Conference school::sports_memorabilia

    
    These are some relyys I recieved in the past 2 weeks via their team.
    
    Reggie Jackson
    Dave Parker
    Kirby Puckett
    Dick Williams
    Alan Trammall
    Yogi Berra
    Cory Snider
    Harmon Killebrew
    

    It would be great to get a Mickey Mantle card with his autograph
    but how do you go about verifying it's authenticity? 
    
    Many players admit to allowing clubhouse flunkies to sign they're
    cards. Some use rubber stamps. So, if you want to buy a card of,
    say, Ted Williams, that is autographed, how the heck do you know
    it's the real thing? What do you do, take a picture of the player
    while he signs it? Or ask the player to please have his autograph
    notorized?
    
    I more or less keep my autographs in a book and leave my cards alone.
    It would be a terrible shock to send away my only '83 Boggs card
    for an autograph, go to sell it and be challenged for forgery by
    some "expert".
    
    Rich
    

    RE: .4
    
    When I started collecting autographs in 1970 the hobby was not anywhere
    as big (and costly) as it is today. That's why I started collecting
    autographed BB cards. A 1968 YAZ was worth only marginally more
    than a Mike Andrews so I could afford to risk sending the card in
    the mail. At the time I used to buy up large lots of mixed cards
    from any year as long as the cards were in good shape. Getting 3
    or 4 dup's in the lot really didn't matter as I would get all the
    cards signed by the player and trade my signed dup's for someone
    else's.
    
    After reading some of the info in this NOTESFILE I sure have learned
    that things have changed. I have a 1965 Henry Aaron (Topps) that
    I had him sign in 1975 on his first visit to Fenway with the Brewers.
    I don't know what the price guides quote the price of that card
    as, but I would assume from what I read that it's worth a whole
    lot less on the open market autographed, than it would be
    unautographed. I guess what I feared years ago has come true, the
    BB card collecting hobby has grown, but the autograph collecting
    hobby really hasn't.
    
    I'm going to try to attend a few shows in the near future. Would
    anyone know if there are many dealers/traders who are interested
    in autographs attending the local (east MA area) shows?
    
    John

    I used to use the SHARPIE brand pen. It has a white-grey case with
    a top the color of the ink. I used the SHARPIE for BB cards and
    glossy photos, but usually used a regular ball-point pen on a baseball.
    The SHARPIE would get a rounded tip after a few signatures on a
    ball and start to get messy. Also the players would use larger writing
    with the SHARPIE and there's not that much room on a ball.
    
    The best time to go to the hotel (usually the Sheraton Boston, but
    not sure anymore) on a get-away day, which Sunday will be, is about
    9:00am. the players will start coming down for breakfast, paper,
    and to drop off their luggage around then. They will probably have
    a truck come by around 11:00 to pick-up the luggage and the team
    bus usually leaves around 11:30. 
    
    I takes a lot of patience to "hang-around" the lobby and try to
    spot the players, but they are very accessible. You can sometimes
    get to know them a little bit from talking to them.
    
    It's a long day if you go to the hotel before the game, but it's
    also a lot of fun.
    

    I have heard Sharpies shouldn't be used on baseballs, in a few years
    the ink has gone through the leather. Ball point pen is the best.
    Baseball cards, either will do. Baseball bats should be in Sharpie.
    
    I'll double check tonight. If I don't post anything tomorrow, the
    above information is correct.
    
    Ed

    Roy,
    
    Interesting info on autograph seeking.
    
    How do you go about finding players addresses ?
    
    Also, would you share your address book with others seeking
    to obtain autographs ?
    
    What do you mean by 'ghost' signings ?
    
    If you don't get the autograph, do you always get the card back?
    I'm interested in sending an '84 topps rookie to Mattingly,
    do you know his address ?
    
    Joe G

    I also vote for getting an offical ball. K-Mart has AL balls for
    under $5.00. Who what's a Dr K autograph on a K-Mart special.
    
    Ed

    I sent a card to Ted Simmons, I'll let you know if I receive it.
    
    Ed

    Re:  Use of "sharpies" on baseballs - I have 9 balls signed 7 years
    ago using sharpies.  When I first had these balls signed, I saw
    no sign of bleeding.  Now, the majority show some bleeding.  On
    3, the bleeding is excessive.  I would not recommend "sharpies"
    on something as porous as a baseball.
    
    Joe
    

    
    Re:18    
    
    I recieved replys from Graig Nettles, Dale Murphy, Ernie Johnson
    and Ken Griffey from the Braves. I recieved replys from Larry Bowa,
    Rich Gossage,and Steve garvey from the Padres. 
    
    							
    Roger

    I can believe that someone has an entire set autographed. I have
    all but about 50 of the 1974 Topps set autographed. You have to
    get lucky though (have no one die soon after issue, etc.) and buy
    or trade for the ones you can't get yourself.
    
    John
    
    P.S. Congrats on the Reggie Jackson....as said before he's one of
    the tough ones.
    

    	Anybody out there have the address book ?  If so, I would like
    to get Mantle's address.  Thanks !
    
    						Tony

    
    I'll get it for you Tony, but The Mick doesn't answer any fan mail.
    
    
    							Roger
    

    Why do you say that Rog ... cause he didn't answer yours ?  Hey,
    I'm gonna give it a shot anyway ... who knows ?  Thanks !
    
