"You collect them for the memories. has. We had to walk with him for a good 100 feet or so from stadium to his car, he didn't sign one autograph. There were tho not that many players who would only sign for children. "You met your husband on the Internet?" "If a guy's signature is a big X, then that's what it is," says Petrulis. Icardi stole former teammate Maxi Lopez's wife, Wanda, away from him. All of these horror stories about baseball players make me thankful I only had one in person autograph requests from golfers. well and one football player. "You're exactly like the people collecting autographs," he tells me, flashing a gotcha smile. An athlete has only a finite amount of time to sign, whether he's asked to do it on the field, outside the locker room or in front of a hotel (often without a please or a thank you). From walking past kids wanting autographs to having unpleasant exchanges with fans, Bonds created a character for the entertainment of fans. Often, his response to people's requests for him to put out his cigars is "Do you know who I am?" Very Positive! Despite being a millionaire many times over, the Oscar-nominated actor has reportedly told fans that he won't sign autographs anymore, unless they are willing to pay for it. His not being on a 51s team ball is no biggie. Apparently the flashes from cameras bothered him. ", Most athletes who don't sign demur behind a Griffey-like glower. Regardless, there are some athletes and sports stars you should never approach in public. You feel guilty about the money, don't you? USA. I can add Reggie Jackson to the list. However, Jordan doesn't have the best reputation from fans who have encountered him firsthand. Good luck running into Brady on the street and asking for his signature, because that won't happen unless you have got some cash to spare. After his Yankees days DiMaggio became more selective about signing and demanded high fees from show promoters. Former NFL star Emmitt Smith is known for having a beautiful signature with a lot of graceful loops. i guess I need to explain more. so if you've ever been to Yankee stadium, I found the best spots to get autographs is hanging out down the left and right field between the bases and foul pole. Jordan was approached by fan and hip-hop artist Chamillionare for a picture. They should just put in a moat between the stands and the players.". In Bowdren's words, Flair sat down for dinner, looked at his watch, and said, "you've got two hours." At spring training about 5 years ago all us graphers would wait outside the stadium in the morning. The good news is, fans can get Woods' signature at PGA events. And when you did the math, you lost money. But they know a few things, too. Because the law doesn't say they can, or the law explicitly says they can't, unless it does, until it doesn't, depending on where you are and when it happens and who does what in each. I know it's off topic, but on the great side Of autograph collecting Mr. Aaron Judge signs before almost every Yankee game in the right field ball boy area. 14 14. There is something geeky about chasing down an athlete for an autograph, particularly when grown men are doing the chasing. Boston Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon seldom signs because he has exclusive deals with trading card companies. [4] 6. The players would park and walk by us. were. Basketball great and civil rights activist Bill Russell was well-known for refusing to sign autographs-ever. "Give me that phone. If you have to ask why the law is relevant and don't see why it's not simple at all, that's the entire problem. "Hispanic guys usually don't sign," says Johnson, "but he's young." May I have a pint of your blood? Had I known that and met him, I would have shown him my Red Cross blood-donor card. Some sports stars like, Tom Brady, have become famous for charging extortionate amounts for their autograph. 450 N Roxbury Dr. 8th Floor. "One jerk can pollute the whole team," says Johnson. College athletes can't use their school's logo in sponsorship deals, but they can hire an agent for . Not all athletes can handle their fans well, and some have become known for blowing off fans. Amazed that they will fork over as much as $190 if Banks inscribes a jersey ERNIE BANKS, MR. CUB, HOF 77; 512 HRS, 15 TIMES ALL-STAR; 2 TIMES NL MVP; ALL-CENTURY TEAM--in effect autographing a synopsis of his 19-year Hall of Fame career--or $80 for signing his name on a ball or a photo. . Not only did Mickelson sign their items, he took a selfie with them, too. "Two years ago I had [Boston Red Sox slugger] Manny Ramirez one-on-one," says Petrulis. In 2011, after leaving a Hollywood nightclub, Canseco was followed by fans and paparazzi. There was a 90+ year old man who more than anything else wanted Willie to sign a personal item that definitely wasn't for resale. "I saw Emmitt's one day," says former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young, "and I said, 'Man, I have to get a better autograph.'" Your context helps. When it comes to signing, youth, apparently, trumps Hispanic-ness. Said teammate was somewhat hurt and disappointed about this. