Anyone compiling a list of the most impactful people in the sports collecting hobby would have to include Jack Smalling. A collector of autographs since 1962, the Iowa resident not only amassed a jaw-dropping collection of baseball autographs, he actually wrote the book on where to find some of the players. Now, the best items in his massive storehouse of signatures are … [Read more...]
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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: Not All Transcendent VIP Are 1/1s; Dedicated Autograph Collector; Brady RC Hits $93K
It turns out not all of the “1/1” cards inserted into the special packs given to attendees at last week’s Topps Transcendent party in Atlanta were actually one-of-a-kind. Topps notified collectors Friday that several of the autographed cards were mislabeled and actually have multiple copies. Each pack contained four cards and all were supposed to be 1/1. The … [Read more...]
Lost Childhood Collection of All-Star Autographs Discovered
He thought they were gone forever, tossed out or lost with other childhood keepsakes. Then Al Mead got a phone call. A cousin in Florida was going through some boxes and discovered a pair of old notebooks that he knew belonged to his baseball-loving relative. Inside were autographs Al had collected as a young boy in Boston back in the early 1960s. “I … [Read more...]
Finding Affordable Baseball Autographs
I travel the country and do several public speaking engagements each year on vintage baseball cards and sports memorabilia. One question that is always asked is, “What are some of the more affordable autographs?” Generally speaking, an autograph on a piece of paper is worth less than the same autograph on a jersey, football, or other premium item. Paper … [Read more...]
Topps Creates Exclusive Cards for Charity Autograph Program
Topps has created special edition baseball cards for the Detroit Tigers Foundation and its Autographs For a Cause program. The cards were given to players participating in the program, who sign them in exchange for a flat fee of $15-$25 plus shipping with all proceeds going to the player’s favorite charity. Players will match the amount of money collected through … [Read more...]
The National Continues to be a Family Affair
The 38th installment of The National Sports Collectors Convention has officially come to a close and (hopefully) everyone left Rosemont, IL with exactly what they were looking for. That said, if you weren’t among the lucky few that got to brush elbows with Jennifer Lopez while she was slumming it alongside her latest boytoy Alex Rodriguez or catch up with Los Angeles Lakers … [Read more...]
Steiner Sets Autograph Sessions
It’ll be a busy spring for those who coordinate autograph signings for Steiner Sports. The company has announced its schedule for public and private signing sessions with dozens of past and present athletes on the docket. Just a few of the names who will wield pens between now and the end of April: Hank Aaron, Tom Brady, Bo Jackson, Bill Russell, Derek … [Read more...]
New Riddell Ice Helmets Designed with Autographs in Mind
The NFL has given its blessing to a new line of helmets designed for autograph collectors. The Riddell ICE Alternate Collection is the first league-approved alternate helmet design. The ICE Alternate Collection includes all 32 NFL teams. Just released, the helmets feature a white matte shell with a silver face mask and silver decals that replicate the traditional … [Read more...]
Autographs in Cooperstown Sometimes a Business
The Baseball Hall of Fame has some new members and thousands of fans have some new autographs thanks to another induction weekend in Cooperstown, NY. While some of the visitors were simply there to honor Randy Johnson, Craig Biggio, John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez, hear the speeches and tour baseball’s ultimate shrine, others were there to chase autographs. Reggie Jackson … [Read more...]