    						Tony

	   Well, last weekend I attended a show in Windsor Locks, Conn., and Yaz
was there.  He was signing autographs for $8 a pop and he had a grin on his face
wide as the Grand Canyon.  I have been attending shows for a long time, but this
was my first with a real baseball "star" present.  So, I decided I would take my
7 year old son to meet Yaz.  It was a pain in the ass waiting, but we finally 
got to the autograph table.  Yaz took a break just as we got there.  There was 
one guy in front of us who was giving Yaz the "third degree" ... shit like "are
you ever gonna make a comeback Yaz ?" ... "where do you live Yaz" ... which hand
do you use to wipe your ...." and on and on (well, you get the picture).  Any-
way, he rested his signing hand and took care of "Mr 20 Questions", and we were
next.  He signed my sons baseball.  The rest his hand got didn't do much good.
His signature was barely legible (and I forgot to bring the camera !).  Another
lesson I learned ... if your not one of the first 1,000 people in the autograph
line, don't expect to get much more than a scribble.  Yaz was pleasent.  He 
smiled at my son (and gave me a dirty look .... only kidding).  My son asked him
for a handshake and he shook his hand.  Then we walked away.  You know, while 
"Mr Question" was grilling Yaz, I stood there and wondered whether I should ask
him one of "my" million dollar questions, you know like "Hey Yaz, are you smil-
ing because you love the fans, or are you just here for the money ?".  But, I 
decided to keep my big mouth shut, for once.  I just looked at him and remember-
ed how great he was when I was a kid back in the 60's.  I decided that that was
the way I wanted to remember him.  He was just somebody you thought you would 
never get that close to in a lifetime, and there he was.  It was unreal !  Any-
way, it still felt kind of "cold" having to pay for his autograph.  It was kind
of meaningless ... well, maybe just for me.  My sons pretty happy about it.
Thats all that counts.  I guess that will be his fond memory of Yaz 20 years 
from now.
						Tony
    

    
    
    	Mickey Mantle
    	573 Watson Circle
    	Dallas, Tx,   75225
    
    Good luck Tony!					Roger

    Roger, have you sent for Monty Irvings autograph? How was he?
    Have his address handy? I picked up his 1953 card for $3.00 the
    other day, card is in very good condition. I'd risk the $3.00 if
    there is a chance of him signing.

    Thanks for the Spahn address, he signed my 1963 Topps.
    
    Ed

    
    Ed, sorry I took so long to reply, on vacation on your side of the
    Country.
    
    Monte Irvin
    104 Sycamore Cir.
    Homosassa, Fl.  32646
    
    He charges $1.00   contribution to his favorite charity.
    
    Your lucky with the Spahn autograph. I hear he isn't signing anymore

    Thanks Roger. I sent Spahn a card at two different times, he signed
    both times. This was a few months ago. Do you send Monty a check
    made out to him or blank (name not amount :-) )?

    
    
    re.  .38
    
    I sent a check made out to him and once I sent $1 cash the cards
    were returned signed both times.

    
    Richie Hebner
    510 Nathan St.
    Norwood, Ma.   02062
    
    Joe Carter
    1800 N.E. 51st
    Oklahoma City, Ok.   73111

    Roy,
    
    Check hobby stores like Kay-Bee or another place to check is at
    at stained glass shop.  Those gold and silver markers are commonly
    used by people who work with stained glass.
    
    joe
    

    In the past 4 years I have sent out about 450 autograph requests
    I have received about 150 back I find many of the tougher stars
    are easier to aquire during spring training. I have a  Dwight Gooden
    and a Dwight evans who are both rubber stampers I got them by sending
    to the spring training facility. You can find the address in baseball
    card magazines first issue of the year or in most of the teams media
    guides. Hope this info helps somebody. by the way some of this years
    spring training replies:
    
           
                            1.Andres Gallaraga
    			    2.Andre Dawson
    			    3.Lee Smith
    			    4.Dave Parker
    
                                     regards
                                        t.g.
      

    I bought a Spring training guide last year and got quite a few in
    there.  Didn't get everyone, but I got most of the Tigers, quite a
    few Blue Jays, and some others...  (Eric Davis, Lance Parrish,
    Jody Reed....)
    
    -Walt

    
    Re: .49
    
    Console yourself with the fact that the way things are going, Shoeless
    Joe will be in the Hall of Fame before Pete Rose ... Wanna bet that
    Rose is probably taking odds on that right now?  ;^)   - Jim
    

    I thought it was Jim Hunter Catfish.
    
    Ed

    Rep .53,  That's correct, Tony would win hands down.
    
    Ed

    
    
    He signs his name Jim "Catfish" Hunter.

    
    Re: .56
    
    Right, it's Jim "Catfish" Hunter, or simply Catfish Hunter.  Not any
    other way but these 2.
    

    
    I just perused the previous entries and saw nothing on Ted Williams.
    Has anyone attempted/succeeded in obtaining an autograph via mail?
    Anyone with an address? Would a bribe in the form of a donation
    to the Jimmy Fund help?
    
    -Dick

    
    Ted Williams Used to sign through the mail as did Joe Dimaggio, Willie
    Mays, Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and many other HoFers, but not any 
    more, to many requests and not enough time. I guess the big bucks 
    involved just might have had something to do with it also.

    A friend has a baseball from the 30's that was autographed
    by Babe Ruth, along with two other signatures.
                      
    Offhand I don't recall the other names but one may be * Jones.
    Not sure though.
    
    Babe Ruth's signature is in good shape, very readable.
    
    I would guess that at one time, someone coated the ball
    with varnish, or similar, as it is very yellow and I
    don't think it's only from age.
    
    She claims to have received the ball from her dad who played
    for the Indians for one season.
    
    I would appreciate some estimates as to the value.  She is
    considering selling it.

    About 6 months ago I saw some newspaper pictures of Ruth that were
    signed. The dealer was asking somewhere in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.
    I'd take Mr. Karlson's advice and shop it around. Try to find someone
    who handles primarily old stuff.
    
    I'll give her 2 Stanley's and a Gedman for it! 8^0
    
    John D.

