Your first,best,worst in person autograph experience
BLUEJAYWAY
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Thought it would be a good topic to hear from fellow members on this subject. Can be any sport.
Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
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<< <i>Thought it would be a good topic to hear from fellow members on this subject. Can be any sport. >>
I would expect this to be grounded in "context." Autograph seekers sometimes have unrealistic expectations. For example, when I pay for an auto at a show or private signing, then I "expect" to "get what I pay for." In that case, I would expect a few moments of personal attention time and a nice auto on my item. However, if I am randomly asking for an autograph in a crowd, after a game, on a golf course, an event in which I did not pay for the autp, etc., then I would expect the person signing to be either uninterested or pressed with other priorities.
Best: Two unnamed "huge superstar" status athletes (active and both future HOFers) were visiting Marines deployed in Iraq (2008). Both signed GBU-38 JDAM 500-lb GPS guided bombs on my AV-8B Harrier, personalizing some words meant for those individuals attempting to harm our forces. I do not present their names here in the event someone out there wants to make political statements against these very pleasant individuals. The players spoke candidly and one-on-one for many minutes with our enlisted maintainers...most of which idolized these players. The maintainers, especially the ordnance personnel, were beyond honored that these larger than life players signed their precious works of art. The players also told their handlers that they wanted to spend more time with our Marines rather than being shuttled off early to speak to an Army General, which resonated with our people. The players also went out of their way to get photos with the Marines and later returned these photos signed to the squadron when we arrived home. Great experience; lots of personal time.
Worst: I paid for an auto of a retired HOF NBA star at a private signing / social event. I brought along a vintage rookie card in decent shape for the player to sign. I waited a long while and when it was my turn to get my item signed, the player got upset and his manager stated he "does not sign his rookie card." Not expecting this, I did not have any other items to get signed. The person running the event refused to refund my money. I did not get what I paid for. Lesson Learned: always bring back up items for these events and do research prior to see if the signer has a history of autoing his/her rookie card.
Meatlloaf
www.questfortherookiecup.com
I've seen a ton of autograph signers and would always ask a question to the player instead
of just "Thank You" once my item was signed. It made it a more personal experience for me.
I've had items signed my Dimaggio, Ted Williams, Mantle, Ali etc...
Ali was at a show in NYC and was a surprise signer for charity, so no one could bring their own item.
This was in 1984 and he was very quiet and had no banter w/ the fans, but it was Ali, so that was cool enough.
The best signer: Brooks Robinson at a show in NJ, he was friendly & outgoing and thanked me for being there.
The worst: Willie Mays at a show in NYC. I had an ad poster of Alegra Syrup for him to sign and showed him
where I wanted it signed, he chose another spot. I asked him how old it was figuring if he could pinpoint a year
like 1959 or 1964, his response "Its old"
He seemed bitter and like he didn't want to be there. He was in his 60's and it was a nice payday for a retired
player. So enjoy the adulation & Be Happy!
Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
Worst - Kirk Gibson early 1980s before the Tigers made the WS. Getting autographs after an A's game, pretty good day. Try to get Gibson with about 4 other people as he's walking, he screams, "get out of my F88ing way" and spits in our general direction, just missed my foot. I let him go, others persisted, I heard more cussing…just made what happened in 1988 even tougher to take.
Best - Get a call from a friend of mine who says "get over to the Redwood City Ice rink ASAP!". I ask him why and he tells me that the great Russian goalie Vladislav Tretiak is having a youth goalie clinic there. So I grab a couple of things, including a Patrick Roy game used stick I had (signed by Roy) thinking it would be nice to have two of the greatest goalies in hockey on one stick. Almost out the door I remember I have a Russian book about the 1972 Summit Series. Get there and the clinic is still going on. Tretiak is on the ice with the kids, he's a huge man, the kids looked tiny by comparison. My buddy says that Tretiak is going to sign autographs after the clinic. When it ends, Tretiak sets up a table in a small area upstairs at the rink, my buddy and I wait until all the kids are done and ask if he's sign a few things for us. My buddy is from Russia and speaks fluently and said a few things to Tretiak and he smiled while he signed a couple of pucks and cards for him. He signed my stick and a paper picture the rink had for him. I showed him my book and he got really interested in it, going through the pages reminiscing about the Series, he made a few comments to a kid who stuck around, pointing out one picture of him ("see, eyes always on puck"). When he got to the picture of Bobby Clarke, he said "Ay, Bobby Clarke" and frowned and made the "thumbs down" sign (those who remember the 1972 Series certainly know why) and we all cracked up. There was a full page picture of him near the back of the book and he penned a beautiful signature right in the white area of the ice and then thanked ME for bringing the book. Since I was the last one he looked around and asked "All done?" We shook his huge hand and thanked him.
