Getting Autos at the Ballpark Question

thunderdan · September 16, 2009 2:46AM

Ok, so I really don't collect autos at all, but a friend of mine offered me a Diamond-club ticket to the Mariners/WhiteSox game tonight at Safeco. These seats are second row behind home plate, so it got me thinking that it might be fun trying to get an autograph from Griffey or Ichiro. I've been putzing around on the google and the internets for more information but having never done it before, I'd love to hear your views on a couple of questions:

1) Is batting practice the best time to get an auto?
2) What part of the field should I position myself before the game?
3) Are players open to signing jerseys? What should I have signed? card? baseball? (don't have an Ichiro or Griffey RC) Ticket stub? Will PSA grade any of the above that's signed?
4) Is it rude to try to get two baseballs signed? (not necessarily by the same player, say one of Griffey and one of Ichiro)?
5) What's the best way to approach Ozzie Guillen. lol.

Guess I could stop by the local card shop and pick up a jersey or a card to sign, but thought I'd see what others think...

Ahmanfan · September 16, 2009 3:27AM

Dan, griffey does not sign, and ichiro extremely rarely.

You might target someone else.
John

Elemenopeo · September 16, 2009 3:27AM

The one and only time I went autograph hunting in person was at a triple-A game in Charlotte... I went for the sole purpose of getting Jorge Cantu's auto for my '06 A&G set. Anyway, there was a gaggle of autograph hounds in the seats just behind the side of the dugout before the game... They'd ask players to sign as they walked past. I didn't see anyone sign anything other than cards or balls. The folks there, who obviously did this on a regular basis, said the rule was that players could sign autographs up until the national anthem.

thunderdan · September 16, 2009 3:33AM

<< Dan, griffey does not sign, and ichiro extremely rarely.

You might target someone else.
John >>

Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks. So, basically if you call out their name during batting practice they will simply ignore you? Is this what most of the stars do? I would have thought they would be more fan friendly, but like I said, I've had no exposure to this market whatsoever.

artistlost · September 16, 2009 3:39AM

Not counting this year, I would go to approx 12 games a year. Every game I would go early to batting practice to have some OML baseball's signed. Some players would go up and down the 1st and 3rd base line seats and sign other would sign out of the corner of the dug outs. You just need to wait and be very patient.

In 3 years of this I have only had luck getting 5 baseball's signed but I am very picky about who I would like to sign. Ie Aaron Hill, Miguel Cabrera, Roy Halladay, Troy Glaus and AJ Burnett. If you are not picky there is always someone on either team that will sign (i did once just miss Verlander signing my baseball...wish I would have been quicker that day.)

mathew

thunderdan · September 16, 2009 3:46AM

wow, sounds like there's a snowball's chance in hell that I'll be able to get a baseball signed by junior or ichiro. this is consistent with the high prices on ebay for ichiro's auto.

MeteoriteGuy · September 16, 2009 3:49AM

Guillen would likely sign through the mail, as most manager/coaches do.

mj23kg21 · September 16, 2009 5:21AM

I have gone to 12-15 games a year at the Metrodome in Minneapolis since the early 80's. I have found the best time to get autographs at the stadium is when the players are coming in to the stadium. If that isn't possible, get to the stadium when the gates are opening and run to a spot right in front of the dugout. It helps greatly if you have a young child who is in to it. In the past few years my two sons who are 4 and 7 have gotten at least 50 baseballs thrown up to them, autographs from many players including Joe Mauer, Josh Hamilton, Miguel Cabrera, Curtis Granderson, Prince Fielder, Bobby Abreu, Bert Blyleven, Magglio Ordonez, Mark Texeira, Gary Sheffield, Jim Thome, Tony Oliva, Harmon Killebrew and many others. Earlier this year Prince Fielder gave my older boy a game used bat. I have found Ichiro and Griffey Jr. to be almost impossible to get. We have never gotten Ichiro and we have only gotten Griffey Jr. twice and I got those many years ago. The key is to get to the park early, get the best spot by the dugout and be able to recognize the players. If you are not fussy and just want an autograph, that should not be a problem at all.

Dobie · September 16, 2009 6:32AM

Zero chance of the Griffey. I've been going to M's games since the late eighties and early ninteties, I never got Junior at the ballpark. He usually waves and then ignores you. I've seen Ichiro sign, it was during batting practice, and it was for some Japanese fans in right field while he was shagging balls. He doesn't shag balls often though.

M's players typically sign by the dugout during BP and prior to the game. Lots of players are willing to sign, so you shouldn't go home empty handed if you are patient.

I've had good results getting visiting players going down to field level along the third base line (away from the dugout) and asking players as they walk by. Usually not a lot of people there, so they'll sometimes stop and give you a quick auto.

WinPitcher · September 16, 2009 6:39AM

Players want to sign for the kids.

They generally will sign a program and maybe a ball.