    
    She should have a little piece of documentation/history with it
    to back up the validity when seeking advice.  After she gets a
    reasonable idea of its worth, perhaps a small ad in one of the Sports
    Card publications would work.. If you get an """HONEST""" value of
    $750 from a dealer, dont expect him to buy it for that..whats left in
    it for him to profit??  Chop the middleman and sell direct to a
    collector for a higher profit.
    
    	-John

    Forget going to a dealer except to find out the least you can get for
    it.  I've been seeing a collector advertise regularly in SCD for
    autographed baseballs.  I can't vouch for him but a call would probably
    get some good information.  Here's his name/address/phone.
    
    	Robert J. Ettinger
    	19 E. 37th Street
    	New York, NY 10016
    	(212) 683-6120
    
    I don't know whether this is appropriate, but since this is a
    collector, it might be OK.
    
    Michael

    Does anyone have an address on Goose Gossage. Where he's playing
    or living? I have a Rookie Gossage card I would like to get signed
    
    		Thanks/mike

    Goose live here in Colorado Springs..........
    Not sure about the address but he does do a local 
    commercial here in town......
    
    Glenn G

    re .60
    
    		Thanks anyway

    I got a Jeff Juden, Houston Astros #1 pick back in about 5
    days signed 

    Since the baseball lockout, baseball players have started to book card
    shows in great numbers, and hoping that fans will turn out in great
    numbers to purchase their John Hancock.  If the fans were smart, they
    would all turn out, but refuse to pay for an autogragh.  The promotors
    would then get burned, and bring a little sanity into this autogragh 
    business.  I can see a HOF, but active players should be ashamed of
    charging $10 to $20 for their autograghs.  Their out for blood, and if
    the owners refuse to give in, we'll see how much their autograghs are
    worth after this season.  Don't get me wrong, I think the retired
    players have ever right to charge, let face it, they never made the big
    bucks that all these premadonnas are making now.  Gedman is a perfect 
    example.  He couldn't carry Yogi Berra's jockstrap, never mind Johnny
    Benchs, and this guys making how much, and he still wants money for his
    autogragh?  Don Mattingly has the right attitude, he doesn't believe in
    it, and refuses to do shows, even though he is an avid card collector. 
    There is guy who doesn't let the almighty green rule his morals.  I
    also understand Joe D. hates it so much, he will not look you in the
    face when he's signing, because he is embarrassed to take money, but
    hey, he has to eat too!  Anybody else feel different about charging 
    for autograghs??

    	I heard that Bill Buckner won't sign baseballs ...
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    	... because he can't hang onto them 8^) !!!
    
    					Tony

Gedman did the Brandeis show last fall.

daryll

    Does anyone know how much a baseball signed by the 1967 redsox is
    worth?
    
    
    -Bon-
    

    Hello out there, you autogragh Hounds.  Guess who's coming to town.
    Yes, Mickey Mantle, the one and only!!  He will be at the Sturbridge
    Sheraton, July 14 and 15; 500 advanced tickets will be available each
    day.  Does anyone know how this autogragh "THING" works?  You pay the
    $35 bucks, and get a ticket.  Will he sign one item per ticket, or can
    you hand him a couple of things for $35??  What won't Mantle sign??
    I understand that he is refusing BATS, Perez-Steele CArds, Uniforms.
    What else??  I'd hate to walk in there and pay the money, wait in line,
    and he says no, I don't sign these items.  What do you do, run home,
    and get something else??  

    Hope its less, but Yesterdays Legends has cashed my check for $35,
    so they must be accepting the $35 and going with that price.  That
    seems to be the Going Price for Mantle these days.  No bats will be
    signed.  Have not see a Will not sign list yet, but I'm sure one will
    be out soon.  Has anyone noticed at shows that dealers are becoming
    very flexible with Mantle card prices lately. At the Boston show, the
    dealers had very good buys,(below book on Mantle cards) and were
    actually willing to negotiate price.  I got what I considered a VERY good
    price on a 1954 Bowman, EX/MT+, for $250, from a no-less Conn. dealer,
    Big-time guy who travels all over the country.  One dealer had talked
    to me a month ago at the Rootin Tootin show, and said Mantle cards are
    like carrying heavy bagage.  They take up expensive space on his tables
    and are very slow movers, and alot of dealers he has talked with are
    now just trying to unload them for what they have into them.  Maybe we 
    will see some relief of these crazy prices??

	Ok ... ok ... I admit it.  I've got a few autographs in my collection:

Richard Petty.  The "BEST".  I don't care if he ever wins another race ... he'll
always be my favorite race car driver.  I remember getting STP stickers at the
local gas station when I was a kid (along with those adhesive backed horse shoes
and these little orange balls ...) and puttin 'em all over my bike.  Today ... 
I faithfully use STP products in my vehicles.  I've got an STP sticker on my 
lawnmower ... and, yes ... I got one on my 10 speed !  Some people just never 
grow up.  I used to belong to his fan club too.  A couple years ago I mailed him
two different MAXX NASCAR Race car cards and a nice letter.  I got 'em back in 
only two weeks ... "Richard Petty #43".

Nancy Lieberman (first woman pro basketball player - USBL).  Attended the game 
that she scored her first field goal.  Whatta "doll" !  Got her autograph on the
program and ticket stub, but when I asked her for a kiss, I "fouled out" 8^(.
Oh well ... last I knew she was on the "other" team that travels around with/
gets beat by the Harlem Globetroters.  "Nancy ... wherever you are ... I miss
you" ...

Clayton Moore ("The Lone Ranger").  He made an appearance at a department store
in downtown Springfield when I was a kid.  I was home sick, and my mother got an
autographed photo for me.  He spelled my name "Toni".  Hey ... maybe thats why 
I like to drink "silver bullets" 8^) ???

