Modern player signature prices: Time to check out?

[btcarfagno]

I certainly agree that the price is insane. One thing I have to wonder about regarding the influx of players who made over $100,000,000 in their careers is if they actually will sign a lot as they get older. We as collectors are used to players who, as they age, need to do shows for the extra income, or even just to pay the bills. That will no longer be the case for most players going forward. If they don't want to sign, they don't have to. As such, I wonder if some of the current or future Hall Of Famers may end up actually being fairly tough simply because they can't be bothered to sign, or at least, to sign much.

Just a thought I have had.

[Baseballcrazy62]

Steve: I couldn’t agree more. It amazes me when I see the lines for players charging 200-300 per signature. Seems to me there may be a better place to spend your money ( like on your kids education). I know all will not agree with me but that’s my 2 cents worth.

[thetruthisoutthere]

My friend Steve and I have talked about this numerous times.

In one way I am fortunate that I do not collect anything contemporary (except Jeter and I don't need any new purchases).

But if you're a Trout, Judge, etc. collector of autographs, you're either going to pay TOP dollar, or (for the most part), purchase a forgery on Ebay.

The forgery business has never been more profitable than right now, especially on Ebay.

There are hundreds of kitchen-table forgers selling on Ebay and Ebay loves it!!!

There are also the dozens of "Florida" sellers with their "Forensic" COAs that Ebay welcomes with open arms every time a new "Florida" account is opened.

Then you have the so-called Forensic authenticators like Stephen Rocchi (GFA), Chris "I Never Saw An Autograph I Didn't Like" Morales, etc. who have literally certed, in my opinion, probably tens upon tens of thousands of forgeries primarily of Mantle, DiMaggio, Mays, Williams, Koufax, etc.

By the way, the "Florida" sellers a few months ago are now certing Jeter forgeries accompanied with their Forensic COAs.

The majority of the below Sold Auctions are the Florida forgeries.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/Photos/2726...&LH_Complete=1

[egri]

I don’t have any objection to shelling out $400 for a signature, but if I’m going to do that, it needs to be rare and legible. If it looks like a drunk four year old signed it, I’ll pass.