PSA/DNA has hired two veteran autograph dealers to join its staff . Kevin Keating and Bill Corcoran are joining the company as full-time authenticators.
Keating has owned Quality Autographs since 1992.
“PSA/DNA is the goalie, and the forgers are constantly out there trying to get a slap shot past us into the net. Our job is to stop them,” he stated in a Q&A session with the company. “PSA/DNA has made it possible for collectors to buy with confidence. PSA/DNA also plays a critical role for auction companies, too, by examining their ongoing consignments to screen out questionable material.”
“There aren’t too many people in the hobby that can match the experience that Kevin brings to the table,” PSA’s Joe Orlando stated. “Kevin has been dealing in autographs for decades and a significant portion of his business was dedicated to extremely high-end material. It takes a special kind of person to do that, successfully, for a long period of time. You not only have to possess the specialized knowledge, but you need the confidence to go with it. You are the one that has to be willing to put your own money on the line when you are involved in buying and selling that caliber of autographs. It is very different from acquiring autographs in person, as a collector or a seller. You must be decisive, which is an important attribute of any credible expert. Every time you review an item and offer an opinion, you’re rendering a decision.”
Corcoran has been a collector since his youth in the late 1960s and 70s and later transitioned into buying and selling. He’s considered among the most knowledgeable baseball autograph experts in the hobby.
“My work will entail authenticating submissions and performing on-site work for dealers, auction houses and at shows throughout the country,” he stated in a similar Q&A. “It’s exciting to be a part of a brand that is considered the best in the business.”
“When it comes to Bill, all you have to do is speak to any of the hobbyists who have dealt with him over the last four decades,” Orlando wrote. “His reputation is outstanding, not only for the depth of his knowledge, but for the way he treats customers – large and small. I can tell you firsthand what kind of person Bill is. When I was a much younger man and had very little to spend, Bill treated me like I was his best customer. He would stay on the phone with me for long periods of time, talking about autographs, even though I may have been only interested in a $10 item. I never forgot that. I can’t tell you how excited I am to add someone like Bill to the PSA/DNA team today. There is no doubt in my mind that Bill’s professional approach and personable nature will help take our service to an even higher level.”
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