					Tony
    

>>    I believe the Globetrotters perpetual opponents are named the
>>    Washington Capitols (or Generals?).
    
      It's the Washington Generals....

      Dan

>>    	Hey Tony, we should'a known College Boy would know the answer!
    
        Watch it Roy!!!

	Did you get your Robinson's yet...???!!!  :-)

	Dan

    	HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!  Roy "Deal-A-Meal" Karlson !!!

While doing some spring cleaning this past weekend, I came
across an autographed baseball that I received as a child.
It's an "Official American League Ball" with the name,
"William (something)ridge Pres."

I originally had thought that the ball was a Yankee team
ball, since I recognized some Yankee names on the ball.
However, a friend of mine suggested that the ball may be
a team ball from an All-Star game, since not all the 
players are old Yankees.  But then again, it was suggested,
the ball may have accompanied a regular fan to the ballpark
for collecting the autographs.

The names on the ball are faded, what follows is a partial
list.  Can the kind folks in this conference tell me if
these players played together for an All-Star game?

Buddy Rosan	Red Rolfe	John Luidell
Lefty Young	Rollie Himsby	Charles Feller
Joe Dimaggio	J. Gordon	Red Ruffing
Frank Grosetti	Phi Rizzuto	Jerry Priddy

Thanks for your help.

Mark

    Could the William (something)ridge Pres be William Harridge Amearican
    League President around the 40's/50's?
    
    joe

Yaz was signing his book at a mall in Leominster a few days ago. 
Anyone know if he's scheduled to sign anywhere else in the area?

thanks
daryll

    Could that Lefty Young actually be Cy "Lefty" Young, and John Lindell,
    could that be Jack "the Rack" Lindelli, who was a famous groundskeeper
    during the 1939 All-Star game, played in Brooklyn Staduim, I think?

    
    This discussion is really helpful.  I should point out that the AL
    president's name is *not* a signature, but the standard ink stamp,
    as I assume has always appeared on a league ball.
    
    With respect to the lettering changes of the names, I can very well
    agree with the changes in each case..save the Lefty Young --> Lefty
    Gomez..this signature is pretty clear.  As far as this fellow being
    the same as Cy Young...I suppose that would be some luck!
    
    I had recalled being told it was a Yankee team ball when I was young.
    
    Further help is most appreciated, and if anyone is in the LKG area,
    I can arrange to bring the ball in for further inspection...maybe
    we can figure out the rest of the names.
    
    Regards,
    
    Mark
    

    
    I looked at the "Lefty Young" signature last night...
    yeah....it could be "Lefty Gomez"!
    
    Mark
    

    A guy I know showed me some amazing pieces the other day. Just from
    scanning ads in SCD, I know these are WAY out of my league, but I told
    him I'd ask some help from you guys in trying to establish a ballpark
    value.
     
    He's got 4 first-day of issue stamped envelopes bearing the Baseball
    Centennial 3-cent stamp, all postmarked Cooperstown. Two have embossed
    colored ink baseball designs on the left side (1 blue, 1 green) and the
    other two are autographed.  One contains signatures of 17 diffrent
    members of the '39 Boston Bees, including Stengel, Cuccinello, Posedel,
    and Mike Kelly (No, not THAT Kelly!).  The other has 13 signatures of
    the '39 Red Sox, including Yawkey, Eddie Collins, Cronin, Foxx, Grove.
    Also Doerr and Williams, but this guy and I both agree they seem to
    have been added in as a favor by one of the other signers.
    
    But the piece de resistance has to be the sheet of writing paper
    bearing the autographs of 22 1938 (?) Yankees, including Crosetti,
    McCarthy, Chandler, Rolfe, Ruffing, Heinrich, Gordon, Gomez, DiMaggio,
    and GEHRIG!!.
    
    Do any of you know the relative worths of autographs on baseballs vs.
    on paper, singles vs. whole or partial teams?  I've seen Gerhrig
    signatures advertised for big bucks, but I have no idea how to estimate
    these items. They sure are nice, though, and they were a thrill to see
    and hold.  The best part of the story is that the autographs were
    obtained at the park by a mother for her twin sons who were both
    crippled with ricketts! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
    
    Rick
    
    

    I have been out of the autographs for a while(I got married and
    the stamps are expensive you know). Anyway with all this crap about
    signing for money has anything changed is it any tougher to get
    the signatures I used to get about 60% return rate but was wondering
    if it is still worth sending them out. It is a kick to get them
    back and one of my favorite parts of this hobby. Any body having
    problems or should I still send them out.
    
    I have recieved among others.
    
    
      Bert Blyleven
      Dick Williams
      Yogi Berra
      Roger Clemens
      Dave Parker
      Steve Garvey
      Alan Trammell
      Eddie Murray(send only one)
      Andre Dawson
      Mike Boddicker
      Lee Smith
      Rich Gossage
      Shawon Dunston
      Gary Carter(though I hear he doesn't sign anymore)
      Will Clark
      John Franco(he also sent a leaf card)
      Tom Lasorda
      Mark Davis
      Dwight gooden(rubber stamp on the back that swine)
      Howard Johnson
      Tony Gwynn
    
    And alot more but that was two years ago.
    
    
    Ted           

    Send Berra a sob letter about your father loving the way he plays.
    
    Parker is on and off depending,it seems,on the team he is playing
    for. Mine looks very much like facsimile cards from '82.
    
    So what you are telling me is that the players still sign through
    the mail right???
    
    If so I have the 1986 version of the sport americana address list.As
    far as I can tell they never updated it.Do you Have any idea where
    I can get Addresses for former major leaguers?Is there a book or
    a Hobby paper I can subscribe too.
    
    Thanks in advance
    
    Ted
     

    This weekend at Holiday Inn in Warwick, RI Yogi Berra signed
    bats for the last time.  I pulled out two Yankee Bat day bats
    from 1964.  
    
