Guys like this are a big reason I stopped seeking autographs years ago…I didn’t want to be lumped in the same group as these losers. Same idea behind quitting newscasting, too.
as a member of the Ho Ho Kams (we do Cubs spring training in Mesa Az) I have seen this too many times.
One year one of the younger Cubs (who was not playing that day) got two folding chairs and set them under the shade tree just past the 1st base bleachers at Ho Ho Kam Park.. He sat and signed autographs (for kids).
Every time it was, “What is your name? What do you like about baseball?” for every kid that came up for a signature. He then signed what ever they had with; " To (kid’s name) " and then “his signature”. this went on for about a half an hour until a ‘professional autograph seller’ came up. He bought a case of baseballs and a couple of bats. the player signed the first baseball with the guys name and his own signature. The guy got very upset that the player was ruining the ball with something other than just the his autograph.
The player suggested that the guy go visit Fergie Jenkins Foundation booth and pay ($20 each) for the signatures he wanted to resell at a profit (for himself). Then the autograph seller got mad and accused the player of ’ruining the game of baseball." A Ho Ho Kam
I know some fine adult autograph collectors (though they deal in fields other than sports) and I’m sure they’d agree, it’s all about respecting the person who’s autograph you’re seeking. And that means being willing to pay, among other things (though there are some greedy asshats who’s fees are absurd and they’ll just live without that autograph). These cheesy resellers have no respect for anyone or anything.
Was a time when autograph collecting was innocent fun, now days people just want to make money off the celebrity. Totally understand why the celebs have grown cold.
My cousin’s son had to do a letter writing campaign for school about 5 years back. They had to write at least 3 people and were graded on following the letter style guidelines. He chose to ask for autographs and wrote to a (baseball) Cardinal, Peyton Manning and a (hockey) Blues player. The Blues guy sent him a signed autograph and so did few of his teammates. The Cards sent a team photo, all signed. Never heard back from Manning.
BTO almost 8 years ago
Sad but true.
drivingfuriously Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Adult autograph seekers, bad. And strange.
Guilty Bystander almost 8 years ago
Guys like this are a big reason I stopped seeking autographs years ago…I didn’t want to be lumped in the same group as these losers. Same idea behind quitting newscasting, too.
dbrintonjr almost 8 years ago
only so true and so sad.
as a member of the Ho Ho Kams (we do Cubs spring training in Mesa Az) I have seen this too many times.
One year one of the younger Cubs (who was not playing that day) got two folding chairs and set them under the shade tree just past the 1st base bleachers at Ho Ho Kam Park.. He sat and signed autographs (for kids).
Every time it was, “What is your name? What do you like about baseball?” for every kid that came up for a signature. He then signed what ever they had with; " To (kid’s name) " and then “his signature”. this went on for about a half an hour until a ‘professional autograph seller’ came up. He bought a case of baseballs and a couple of bats. the player signed the first baseball with the guys name and his own signature. The guy got very upset that the player was ruining the ball with something other than just the his autograph.
The player suggested that the guy go visit Fergie Jenkins Foundation booth and pay ($20 each) for the signatures he wanted to resell at a profit (for himself). Then the autograph seller got mad and accused the player of ’ruining the game of baseball." A Ho Ho Kam
leons1701 almost 8 years ago
I know some fine adult autograph collectors (though they deal in fields other than sports) and I’m sure they’d agree, it’s all about respecting the person who’s autograph you’re seeking. And that means being willing to pay, among other things (though there are some greedy asshats who’s fees are absurd and they’ll just live without that autograph). These cheesy resellers have no respect for anyone or anything.
BeniHanna6 Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Was a time when autograph collecting was innocent fun, now days people just want to make money off the celebrity. Totally understand why the celebs have grown cold.
water_moon almost 8 years ago
My cousin’s son had to do a letter writing campaign for school about 5 years back. They had to write at least 3 people and were graded on following the letter style guidelines. He chose to ask for autographs and wrote to a (baseball) Cardinal, Peyton Manning and a (hockey) Blues player. The Blues guy sent him a signed autograph and so did few of his teammates. The Cards sent a team photo, all signed. Never heard back from Manning.