National - autographs

[JollyElm]

Soon, there will be an autograph fee structure provided for what each and every word in the English language would cost to have the player write it in the inscription. So, the handlers will consult the itemized list, add the fees together and then move you along to receive your personalized autograph.

For instance:

I would like to poke fun at my wife...who's a huge fan of his...so ask him to write, "To dear, sweet, Martha, wanna grab my bat?"

Word Fees:
To - $20 + capitalization fee of $10
dear - $30
sweet - $40
Martha - $75 + capitalization fee of $10
wanna - (combination of "want" and "to" = $35 + $20 minus the word combo discount of $5) $50
grab - $30
my - $20
bat - $50

Additional fees:
Punctuation (three commas @ $15 per, but it is buy 2 get one free today, and one question mark at $45) - $75
Blue Sharpie - $65
Eye contact made with player - $100

Total cost: $575 plus tax and player sitting fee to be added at checkout.

[Snapolit1]

I really don't see the point of saying some collecting niche is stupid. I'm sure 98% of what we talk about on this board (i.e., obscure backs of tobacco cards of players lost to total obscurity) would strike the average person as pretty absurd. I don't see where spending a few thousand dollars to meet players to have them sign stuff is really anymore "stupid" than piling into the next big auction and spending a few thousand dollars on a small dirty piece of cardboard.

I'm sure there are folks here (and no judgment from me) who would be happy to have some hall of famers 95 year old used athletic supporter. Yeah, try explaining that to someone who is not in the hobby.

[refz]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I really don't see the point of saying some collecting niche is stupid. I'm sure 98% of what we talk about on this board (i.e., obscure backs of tobacco cards of players lost to total obscurity) would strike the average person as pretty absurd. I don't see where spending a few thousand dollars to meet players to have them sign stuff is really anymore "stupid" than piling into the next big auction and spending a few thousand dollars on a small dirty piece of cardboard.

I'm sure there are folks here (and no judgment from me) who would be happy to have some hall of famers 95 year old used athletic supporter. Yeah, try explaining that to someone who is not in the hobby.

+1
It’s more than just cards in this great hobby.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I really don't see the point of saying some collecting niche is stupid. I'm sure 98% of what we talk about on this board (i.e., obscure backs of tobacco cards of players lost to total obscurity) would strike the average person as pretty absurd. I don't see where spending a few thousand dollars to meet players to have them sign stuff is really anymore "stupid" than piling into the next big auction and spending a few thousand dollars on a small dirty piece of cardboard.

I'm sure there are folks here (and no judgment from me) who would be happy to have some hall of famers 95 year old used athletic supporter. Yeah, try explaining that to someone who is not in the hobby.

I was offered a Mickey Mantle supporter by an elderly lady at a show in Columbia, MO a few years ago. I asked her how she got that, and she said: You know! For some reason I told her I had no interest in that particular item. To each his own, but I have no use for either used jock straps or autographs.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

I was offered a Mickey Mantle supporter by an elderly lady at a show in Columbia, MO a few years ago. I asked her how she got that, and she said: You know! For some reason I told her I had no interest in that particular item. To each his own, but I have no use for either used jock straps or autographs.

Who knows what's in that jock strap! In a few years we may have been able to clone him. I think Spielberg is already working on this concept for his next film Geriatric Park.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Fballguy

Who knows what's in that jock strap! In a few years we may have been able to clone him. I think Spielberg is already working on this concept for his next film Geriatric Park.

I eyeballed that tired old strap, but did not lay hands on it. That kind of memorabilia is not my specialty. Guess DNA could have proved that old lady's claim, but not worth the hassle. What kind of label would one put on that in your showcase?

[Oscar_Stanage]

Does anyone have experience with the Tristar autograph authentication? I just learned they put some sort of sticker directly on the card. Is this visible? Would a TPG mark it as ‘altered’ . I am getting cards signed for my personal collection but I do like the idea of some sort of official authentication. But not sure I was a sticker on the PSA 9 card I just cracked out

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Oscar_Stanage

Does anyone have experience with the Tristar autograph authentication? I just learned they put some sort of sticker directly on the card. Is this visible? Would a TPG mark it as ‘altered’ . I am getting cards signed for my personal collection but I do like the idea of some sort of official authentication. But not sure I was a sticker on the PSA 9 card I just cracked out

PSA disregards the stickers (even those of competitors) when grading/slabbing as if there's nothing on them. I've seen cards graded 10 for condition and 10 for autograph with stickers on the backs. Who's not to say that there isn't some blemish on the back that the sticker conveniently obscures? How can a card with a foreign element stuck to it possibly be "perfect"? How about I put a piece of tape on my card. Is it still a 10?

[clydepepper]

What drives me nuts is the lack of legibility of modern signatures (not that I'm doing any better these days, but I'm not charging either).


Here is an example of how autographs have changed.


the first signed ball is from the 1960's, the second much more recent:

SF Giants Team-Signed Ball 1960s.jpg

SF Giants Team-Signed Ball Modern.jpg

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I really don't see the point of saying some collecting niche is stupid. I'm sure 98% of what we talk about on this board (i.e., obscure backs of tobacco cards of players lost to total obscurity) would strike the average person as pretty absurd. I don't see where spending a few thousand dollars to meet players to have them sign stuff is really anymore "stupid" than piling into the next big auction and spending a few thousand dollars on a small dirty piece of cardboard.