    One Mickey Mantle and one Bobby Richardson.  The bats were in pretty
    good shape, clean, with a few nicks as they were used a bit.  A
    dealer did tell me although they were Loisville Little Leagues they
    were unique. Mantle's bat with Yogi's signiture was my olders brothers 
    so I made this a unique Christmas gift for him.  I had saved these
    over the years.                                            
                                                             
    Yogi Berra signed each of them and they are in plastic tubes.  Mantle
    does not sign bats anymore but I am going to try to get Richardson
    to sign the other.                                       
                                                             
    Anyway, this was the last time Yogi will ever sign a bat.
    
       

    Believe it or not, Mantle has signed a few BATs over the past couple of 
    months, and the reason I know is this.  In the latest copy of TOPPS
    Magazine, the last article is about everyones favorite Collctor,
    "Mr.Mint".  The picture of Mr. Mint shows a BAT from the 1961 Yankee
    show at Atlantic City this past year.  The Bat is with all the 500
    Homerun hitters, and guess who's autograph is on the sweet spot of the
    Bat right over the 500 homerun plate on the bat?  You guessed it, the
    proof is on the bat.  
    
    I do believe he still signs a few, but never in public, and only for 
    certain friends and promotors of "BIG" shows.  His bats are real 
    scarce to find cheap.  There around if you want to pay $1500 and up.
    The Sturbridge show this past July had one Mantle Bat for $1,800 and 
    the guy said they were going for $2K and up in NY.
    

    I found this interesting and thought I would pass it on.
    
    I recently sent two cards two Roberto Alomar the good 2B for the
    padres to have him autograph them. I my letteres to the players
    I always say that if they would like to keep one of the cards to
    feel free to do so.Well Roberto kept them both His rookie and this
    years topps versions.He returned me a 1990 Upper Deck card which
    I don't collect signed.I didn't mind at all I just found it unique
    and wonder if anyone else has had this experience with roberto or
    anyone else.
    
    
    Other signed cards I have recieved recently.
    
    
    Roger Craig
    Jim Leyland
    Jeff Reed
    Mike Bielecki
    And Alomar
    
    None of the big guys I sent to yet but I am hopefull. I love this
    part of the hobby.
    
    
    
    Ted

    
    RE 96
    
    Did the article say that he signed the bat at the 1961 show?
    I know a couple of years ago there was a 500-hr show in Atlantic City
    and he signed bats there.  This was before he stopped signing bats.
    
    Unfortunately for me, I started collecting autographs on a bat just
    before the 500-hr show, and did not realize the problems and price
    gouging for "bat tickets" in the future.
    
    Jeff
    
    

    Roberto Clemente and Thurman Munson no longer sign bats either.
    Although some dealers are still getting them to sign pictures and
    cards.
    
                                    -pj-
    

    re-1
    
    Tastless truely tasteless.
    
    

    
    RE.102
    
    Gee Roy,  you already read my mind.  I know it is "only" 6 hours
    driving time to Philley.  I am working on disguises if Michael Jack
    has a limit per collector.    8^)
    
    
    

    Why was it his last time -  was he under contract to sign bats ?
    Just curious....
    
    
    

    Roy, have you told the "scumbag story" about the other reason Joe D.
    doesn't sign anywhere else in the conference? I'm curious, but I don't
    want you to have apoplexy retelling it.
    
    Rick

    Can anyone tell me why Mantle also has other items on his  no-no list,
    like hats, uniforms, bats, P-S Cards, gloves, and other odd ball items??  I 
    occasionally see these lists, especially at the Gloria Rothstein Shows
    in NY.  They always post what the players will not sign.  Does Mantle
    strickly enforce these no-no lists and will not sign uniforms, hats,
    etc.  I have noticed recently these Cooperstown Collection, authentic
    Mitchell/Ness Uniforms that mail order houses are selling and
    collectors and dealers are starting to sell, and the ones with
    autographs are going for good money, sometimes 5 times the original
    cost.  I wonder if this will be  the next item they start to ban? 
    

    I've been reading that last note over and over, and finally got it, "Bat"
    as in a flying bat.  That's good John. Ha, Ha, Ha.  I like that.

    I have heard that it will lower the value of a football rookie card to
    have it autographed, but that it will increase the value if it's not a
    rookie card.  Since I collect only football Chargers, I can only ask
    from a football perspective.  I don't know if it's different for other
    sports.  Is that true?  
    
    Glenn

    John, I am missing 11 cards.  When I get those, I will have 1 of every
    Charger card made that's non-promotional and nationally distributed. 
    I've worked hard on this and I'm glad to see it coming around.
    I have a couple 3-ring binders and I keep them in 9-pocket sheets 
    in those binders.  It's alot of fun and I can never see selling them. 
    I hope to keep them updated until I'm 110 yrs old and then give them to
    one of my boys to continue.  I also collect ProLog magazines, that
    started in 1971.  I need 5 of those also.
    
    What do you think?  9 pocket sheets ok?
    
    Glenn 

    Speaking of autographs, did anyone see the Yankee Stadium Commemerative
    Bat for sale w/ Mantles autograph on it, from the Cooperstown Bat Company
    at the Shriners Show on 11/11.  The dealer was selling it for, (better
    sit down folks) , $2,500.  Thats right, two thousand- five hundred
    dollars, and thats no mistake, cause I asked him twice.

    
     My wife had gone to an auction at one of the Catholic high schools 
    this weekend. When she returned she announced to my son and I, "They
    sold one of Mantle's balls for $600 tonight"
    
    
     After we had regained our composure, I said "Some people will collect
    anything....and pay a Lot for it"!

