Tough 1970's & 1980's Autographed Cards

[Cliff Bowman]

I guess it probably isn't possible for a signed 1970 Topps Miguel Fuentes to exist?

[dgo71]

I guess in this digital age it is harder for players to just "disappear", and more and more guys seem to do private signings now and remove themselves from this list. Any player still living could suddenly become quite attainable for a price, and once set collectors are satiated the market all but disappears. Examples that come to mind are John Christensen, Al Pulido and Jim Traber.

A few guys in the popular 1987 Topps set can be very pricey on that specific card, but cheap to downright common on other issues. Players like Tony Bernazard, Mike Brown (the Seattle pitcher), Rod Scurry (also insanely tough on 89 UD) and Frank Wills come to mind in that regard.

That said, a couple toughies that have yet to be mentioned in this thread are former Mets infielder Kelvin Chapman and Astros pitcher Mark Lemongello, even though the latter recently did a fairly expensive private signing. His story is definitely worth looking up if you are unfamiliar.

[akleinb611]

This references 1950's cards, but a good example of a player who was once considered very tough - almost Holy Grail tough - and then became common was NY Giants utility infielder Foster Castleman. His signed cards retailed in the hundreds of dollars, and then it was discovered that if you made a modest contribution to his church, he would be happy to sign. He died a few years later, but by then, anyone who wanted Foster Castleman had Foster Castleman.

Okay, I'll admit that I really like saying Foster Castleman...

[dgo71]

Originally Posted by akleinb611

This references 1950's cards, but a good example of a player who was once considered very tough - almost Holy Grail tough - and then became common was NY Giants utility infielder Foster Castleman. His signed cards retailed in the hundreds of dollars, and then it was discovered that if you made a modest contribution to his church, he would be happy to sign. He died a few years later, but by then, anyone who wanted Foster Castleman had Foster Castleman.

Okay, I'll admit that I really like saying Foster Castleman...

Dave Revering and Allen Ripley are in this category too. It was long believed they were completely non-responsive to mail requests, but turns out that bad addresses were out there for both of them. Once their correct addresses were discovered, they quickly and consistently started answering their mail. Before he passed away, Ripley had even commented that he had zero problem signing autographs and often wondered why he didn't get more fan mail.

[gawaintheknight]

I think I figured out how to share the list.

Here's the link:

I would welcome any opinions on whether there are any diamonds in the rough here. These would have been acquired 20 or 30 years ago, so maybe some of these guys no longer sign?

Thanks for any help.

Ted

[dgo71]

Originally Posted by gawaintheknight

I think I figured out how to share the list.

Here's the link:

I would welcome any opinions on whether there are any diamonds in the rough here. These would have been acquired 20 or 30 years ago, so maybe some of these guys no longer sign?

Thanks for any help.

Ted

Quick scan of the list, the only "toughie" I see is Doyle Alexander who has been a non-signer since retiring over 30 years ago. He's on a lot of 80's set collector's want lists. I assume that's the "D. Alexander" on your list?

You do have some HOF and deceased guys that you might find a buyer for, but nothing that would have extraordinary value. Darrell Porter for example, who you have on a 1988 Score, is somewhat tougher to find on his later issue cards. Maybe $20ish for that one to the right buyer but that's a complete guess, could be much less or much more.

[gawaintheknight]

Thank you for this - it's very helpful and I would never have known. Yes, that's him. The list is heavy on Tigers and White Sox and a little less so on Cubs.

[mr2686]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bowman

I guess it probably isn't possible for a signed 1970 Topps Miguel Fuentes to exist?

I believe you're correct. Fuentes was killed on Jan 29th, 1970, and the set would have been released sometime after that. You can occasionally find a 3x5 signed by him.