HOF Autograph Collection Question?

[homerunhitter]

Hey guys,
When it comes to my Baseball HOF Autograph Collection, im at a crossroads, a fork in the road and I need your assistance/advice/opinions and thoughts on this as I value all of your opinions very much.

I know people will say collect what you want, it’s your collection, do what you want, etc, etc. I get that and I understand that. But I respect and value you guys and the great wealth of experience and knowledge here that I would like to ask you guys the following.

In regards to what will be the smarter move with collecting baseball HOF autographs. Which medium would you recommend, think us the best approach.

1. Pack pulled certified autos (such as Topps and legendary cuts autos)
2. Perez Steele Postcards
3. PSA slabbed Topps cards
4. Signed 8x10 photos

I like them all equally but only one to focus on one medium. What say you?


Thanks guys! I appreciate you.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

1. Pack pulled certified autos (such as Topps and legendary cuts autos)
2. Perez Steele Postcards
3. PSA slabbed Topps cards
4. Signed 8x10 photos

Of the four you mentioned, I could see collecting 1 or 3. I would not collect 2 (do not think the art is good -- reminds me too much of 80s Donruss puzzle pieces) or 4 (too big, too much, almost always are going to be in sharpie).

Putting aside signed pre-war cards, my order for autographed media is:

1. GPC (where the post office is the original third-party authenticator)
2. 3x5
3. Checks (where the bank is the original third-party authenticator)
4. Mixed paper media (envelopes, cuts)
5. ALS

And I always prefer fountain pen to ballpoint, and ballpoint to sharpie.

[theshleps]

What is your goal The ones you listed leave out the vintage guys. Are you looking just for collecting pleasure? then whichever you like best. if for resale in the future that is a different way of looking. If i were you with what it seems like your interest is- I'd go gold hof plaques over perez and more players are included

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by theshleps

What is your goal The ones you listed leave out the vintage guys. Are you looking just for collecting pleasure? then whichever you like best. if for resale in the future that is a different way of looking. If i were you with what it seems like your interest is- I'd go gold hof plaques over perez and more players are included

Hey Michael!
Im looking for a little bit of everything with this collection. Im looking to collect something that will hold value and that is more likely to be an authentic autograph.

I like the idea of 8x10s because I love photography and there are some pretty cool photos out there but resale value on 8x10s are next to nothing. Plus there are some signed 8x10s I would never get like Babe Ruth , Roberto Clemente or Ty Cobb.

I love certified pack pulled autos because they are as close to an authentic autograph that you can get. And there’s a possibility one day to get a Roberto Clemente, Ty Cobb or Babe Ruth auto.(legendary cuts)

I love PSA slabbed cards, because of the limitless variety of cards to choose from but with TPAs there’s always that 50/50 chance the autograph isn’t authentic even if it’s slabbed.

And finally with Perez Steeles. I just think a signed Perez Steele looks do darn awesome (in my opinion)

So, pros and cons for all mediums.

[packs]

I think the most exciting medium is a career contemporary card with an ink and not sharpie signature.

The rest depends on taste.

[bigfanNY]

Signed checks offer more chance of authenticity. But wives secretary's have been known to sign checks so some footwork needs to go into them as well. But it sounds like you enjoy Perez Steeles. If that's the case putting together most of the possible HOF signatures in that format makes sense. Look at auctions for small lots or even bigger lots. Often some deals can be found. Of course some players like Satchel Paige Red Ruffing Waner etc who passed soon after their Perez Steele was produced can be very expensive. I would seek yellow HOF Plaques for them or other mediums to reduce costs. Or you could consider multi signed items like HOF program covers etc. I think they represent great value. Often selling for pennies on the dollar vs the value of all the auto's individually. And Given many of the multisigned items originate from a single event better chance they are real ( or at least most of them).

Good Luck enjoy the journey.

