig to one of us at that point!

Yeah, I've wanted a Gehrig for a long time. I'd be happy with a very poor condition one, as long as it's readable... but even that is out of my range. One day!!!

[perezfan]

I'll keep my answer realistic... Mordecai Brown. I must have been under-bidder a dozen or so times through the years. As collectors, there always seems to be an elusive piece that keeps narrowly escaping our grasp. Three Finger Brown is that one for me. Perhaps not the rarest, but just tough enough to be a real pain to obtain....

[BrockJacob]

I'm not much of an autograph guy but a nice single signed Satchel Paige ball is something I would like to have and is something I could realistically obtain. As far as a dream ball goes... Ruth, Gehrig, and McCarthy together on the same ball (no one else) would be great.

[Bob Lemke]

Put me down for a career-contemporary Hal Chase.

[slidekellyslide]

Mine would actually be a team signed baseball of the Nebraska Indians. Doubtful one exists though....so I'll take an autograph/signature of Guy W. Green the owner of the team...I know there has to be one of those out there on something. He not only owned the Nebraska Indians, but at one time owned the Western League Lincoln club so I'd love to have some kind of club document with his signature....he was also a lawyer so there are probably plenty of his signatures about, but most people probably wouldn't know its significance so they stay hidden in obscurity.

[sbfinley]

A couple of years ago, before I returned to collecting, The Tommy Bridges estate came up for auction at SCP. Included were two items I would have killed for: A Ruth signed bat or ball, I can't remember which off the top of my head, that was inscribed to Bridges and his 1935 World Series ring.

If I could have any auto, that particular Ruth auto would take the cake.
And that ring is my Holy Grail.

[ksfarmboy]

I'm not an autograph collector but would like a nice Ruth on a blue and red stitched ball.

[Kawika]

Hey, Gray Ghost. Who said your posts are always negative? This is a great thread. Jimmy, if that postcard read "Best Wishes, David" I'd be all over it. I'd knock over gas stations, sell body parts, whatever. Go for it, man; he wrote it to you. As for me, I don't particularly seek out autographs. I like them best on baseball cards and have been especially lucky to own the autographed '34 Goudey Gehrig portrait and the M116 Sporting Life Joe Wood, two of my favorite old-time players, both of which I have posted on these forums ad infinauseam. My dream autograph would be any of a T3, T206 White Cap or '15 CJ signed by Christy Mathewson. I don't recollect ever seeing any Matty BB card that was signed, and I am sure if one came available its acquisition would require the knocking over of many gas stations and the sale of many body parts.

[aaroncc]

A James Creighton signed photo for me.

[jbsports33]

I would have to say Buck Weaver or if I had to pick a Hall of Famer it would be Lou Gehrig. I would also be very interested in a early teens team signed Red Sox ball from one of the World Series they won.

Jimmy

[jerseygary]

I'd love to have a ball or photograph signed by Frankie Zak (ss, Pirates 1944-46), he was a close family friend back in Passaic, NJ.

[Jay Wolt]

Jimmy, you gotta make a play for that Gehrig

[carrigansghost]

Sidd Farrar, a hometown native.

Rawn

[base_ball]

I'd like a Lou Gehrig signed document from his days of employ with the parole board in New York City. He reportedly used a stamp in his waning days...I'd even take one of those.

[GKreindler]

Like most of you, I think I would go for a clean Gehrig. However, I don't even think I would want a single signed ball. I know that they're the most appealing to most folks for display purposes, but I would be even happier to have one signed by the team. If that was the case, I'd go for the '36 or '37 group.

I think the one single signed baseball I would love to get my hands on (and I would imagine that it wouldn't carry a crazy price tag) would be a vintage Carl Hubbell. I don't know what it is about that man, but I've always gravitated to his career and exploits. Heck, those Giants teams of '36 and '37 weren't too bad either...

Graig

[Kawika]

A couple of Burke postcards for you, Graig.
PS. I owe you an e-mail.

I got mine!!!!! A book with all Kansas City Blues PLayers which all became New York Yankees. and about 10 Negro league players all dead now.

I got Rizzuto, Skowren, Baur, MANTLE, and so many others. All pre rookie autos and have had them online verified by GAI and PSA.

Since yall are auto collectors what is the Mantle worth cut??? or any others???

[Vintagedegu]

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[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

There is a signed game ball from Don Wilson's no-hitter, as well as his first home run ball, also signed. That is probably the closest you will ever come (but way better, IMHO).

[GKreindler]

Ahhhh...those are my boys!! Thanks so much, David.

I don't know what it is, but those two World Series have such an allure to me...so many Hall of Famers and GREAT players. I would love to do a series of paintings on those games. Then again, what WOULDN'T I like to do a bunch of paintings on?

[Jacklitsch]

Mine is a Frank Chance to go along with my Evers and Tinker. A toughie as he died in 1924.

[GrayGhost]

How rare is a real Eddie Plank Signature? Thats one I was thinking of.

[thekingofclout]

especially from David and Jay in going after the "Best Wishes Jimmy" signed by Lou Gehrig postcard that is in Memory Lane's current auction, I never said it was my dream "Piece"... only my dream autograph.

Anyone that has seen my threads can see my clear passion is for vintage original TYPE I photographs of top-tier HOF players. I enjoy collected autographs but mainly for the purpose of framing with some of my best photos.

I'm sure this probably sounds nuts to most of you, but I wouldn't sell any of my top photos in order to raise the dough needed to win the Gehrig auto.

So with my perpetual spending spree, combined with my oldest daughter recently tying the knot, I surmised that I will most likely fall short for the Gehrig piece.

As the brilliant Steven Wright once said:

You can't have everything. Where would you put it?


