The Coronavirus is having an impact on autograph collectors at spring training. New MLB policies discourage players from accepting items from fans and collectors seeking autograph, choosing instead to have players pass out pre-signed baseballs, cards and photos. Spring training is typically when autograph hounds descend on Florida and Arizona, hoping to score as many … [Read more...]
Notes: National Featured; Frank White Auction; Parker’s Last Roundup; Autograph Hustlers in DC
The National Sports Collectors Convention will be making its fifth visit to Cleveland when it sets up shop inside the IX Center early next month. You don't necessarily have to bring a big bankroll or even be a super avid collector to appreciate it. "I would rather have someone just walk the floor," says Ray Schulte, the show's marketing director. "To me that's … [Read more...]
“Waiting for a Sign” Tells Tales of Autograph Seeking
If you’ve ever chased a baseball player for an autograph, there’s a new book out that you might want to put on your summer reading list. “Waiting for a Sign” was written by Kevin Keating, a long-time collector/dealer and the current Principal Autograph Authenticator for PSA/DNA. A native of suburban Chicago, Keating spent much of his youth acquiring … [Read more...]
Notes: MHCC Auction; Cost for Orr to Sign Rookie Card Skyrockets; Giannis OK with Autograph Sellers
Mile High Card Company has kicked off its first event of 2018. The Extra Innings auction opened Monday, just ahead of what the company says will be its largest ever catalog auction. The Extra Innings sales are centered around lower priced cards and memorabilia and the current auction includes 275 lots. The headliner is a 2000 SPx #130 Tom Brady PSA 10 rookie … [Read more...]
Spring Training: Chasing Autographs
The early days of spring training are often the best time to snare autographs. The mood is generally relaxed and while crowds of autograph seekers do make their way to Florida and Arizona, it's not as busy as it often is when the games begin. Here's a sampling of some social media posts showing successes--and another with some insight if you're heading to the … [Read more...]
Notes: Fanatics’ Churchill Deal; Old Baseball Stuff Found; Graphers Miffed
Churchill Downs has reached a multi-year agreement with Fanatics to exclusively operate both online and on-site retail for the Kentucky Derby race weekend, starting with the 2016 event. Fanatics, which holds several sports card shows around the country each year and has exclusive autograph deals with several star athletes, will aim to increase sales by adding additional … [Read more...]
Editor’s Blog: College Athletes and Autographs a Hot Topic
I spent part of Wednesday providing (hopefully) a little insight to a few major media outlets who are continuing to look for new angles on what ESPN reported is an investigation of autographs signed by Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston. Georgia running back Todd Gurley has already been suspended over a similar accusation of college athletes receiving cash for … [Read more...]
Autograph Seekers Chase White House Seekers
Maybe you've got George Mitterwald. But do you have Mitt Romney? Maybe you've got Joe Garagiola. But do you have Newt Gingrich? The chase is on for autographs from the Republican candidates for president. What once may have been a quirky little segment of collecting is now recognized--by the profit seeking autograph hounds who chase them, by the collectors and 'fans' who … [Read more...]
Vick Signing Session Draws Protest
He's served his time for operating a dog fighting ring and admittedly killing several underperforming animals, but some aren't letting Michael Vick forget. The Eagles' quarterback showed up as promised for an autograph signing session in New Jersey over the weekend. Butler is Eagles' country for the most part, and dozens of fans lined up to pay for a Vick … [Read more...]
Distance No Barrier in Special Autograph Project
They're right there along with the rest of the autograph seekers. Players and coaches don't have to worry, though. These guys aren't getting something signed so they can toss it on eBay. Steve Young and Bill Eckstein, collectors and fans from the Baltimore area, have become familiar faces at ballparks across the country as they track down players to sign an old copy of The … [Read more...]