    
    
       I try and collect only Cowboy (Dallas) autographs, In my collection
    I have many from them. I'm most proud of My Roger Staubauh (sp)
    football, One hat signed by Hershel Walker Danny White And Randy White
    And another Hat Signed by the only true Dallas Cowboy Coach Tom Landry.
    Several Players posters and pictures.
       
    Since it so hard for most folks to get autographs, Due mostly to
    dealers selling the autograph at some outstanding price, making the
    players hesitate to sign. I've started working on a short contract
    for the players and myself. (I know what is this guy talking about)
    
    I want the autographs but not for resale, I plan never to make a profit
    on the Fun (I'm Insane I know) that I'm having, I want to pass down to my
    son or daughter if they want, so it can be passed down to there kids.
    It's for the bragging rights as we get older that we have the
    autographs. I know it is for me anyway.
    
    
     In order for more player to sign ( and I don't have to pay)I'd give them
    this three line contract stating that this is strictly for my own 
    collection and not intented for resale. If the autograph is ever sold I
    would donate all of the money to there charity (sp). This way I get the 
    autograph, they in turn get good press (willing to sign for no money)
    and If it is sold no one profits but the charity.
    
      Let me know on your thoughts I think this is a great Idea and want to
    know if others think this would work.
    

    I think its a great idea, but don't be naive.  The sleaze dealer will 
    present one of your contracts to the autographer, and two minutes later
    be selling it on his table for a neat profit.  On the other side of
    things, the athlete also likes the new profit motive that has come
    about in the hobby.  These guys, especially the retired players are
    making some good money autographing for Cable shows and card shows,
    so don't be fooled, they like to hold back signing at the ball parks
    inorder to keep there autographs prices in demand, especially the
    active players, who seldom sign autographs during pre-game time.  I'm
    not saying it won't work, but I do believe if it catches on, some
    people will abuse it to the point that players will not honor it any
    longer. 

    
    
    Thanks for comments:
    Yes I'm a little naive. I thought about the dealers, coming in and
    trying to do something sleaze ball but I thought maybe once the player
    signs (whatever) he could number it, and write my name, or my kids name
    on the item( brings price down if a name is on it I heard) he in turns
    has a copy that I have sign making it legal. This way if someone does
    sell it could be traced back to the orginal autograph seeker.
    
    I did get Jack Tatum autogragh this weekend at a show and it cost 
    me nothing. I bought the book they still call me Assaisan (sp) and
    he sign it for free. I asked him to write my sons name on it. It 
    was real nice.  
    
    steve (bcf)
    

    I think ballplayers enjoy autographers seeking autographs on there
    works of art, like their books, or autobiographies.  They figure they 
    already made money on you when you bought their book, so you must
    really be a fan, and not a hungry mad autograph dealer looking to make
    the fast buck on their name.  I know the feeling, when you walk up
    to an athlete and he signs for you for nothing.  You really feel like
    you just got the best deal of the day, and it was like the old'en days,
    FREE AUTOGRAPHS.  No charge. Glad you were able to get a freebie!

    OK...I'm going to the Bronco/Charger game on Dec 16th, and will wait at
    the visitors lockeroom door for the Chargers to come out.  I'm going to
    try to get them to sign their football cards.  
    
    So let me see if I have this straight...
    
    	It's ok to have them autograph a football card, but
    	make sure it's on the front, and make sure that it 
    	isn't their rookie card.   
    
    Is this correct?
    
    Thanks......Glenn

    RE: .123
    
    That's basicly correct, except I know a few people who like autographed
    rookie cards. Personaly, I wouldn't want to, but it's your collection,
    and you should try to get what you want.
    
    Oh yeah, be sure to have them use a "sharpie" brand marker, it's best
    for card autographs.
    
    John D.

    I was up to the"Outlook Resturante" yesterday, and the two gents
    sitting right in front of us were Ned Martin and Jerry Remy.  I got
    Remy's autograph on a Nashoba Ski Area Brocher.  Anyone know what
    this is worth?  Remy was very nice, and asked who he should make the
    autograph out to.  So I got it personnalized to my son.  I thought that
    was nice of him, considering he was having lunch and all.  And,
    he didn't charge me. 

About 50 cents...

    Thanks John.
    
    Glenn

    What's Ned Martin, chopped liver? At least he's got two knees.
    

    Well I attended the Charger/Bronco game yesterday and had a real good
    time.  The Chargers lost 20-10, but the day was alot of fun.  
    
    After the game I waited outside the Charger lockerroom and got the
    following Chargers to sign their football cards:
    
    	Rod Bernstine
    	Dan Henning
    	Gary Plummer
    	Billy Joe Tolliver
    	Burt Grossman
    	Courtney Hall
    	Billy Ray Smith
    	Marion Butts
    	Vencie Glenn
    	Leslie O'Neal
    	Mark Vlasic
    	Junior Seau
    	Gill Byrd
    	Darrin Nelson
    	David Richards
    	Ronnie Harmon
    	Lee Williams
    	Anthony Miller
    	Charlie Joiner
    
    And I got Bobby Beathard, Ed White, John Friesz, Sam Seale & Martin
    Bayless to sign my program.  
    
    Thanks for the hint about using a Sharpie.  I took 2 just in case, and
    because it was so cold, 1 of them did freeze up.   It was fun!
    
    Glenn

    Maybe someone has some insight..........
    The son of a coworker pulled a '91 upper deck card of Harmon Killebrew
    with  an autograph on it, #1523 of 3000.
    Does anyone have any idea of its value and how he could possibly sell
    it? He has been told by a few shops that it could be worth $50 or maybe
    even $1000. Who knows? Any knowledge would be appreciated. thank you...

    
    I agree with John.
    