J

[Klrdds]

You will need to define your goals based upon the number of HOFer autographs you want to acquire and most importantly the amount of money you are willing to spend in order to acquire the autos you want . Know going into this as many of us have found out that you will never get a full set of HOF er autographs no matter how long you collect or how much money you have to spend as I found out .
I found checks , letters , contracts and legal documents to be the best guarantor of authenticity and the best investment and most pleasing and GPCs and 8x10s are nice also . Also my own knowledge was the best guarantee of authenticity as well as a good dealer network of which Jim Stinson is the last one standing IMO.
I never got into the auto cards or Perez Steele cards craze and I’m not a fan of manufactured memorabilia.
Good luck

[Duluth Eskimo]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Of the four you mentioned, I could see collecting 1 or 3. I would not collect 2 (do not think the art is good -- reminds me too much of 80s Donruss puzzle pieces) or 4 (too big, too much, almost always are going to be in sharpie).

Putting aside signed pre-war cards, my order for autographed media is:

1. GPC (where the post office is the original third-party authenticator)
2. 3x5
3. Checks (where the bank is the original third-party authenticator)
4. Mixed paper media (envelopes, cuts)
5. ALS

And I always prefer fountain pen to ballpoint, and ballpoint to sharpie.

This

[Bigdaddy]

It sounds to me that you are hearing two voices here -

1. The vintage collector who likes fountain pens, Gov't post cards, checks, etc. For a lot of the older HOFers, these are great suggestions. I wouldn't suggest that for a Randy Johnson or Greg Maddux auto though.

2. For more recent players, I think career contemporary cards are the way to go. I like the PS postcards, but as someone mentioned, they don't cover all the players as they've stopped production, and even then, some were not released until after (or close to) a player's death.

Personally, I'd stay away from 8x10 glossy photos, they just seem to have died off in value for several reasons. And I'd stay away from balls as they can be hard to predict how well the autos will hold up (toning, fading ink, etc).

So for newer players, say 1960's on up, I'd try to get them on a card. With older players, it's really up to you. One option with the older players is to either get someone to make a custom card with your auto cut or I've seen Perez Steele cards that have been certified with a cut auto.

[Lucas00]

My opinion would be, go for anything flat, signed boldly, and as early as possible in that players career.

Anything that fits those 3 I think is always a strong bet.

[homerunhitter]

Thanks guys for all of your responses. I have read each and everyone of them and I truly appreciate each of you helping me try to figure this out.

May I ask, why do you think signed 8x10s are not heavily collected anymore? Why do you think their prices suck now? Signed photos use to be so cool in the 1980’s. What happened?

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

Thanks guys for all of your responses. I have read each and everyone of them and I truly appreciate each of you helping me try to figure this out.

May I ask, why do you think signed 8x10s are not heavily collected anymore? Why do you think their prices suck now? Signed photos use to be so cool in the 1980’s. What happened?

I think they have been heavily tainted by forgers. When I see a generic 8x10 my first thought no matter who the player, is this is probably a forgery.

They are also usually attributed with mass signings and after career appearances. Very rarely do you find 8x10 dime color photos signed by a rare subject. So the scarcity so many collect for just isn't there at all.

There's a reason people aren't bringing koufax their 50 cent canon prints to get signed haha.

[Huck]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

May I ask, why do you think signed 8x10s are not heavily collected anymore? Why do you think their prices suck now? Signed photos use to be so cool in the 1980’s. What happened?

There are thousands of signed stock color photographs the promoter offers at shows. Plus behind the curtain, the player is signing a stack of the same photograph to make the piece count for the promoter. The stock photographs are just overdone. I used to purchase b&w photographs by George Brace when his daughter was hawking them from a website. She eventually sold the inventory to Getty images.

If you are going to go purchase signed photographs I would look for unique not massed produced shots.

I came late to Perez-Steele. Yes, the art is a little funky on some of the cards (ex. Yount) but I wish that I had started sooner on getting the cards signed.

[homerunhitter]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your thoughts on this.