Adults should step back and let the kids get the autos.

Steve

minnesotahusker · September 16, 2009 6:48AM

<< I have found the best time to get autographs at the stadium is when the players are coming in to the stadium. If that isn't possible, get to the stadium when the gates are opening and run to a spot right in front of the dugout. It helps greatly if you have a young child who is in to it. >>

Agreed on all accounts.

Back in my autograph hey days (early to mid 90s), I would go to the visiting team's hotel in Kansas City and get them while they were coming down for the bus ride to the stadium. Then I would haul to the stadium to beat the bus there and meet them as they got off the bus. Then there would be lag time until getting in for batting practice, so I would get a few Royals players as they showed up. Then when the gates opened for bp, I'd go down the right field line and wait for foul balls and players as they'd walk by. Then as bp winded down, I'd go to the dugout to get them as they came in from bp. Then after the game, right back out to the team bus and then back to the hotel. Not stalker material but darn close.

I got Griffey the night of the OJ chase. The bus had tvs on it and the players rushed to the bus to watch the chase. Griffey opened his window and was signing out the window.

Also got Griffey at the 1992 All Star Game as he arrived.

Good luck!

ripkenintheminors · September 16, 2009 6:56AM

Not the biggest stadium autograph seeker but here are a few things that stick out to me on the subject:

1. Some players genuinely want to sign but you have to remember they have a job to do.
2. Try to know the name of the player and not scream out their number over and over.
3. A please and thank you never go out of style.
4. Don't push or shove a kid.
5. Remember there are others wanting autographs as well.

PowderedH2O · September 16, 2009 6:57AM

I read somewhere back in the day that Ryne Sandberg would receive over 2 million fan letters requesting autographs per season in his prime, not to mention the requests he got at the stadium, or anywhere else he was at the time. Just the 2 million comes out to thousands of autographs per day. There is just no way to keep everyone happy. So I think a lot of them have that "why bother?" attitude. If Griffey signs 20,000 autographs at a game attended by 40,000, at least half go away empty handed. He can't win. I agree with the other posters, go for the lesser guys. I've gotten hundreds of them, and many of them later turned out to be big name guys (Kerry Wood, Vlad Guerrero, etc...).

Sam

NickM · September 16, 2009 7:08AM

Because it's a September game, there will be lots of rookies. Many of them will be a lot more willing to sign than veteran players. You never know which ones may hit it big.

Many of the coaches who are former major leaguers are willing signers - at this game, the only 2 who were stars were Harold Baines and John Wetteland, but several others were players.

Don't forget about broadcasters. Some will come down on the field before the game, and if you make your way after the game to the press box level and wait by the exit from the box, many are very good about signing. White Sox broadcasters include 4 former major leaguers - Ken Harrelson, Steve Stone, Darrin Jackson, and Ed Farmer. The Mariners have 2 - Mike Blowers and Julio Cruz.

An unusual collectible about the player is the most likely to be noticed, and usually most likely to get signed.

Unless you're putting together a team-signed baseball, don't use baseballs for anyone but the top stars. Get their cards signed if you can (though with the top stars, a baseball or jersey first is a better idea). Otherwise, a program, yearbook, or team photo makes a good substitute.

Ticket stubs tend to be a last-resort item, although if you're getting signatures after the game and the player reached a milestone of any sort, it can be a very good item. This is most likely at this time of year to be a rookie's first major league win, save, hit, HR, SB, etc.

Index cards used to be common, but MLB discourages players from signing them due to identity theft worries.

One other thing to consider is to make a "team sheet" by printing the team logo on a piece of paper, and then having players sign it (brace the sheet on a clipboard for signatures).

Nick

minnesotahusker · September 16, 2009 7:32AM

One other consideration as the season winds down. The last few weeks of the season are good times to get game used equipment. Many players hand out bats, batting gloves and wrist bands the last few homestands of the season. I saw bats leaving left and right the last homestand for the Royals back in 1992.

Maybe that's where the Royals bats have gone all these years.

thunderdan · September 16, 2009 7:51AM

This is all very helpful. Thanks everyone.

I'll head down two hours early for batting practice shortly and see what happens. Worst case I get to watch some batting practice. I don't know all the younger players on the Mariners, but will at least know first and last names.

Too bad I don't speak better Japanese as maybe that would get Ichiro's attention (a tall white guy speaking Japanese).

akuracy503 · September 16, 2009 7:56AM

<< Ok, so I really don't collect autos at all, but a friend of mine offered me a Diamond-club ticket to the Mariners/WhiteSox game tonight at Safeco. These seats are second row behind home plate, so it got me thinking that it might be fun trying to get an autograph from Griffey or Ichiro. I've been putzing around on the google and the internets for more information but having never done it before, I'd love to hear your views on a couple of questions:

1) Is batting practice the best time to get an auto?
2) What part of the field should I position myself before the game?
3) Are players open to signing jerseys? What should I have signed? card? baseball? (don't have an Ichiro or Griffey RC) Ticket stub? Will PSA grade any of the above that's signed?
4) Is it rude to try to get two baseballs signed? (not necessarily by the same player, say one of Griffey and one of Ichiro)?
5) What's the best way to approach Ozzie Guillen. lol.