Great encounter with a great athlete and great man.
My school buddies Dad was a friend of Don Shula so he was allowed in the locker room after the game. I got pushed around in the shuffle of people
and when I got to the locker room door the security guard wouldn't let me in. I was upset at first but then my friend's mom told me Mr. Unitas
is walking to the bus, go get his autograph. I ran over and asked "Mr. Unitas will you sign my program". I remember him as being very friendly.
No one else was bothering him for an autograph so he was able to take some time with me. The words he said to me have been lost with time but I'll
never forget his smile.
I still have the autograph as a cut out from the program and the ticket stub from the game.
Best: Actress Rachel McAdams. No explanation needed, simply search her name
Worst was the first: Clayton Moore(The Lone Ranger). He was great. The crowd was not. I was 10 years old and getting pushed around by 50 year olds. Not cool.
I can't believe I just read a few other posts, out of only 4 total and their worst was Willie Mays. Because that is my worst as well. I paid and waited for a long time at the 06 or 07 National ( I can't remember which year, but it was in Cleveland) He wouldn't even address me, seemed totally disinterested, and his mgr whom I think was his daughter would grab your item, and try to quickly move you along. This was one of my first signature experiences. So, I thought, maybe it was because we were in a long line, and didn't have unlimited time and others behind me had paid too. On top of that, his signature doesn't look anything like Willie Mays, IMO. I have challenged sports fans that come over to my house to identify the autograph when they start looking at my baseballs. Nobody ever gets it. The first letter looks like a J. Anyway, maybe he trained his god son on how to not be friendly.
Then at the same show came my best, and made me realize that regardless of people in line, or whether you are paying for it, etc, just being friendly goes a long way. It was the late Harmon Killebrew. Seemed like a really great guy. Taking pictures with you while he signed for free, conversing with you, etc. He had a 5 minute conversation with the guy in front of me, about a Twins game in which he hit two homeruns. The guy said he was at the game, etc, etc, and Harmon talked about it, and remembered one of the pitchers that pitched that day. Keep in mind, I just wanted his auto because I have a collection of hall of famers, I'm not a twins fan, or specific fan of his. Well, I wasn't until that day. After that I have been a fan of his, because he was either a truly "good guy" or he knew how to handle himself in the public eye.
Ironically, he doesn't have that great of a reputation for it, but runner up in the good category would be Rickey Henderson from last year's natty. He did a great job, took a picture with my son and asked him if baseball was his favorite sport. That kind of stuff takes 15 seconds, and goes a LONG way to help your reputation, and make a fan, and a kid happy.
Collecting:
post world war II HOF rookie
76 topps gem mint 10 commons 9 stars
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I work at a museum and when we have celebrities in, I always remind my staff to treat them as we would any other visitor. They are not here to be a celebrity and sign stuff, they are here to have a nice day with their family. But when you pay money to get a signature, it's weird to me to be treated rudely. Those celebs should simply decline the appearance/check.
My best was Steve Carlton. I was about 7 and was at a card show he was signing at and while waiting in line I wrote him a letter. When he went on break he walked by me and I handed it to him. When I went up to the table, he remembered me and signed a bunch of stuff for free without me even asking.
Other not so great experiences was when Mike Schmidt, my favorite player at the time, was at a baseball camp I was going to and it was promised that Schmidt would talk and sign autos. He was extremely late and then bolted early without signing. My dad stood in front of his car door and told him there was no way he was getting into that car without signing an autograph. I got the auto.
Standing outside after Phillies games back at the Vet, I have to say that Ozzie Virgil was one of the nicest players you could meet. On almost all occasions, he would just take a seat on a bench and sign autographs after the game until no one else wanted one. Greg Gross would sometimes to that too while players like Ron Reed would refuse to acknowledge people at times even when it was just a group of three kids.