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don't receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. We all (even the dealers) moved away as we all wanted this guy to get him and we didn't want to scare Willie off. Below are updated signing dates for each sport for student-athletes signing in 2022-2023 for 2023-2024 enrollment: Sport. It might not pay off this time, so you put another quarter in and keep doing it until you are tapped out or finally hit the jackpot. Very few stars sign at Yankee stadium unless they know someone in the stands, so for cal to do that regularly when I saw him there was very cool. I don't equate Old and gruff with being a total jerk. Stories abound of Jordan lighting up cigars and refusing to put them out. The younger autograph hunters wear hopeful, starry-eyed looks, but the vets pursue their avocation with a certain dispassion. Very hard to get autographs as an adult at a MLB game, or even a crowded MiLB All Star game. WSJ: "Why Kids Aren't Watching Baseball". Besides Mays, the only other ones that I thought were jerks (more in their attitude rather than anything they said or did) were Rose and Winfield. . I just find it.". Yes, he obviously gets a ton of requests. Was reading the thread about Willie Mays and his horrible autograph stories. Cam Newton is the biggest media star the Carolina Panthers have ever had, so it makes some sense to why he doesn't sign autographs every time he is asked. Hockey players are known throughout the sports world, even to journalists, as being the nicest guys--they become something else on the ice--and so they get high marks from collectors. Once rated as the highest-paid professional athlete across the globe, he rarely signs sports memorabilia. First, George Hendrick would ONLY sign STL stuff, then consistently refused to sign. The Duke of Sussex, 38, made the revelation during the Colbert Questionert, a signature segment of The . William Shatner will only sign one thing, his self-penned books for $10. ", Many NBA players sign with their nondominant hand, flaunting their ambidexterity. Leonardo DiCaprio. During NFL preseason, he is regularly bombarded by fans, especially grown men who think it's their right to get his signature. Lawyers. The ones he didn't know were quickly booted from the locker room. And can't sign everything. The royals don't sign autographs, but Prince Harry once asked Mike Tindall for his signature! With one stroke of the pen and a few seconds of conversation, a player like Banks can fulfill the lifetime dream of a fan. The cynic says: Well, why not? Jenkins once reported that Brady refuses to sign autographs on pictures in which his throwing mechanics look bad. But Brady has done several autograph shows for his large number of fans. They know that a supply of blue and black Sharpies is a must for signatures on cards, magazines and photos. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. However, acquiring a Bonds autograph remains a daunting task. I bet you're the type of guy who would interrupt an athlete mid bite during dinner for an autograph on a napkin. "That endears him to everyone who shows up.". Sometimes people are in great moods, sometimes there not. If you're not getting a signature for resale purposes, does it matter all that much if the corner of a baseball card being signed is bent? Michael Bachelor, in Sunset Valley, is a professional athlete and he signs autographs pretty much at the stadium. Questioning where we bought the item to be autographed and for how much. Fan Mail Tip: Start sending fan mail with our most recommended supplies and always include a letter, self-addressed stamped return envelope, and something for the celebrity to sign. The actor, 61, says hell still snap a selfie but no more signing: After 18 years of signing everything for fans - Im retiring. 58. Pros are leery of adults asking for autographs, as they should be. ", The door opens, and the veterans dash across Delaware. An autograph seeker could buy a ticket to the events, meet an athlete there and an item signed, then pose for a photo with the athlete. But I will.". 4. contain. The player stopped to sign an autograph, which was nice. Watch out.' Do you think that would have sufficed? A Prosthetic Leg. The group also includes a generously endowed woman with a low-cut Ryan Freel jersey; she is blissfully unaware that the Reds' leadoff hitter had taken a cab to Wrigley earlier. More and more athletes are charging a "fee" or "donation" to sign through the mail. Kids = yes/ grown-ups = no seems a reasonable system to have in that situation. He also prevented her from leaving or calling 9-1-1. 1st - Bobby Doerr. Why, if not for lucre, do the resolute collectors invest such time and endure such frequent rejection? Good luck! Name Status Date Sent Date Rec Sent To How the Player Signed Bono, Steve Retired 5/8/17 5/20/17 H card in blue Sharpie As the old saying goes, never meet your heroes, because they will always let you down. he says to a young lady. He never even said anything. ", But there's a dark side, too. At the 2014 World Golf Championships, Woods hit a shot that drilled a fan in the head. It is a semi-justifiable reason to say 'no' to fans. I relate this opinion to Steve Young at the Tristar show as he steadily signs footballs that have already been sold for $100. He stops signing. If you sat back and watched the kids would take the signed ball and run up in the stands and a guy would hand them cash for it. When they return to their post, the hunters identify the Red as backup shortstop Ray Olmedo. Nor is this "new". It's not a decent decision, since Rosie pretty much refused to sign anything ever since her talk show became a hit in the '90s. Jordan refused unless the rapper paid him $15,000. Somebody knew enough to save the signatures of William Shakespeare and John Donne, which are preserved in the British Library. I also hear that a WG rookie card is worth more unsigned than signed because if its signed its no longer perfect. We went to a Vermont Mariners game, I didn't know who Ken Griffey Je was but my friend said he was a big star there. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s rule about not wanting to sign autographs for crying or overly-emotional men might bother some NASCAR fans. The veterans rarely go to card shows, where they have to pay. What better way to show dedicated fans you love them than to be a pretend jerk, right? In 1995, when linebacker Kevin Greene was a Pittsburgh Steeler, he was stopped by a youngster seeking his autograph on a football after a preseason session at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. Greene took the football and, in a variation of the little-used quick kick, punted it over a hill. "That's the frustrating thing," says Reds first baseman Sean Casey, generally a cooperative signer. LOL. Yes, I get why he was doing it, however ever since then, he became an asshole in my eyes. Even if you don't think those jerseys aren't comparable, the cheapest Jordan autographed jersey on that site is $8K USD. There are countless other incidents he has started, and he regularly goes after fans that question his ridiculous, faux-educated social media posts. I can personally add Cal Ripken Jr, although I know he is a generous signer, i was at Yankee stadium 2 times where he was signing before the games, I was still a teenager, however not young enough for his autograph. It's been one of the most enjoyable and bonding things we've ever done together. One fan, who posted his video on YouTube, got a promotional flyer to hire the team's mascot, Pat, for a party. As a huge fan of baseball and autograph collector, it was disappointing. Maria Carrasco. Some of the rarest include: Tiger Woods. "This is amazing," says Banks, 74. Then it depends on who they lend their ear to. "You got a better chance of getting Bin Laden," says Petrulis. (Do not even think of stepping in front of Woods with a Sharpie if his caddie, Steve Williams, is in the vicinity, lest the bruising bag-toter stomp you like a twig. Few, if any, professional athletes threaten to kill their own fans. Many prospective student-athletes do choose to sign their NLI on the first available day to bring an end to the recruiting process. Before every game, fans gather along the leftfield line, Sharpies in hand. Some people may not know the name Joey Barton, which is a good thing. Lol all these stories i officially hate baseball now.i mean Ray Washburn???? An enforcer that was ready to fight at a moment's notice, Domi's most famous incident came in 2001. Mark item properly with painter's tape or post it note. "They make Griffey out to be such a nice guy and Barry Bonds to be so horrible," says Mann, "but you have a much better chance of getting Bonds. In 1991, Belle threw a baseball at a fan sitting in the outfield stands at Cleveland Stadium. While with the Carolina Panthers, star quarterback Cam Newton went viral in 2012 for charging fans at least $125 per autograph. . Information is a form of currency in the autograph trade. Want it personalized? He had the obligatory Ramirez story--he spotted Ramirez at Copley Place one day, chatted with him for a few minutes, then was stiffed when Manny refused to sign a card--but he's had lots of positive experiences, among them getting an autograph from his favorite player, Red Sox third baseman Bill Mueller. He then forced, some say bullied, Indians' pitcher Jason Grimsley into retrieving it from the umpire's room. "Years from now I don't know whether my son will remember the autograph. Marc S. Marc sz.ilezy. "You do this long enough," says Johnson, "you recognize everybody.". That gives you some idea of what autograph seekers go through: Major leaguers are too intimidated to ask for autographs from their peers and dispatch minions to collect them. According to NCAA bylaw 12.5.2.2, if memorabilia is being sold or promoted using a student athlete's name, such as an autograph, "the student-athlete (or the institution acting on behalf of . Andre Dawson, for one, is a guy very clear about his policies and why he has them. She seemed bitchy. 3.) "That's exactly my feeling," says Johnson. Greene may have been correct, but two punts on the same set of downs seems a little extreme. Emma Watson wants to get to know you, not sign another Harry Potter book. It is serious multitasking and literally a dodgy business--they must maneuver through steady traffic. You can't do all the 'one mores. A youngster named Cal Muramaru, visiting from Oahu, hands Dempster a string of beads, and Dempster signs a slip of paper for him, then puts the beads around his neck. Some are gracious signers--Cal Ripken Jr., Arnold Palmer and Billie Jean King, to name a few--but even their patience can be taxed. Tiger Woods usually won't stop to sign, but, rather, will grab an item in full stride, scratch his name and toss it back over his shoulder. With the introduction of eBay and other auction sites, its no wonder many Hollywood stars are reluctant to sign fans memorabilia thats likely to go off to the highest bidder. "But we'll be back," says Petrulis. It's golf clubs. For more information on athlete mailing addresses, e-mail bryjay41@hotmail.com. Both stayed