National Autograph Tickets: Regular vs. Inscriptions

[chalupacollects]

$229 for an autograph of a living player? Even an all time great? I, I can't... and standing on line for hours to be treated like cattle?? I would rather save that money to be used on a rarer old dead hall of fame player...

And I only have auto's really by default as part of collecting cards!

[biohazard]

Originally Posted by packs

That's what I'm saying. The characterization of the aging ball player who didn't make enough in his career and being resigned to the show circuit to pay for his dinner is not one I think exists for the vast majority of ex-players.

Agreed, but the players are getting paid. I question how many would sign at a show for free. Sure, some players appear to feed their ego or to see and feel the adulation of the fans again, but they all get PAID. From the grapevine JoeD commanded $100K per show. Mantle made crazy money.

[biohazard]

Originally Posted by chalupacollects

$229 for an autograph of a living player? Even an all time great? I, I can't... and standing on line for hours to be treated like cattle?? I would rather save that money to be used on a rarer old dead hall of fame player...

And I only have auto's really by default as part of collecting cards!

Back in 1998, CSA had a Senator's reunion and managed to get Ted Williams to attend the show at $250 a pop (limited to 100 or 200 signatures). I bit hard but I knew it was my only shot to get Williams. There is no standing on line for hours and I have never felt that I was being treated like cattle. At times have certain promoters been disorganized as heck? Oh yes! It is a hobby. I make a decision to pay for an individuals time to sign an item. I am not looking for a long conversation with the individual or expecting to become fast friends. It is a transaction, with common courtesy from both parties. I leave happy with my item signed.

[tazdmb]

Originally Posted by biohazard

Back in 1998, CSA had a Senator's reunion and managed to get Ted Williams to attend the show at $250 a pop (limited to 100 or 200 signatures).

I remember this, it could have been his last show. I read that John would drag him against his will to shows for the money grab and Ted insisted that show would be within 5 minute drive of airport so he could fly back on the same day. It was flats only.

Sorry to digress

[biohazard]

Originally Posted by chalupacollects

I would rather save that money to be used on a rarer old dead hall of fame player...

Without seeing the item signed in person, you never really know if the item is real. The other day, I was channel surfing and caught an airing of the forger Greg Marino. I have seen the piece but I just had to watch it again. The process of make something look old and the sheer volume of items was still shocking. I rarely buy pre-signed material, but when the National was held in Baltimore (please come back) I purchased a b&w 8x10 of Ferris Fain from the former promoter of the Robert Morris show in Pittsburgh. I assume the Fain is legit. Who is/was making money off of forged Ferris Fain 8x10's? But I still wonder.....

[biohazard]

Originally Posted by tazdmb

I remember this, it could have been his last show. I read that John would drag him against his will to shows for the money grab and Ted insisted that show would be within 5 minute drive of airport so he could fly back on the same day. It was flats only.

Sorry to digress

It was flats only because Ted could no longer grip a ball. I believe Ted stayed for the weekend because there was a breakfast or banquet the next day.

[Gary Dunaier]

Originally Posted by Gary Dunaier

Regarding steve B's comment about buying just the inscription without an autograph: it doesn't say anything on Robinson's page, and presumably the same is true on the other players' pages, but at the top of the autograph ticket page it says "Note: Inscriptions must be obtained at the same time as the autograph, and cannot be added to previously signed items. If you plan to purchase an inscription ticket, you must purchase an autograph ticket. You cannot enter the autograph line without an autograph ticket." (Bold added.)

Originally Posted by steve B

My sense of odd humor is odd enough that nobody gets it.
I wouldn't buy the inscription as an add-on to some thing already signed.
I'd buy JUST the inscription. Like a ball with just his HR total.

Yes, it would be a really weird waste of money, but I think it could be really funny.

Oh, I got the joke. You're talking to a guy who took a photo of a squirt bottle used by a member of the grounds crew at Citi Field and quipped that all it needed was an official MLB hologram and then it would be a genuine authenticated game-used item.

I posted the information about not being allowed to buy an inscription by itself for the benefit of those who might have been wondering if someone could do it if they were so inclined.

[Ryan1125]

I've never understood charging a bunch extra for, or refusing personalizations. I prefer all of my autographs "To Ryan", it bothers me to pay extra to make something way LESS valuable lol.

Obviously it's more handwriting so some sort of fee could be warranted but I'd like to think if I was signing I would enjoy personalizing items as I know that person truly wants it and will cherish it.

But hey, it's their call!

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Gary Dunaier

Oh, I got the joke. You're talking to a guy who took a photo of a squirt bottle used by a member of the grounds crew at Citi Field and quipped that all it needed was an official MLB hologram and then it would be a genuine authenticated game-used item.

I posted the information about not being allowed to buy an inscription by itself for the benefit of those who might have been wondering if someone could do it if they were so inclined.

LOL, I didn't even realize that was you.

Someone should do a contest for something like "dumbest sports collectible"

I'd say I might have something weird around, but I just know someone somewhere has the bits of card removed by a hole punch or some players discarded gum wrapper or something.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by steve B

LOL, I didn't even realize that was you.

Someone should do a contest for something like "dumbest sports collectible"

I'd say I might have something weird around, but I just know someone somewhere has the bits of card removed by a hole punch or some players discarded gum wrapper or something.

I resemble that remark. I still have the shavings of my Ted Williams rookie that I put new borders on. I had to square up the highly trimmed card before adding the new borders.