Worst: Dan Marino. And I hate to say this because I am such a big Dan Marino fan if we're talking about on-the-field favorites. I volunteered at his celebrity charity golf tournament back in like 1993. I had a moment when we were close by, alone, and he wasn't particularly busy. Just a real jerk. No eye contact, acted bothered, etc.
Worst: we're in Cooperstown for the first Hall of Fame Classic, a game with all former MLB players. I see Mike Timlin in the hotel eating breakfast with his family, but I don't want to bother him. Fast forward to the game: the HOF had said in their ticket sales info that all the players would be available for autographs and they kept announcing that throughout the game. When it's over, all the players are signing. Timlin is walking off the field and 4 of us head over to him. He refuses to sign and offers a lengthy explanation about being tired and having a flight to catch in the morning. His rambling excuses took a hell of alot longer than it would have to sign his name 4 times. Jerk.
Edited to add: Feller and Bobby Grich were awesome that same day.
Best AND worst: oil can Boyd. September 09 I bring my oldest son to Fenway for his first MLB game. Oil can is signing and even though the line is a mile long he is animated and gracious. He took a picture with my son, signed a ball for both of us, asked my son if he liked baseball, told him he looked like a SS and that if he stuck with it he just knew that he'd be playing at Fenway some day. Four years later, he's supposed to sign at a card show local to us. This is a chance for my younger son to meet him too. He's Not there when the signing is supposed to start. Every 15 minutes or so the organizer calls him to ask him where he is. At first he's "right down the street," then he's "on my way." After an hour he stops answering his phone. He never shows and never gives the organizer an explanation. I hate to say it, but these disparate behaviors might be related to his documented drug abuse.
The Worst: Orel Hershiser and Steve Finley . Orel Hershiser wouldn't sign my baseball at 11 years ago . Steve Finley must have be wasted and couldn't remember playing for the Rochester RedWings .Also Jose Canseco, he didn't say a thing , no handshakes. Yogi Berra was did the same thing . Orel Hershiser is the number 1 worst .
Harmon Killebrew Best.
Buck Martinez (didn't help that I called him Charlie, thinking he was Charlie Moore.)
Best---Warren Spahn, 1993 another date (first date with my soon to be wife) I was made aware that Mr. Spahn was signing at a grand opening of a new Square D store the morning before an afternoon date. My blind-date was a wee bit apprehensive when I begged to go to the signing before we went to the typical movie and dinner, but she gave in. I always would keep a couple of raw baseballs at the ready, just in case. We grabbed two clean Rawlings and headed to the signing, the line was long and Mr. Spahn would take often "smoke breaks". We must've stood in line for two hours and finally I presented my ball to him, asking as sincerely as I could for him to sign with 363 wins, he gruffly said No and snatched my ball cleanly signing it. My date then handed him her ball, and without prompting from me, asked for the same 363 wins...I glanced up with his eyes stopping at her impressive chest (then), and I will never forget when he looked at her face, then looked at me and back to her...asking if I was with her where I replied yes. I paused for a moment and with a huge grin, he looked at me and said "for her I would do anything", he signed it and added the 363 wins. That ball remains my most prized possession, and I am still with the same wonderful woman 19 years later.
Worst---Willie Mays, 'nuff said.
Worst: Jake Westbrook, Willie Mays, Reggie Jackson.
First - Greg Vaughn at County Stadium in blue sharpie on the panel. Have since got him again in blue pen on the sweetspot, but I still have this ball displayed proudly.
Worst - Bob Uecker. The man is as funny as anyone and seems like he'd be a great guy, but in person he's not very friendly. At the Brewers fan fest at Miller Park he was signing and when we got towards the front found out he won't sign baseballs, only his 5x8s. Then when we got to the front, he wasn't even looking at anyone, head down, just signing and putting em on a table. I was a big heart broken as this is a guy I grew up listening to and can call a game as good as anyone. I've heard other stories similar so I'm sure he wasn't just having a bad day. Bummer.