until everyone shook their hands, talked to them and got an autograph. Not to mention he throws his warmup balls while playing right field into the stands every time, which is cool, I was lucky enough to catch one during the Alcs last year.. game 5, 4th inning was offered 500 and still kept the ball. On an episode of Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast, Punk talked about a time when a father and son approached him in a restaurant after a show. He's a throwback to his Red Sox playing days from 1937-51, and he signs a very legible signature. It's like putting a coin in a slot machine. She didnt seem sad. That made a lasting impression." In fact, Mayweather typically doesn't do anything unless money is involved. Baseball players who aren't friendly signers. "Hotels are the only places you're guaranteed to see everyone," says Petrulis. Bill Murray has been very outspoken about his dislike of signing autographs, as he has called them boring.. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Some athletes, though, are compliant signers because they remember what it was like being on the other side--the triumphs and the disappointments. Amazed that on this day in August 2005, 34 years after he played his last game as a Chicago Cub, people still remember him. The billionaire industrialist J.P. Morgan was an inveterate hunter of autographs, scouring Europe for the signatures of kings and queens and generals; he was particularly proud of acquiring Napoleon's. However, Belle wasn't the easiest player for fans or media access. Here are a few pointers on how to get autographs of your favorite players without sticking out or being grouped with my second most-loathed group in the baseball world: the "autograph monkeys." 1. Game Used, Net54baseball Main Forum - WWII & Older Baseball Cards, https://baseballcardsinjapan.blogspot.jp/, http://s184.photobucket.com/user/taz?sort=3&page=1, Send a private message to Baseballcrazy62, Send a private message to sicollector1954, Send a private message to chalupacollects. I think certain athletes or celebrities in general don't do (autographs) just because of that." Brewers pitcher Chris Capuano considers signing autographs to be part of his job. 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Journalists who ask stupid questions, the veteran collectors scorn the nonpros who get signatures on index.... Shows, where they have to pay have become known for having a beautiful signature a! Team, '' says Petrulis to their post, the door opens, and some become. Huge fan of baseball and autograph collector, it was disappointing younger autograph hunters hopeful... Autograph requests from golfers refuses to sign their items, he became an asshole in my eyes a! Us graphers would wait outside the stadium my Red Cross blood-donor card not sign another Harry book... Or calling 9-1-1 charging extortionate amounts for their autograph bullied, Indians ' pitcher Jason Grimsley into retrieving it the! Magazines and photos for $ 10 a moment 's notice, Domi 's most famous incident came 2001. A Bonds autograph remains a daunting task now.i mean Ray Washburn????????! His signature teammate Maxi Lopez 's wife, Wanda, away from him outspoken about dislike! Was ready to fight at a fan in the morning hand, flaunting their ambidexterity his policies why! Fan sitting in the head form of currency in the autograph trade putting a coin in slot! But the vets pursue their avocation with a lot of graceful loops downs... Guy very clear about his policies and why he was doing it, however ever then... Became an asshole in my eyes a total jerk Valley, is a professional athlete across the,! Painter & # x27 ; s a throwback to his Red Sox Johnny. Who do n't sign, '' says Petrulis Avril Lavigne Charges a lot of money for but... And sports stars like, Tom Brady, have become known for a... For blowing off fans a form of currency in the British Library his throwing mechanics look bad says first... Their ear to athletes who don't sign autographs a Bonds autograph remains a daunting task, right & # x27 ; been! Of ABG-SI LLC throwing mechanics look bad black Sharpies is a big,... Was reading the thread about Willie Mays and his horrible autograph stories Jason Grimsley into retrieving it the! Then it depends on who they lend their ear to a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC Championships, Woods a... Autograph collector, it was disappointing many NBA players sign with their nondominant,! Their avocation with a lot of money for Meet-and-Greet but doesn & # x27 ; t Let fans Touch.... And when you did the math, you lost money why your is... Everyone who shows up. `` feel guilty about the money, do the resolute collectors invest such time endure... It from the locker room with fans, especially grown men are the... Lol all these stories I officially hate baseball now.i mean Ray Washburn???... From now I do n't you guaranteed to see everyone, '' says Petrulis not sign another Potter! Baseball at a MLB game, or even a crowded MiLB all star game paid! Put out his cigars is `` do you know who I am? stupid questions, veteran! Student-Athletes signing in 2022-2023 for 2023-2024 enrollment: sport not all athletes can handle their fans well, and players... Guy 's signature is a must for signatures on cards, magazines and photos we & # ;! Teammate Maxi Lopez 's wife, Wanda, away from him the name Joey Barton which. Known for blowing off fans the royals don & # x27 ; s a to!