    In reality, it depends on a couple of things:
    
    	- How desirable the autograph is.  In this case, Killebrew does
    	  shows EVERYWHERE, OFTEN, and is a very affable signer.  His
    	  autograph is not scarce, nor will it ever be.
    
    	- Most of the UD "autographed" series are 2,500 cards, there's
    	  an additional 500 in his series, ergo lower value.
    
    	- Aaron, Ryan, and Reggie all do very few shows (none recently
    	  in Ryan's case), OR have outrageous prices attached to them
    	  at shows.  So prices people quote you based on the signed
    	  series from those three, are probably wrong.  See bullet 1.
    
    	- Is 1523 somehow a significant number to Harmon Killebrew?
    	  Look it up.  Did he have 1523 strikeouts during his career?  RBI's?
    	  If there is some signifigance attached to the number, then the
    	  value goes WAY up.  For example:
    
    	  o Some dealer has offered to pay $7,000 for the card numbered
    	    #7 of the Nolan Ryan signed series.  Nolan has thrown 7
    	    no hitters.  Now, this is of course WAY OUT OF SCALE, but it
    	    shows the length to which some collectors will go for that
    	    "special number".
    
    	  o Imagine what card numbers 715 and 755 would fetch for Aaron?
    
    	  o Significant "other" numbers also carry a premium; #1, 50, 100
    	    250, 500, 1000, 2500.  Players uniform number.  I know that
    	    Don sutton loves anything with #314 on it (his career victory
    	    total).  Even gave Jeff Maxwell an extra autograph if he'd
    	    let him have autograph ticket #314 (in Jeff's possession at
    	    the time).
    
    	- I've seen values quoted between $750-$1,200 for these cards.
    	  I don't think Killebrew is as desirable as the other three in
    	  this series so far, so would GUESS he would be around $400-750.
    	  A dealer, if you're lucky, will pay you half of that.
    
    	- Your best bet might be to find a private collector whose willing
    	  to pay you a premium above what a dealer would, but less than
    	  he would pay a dealer, to buy the card.  In other words, a
    	  win-win situation for both of you.
    
    As John stated -- get some reputable dealers to give you some idea
    of what they believe it's worth.
    
    								-rjk

    Can someone tell me what will be more valuable, a signature on a
    baseball card or a signature on a glossy photo?
    
    
    					Thanks,
    					Eric

Ok, then if the answer is a baseball card, would it be "the older the better"
as the year of the card?

    
    	As Mr. Spock would say...
    
    	"That is a very logical conclusion ".

Ok, then I'll spill my guts on this one.  Apparently there is going to
be a card show in Nashua in a few weeks and Luis Tiant will be there
signing free autographs.  I am putting together a collage of 1975 cards
of both the Sox and Reds and I have a page out of a baseball history book
that shows Tiant pitching, Lynn making a catch, Rose/Bench /Perez celebrating.

I am in a dilemma.  Which of the following would you do?


1.  Have Tiant sign the page (that will be used as the center of this collage)
2.  Have Tiant sign his 1975 card instead (that will be part of the collage)
3.  Have Tiant sign a 1969 card I have of him (which he was on the Indians at
the time.)

I'm tempted to have him sign the page and try to get some other signatures on
that page as well.  The page includes a photo of Fisk hitting the homer and I already
have his autograph on a blank piece of paper.

What would you do?

    
    	Unless you can get the card stamped "Authentic", I would have
    	him just write alittle something on piece of blank paper...
    
    		Just me.....
    				Hal

    Are you trying to sell it or keep it for you?  If it's just for you,
    have him sign the card...

Definitely just for me at this point.  Something to decorate the study with. :^)

I could potentially sell it sometime in the future when I'm retired and 
decide to setup at shows etc. with the rest of you guys.  :^)

    You don't need that "authentic" label if it's just for you.  There is
    not a huge market for Tiant fakes.  After all, it is a freebie.  That 
    authentic stuff can be faked as well.  Cards can be more valuable
    signed but the signature can also be considered defacing the card. 
    Therefore, as the Saint suggests, don't have very old, expensive cards
    signed.  Get the '75 signed since Luis is in the Sox uniform.  You can
    have the photo, card(s) and Fisk cut signature custom matted so it all
    fits in a frame.  8x10s are also nice but I went to one show where
    Tiant was signing and the auto cost $5 (!!) and the photo, which, was
    only black and white, cost $1-2.  This on top of $3 admission.  Yuk.

    Eric -
    
    BTW, you're not related to Marge, are ya?  ;^)

    Nope, but my next door neighbor used to have a dog named "Schottzie".
    
    Actually my mother is a cousin of Gus Bell making Buddy Bell my
    second cousin.  My brother is his spitting image!  It's scary.
    
    

    re: a few back regarding cards or photos for autographing.
    
    Most people I have spoken with over the past few years (this includes
    dealers as well as collectors) feel that a card which has been
    autographed declines in value while 8x10's remain relatively stable.  
    
    You should decide what will make your collage look better an autog card
    or the picture.  If it's just for you then my suggestion would be to
    get the picture autographed by a few of the people pictured.  I think
    then you have a collectable piece.
    
    Just for information, I put a Donruss puzzle together each year and get
    it autographed.  Looks great in my son's room.
    

    What's a Larry Bird autograph worth?

    It seems like it has been a while since someone has replied about
    who they have wrote to and asked for there item to be autogrphed. 
    I have just started writing letters to a few of my favorite players.
    I was just wondering if anyone has had any luck with writing and
    requesting autographs. If so what players do or do not sign through 
    the mail? Has anyone had any luck?
    
    Thanks,
    SteveO'
    

    Any idea what an autographed post card of the 1919 fight between
    Dempsey and Schmelling (sp?) would be worth??  It is a post card
    announcing the fight and the back is signed "good luck Jack Dempsey"
    
    Any idea of the value or where I could find out would be appreciated.
    