I'm sure there are folks here (and no judgment from me) who would be happy to have some hall of famers 95 year old used athletic supporter. Yeah, try explaining that to someone who is not in the hobby.

Couple of years ago, a friend and workmate took his son to the All-Star Game in Miami. They were excited, and went way early. His son is now hoping to get a baseball scholarship to Vanderbilt. But they went to this game back then, and had hopes of getting autographs from some of the All-Stars. That didn't happen. To get autos, you had to have "VIP access" or some such BS. Otherwise, you couldn't get close. That's why I say it's effing stupid. And the son was real disappointed. Thank heavens he got over it as time went by.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by jingram058

Couple of years ago, a friend and workmate took his son to the All-Star Game in Miami. They were excited, and went way early. His son is now hoping to get a baseball scholarship to Vanderbilt. But they went to this game back then, and had hopes of getting autographs from some of the All-Stars. That didn't happen. To get autos, you had to have "VIP access" or some such BS. Otherwise, you couldn't get close. That's why I say it's effing stupid. And the son was real disappointed. Thank heavens he got over it as time went by.

I would say your friend was beyond effing stupid for thinking he could just get autographs by attending a game.

But hey what do I know, I collect pictures of young athletic men in uniforms.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I would say your friend was beyond effing stupid for thinking he could just get autographs by attending a game.

But hey what do I know, I collect pictures of young athletic men in uniforms.

Pretty easy to do at NFL games.

[bigfanNY]

Originally Posted by Fballguy

Pretty easy to do at NFL games.

Really? How many Tom Brady signatures have you gotten at NFL games. Or any top tier Quaterback? I have been to a few games myself in my 61 years and NFL is as locked down as any of the Major Sports leagues. I have also spent a few afternoons in Hotel lobbies and had better luck there. Waiting after a game by team Bus I have gotten a few. And I have seen the pleas of kids asking ( Mostly QB's ) for auto's be turned down 99.99% of the time. In my experiance getting signatures game day at a stadium when pro athletes are working is always difficult. Now waiting early when they arrive or late when they leave etc. Helps but lots of time and planning go in. Just buying 2 tickets to a game and expecting signatures at an NFL game just not realistic.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by bigfanNY

Really? How many Tom Brady signatures have you gotten at NFL games. Or any top tier Quaterback? I have been to a few games myself in my 61 years and NFL is as locked down as any of the Major Sports leagues. I have also spent a few afternoons in Hotel lobbies and had better luck there. Waiting after a game by team Bus I have gotten a few. And I have seen the pleas of kids asking ( Mostly QB's ) for auto's be turned down 99.99% of the time. In my experiance getting signatures game day at a stadium when pro athletes are working is always difficult. Now waiting early when they arrive or late when they leave etc. Helps but lots of time and planning go in. Just buying 2 tickets to a game and expecting signatures at an NFL game just not realistic.

Sounds like you haven't been in a while. I'm not saying everyone signs, though back when I was into that, early to mid 2000s... I got MANY Hall of Famers during their playing days. And though it's not my thing any more, I always have an eye out for any signing that occurs at the stadium, typically near the players entrance and I always see a crowd and I always see players signing, including the QBs. I can't speak for Brady specifically.

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I would say your friend was beyond effing stupid for thinking he could just get autographs by attending a game.

But hey what do I know, I collect pictures of young athletic men in uniforms.

I'd like to add that YOU are effing stupid, and that's the end of it. Period. Fire back some stupid snappy remark. Don't care. Not listening.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by jingram058

I'd like to add that YOU are effing stupid, and that's the end of it. Period. Fire back some stupid snappy remark. Don't care. Not listening.

With all the people calling your friend a moron I am feeling special you only replied to me.

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by bnorth

With all the people calling your friend a moron I am feeling special you only replied to me.

Some guys have all the luck!

[Stampsfan]

Originally Posted by bnorth

With all the people calling your friend a moron I am feeling special you only replied to me.

Ben, trust you to take a snippy remark and still maintain your sense of humor. Love it!! Keep up the good work, and thank you.

[Gary Dunaier]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

Soon, there will be an autograph fee structure provided for what each and every word in the English language would cost to have the player write it in the inscription. So, the handlers will consult the itemized list, add the fees together and then move you along to receive your personalized autograph.

I know you were being silly, but check this out from a 2018 Tom Brady private signing:

"Personalization up to 20 characters (Inscription must be approved by TRISTAR.) $499"

(And I'm sure I don't have to explain to anyone here that the $499 is in addition to the autograph fee.)

[bobw]

When that Heritage ball was posted a few years ago , I posted this.......

If you look at it long enough........

[ALBB]

yea, I kinda see it

[Snapolit1]

Inscription has to be approved is to eliminate a lot of stupid shit. "Hey, fuck you Bob. Tom Brady"
No, that won't work.
Sure it's no unusual to get asinine requests.

Originally Posted by Gary Dunaier

I know you were being silly, but check this out from a 2018 Tom Brady private signing:

"Personalization up to 20 characters (Inscription must be approved by TRISTAR.) $499"

(And I'm sure I don't have to explain to anyone here that the $499 is in addition to the autograph fee.)