I did not know that there are a lot of forgery when it comes to 8x10s so, I appreciate this heads up. 8x10s are off my list! (Dont need the headache of buying a forged or possibly forged 8x10)

[bjerome]

I don't have a particular medium that I am focused on. I do like Baseballs, but in the event the most reasonable way for me to obtain a particular autograph is to get it on a card, index card, photo, etc., I will add that piece to my collection. I am personally one who wants to get the signature in my collection, but in the way that is most reasonable to my pocketbook.

[Duluth Eskimo]

You should buy what you like and not care what other people think. The most forged item is a cut signature depending on value age of the signature. The most plentiful is generally index cards or 8x10 photos. If you like photos, buy photos and don’t let someone else determine what you like to collect.

[Republicaninmass]

There are signed cards


Then everything else much lower including exhibits

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Duluth Eskimo

You should buy what you like and not care what other people think. The most forged item is a cut signature depending on value age of the signature. The most plentiful is generally index cards or 8x10 photos. If you like photos, buy photos and don’t let someone else determine what you like to collect.

I do like photos, but knowing now based on your statement that most are forged, why would I want to collect them?

Also since you said that cut signatures are the most forged, do those include the upper deck legendary cuts autographs that you can find in packs? Or the Perez steele postcards that have cuts on them that have been authenticated by PSA? Thanks

[Bigdaddy]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

I do like photos, but knowing now based on your statement that most are forged, why would I want to collect them?

Also since you said that cut signatures are the most forged, do those include the upper deck legendary cuts autographs that you can find in packs? Or the Perez steele postcards that have cuts on them that have been authenticated by PSA? Thanks

Most items authenticated by PSA or JSA are authentic. Sure there are ones that slip by and yet still others that are authentic that do not get their stamp. Unless you are really going to deep dive to be able to authenticate an auto yourself, then I'd recommend buying either a previously authenticated auto from a reputable TPG (PSA, JSA) or buy it from a reputable auction house/dealer. Neither of these will absolutely guarantee an auto, but it will increase your odds of acquiring authentic autos. Also, for HOFers that are still alive, most do public/private signings a couple of times per year.

I'll throw out a couple good dealers and let others chime in with auction houses.

Denver Autographs - they are in charge of the signings at CSA shows.
Mill Creek Sports - West Coast Dealer that conducts some private signings and also has a lot of inventory.
Main Line Autographs - based in Pittsburgh, hosts a big auto-themed show once a year and has a lot of inventory, much of it from their signings.
Tom Orr/Atomic Sports - Lots of contemporary autos of HOFers and conducts multiple signings through out the year. Cards, HOF Plaques, Balls, PS postcards, etc.

And if you are on FB, the "Out or Safe?!" Baseball Signature Review, LLC group is a good reference, providing opinions on photos of items submitted to them ($6/signature). I would claim that they are as good as most TPAs.

SportsCollectors.net is also a generally good group ($15/year) with members offering up regular private signings. Just check the 'Member References' section as a couple of folks have provided less than great service. Tom Orr (above) is a member here and lists his signings. Also has a good list of HOFers that sign through-the-mail (TTM), usually for a fee. This includes Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Bert Blyleven, etc.

Finally, do a search and commit to memory the several TPAs that are absolute trash, because you will run across items with their certifications. Run away from them and any dealer that peddles their crap. And familiarize yourself with Coaches Corner and the absolute garbage that they peddle. Their wares sometimes show up in other's auctions. I cannot believe how they have not been convicted and sent to jail already.

Note that most of the above pertains to newer HOFers and autos. For pre-war autos that many on here collect, that's really a whole other story. Jim Stinson, a member here, is one of several good dealers.

