So you are thinking about collecting autographed pictures of your favorite baseball player? That’s great, but as with any worth while hobby, there are “Do’s” and “Don’ts” when it comes to collecting autographs. The following are some Rules of Thumb that will maximize your chances of getting the autographs you want and enjoy the experience in the process.
Be Informed:
Since baseball players come in an array of shapes, sizes, skills and personalities, not all players sign autographs by the same set of rules. Players have different likes and dislikes when it comes to signing autographs. Therefore, it is a must to learn a bit about a player’s signing preferences. For example, some players might only sign at the ballpark before a game. Catch them elsewhere during the day and you might get the brush off. Other players set aside time during the day to sign for the fans who gather around the lobby of the team’s hotel. Some will sign anything handed to them, and in multiple quantities. Others will have limits as to how many autographs they give out per fan. Be mindful of a player’s likes and dislikes or the personal rules they follow when they autograph for their fans.
A good way of being informed about a player’s signing tendencies is to ask other collectors. There are autograph collectors who have spent many years in the hobby. These collectors can provide a wealth of information on what players generally brush off fans, what players are good natured about signing, and what players try to sneak out the back of an establishment to avoid contact with the fans. This type of information is available if you just do a little bit of research.
Be polite and be prepared:
Realize that the players you are approaching for autographs are taking time away from their busy schedule to accommodate your request. Most of these players get constant requests for their autographs, and sometimes these requests come at inappropriate times or places. Always remember to be polite and mindful of a player’s privacy when approaching them for an autograph. In the event that you are successful with your request, come prepared. Have the photograph ready along with a pen for the player to sign with. Black or blue Sharpies are generally the pens of choice among collectors.
Autographs through the Mail:
Unfortunately, not every one can live near the players whose autograph they wish to collect. Sometimes obtaining an autograph through the mail is your best bet. To receive an autograph from one of your favorite players, you may want to write him care of the team he plays for. If you chose to take this route be sure to follow a few simple rules. The first of which is, always include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request. Remember that the enclosed envelope should be the appropriate size for the photo you are sending to be signed. You should type the letters if possible and hand sign them. The hand signature gives the letter and added touch of sincerity. Before you mail the request, double check the return envelope for your address. Also please note that not all autographs received through the mail are authentic. There are times when ball players have such requests signed by others. Please remember to compare the autograph you get with those of authenticated samples found in various autographs books or magazines.
Sports Memorabilia Shows:
Another popular option for obtaining autographs is to catch your favorite player at a Sports Memorabilia show. Dates for these shows are often advertised in the local newspaper or in hobby magazines. However, there are a few draw backs to this method. While you may find shows where there is no charge for the autograph of a lesser known player, most shows that feature the top of the line stars can charge in the neighborhood of $35-$100 per autograph picture. On the bright side, you will not have to fret over the authenticity of the autographs.
Autograph Baseball Cards:
Aside from visiting Sports Memorabilia Shows, autograph baseball cards which are certified and inserted into baseball packs by the card company can be a great way to get an autograph picture of your favorite players. While these cards are often hard to pull from a pack because of the high ratio of packs to autograph cards inserted, they are plentiful in secondary markets such as, on-line auctions, on-line card stores and baseball card shops. Autographed baseball cards often offer a few advantages over some of the other methods for obtaining autographs. Most of the autograph cards inserted into baseball packs these days are certified by the card company to be authentic. This certification is often important when trying to resell the autographs you have collected. Along with the cards being certified, they can be a lot less costly to obtain than those bought at Sports Memorabilia Shows. Though it often takes me a great deal of patients and looking, I have been able to buy autograph cards from on-line card stores for as little as $1.00 a card. These have most often been semi-stars or young players who have yet to make a name for themselves.
Of course, even with knowledge of these basic rules, there are no guarantees when it comes to trying to obtain an autograph from a baseball player. The hobby is one of constant change. Sometimes players who are nice enough to sign for fans when they are in the minor leagues may find that the increased attention they get when they become stars, a bit overwhelming. Over time, these players may change their signing habits. Players in the mist of a bad season or plague by personal problems can also become distant with their fans and change how and when they sign for them. However, the majority of the players can be quite accommodating to collectors, which makes for an enjoyable hobby.