Best- Pedro Martinez. I was at Miller Park early for Autograph Fridays (which doesn't happen anymore). Went with a girl I was pretty into at the time, basically a first date. Got Jeff Cirillo, Derrick Turnbow, and Chris Capuano. We were about to go to our seats when Pedro (pitching the next night), was throwing long toss in left field. He's my favorite pitcher of all time, so just to watch him play catch was a thrill. Went over and watched him for a few minutes when I yelled "Pedro do you have time to sign a few?" He continued to play catch for another minute or two, then turned and said "Who has a pen!" And it was on. He would point to people, they'd throw him a ball a good 20-30 feet away he'd sign and throw it back. A guy near us soon said "If he points anywhere near here, let this guy get it, he goit him to sign in the first place" soon Pedro pointed over towards me and I tossed him a ball, already shaking cuz I know I gotta catch it when he throws it back, AND not smudge it! He tosses it back, perfect catch, and it's sweet spotted and he put #45 on it, in blue pen. I couldn't have been happier. I yelled to him a thank you, and he replied enthusiastically "No problem!" Then I hugged the girl I was with for a good 30 seconds before going up to our seats. I spent the first two innings texting my friends telling em all about it. I have a good number of HOFers, but my Pedro ball will always be my favorite.
I recall one of us asked who was the toughest pitcher for him to face as a batter. He said Randy Myers, who was a hard-throwing lefty reliever for the Mets back in the day. He was also known for being a bit wild around the strike zone. Pagnozzi said even though Myers was a lefty and he batted right, he was always nervous facing him because he never really knew were the pitch was going to go!
Best- Lots of good ones. Julius Erving was awesome. He shook my hand and talked with me for a minute or so. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was also great. Steve Carlton posed for a picture and asked us to take another one because he had his head slightly down. My all time favorite was the great Wake Forest basketball star Rodney Rogers. He was signing at a a Kerr Drug. I bought a magazine for him to sign and no one else was there. He told me to pull up a chair and we talked for about 5 minutes about him being traded to the Clippers. He wanted to read the article in the magazine as well. Super nice guy. Recently he was in an accident and is now paralized from the waste down. He was such a special ACC player back in the early 90's. That auto will stay in my collection forever.
Worst- Pete Rose. He was my all time favorite player growing up. I had him sign a picture and a ball. I told him he was my hero growing up and how honored I was to meet him. He didn't even look up or acknowledge I was there. He signed my ball and rolled it down the line to the guy who gave it to me. I will never forget how that made me feel. What a jerk. I saw the 30 for 30 about him signing in Las Vegas for income. No line and not many people caring about him or his auto. Seems like a fitting end for someone of his character.
Some of my best:
Bobby Orr - book signing last October, seemed grateful I was there to get his book (me and a bout a million others - 3.5 hour long line)Bill Rodgers (Boston and NYC marathon winner) - asked what I would like signed, was really concerned about the finished productNot sports related, but Aerosmith was awesome. Ended up on a near empty flight from Detroit to Boston in 1990. They were up in first class and sent word back via the FAs that they would be more than happy to sign, just not all at once. There were literally only 2 dozen people on the 767 (ah the days when it wasn't sardine airlines). The entire band was great, talking to us about our travels and stuff.Frank Malzone & Jim Lonborg - both took time to talk to my nephew about his baseball team, his position, etc.Rene Rancourt (Bruins anthem singer) - Absolutely fantastic. Every kid in line had the chance to wear his 2011 Stanley Cup ring.
Wouldn't necessarily call them bad experiences, but Reggie Lemelin and Gerry Cheevers seemed grumpy at their signings. Maybe its a goalie thing.Topps/OPC Hockey 1966-Present base sets
Nick
Reap the whirlwind.
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Best: Billy Sims
Worst: Dennis Rodman
My Sandberg topps basic set
My Sandberg Topps Master set
Edit for spelling...
Maury Wills and Stan Musial were ridiculously nice also. Human beings that apparently loved being around baseball fans. Theres others that are very nice, just those two stick out.
Worst was Dave Winfield. Basically acted like he hated being there(it was a card show), basically acknowledged none of the fans, and signed off center from the sweet spot.
Worst...Lynn swann. Still a diva and never really fit in with the blue collar Pitt area or teams image. Thats why it took him so long to make the HOF and he'll never be governor of PA.
