Posted By:
Corey R. ShanusAll things being equal, I would certainly prefer an autograph signed when the player was active as opposed to after he had retired, and I strongly suspect it would have a greater value as well. For example, suppose there are two single-signed Babe Ruth baseballs (identical in terms of condition of the ball, authenticity and darkness of the signature) up for auction, one proven to be signed in 1927, the other in 1946? I'd be shocked if the one from 1927 didn't sell for considerably more.