Wanna Try To Get Autos From These Guys???
AiRjOrDaN22
Posts: 2,038 ✭✭
June 23, 2002 -- WHILE it's no longer a surprise that the sports memorabilia/autograph business is as greed-ugly as it almost had to become, we still often hear from those who have eagerly attended a show in quest of their past or current hero's signature, only to have suffered his rude side - while paying for the privilege.
These folks have our sympathies. And then again, they don't. Anyone who would pay an entry fee, a signing fee and, in many cases, a fee for the picture, ball or bat to be signed, then stand in line for the signature, deserves a collision with reality.
Tom Bunevich, for 14 years, ran autograph shows in the Tampa area. He left the business in 1997, when the business began to eat itself alive, when the risk began to lap the reward, "When Muhammad Ali, who used to be paid $15 for signing a boxing glove, began to get up to $350," he said by phone, Friday.
Bunevich has written a paperback, "Sign This" (T & S Publishing, $15), which serves as both an overview and a warning.
Most striking is the chapter in which he lists and details "My Top 10 Jerks." Most are names we'd previously heard from unhappy cash-and-carry autograph seekers.
Bunevich's list, with brief synopsis:
1.WILLIE MAYS - Doesn't bother to make eye contact or even brief conversation with customers. Only there for the dough and he doesn't care who knows it - even if he leaves lifelong worshippers ex-worshippers.
2.RICKEY HENDERSON - Slows his signing pace so that he can be paid OT for those still in line. Doesn't meet the terms of his engagement.
3.ERRICT RHETT - Ex-NFC Rookie of the Year RB with Bucs, walks away from lines for frequent social and bathroom breaks. Once in the house, changes appearance terms to pocket extra cash.
4.MIKE SCHMIDT - Creates a cold, calculated autograph assembly-line. No dialogue, no eye contact. "He just wanted to get things over with and get out of there."
5.DARRYL STRAWBERRY - His signature became just a D and an S followed by scribble as sessions wore on. Created a second customer line - for complaints. "A real jerk."
6.REGGIE JACKSON - "The most arrogant athlete I've ever met." Bunevich claims Jackson left him with a bloated hotel bill.
7.JOE DiMAGGIO - Loved the money but hated the scene, and didn't bother to mask his distaste. Left people, many having traveled for hours, standing in line when his time was up.
8.PETE ROSE - Although 90 minutes late, complained about being unable to finish his round of golf, as if he was doing volunteer work. Head down, keeps signing, little eye or verbal contact - unless the customer is female and attractive. But good, consistent penmanship.
9.GAYLORD PERRY - Can be very cold. Doesn't always show, turning autograph line into a refund line. Bolts with people still in line.
10.DENNY McLAIN - "Smart-aleck know-it-all."
Dishonorable Mentions: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Barry Bonds, Tom Seaver.
Bunevich also notes his good guys. Brooks Robinson heads a list that includes Harmon Killebrew, Billy Williams, Monte Irvin, Bobby Hull, Muhammad Ali and Dale Murphy. They treat people the way those who pay for the privilege should logically be treated, even if they're there for no logical reason.
I just got this from the ny post
These folks have our sympathies. And then again, they don't. Anyone who would pay an entry fee, a signing fee and, in many cases, a fee for the picture, ball or bat to be signed, then stand in line for the signature, deserves a collision with reality.
Tom Bunevich, for 14 years, ran autograph shows in the Tampa area. He left the business in 1997, when the business began to eat itself alive, when the risk began to lap the reward, "When Muhammad Ali, who used to be paid $15 for signing a boxing glove, began to get up to $350," he said by phone, Friday.
Bunevich has written a paperback, "Sign This" (T & S Publishing, $15), which serves as both an overview and a warning.
Most striking is the chapter in which he lists and details "My Top 10 Jerks." Most are names we'd previously heard from unhappy cash-and-carry autograph seekers.
Bunevich's list, with brief synopsis:
1.WILLIE MAYS - Doesn't bother to make eye contact or even brief conversation with customers. Only there for the dough and he doesn't care who knows it - even if he leaves lifelong worshippers ex-worshippers.
2.RICKEY HENDERSON - Slows his signing pace so that he can be paid OT for those still in line. Doesn't meet the terms of his engagement.
3.ERRICT RHETT - Ex-NFC Rookie of the Year RB with Bucs, walks away from lines for frequent social and bathroom breaks. Once in the house, changes appearance terms to pocket extra cash.
4.MIKE SCHMIDT - Creates a cold, calculated autograph assembly-line. No dialogue, no eye contact. "He just wanted to get things over with and get out of there."
5.DARRYL STRAWBERRY - His signature became just a D and an S followed by scribble as sessions wore on. Created a second customer line - for complaints. "A real jerk."
6.REGGIE JACKSON - "The most arrogant athlete I've ever met." Bunevich claims Jackson left him with a bloated hotel bill.
7.JOE DiMAGGIO - Loved the money but hated the scene, and didn't bother to mask his distaste. Left people, many having traveled for hours, standing in line when his time was up.
8.PETE ROSE - Although 90 minutes late, complained about being unable to finish his round of golf, as if he was doing volunteer work. Head down, keeps signing, little eye or verbal contact - unless the customer is female and attractive. But good, consistent penmanship.
9.GAYLORD PERRY - Can be very cold. Doesn't always show, turning autograph line into a refund line. Bolts with people still in line.
10.DENNY McLAIN - "Smart-aleck know-it-all."
Dishonorable Mentions: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Barry Bonds, Tom Seaver.
Bunevich also notes his good guys. Brooks Robinson heads a list that includes Harmon Killebrew, Billy Williams, Monte Irvin, Bobby Hull, Muhammad Ali and Dale Murphy. They treat people the way those who pay for the privilege should logically be treated, even if they're there for no logical reason.
I just got this from the ny post
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