Finally (and this time I mean it), remember "If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't"

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

Most items authenticated by PSA or JSA are authentic. Sure there are ones that slip by and yet still others that are authentic that do not get their stamp. Unless you are really going to deep dive to be able to authenticate an auto yourself, then I'd recommend buying either a previously authenticated auto from a reputable TPG (PSA, JSA) or buy it from a reputable auction house/dealer. Neither of these will absolutely guarantee an auto, but it will increase your odds of acquiring authentic autos. Also, for HOFers that are still alive, most do public/private signings a couple of times per year.

I'll throw out a couple good dealers and let others chime in with auction houses.

Denver Autographs - they are in charge of the signings at CSA shows.
Mill Creek Sports - West Coast Dealer that conducts some private signings and also has a lot of inventory.
Main Line Autographs - based in Pittsburgh, hosts a big auto-themed show once a year and has a lot of inventory, much of it from their signings.
Tom Orr/Atomic Sports - Lots of contemporary autos of HOFers and conducts multiple signings through out the year. Cards, HOF Plaques, Balls, PS postcards, etc.

And if you are on FB, the "Out or Safe?!" Baseball Signature Review, LLC group is a good reference, providing opinions on photos of items submitted to them ($6/signature). I would claim that they are as good as most TPAs.

SportsCollectors.net is also a generally good group ($15/year) with members offering up regular private signings. Just check the 'Member References' section as a couple of folks have provided less than great service. Tom Orr (above) is a member here and lists his signings. Also has a good list of HOFers that sign through-the-mail (TTM), usually for a fee. This includes Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Bert Blyleven, etc.

Finally, do a search and commit to memory the several TPAs that are absolute trash, because you will run across items with their certifications. Run away from them and any dealer that peddles their crap. And familiarize yourself with Coaches Corner and the absolute garbage that they peddle. Their wares sometimes show up in other's auctions. I cannot believe how they have not been convicted and sent to jail already.

Note that most of the above pertains to newer HOFers and autos. For pre-war autos that many on here collect, that's really a whole other story. Jim Stinson, a member here, is one of several good dealers.

Finally (and this time I mean it), remember "If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't"

Thank you so much for this in depth and very valuable advice and thank you to everyone for responding. I appreciate you all.

[Bigdaddy]

And because every thread needs a card..I received this in person from Tom Terrific:

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

And because every thread needs a card..I received this in person from Tom Terrific:

I know alot of folks here don’t like Perez Steeles (and I totally respect their opinions) but look at how awesome this signed Tom Seaver looks!

[JimStinson]

Thanks to those in this post that mentioned my name. What to collect? The advice I was given early on was, #1 Find out who is reputable (Other collectors and dealers alike) and who to avoid. It's a smaller hobby than you think and asking around as you're doing is an invaluable tool. It can take decades for a seller to gain a solid reputation and the ones that don't usually are not around too long. #2) When buying buy the best specimen of a particular player that you can afford. What is "best" depends on your taste. #3) learn everything you can know about the subjects you are collecting, (that is where the fun is). Personally, when I collected, I was a completist collector and aspired to acquire any player that had a major league debut 1876-1970. Granted this was a long time ago and autographs were not as pricy as they are today & was a feat that could never be accomplished even then. If I collected today, I would probably collect specific famous teams. What medium I collected varied as I was only looking for one and was constantly upgrading and selling my "dups" that is how I became a dealer. My personal favorites were Player contracts, documents, Letters, Burke photos Checks and GPC's. For example, if I had a Babe Ruth check and happened across a letter to me that was an "upgrade" and I'd keep the letter and sell or trade the check. The more time you spend with the hobby your tastes and preferences could change too until you find your "Nitch". Best wishes in your collecting pursuits.
___________________________
Always BUYING Vintage autographs
jim@stinsonsports.com

[T206Collector]

I really try to avoid Sharpie. Years ago I would use it to get autographs on items, but the lines of the Sharpie are often way too fat, and tend to blur the beauty of the signature.

Fortunately, most pre-war HOF signatures are not available in Sharpie. I'll take a crisp and bold fountain pen every time. Can you imagine what this would look like if Speaker signed it in Sharpie? Not good!

