30 Years Later, Smalling Still Publishing Autograph Book

Iowa autograph collector/dealer Jack Smalling first published his ‘Autograph Collector’s Handbook in 1980.

It was a way to connect the growing legion of collectors seeking “TTM” or “through the mail” signatures with the athletes’ home addresses.

While other books had been published, Smalling took the process to the next level, updating his book every couple of years to reflect address changes and death records.

Some players won’t sign, of course, but there are plenty of others, especially those on the verge of being forgotten, who are glad to oblige.

His inventory is staggering as Smalling tests out his own work by mailing items to players.

He offered some history on his profitable hobby–and some tips for send away sigs–to the Des Moines Register.

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About Rich Mueller

Rich is the editor and founder of Sports Collectors Daily. A broadcaster and writer for over 35 years and a collector for even longer than that, he's usually typing something somewhere. Type him back at [email protected]