Steve Young much the same way.
Neutral Joe Dimaggio very quiet but cannot complain it was a free event 1983 or so line was not to long but he took his time.Got an mlb ball singed and not knowing any better got it signed in blue sharpie pen along with blank 3 X 5 card.
Another Willie Mays give him a neutral as at a show got a Free one as he and the promoter were signing 8x10 photos and bought one and he actually singed it. Did not look at me as he handed it back surprised the promter allowed it and did not say a word about it.
Heard people would get upset with Mays as he would roll the ball back to them after he would sign it in felt pen that tends to bleed.
Worst: Randall McDaniel
First: Andy Tomberlin (Burlington Braves?) at a card shop in Monroe, NC. I think I paid $15. Ha!
Best (I have a couple): Halftime of a Davidson/UNC basketball game my Dad spotted Woody Durham and Eric Montross who were calling the game. We waited outside their "booth" area and asked for an autograph. They actually stopped their halftime prep to sign our programs and shake our hands. Really nice guys. Bonus was as we left we ran into Bobby Jones and got his autograph too.
It's not sports related but...The other time was front row at a BB King concert this past January. Joked with me and my wife during a couple of songs. After the concert he signed my poster and gave my wife a guitar pick.
Worst: Luckily I don't have any.
We came back with our older brother and Marty came over to sign my ball. The pen wouldn't work so he asked the same usher who kicked us out earlier for a pen, Awesome I'm sure the usher wanted to give me a boot in the a$$.
My worst Reggie Smith at a tri-star show. He wouldn't look at or acknowledge me. I was polite said hello sir how are you, Thank you and nothing. Yaz the same thing at a signing in 1987 at Wearguard.
My best Bobby Orr just a great guy. Bill Lee is always personable and like's to talk.
TTM becoming friends with some of the former athletes. Dave Baldwin & Mike Derrick. Vacationed with Mike and his family down in S.C.
Best.. Pam Anderson!
<< <i>It's not sports related but...The other time was front row at a BB King concert this past January. Joked with me and my wife during a couple of songs. After the concert he signed my poster and gave my wife a guitar pick. >>
That's awesome. BB seems like such a genuine, warm soul. I have seen him about 4 or 5 times in concert, although none in recent years. Glad to hear he treated you well
Even at 7-8 yo I was like whatever...youre a wrestler.
It's important to keep in mind everyone has off days. They're people too and you never know what is going on with the celebrity that particular day. But when you hear as many things as we've all heard about Willie Mays, then you begin to form an opinion...
Best Superstar: Tony Gwynn always makes an effort. He signs a ton but each time looks up, acknowledges you, and will interact. Class Guy
Best Overall: Mike Greenwell-Was at a card show in San Diego. Just such a super cool and talkative guy with everyone. This was in 1989 when he was one of the best players in baseball. I remember it was the day Bruce Hurst signed with the Padres, and I asked him if he heard. He hadn't and then went on and on about what a great city San Diego is and how he wishes he could play with the Padres too. Really cool stuff...
Not Great: Geddy Lee-He was doing a signing of his solo album in Orange County. The line was totally ridiculous. Was probably there 3 hours before I finally got to him. Geddy looked totally done with it and really like he hated being there. I have a picture in my office with him and it's kind of funny because I'm all smiley excited and he looks exhausted and irritated. But that's Geddy. He's a shy introverted guy so I frankly wasn't expecting him to be overly friendly.
Worst: Pete Rose. I see him at the Sports book at Caesers Palace a few times betting horses and dogs. I never approach him. I saw someone try to. He basically said "not out here. Come by the store." (At the time, he worked at a store in the Forum Shops in Caesers Palace signing stuff for a price-like 50 bucks). So he basically told the guy if you want an autograph, gotta pay the price.
TheClockworkAngelCollection
he barely looked up at me, but at least his sig was clean. still one of my all-time heroes. maybe just grumpy that morning from sleeping in a crappy hotel bed.
my best years were growing up at Dodger Stadium in the 60's, so it was always a friendly atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to get autographs, but i've retained so few of them and needed to replace some through other purchases.
but the memories of those years never fade. and i'll never get tired of sharing my story about chillin' in the dugout with Willie Davis.
