What is the best way to collect "game used" sports memorabilia? Timing and attitude are both very important when asking for game used equipment for a collection. My first bit of advice is to be courteous....
My first bit of advice is to be courteous. Don't interrupt the player. If they are in the middle of an interview with someone or having dinner with the family it's best to wait until they get up from the table or there is a pause in conversation. If you catch them when they are practicing try and get to them when they are walking away from the field or something. Just try and be as unintrusive as possible and remember that these are people just like anybody else and they have good days and bad days and it is their right to say no.
I've always found that the people who have the most success are the ones that find out what hotel the players are staying at and wait by the elevator or somewhere around the hotel where the team bus is going to be.
I've also seen people send things in the mail to be signed. I wouldn't send anything too valuable because there is a chance you won't get it back, but it can work and end up being a good avenue. Some people would rather get it signed first hand and so they'd be more willing to pay a few bucks at a collectible show and wait in line for the autograph.