Guess I could stop by the local card shop and pick up a jersey or a card to sign, but thought I'd see what others think... >>

I can chime in with my opinion being that I attend these Mariners Games...

First off Mariners batting practice happens before the doors open to the public so you are out of luck there.
Most players will sign anything unless they are high profile and have endorsement conflicts preventing them from doing so...in this case they are unlikely to approach and sign in the first place.

It's rude to squeeze your way into an autograph if you have multiple children around waiting to get items signed, let the kids go first.

Best way to approach Ozzie Guillen is to get lucky and see him crossing paths near your area...
Best place to get an auto is during White Sox batting practice, you'll see where players are accessible...either sides of the diamond along the first row is the best position.

It is highly unlikely you will come in contact to get Griffey or Ichiro to sign.
If you live in the area it is your best bet to go to promotional events where these players make appearances.

akuracy503 · September 16, 2009 8:09AM

The best way to optimize memorabilia is take your kids and sit along the right field wall where players shag balls....the kids will get PLENTY opportunities to get a ball from the players.

vladguerrero · September 16, 2009 9:18AM

I have lots of experience with this...

Let kids yell at the players for a auto but never a good thing for a adult, this usually causes them to steer clear, let the kids real them in.

Be polite and respectful, duh I know but trust me they notice.

Do some research, find some common links, something to talk about or something they'll find interesting.

Know their stats, something you can make them feel good about.

Batting practice is typically the only time you'll get signatures (including the pitchers running in/out when they shag balls), once the teams re-emerge from dugouts game over as the real game is underway.
I find 1b/3b lines the most successful (3b home, 1b away), around home plate is very hard as there is netting, and lots of stuff in the way.

When a player makes eye contact wish him good luck or something, keep your ball and pen visible but don't jam it in their face.

Bottom line, if players want to sign they will, if they don't they wont. Get a program and make sure you know everyones names.

...I've seem bullpen assistants to ball boys to security guards sign stuff and then have people turn to me and say who was that?

akuracy503 · September 16, 2009 12:25PM

<< I have lots of experience with this...

Let kids yell at the players for a auto but never a good thing for a adult, this usually causes them to steer clear, let the kids real them in.

Be polite and respectful, duh I know but trust me they notice.

Do some research, find some common links, something to talk about or something they'll find interesting.

Know their stats, something you can make them feel good about.

Batting practice is typically the only time you'll get signatures (including the pitchers running in/out when they shag balls), once the teams re-emerge from dugouts game over as the real game is underway.
I find 1b/3b lines the most successful (3b home, 1b away), around home plate is very hard as there is netting, and lots of stuff in the way.

When a player makes eye contact wish him good luck or something, keep your ball and pen visible but don't jam it in their face.

Bottom line, if players want to sign they will, if they don't they wont. Get a program and make sure you know everyones names.

...I've seem bullpen assistants to ball boys to security guards sign stuff and then have people turn to me and say who was that? >>

And that is the first step on how to be a bonafide stalker folks....good pointers Vlad

vladguerrero · September 16, 2009 1:39PM

<< 

<< I have lots of experience with this...

Let kids yell at the players for a auto but never a good thing for a adult, this usually causes them to steer clear, let the kids real them in.

Be polite and respectful, duh I know but trust me they notice.

Do some research, find some common links, something to talk about or something they'll find interesting.

Know their stats, something you can make them feel good about.

Batting practice is typically the only time you'll get signatures (including the pitchers running in/out when they shag balls), once the teams re-emerge from dugouts game over as the real game is underway.
I find 1b/3b lines the most successful (3b home, 1b away), around home plate is very hard as there is netting, and lots of stuff in the way.

When a player makes eye contact wish him good luck or something, keep your ball and pen visible but don't jam it in their face.

Bottom line, if players want to sign they will, if they don't they wont. Get a program and make sure you know everyones names.

...I've seem bullpen assistants to ball boys to security guards sign stuff and then have people turn to me and say who was that? >>

And that is the first step on how to be a bonafide stalker folks....good pointers Vlad >>

Hey where you the only guy to get a Kelvim Escobar signed ball because you knew about his Yoga routine?!!!

thunderdan · September 16, 2009 3:26PM

Got down there, hung literally over the dugout and when Junior came in from batting practice, he made a b-line right past me into the dressing room without autographing my ball. Well, it was worth a shot. I think if I had the benefit of an extra ticket and had brought my little girl along, things might have turned out different. Oh well, I still love watching Junior play anyway.

Getting Autos at the Ballpark Question

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