Mays was pathetic. Apparently he had a few drinks before the session and very seldom looked up to acknowledge anyone.
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
also recalled a signing which took place at the same Spring Training event where we met Lackey before the Angels were to play the Royals that day.
a few Royals players were assembled near the batting cage and offered to sign a K.C. hat we were holding. one of those guys was Zack Greinke.
I had the chance to sit next to Harmon Killebrew on a flight from Cleveland to Phoenix a few years before he passed away. He was on his way home from a card show. We chatted for most fo the flight and very little about baseball. He was just a very humble, easy going guy.
A couple years ago, I found myself at a dinner sitting with Robin Yount and his wife. They were both very engaging and again very little about baseball. Just good stories from good people.
One of the weirdest was Dennis Rodman. I ran into Dennis in a bathroom in Dallas. It was at a sports bar and he was playing with San Antonio then. I was walking in and he was walking out. He stars at meet, looks me up and down, and says bring it on little man (I am over 6 feet but little to him). He was wearing fish net shirt and green hair. After I was done I found him again and had him sign the table tent at the restaurant as proof for my encounter. He took it signed and and never looked at me or said a word. He was surrounded by 3 blondes.
Rudest was Joe Garagiola. This was several years ago at a hospital fundraiser in Ohio and he was the honoree of the night. I ran into him early in the night and had a card of his in my jacket pocket in case I had a chance for a signature. I politely asked him for his signature as he was sitting alone at his dinner table before any food had arrived. He told me I was very rude and seemed to be in an agitated state. He did make up for it with story after story at the podium. He did sign the cards ultimately as well.
Collecting Tony Perez PSA and Rookie Baseball PSA
worst: bill kratzert and andy north were not the most pleasant of men when I encountered them in the '70s, although when compared to some of the stories in this thread they were not really that bad. admittedly, it must be tough for golfers who get hounded on their way to the first tee from the range or putting green given the concentration needed for a sport like golf.
best: johnny bower. some of you guys might not be familiar with the toronto maple leafs goalie of the '50s/60s, but he is a gem. in fact, every old-time hockey player I have ever encountered has been very pleasant.
great thread. eyebone
First: David Wells in 1987 at an Angels game while he was with Toronto.
Best: Chick Hearn (Lakers announcer). I used to have Lakers season tickets about 15 feet from where Chick would call the game. Every game I would stop to say hi to him, ask him about that night's match up, and most times ask him and Stu Lantz to sign my game ticket. I used to take my little sister to games a lot and he learned her name and would waive her over to talk to him before the games would start. I ended up with dozens of signed tickets, but more importantly got to know a really great, humble and gracious human being.
Worst: My childhood hero, Brian Downing. Albeit it was right after the Angels declined to resign him and he was picked up by Texas, but he was moody and barely looked up when I handed him a ball to sign. It bummed me out at the time, but as I got older, I just remind myself that I looked up to him as a player and how he was off the field shouldn't affect the memories I had of him playing ball. I still collect his stuff and have about 20 of his game used bats. If anyone has a game used jersey of him, please PM me.
Worst: around 1990 at a large show in Houston-Willie Mays, one of my all time favorites as a kid and fan growing up in the Bay Area. A complete jerk who wouldn't look up or respond to any questions.
To be honest, no direction, but...
1966-69 Topps EX+
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just not an autograph guy I guess. I always lose them. I remember he was much smaller than I ever would have guessed. Still he was a real class act. The funniest thing was is I sat about 2 rows from him during the game and recognized him right away. Not one person said anything to him during or after the game. He was in the third row and in the middle of the row. I don't think any person at this game knew who he was. This was about 1990. He had already won the Tour de France. Sports TV is a little different today I guess.
<< <i>Best: Bob Feller at a small regional show. What a class guy who loved to talk about life. You could mention just about any AL Player and he would give strengths and weaknesses at the plate. Great guy!
Worst: around 1990 at a large show in Houston-Willie Mays, one of my all time favorites as a kid and fan growing up in the Bay Area. A complete jerk who wouldn't look up or respond to any questions. >>
I met a 91 year old Feller and he was awesome!