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Huck

I used to purchase b&w photographs by George Brace when his daughter was hawking them from a website. She eventually sold the inventory to Getty images.

I thought they were stolen by John Rogers. I haven't followed anything since that time. If she managed to get everything back and sell to Getty, then wonderful! Mary Brace was always an absolute joy to deal with.

[Huck]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

I thought they were stolen by John Rogers. I haven't followed anything since that time. If she managed to get everything back and sell to Getty, then wonderful! Mary Brace was always an absolute joy to deal with.

Whoa, John Rogers..... I tried dealing with him, but the guy never returned mail messages. It was my understanding from Mary that she sold to Getty. Getty owns about every photograph known to man. I just checked the Brace site (surprised to see the site still up) and Rogers is listed at the bottom of the page, so you look to be correct.

Rogers Photo Archive
2501 North Poplar
North Little Rock, AR 72116

Mary was a joy to work with. I purchased half a dozen of photos from her.

[Kco]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

Thanks guys for all of your responses. I have read each and everyone of them and I truly appreciate each of you helping me try to figure this out.

May I ask, why do you think signed 8x10s are not heavily collected anymore? Why do you think their prices suck now? Signed photos use to be so cool in the 1980’s. What happened?

The caveat to 8x10s, is 1940s and back. Photos of players from this era and earlier, like Ruth, Gehrig, Cobb etc. etc. are incredibly tough an very valuable. Many photos available are personalized or otherwise not clean. Find straight signed, unpersonalized photos from this time period is very tough. Modern 8x10s tend to be generic and signed in large stacks so they are both cheap and massively overproduced.

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by Huck

Whoa, John Rogers..... I tried dealing with him, but the guy never returned mail messages. It was my understanding from Mary that she sold to Getty. Getty owns about every photograph known to man. I just checked the Brace site (surprised to see the site still up) and Rogers is listed at the bottom of the page, so you look to be correct.

Rogers Photo Archive
2501 North Poplar
North Little Rock, AR 72116

Mary was a joy to work with. I purchased half a dozen of photos from her.

Getty is really sketchy in terms of ownership. You can list your own original photos on their site and charge for their use. The problem is many of the "Original" photos are copies of copies of copies. Being sold by Ronny in his garage.

[whyconform]

Excellent Q:

Us collectors like consistency.....and it's a PAIN i know..... card collectors want ALL their cards in PSA, or SGC slabs, etc.....

Same with Autos......

I just picked up HOF auto #295, Ross Youngs.....I really had no choice but to rely on a baseball to get him.....you'll learn this as you go......

8x10's, Cuts, and 3x5's are like the worst to get.....you'll ultimately want to upgrade to be honest......

I tend to prefer flat items AND the following:

1. Certified on card autos (like Topps/UD/Panini)..... no fakes....resellable.... this takes care of at least 100-140 names......

2. Once you start getting into the harder names, I stick to things like Government Postcards, Letters, Contracts, checks..........
I'm the odd one in PREFERRING extra writing and dates, etc....reduces the likelyhood of a fake.......

3. You'll realize that only certain names are on only certain mediums (for the most part). It would suck to get a Ross Youngs Flat, for instance ($$$$$$) compared to a Giants ball, same as a baseball only collector getting a single signed rare guy that is a $10 perez steele auto.....


Point being.....1 medium is everyone's hopes, but limits who you can get....and best of luck collecting!!!!!! -Bill



PS: many HATE the cut signatures on sports cards.....they ruin nice original items....use bad autos sometimes, and cut out parts of the sig. As a card collector too, I don't mind, HOWEVER, some players will be 2-3x the price.......... IE: a cut signature from a check of Cobb will go 3x what a full Cobb check completely filled out in his hand will go for........that to me is a head scratcher...... to me...you have to be a 'card' collectors to only get it.

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by whyconform

Excellent Q:

Us collectors like consistency.....and it's a PAIN i know..... card collectors want ALL their cards in PSA, or SGC slabs, etc.....