    Thx
    
    Downsy
    
    ps- NO I do not have it, a friend of mine does.

    Guys,
    
     My son has a notion that if he sends a baseball card with a letter
    asking "Insert your Baseball Hero here" to aign his card that they 
    will autograph his card and return it via an included SASE. Has 
    anyone heard of this being done sucessfully? He claims a friend at 
    school has gotten back all 15 she sent out, autographed. I would hate
    for him to loose any cards this way, plus feel rotten that they let him
    down.
    
     Whattya think?
     PM

    People do it all the time. Sometimes they get the cards back, sometimes
    they don't.  Sometimes they're rubber stamped, sometimes they're signed
    by clubhouse people.  Just don't send any thing valuable and also don't
    send 5 or 10 cards to a player.  They'll think you're a dealer and they
    definitely won't sign then. Also send it to the ballpark instead of the
    home. Some players don't like receiving autograph requests at home.
    
    John

    From: clarinews@clarinet.com (UPI)
    Newsgroups:
    clari.news.interest.people,clari.news.consumer,clari.news.lifestyle,clari.news.c
    children,clari.news.top
    Subject: Johnny Bench cited for hawking overpriced signed baseballs
    Keywords: people, human interest, consumer, economy, collecting,
    lifestyle,
    	children, special interest
    Copyright: 1993 by UPI, R
    Message-ID: <us-benchUR1ad_3O7@clarinet.com>
    References: <us-benchUR76f_3O7@clarinet.com>
    X-Supersedes: <us-benchUR76f_3O7@clarinet.com>
    Date: Thu, 7 Oct 93 9:51:24 PDT
    ACategory: usa
    Slugword: us-bench
    Priority: major
    Format: regular
    ANPA: Wc: 297/283; Id: z3286; Sel: xxnhp; Adate: 10-7-N/A; Ver: 0/1
    Approved: clarinews@clarinet.com
    Codes: &nhprxx., &necrxx., &ncjrxx., &njcrxx.
    Lines: 27
    
    	NEW YORK (UPI) -- Former Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench and two
    TV shopping companies were charged Thursday with multiple violations of
    the New York City consumer protection law for making false claims about
    the retail and investment value of baseball memorabilia.
    	Bench, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, could be fined up to
    $500 for each violation when he answers to the charges at the Consumer
    Affairs Department Oct. 15, according to Commissioner Richard Schrader.
    	Schrader said the case stems from Bench's appearance on a Home
    Shopping Network's's Showcase show Aug. 5 as a celebrity endorser of
    memorabilia including balls, bats and photos signed by him and other
    sports heroes such as Joe DiMaggio, Roy Campanella and Yogi Berra.
    	Home Shopping also was charged with dozens of violations, as was
    Collector's Showcase, seen on the Madison Square Garden network.
    	The commissioner cited Bench in particular for ``hawking''baseballs
    he had autographed for the ``sensational value'' of $129, a price that
    was later lowered to $99.95, $59.95 and finally $49.95, when it was
    still described as ``an unbelievable deal.''
    	Tuff Stuff, the sports collectible price guide which Bench referred
    to on the show, reported to Consumer Affairs that the actual retail
    price of the ball would be $35.
    	``These athletes misuse the trust and adultion of their fans by
    enticing them to buy today's collectibles even though these bats, balls
    and photos are more likely tomorrow's discardables,'' Schrader said. 
    ``Johnny Bench should have stuck to catching balls and stayed out of
    pitching products.''
    	Schrader said Bench and the two companies must sign agreements to
    refrain from future deceptions.
    

    I was up late and watched some other network - Shop at Home I think.
    They had 93 Bowman boxes for $75, and Topps Finest for $325/box.  And
    the NBA hoops rookie send in card for $125...
    
    At least they're cracking down on this stuff...
    

    But Walt, "You CAN'T FIIIND IT ANYWHERE, I tell you I've had 
    master distributors call me and say How can you sell it for that
    low.  We can folks and YOU CAN'T FIIIND THESE".
    
    If you've seen Shop at Home, you'll  get the above, the loudmouth
    guy is a real redneck with the voice/accent to match.  The show
    makes me laugh, at least they don't fudge the call in numbers
    on the screen, it's real low budget and sometimes they are on
    for 5-10 minutes and then the guy who started with only 20
    of this item, will say: "There goes one, I'm down to 19 now folks
    and YOU CAN'T FIIND these anywhere"
    
    

    You got it... tonight is Jordan Mania...
    
    What's the Archieve Gold set booking for?
    

    
    Although I've been collecting autographs for a while now, I have what
    may seem to be a naieve question.
    
    In Tuff Stuff, there is a monthly column which charts prices for
    baseball HOF member memorabilia. It goes down the list of inductees,
    lists prices for cuts, 3x5s, balls, 8x10s, bats (I think), and
    Perez-Steele/HOF Plaques. Who determines these prices, and how are they
    determined ?
    
    Thanks...
    
    Peter
    

    As mentioned by other noters, I do have pictures of myself with various
    baseball players who have autographed baseballs for me. Mickey Mantle,
    Duke Snider, Yogi Berra and Don Larsen. Got all of them at Sturbidge
    but haven't seen any of these shows there in quite awhile. I think
    Upper Deck has contracted most of these people. I know they paid Mantle
    $6million but if they sold off all 1951 (his rookie year) autographed
    bats at the asking price of$2700 per, then they made back half that
    money. I paid $8 for Snider's autograph but now that he's with Upper
    Deck his auto. ball is 79.95. 
    
    George C. Scott the actor really puts it in perspective - he will not
    give autographs. Read an interview with him once where he said "anyone
    who gets a thrill out of having a copy of my signature, needs mental
    help".