2013 National Photo Opportunity

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by thenavarro

Also, on Sundays after the games, all kids can run the bases, on select Saturdays, season ticket holders can play catch on the field, there's a yearly picnic where everything is comped and all the players sign that day (but you get tickets where it's the luck of the draw and you get about 5 graphs), and after the season, season ticket holders get to go to a free clinic put on by the Rangers coaches and they show you baseball skills, answer questions, and you get to be in all the facilities and use the batting cages. Wednesday nights are dollar hot dogs, every Sunday is a nice promotional giveaway like Tshirts, caps,etc and also on Sunday nine kids are selected to take the field with the Rangers and get an autographed ball right before the game starts

during the playoffs and World Series, season ticket holders get to hold the giant flag on the field for the National Anthem ( I did that on my birthday for a game in the 2011 World Series and former President Bush threw out the first pitch.) Awesome experience irregardless of politics

My family and I love the Rangers!!

I'm impressed, Mike. Sounds like an organization worth rooting for.

[Exhibitman]

Wow, this thread really touched several nerves.

The photo shoot is a service. I have no gripe with anyone who wants to pay for a service offered. I personally think the 'grip and grin' costs too much for what it is.

I have never believed that the autograph guests distract collectors, though if the show is badly laid out the lines can be troublesome for dealers whose tables are blocked. With all due respect to the collectors who buy mass-produced signatures at these shows, they really aren't the customer base of vintage dealers. If I am after a Lefty O'Doul signed photo I am not going to substitute a Randy Johnson for it. Apples and oranges...

I do not have an issue with asking a celebrity for a signature in a chance encounter. One of my favorite autographs came from just such a meeting:



There are any number of people who I'd ask for a signature. That said, I appreciate the chance to get a signature for certain in return for a reasonable fee. Again, it is a service I am willing to pay for. Interestingly, the collectors of Star Trek, movie and comic memorabilia have a longer tradition of fee for service signings and they seem to have a better perspective on it. I've been to a number of Hollywood shows here in L.A. and the focus of many of them are the actors who are signing. I've rarely been interested in getting autographs at them but I am now regretting not getting some of the more interesting old character actors who have since passed away, like Woody Strode or Slim Pickens.

Speaking of reasonable fees, again, that is something that is a personal choice. I would like to get Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard to sign a ticket from their first fight at the National this year. Not gonna do it given the costs involved, which would kill the fun for me. That said, I have a great Tommy Hearns press kit cover that I will probably pony up and have Hearns sign while I am there.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Speaking of reasonable fees, again, that is something that is a personal choice. I would like to get Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard to sign a ticket from their first fight at the National this year. Not gonna do it given the costs involved, which would kill the fun for me. That said, I have a great Tommy Hearns press kit cover that I will probably pony up and have Hearns sign while I am there.

I paid for Mike Tyson to sign my Tyson-Douglas program, but knew being in Columbus, eventually I would run into Buster Douglas. I don't think I would have been willing to pay for both of them, but to make it complete, I thought paying for Tyson's was well worth it. I even got John Johnson (Buster's trainer) to sign near his picture on the inside of the program.

[Mr. Zipper]

I don't have any issues asking the old timers, historical figures, etc. for autographs. These guys are decades older than me and earned their place in history.

That said I completely agree with those who feel it is somewhat demeaning for a grown man to be asking a young kid for an autograph. I don't think I could bring myself to do it.

Ok to ask


Would kill me.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I do not have an issue with asking a celebrity for a signature in a chance encounter.

Well, maybe it's cause I'm a New Yorker, born and bred. One runs into celebrities quite often in Manhattan, and the unwritten rule is "leave 'em alone." That's why they live here, because they can walk down the street, go to restaurants, the theater, etc. I once had a half-hour conversation with Mick Jagger (as we both waited at a riding stables), without ever acknowledging who he was--just two guys waiting in line, shootin' the shit. We New Yorkers take pride in that. It's the gawking out-of-towners who bug celebs.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Well, maybe it's cause I'm a New Yorker, born and bred. One runs into celebrities quite often in Manhattan, and the unwritten rule is "leave 'em alone." That's why they live here, because they can walk down the street, go to restaurants, the theater, etc. I once had a half-hour conversation with Mick Jagger (as we both waited at a riding stables), without ever acknowledging who he was--just two guys waiting in line, shootin' the shit. We New Yorkers take pride in that. It's the gawking out-of-towners who bug celebs.

L.A. ain't exactly short on the star power either, but as long as I enjoy it, I see no harm in asking under the right circumstances. That said, I usually follow the same unwritten rule, but when it is someone whose work or life I really admire, I go for it. When the jerk to pleasant person ratio exceeds my tolerance I will stop. Best celebs to ask are comedians and boxers. Worst are rock stars and ballplayers. And the late Mike Wallace. I ran across him sitting in Central Park and the look on his face when he realized I recognized him, wow...I'd be instantly vaporized if looks could kill. I didn't even nod hello to him.

Scott:

[Runscott]

Nice.

I was in Chicago for the 1997 Bluesfest, when Buddy Guy 'returned' to the festival. Can't remember if he signed my program the day before or the day after. I'll scan it if I can find it.

I've seen Buddy Guy live 4-5 times. One of the better moments was when he wandered down the aisle and serenaded the girl standing to my left.

[milkit1]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Wow, this thread really touched several nerves.

The photo shoot is a service. I have no gripe with anyone who wants to pay for a service offered. I personally think the 'grip and grin' costs too much for what it is.

I have never believed that the autograph guests distract collectors, though if the show is badly laid out the lines can be troublesome for dealers whose tables are blocked. With all due respect to the collectors who buy mass-produced signatures at these shows, they really aren't the customer base of vintage dealers. If I am after a Lefty O'Doul signed photo I am not going to substitute a Randy Johnson for it. Apples and oranges...

I do not have an issue with asking a celebrity for a signature in a chance encounter. One of my favorite autographs came from just such a meeting:



There are any number of people who I'd ask for a signature. That said, I appreciate the chance to get a signature for certain in return for a reasonable fee. Again, it is a service I am willing to pay for. Interestingly, the collectors of Star Trek, movie and comic memorabilia have a longer tradition of fee for service signings and they seem to have a better perspective on it. I've been to a number of Hollywood shows here in L.A. and the focus of many of them are the actors who are signing. I've rarely been interested in getting autographs at them but I am now regretting not getting some of the more interesting old character actors who have since passed away, like Woody Strode or Slim Pickens.

Speaking of reasonable fees, again, that is something that is a personal choice. I would like to get Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard to sign a ticket from their first fight at the National this year. Not gonna do it given the costs involved, which would kill the fun for me. That said, I have a great Tommy Hearns press kit cover that I will probably pony up and have Hearns sign while I am there.

eric idle is great in person. Ive met idle, cleese and palin and they were all very nice. Ironically Im trying to get idle again on some cards if anyone knows how to get him please let me know