Same with Autos......

I just picked up HOF auto #295, Ross Youngs.....I really had no choice but to rely on a baseball to get him.....you'll learn this as you go......

8x10's, Cuts, and 3x5's are like the worst to get.....you'll ultimately want to upgrade to be honest......

I tend to prefer flat items AND the following:

1. Certified on card autos (like Topps/UD/Panini)..... no fakes....resellable.... this takes care of at least 100-140 names......

2. Once you start getting into the harder names, I stick to things like Government Postcards, Letters, Contracts, checks..........
I'm the odd one in PREFERRING extra writing and dates, etc....reduces the likelyhood of a fake.......

3. You'll realize that only certain names are on only certain mediums (for the most part). It would suck to get a Ross Youngs Flat, for instance ($$$$$$) compared to a Giants ball, same as a baseball only collector getting a single signed rare guy that is a $10 perez steele auto.....


Point being.....1 medium is everyone's hopes, but limits who you can get....and best of luck collecting!!!!!! -Bill



PS: many HATE the cut signatures on sports cards.....they ruin nice original items....use bad autos sometimes, and cut out parts of the sig. As a card collector too, I don't mind, HOWEVER, some players will be 2-3x the price.......... IE: a cut signature from a check of Cobb will go 3x what a full Cobb check completely filled out in his hand will go for........that to me is a head scratcher...... to me...you have to be a 'card' collectors to only get it.

Thanks bill for this in depth write up. This is very valuable advice and I appreciate you very much for taking the time to help me out.

I’ve been reading a lot in a thread on here that’s talking about a new hobby movie/documentary I believe recently released on Netflix that talks about all of the forgeries in our hobby. For those here that have knowledge and experience with PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles, is there are concerns or much that I should worry about or be concerned about with collecting Perez steeled slabbed by PSA. Are they a high forgery target item? Are there a lot of fake Perez steered out there? Anything I need to look for or will I generally be safe collecting PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles ( I don’t want to get burned with forgeries if you guys think PSA Perez steeles are a problem please give me the straight scoop on these! Save me a big headache down the road please! Thanks so much

[Kco]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

Thanks bill for this in depth write up. This is very valuable advice and I appreciate you very much for taking the time to help me out.

I’ve been reading a lot in a thread on here that’s talking about a new hobby movie/documentary I believe recently released on Netflix that talks about all of the forgeries in our hobby. For those here that have knowledge and experience with PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles, is there are concerns or much that I should worry about or be concerned about with collecting Perez steeled slabbed by PSA. Are they a high forgery target item? Are there a lot of fake Perez steered out there? Anything I need to look for or will I generally be safe collecting PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles ( I don’t want to get burned with forgeries if you guys think PSA Perez steeles are a problem please give me the straight scoop on these! Save me a big headache down the road please! Thanks so much

Perez Steeles are generally very safe. PSA slabbed or JSA Certed ones have been on the money 99% of the time. Most of the PS Sets are limited run (EG 10k runs or fewer sets). Typically, the autos are from a small era for each signer, so they are relatively similar and its usually pretty easy to spot oddball bad ones. Not that fakes aren't out there, but they are fewer and further between.

I have a huge run of signed PS myself, including a lot of the tougher names. There are a few to be very leery of that are monsters in that set, including Paige. Many guys who are relatively common autos are many multiples on a standard auto in Perez Steele format (Puckett, Ashburn, Paige ($5000+) as some examples).

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Kco

Perez Steeles are generally very safe. PSA slabbed or JSA Certed ones have been on the money 99% of the time. Most of the PS Sets are limited run (EG 10k runs or fewer sets). Typically, the autos are from a small era for each signer, so they are relatively similar and its usually pretty easy to spot oddball bad ones. Not that fakes aren't out there, but they are fewer and further between.

