The Yogi Berra Experience

[sb1]

Although I don't collect autographs( the only one's I used to were Maris and Nellie Fox, no idea why), I used to do a lot of shows. One of the worst signing reactions I observed was at a small local show where a lot of Negro leaguers were signing(I think Dennis Biddle organized them), included many stars of the 1940 and 1950's. Also signing were a few ex MLer's mostly HOFers. So they announce the arrival of the Negro leaguers, they walk in a nice procession, the dealers and crowd all stands, claps and gives them their due. Gibson is seated at a table signing, does not get up, never even looks up, many of the honored Negro league signers were less than impressed and declared without them, he would not be setting where he was signing for much more than they. I believe they were signing for free, but paid by the promoter, where as Gibson was getting carte blanche, first class accommodations and getting paid to sign.

[1963Topps Set]

Originally Posted by sb1

Although I don't collect autographs( the only one's I used to were Maris and Nellie Fox, no idea why), I used to do a lot of shows. One of the worst signing reactions I observed was at a small local show where a lot of Negro leaguers were signing(I think Dennis Biddle organized them), included many stars of the 1940 and 1950's. Also signing were a few ex MLer's mostly HOFers. So they announce the arrival of the Negro leaguers, they walk in a nice procession, the dealers and crowd all stands, claps and gives them their due. Gibson is seated at a table signing, does not get up, never even looks up, many of the honored Negro league signers were less than impressed and declared without them, he would not be setting where he was signing for much more than they. I believe they were signing for free, but paid by the promoter, where as Gibson was getting carte blanche, first class accommodations and getting paid to sign.

I am presuming you are referring to Bob Gibson?

[sb1]

yes, Bob Gibson.

[1963Topps Set]

Bob Gibson was prickish when I met him, but he did signed as I wanted.

[Kzoo]

Around 2004 at a Cardinals spring training game in Jupiter, FL., Bob Gibson came over to some fans along the right field foul line to sign some autographs. I was second in line and had his '59 Topps rookie card ready. When he saw it, he flat out refused to sign it. His reasoning when I asked him was 'that's card show stuff' (He wanted the $$). Was it that big of a deal?

[murphusa]

Originally Posted by 1963Topps Set

Bob Gibson was prickish when I met him, but he did signed as I wanted.

he told me, "I don't write books"

[packs]

I remember when I was a kid Bob Gibson came to White Plains. It was the same show as Tom Seaver. Seaver, like I said, invited me behind the table, asked me my name and took a nice photo with me. Even though Bob gave me a pretty solid autograph, the photo of me and Bob is of me standing on one side of the table while Bob stares at the floor.

[1963Topps Set]

I was never into having a photo taken with a player. All I want is a personalized autographed photo, and then I am out of there!