Best regards, Jimmy

[theshleps]

I have 2 Gehrigs- one in an autograph book that I am keeping and one cut mounted with a picture that I might consider trading. I would want a signed vintage card of Cobb, Wagner, Johnson or someone like that to even consider it. If you have something like that send a scan to theshleps@aol.com. If I like it I can send a gehrig scan back. Otherwise I would rather not go to the safe and try to dig it out. Emails only

[theshleps]

My dream auto tho would be Lipman Pike on a card tho I would love a Ruth on a Goudey too

[Lordstan]

Two answers...
Ultimate dream sig is Christy Mathewson across the bottom on one of those sideways cards with the arm out and sunrise in the background. Might have to sell my family into slavery for that one. I'll miss them.

More reasonable is to complete my signed 34 Goudey set. I've seen both Gehrigs, Arky Vaughn, even a Frank Grube (D 1946), but I think the most difficult will be Steve Larkin. I'm sure I'll find the HOFers over time, but this guy only played 2g ever. Both in 1934. Started and finished one game. 6IP, 8so, 1er, W-L 0-0, and 1 SB. When you look up the phrase "cup of coffee in the bigs" it shows a picture of him. He died in 1969 in Norristown, PA. Who in the world got this guys autograph, much less on a 1934 Goudey? Oh well.

[GKreindler]

"Might have to sell my family into slavery for that one. I'll miss them."

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I have a 3X5 of Larkin, although I've never seen a signed '34 Goudey. From what I recall, Larkin actually died on a train. He was bound somewhere for work (insurance business, I think) when he succumbed to a heart attack.

[milkit1]

Im next to positive I have seen a signed Steve Larkin 34. From the 33's I have I can asssure you that a 34 larkin does exist.
My dream autograph would be a t202 signed by Hal Chase and a Earl Clark signed 1933 goudey. Yeah, like that will happen.

[Lordstan]

Jodi,
Could I ask you to please send me a scan of that Larkin? I have collect exemplars of the autographs of all those in the set. He and geroge Darrow, I haven't been able to locate. Thanks

Sean,
My hope is renewed. If you ever come across it again, keep me in mind.

Mark

[gashouse34]

hey Vintagedegu, what non sports auto's are on your list....I'm a huge floyd fan as well and like your syd avatar. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of funds to support my collection so my list would seem rather shallow...It would be nice to get some of the toughies I need to complete my '34 Cardinal collection namely Clarence Heise and Bill Delancey. A more immediate would be a nice Tris Speaker cut of whom I think has one of the nicest sigs in the Hall of Fame.

[Vintagedegu]

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[canjond]

Originally Posted by perezfan

I'll keep my answer realistic... Mordecai Brown. I must have been under-bidder a dozen or so times through the years. As collectors, there always seems to be an elusive piece that keeps narrowly escaping our grasp. Three Finger Brown is that one for me. Perhaps not the rarest, but just tough enough to be a real pain to obtain....

I thought there was one for sale on the board a while back? Maybe I'm wrong.

[canjond]

Originally Posted by Kawika

Hey, Gray Ghost. Who said your posts are always negative? This is a great thread. Jimmy, if that postcard read "Best Wishes, David" I'd be all over it. I'd knock over gas stations, sell body parts, whatever. Go for it, man; he wrote it to you. As for me, I don't particularly seek out autographs. I like them best on baseball cards and have been especially lucky to own the autographed '34 Goudey Gehrig portrait and the M116 Sporting Life Joe Wood, two of my favorite old-time players, both of which I have posted on these forums ad infinauseam. My dream autograph would be any of a T3, T206 White Cap or '15 CJ signed by Christy Mathewson. I don't recollect ever seeing any Matty BB card that was signed, and I am sure if one came available its acquisition would require the knocking over of many gas stations and the sale of many body parts.

David - I saw a PSA/DNA slabbed Matty T206 a few years back although I believe the signature was highly questioned so not sure who owns it, where it now lies, or whether it is believed to be good or not.

[MacDice]

I have two dream items. The first one would be of Harry Smith (a distant relative who played from 1901-10). The other would be an Earl Averill Zeenut.

[canjond]

I recently picked up some of my dream signatures, although non-sports...





As for Lou, here is one from my collection

[asoriano]

My dream autograph would be a nice, crisp signature of Arthur "Bugs" Raymond.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by asoriano

My dream autograph would be a nice, crisp signature of Arthur "Bugs" Raymond.

Good luck even finding a pen indentaiton in his hand! His signature is right up there on the next-to-impossible list. Good choice, though!

[tothrk]

As far as baseball & realistic, mine would be Roberto Clemente. Obviously a great player as well as a great person. Todays athletes could learn a thing or two from him. As far as anyone in history, I'd go with Thomas Jefferson (until I give it more thought.)

[GrayGhost]

http://www.autographalert.com/joejack1.jpg

I recall seeing that in a major auction a few years back. THAT is an awesome item, I think it was for Joe's pool hall or something, to Lefty, or vice versa?

[asoriano]

Originally Posted by JBirkholm

Good luck even finding a pen indentaiton in his hand! His signature is right up there on the next-to-impossible list. Good choice, though!

Jodi,

I figured his autograph is very difficult to obtain. I've always been intrigued by his antics, both on and off the baseball field.

Have you ever seen any examples of his signature?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I've seen a forgery! Does that count?!

I'm certain I've seen a photostat of a team-signed document from the Giants, but that must have been way back, as I do not have an example in my files.

[yanksfan09]

mine is definatley Babe Ruth. I know he's not incredibly rare, but he's out of my price range!

Gehrig, Cobb, W. Johnson, G. Alexander, C. Mathewson would be next all out of my range....