I have a huge run of signed PS myself, including a lot of the tougher names. There are a few to be very leery of that are monsters in that set, including Paige. Many guys who are relatively common autos are many multiples on a standard auto in Perez Steele format (Puckett, Ashburn, Paige ($5000+) as some examples).

Hey Kevin! Thanks so much for your response. I appreciate it very much.

That’s good to hear my friend. My gut feeling was/is that forgers are probably not targeting signed Perez steeles of guys like Bob Feller, Bobby Doerr, Ferguson Jenkins, Phil Niekro or Brooks Robinson. But just wanted to ask to make sure 110% that I can collect these and not be held holding the hot potato years for now! Especially with guys like Mantle, Williams, DiMaggio, Mays, Aaron, Koufax and Campanella.

[Kco]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

Especially with guys like Mantle, Williams, DiMaggio, Mays, Aaron, Koufax and Campanella.

Thankfully that list is supremely easy (outside Campy) to filter out.

[frankbmd]

You might say I planned ahead, for this post.







I've had this autograph book for 69 years. I don't even remember asking for it, but mom obliged.

My elementary school was 1/2 mile or less from Jack Russell Stadium where the Phillies played their spring training games. By the time school was over, the games were usually in the 4th inning. Admission was free after the fourth inning.

The visiting teams came by bus and parked about 25 yards from their locker room door. This is where I solicited the Killebrew autograph shown earlier in another recent thread here. Fortunately it was the pre-Sharpie era, but my ballpoint pen was less than ideal as well.

They're not all Hall of Famers within, but the book contains quite a few. In addition to Killebrew, it contains Snider, Alston, Campanella, Minoso, Ashburn, Doby, Stengel and Malzone to name a few and many other names you would recognize. All obtained in person, but I didn't have a camera or my cell phone with me at the ballpark. No one ever stole my bike either. Those were the days.

[REG1976]

My only HOF autograph from the Minors signed after the game, the only cost was the ticket

[REG1976]

Still HOF Autograph in a different sport but unique. The Wine Bottle Autographed by Richard Childress along with his grandson Austin Dillon was a Christmas gift that I got from him

[homerunhitter]

I am so thankful and grateful for the wonderful knowledge and experience of you all that helped me. I appreciate each and everyone of you and im literally learning something new from you guys every day. Such as, I learned from you guys that signed 8x10s have alot of forgeries.

Im now focusing on signed Perez steeles, topps certified autographs and upper deck legendary cuts autographs as a base for my HOF collection. Thank you all again. I appreciate you.

[dgo71]

I can help get you started with these two Perez-Steele I have duplicates of. Both are in great shape with sharp corners, no creases, etc. The Marichal is his older signature when it was more fluid than the shaky signature he has today, and of course, McCovey passed away in 2018. They would be $25 each or $45 for the pair, plus S&H, feel free to message me if interested.

And good luck with your quest! HOF collecting is challenging but very rewarding, and it's a great way to learn about all of the players, execs, umpires, etc. that have been enshrined.

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by dgo71

I can help get you started with these two Perez-Steele I have duplicates of. Both are in great shape with sharp corners, no creases, etc. The Marichal is his older signature when it was more fluid than the shaky signature he has today, and of course, McCovey passed away in 2018. They would be $25 each or $45 for the pair, plus S&H, feel free to message me if interested.

And good luck with your quest! HOF collecting is challenging but very rewarding, and it's a great way to learn about all of the players, execs, umpires, etc. that have been enshrined.

Thank you! Message sent.

[Bigdaddy]

I've got a few extras of some of the easier signatures - Doerr, Brooks, Catfish, Billy Williams, Red Schoendienst, Palmer, Jenkins, Perry and the PS-Galleries card with Frank & Peggy Steele and Dick Perez.

Let me know if you have an interest and I can send you photos and prices, though all are fairly inexpensive.

Also have a few extras from the Celebration (Boudreau, Ferrell, Mize, Brooks, Slaughter and Snider) and Greatest Moments (Leonard, Mize) series.

Tom

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

I've got a few extras of some of the easier signatures - Doerr, Brooks, Catfish, Billy Williams, Red Schoendienst, Palmer, Jenkins, Perry and the PS-Galleries card with Frank & Peggy Steele and Dick Perez.

Let me know if you have an interest and I can send you photos and prices, though all are fairly inexpensive.

Also have a few extras from the Celebration (Boudreau, Ferrell, Mize, Brooks, Slaughter and Snider) and Greatest Moments (Leonard, Mize) series.

Tom

Hey Tom,
I am all set for now as I have bought a bunch of the easier players so far. Thank you again for your offer. I appreciate it.

[homerunhitter]

Hey guys,

I forgot to ask. I understand from reading the comments above that HOF signed 8x10s are heavily forged but may I ask, why are 8x10s in particular a highly forged item? (Why 8x10s vs other items?) Thanks

[dgo71]

They're inexpensive and available in large quantities. If the forger screws one up, it's easily discarded, and on to the next one, versus having one shot at getting the forgery right on a Koufax RC, for example.

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by dgo71

They're inexpensive and available in large quantities. If the forger screws one up, it's easily discarded, and on to the next one, versus having one shot at getting the forgery right on a Koufax RC, for example.

Very interesting. I never knew that but it makes sense. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it very much.

[dgo71]

That's just one reason, I'm sure there are others. I would think the simple fact that 8x10s were widely collected contributed to the amount of forgeries as well, since most forgers wouldn't waste their time on items that weren't as popular with collectors. So there was a good 20-30 year period or more where forged 8x10s were getting churned out. More recently, forged cards are becoming more prevalent, especially 80s/90s tough signers that can command huge premiums to set collectors.

[Lucas00]

You can still collect 8x10s that are signed. Just collect original photos that have period autographs. The best of both worlds. Unless your aim is to collect more modern players..

40s-60s this works really well. You can go earlier into the 20s, 30s etc and they exist just will be very rare and expensive. Or the other way into the 70s/80s where to me they just aren't quite my thing (then again I don't really like collecting baseball items past about 1975 so I'm biased)

Here is a very expensive example

[Bigdaddy]

Originally Posted by dgo71

More recently, forged cards are becoming more prevalent, especially 80s/90s tough signers that can command huge premiums to set collectors.

Because, like stacks of 8x10 glossies, 80s/90s cards are cheap and available in almost unlimited quantities. Little/no investment for the forgers.

[dgo71]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

Because, like stacks of 8x10 glossies, 80s/90s cards are cheap and available in almost unlimited quantities. Little/no investment for the forgers.

Yes, great point. Cards from this era can be had for literally pennies. A 2-cent 1987 Topps Rod Scurry common can be turned into a nearly $800 card to the right buyer.

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

Because, like stacks of 8x10 glossies, 80s/90s cards are cheap and available in almost unlimited quantities. Little/no investment for the forgers.

In regards to 8x10s, This is sad to hear because my two biggest passions are baseball and photography so, signed 8x10s who be absolutely perfect for me (and bring me happiness collecting) however the resale value are Pennies on the dollar (often times final sales price doesn’t even cover the PSA authentication fees) and now reading that 8x10s are often forged, makes me not want to collect them. I guess if I flipped these two negatives around positively, my train of thought would be. 1. At least I can buy 8x10s super cheap (because they sell for do low on eBay) and 2. At least If the photos I buy have the blessing of PSA saying they are authentic, then people will always buy them because they have been “authenticated “ by a TPA already. What to do, what to do! Collecting use to be so simple until all these forgers and crooks infiltrated our hobby!

[Bigdaddy]

Forgers and crooks follow the money and money is dependent on the supply/demand curve.

Unfortunately, that is the trade-off. The rise in popularity of sports collectibles attracts the forgers and crooks, but it also brings us more opportunities and more 'finds' that make their way to collectors instead of the rubbish pile.