What's your stance on later in life autographs?

[mschwade]

I was looking at an autograph of "Bullet Joe" Bush from later in his life and it was very, very shaky. I've also seen the same of Mark Koenig as well.

Some guys these days refuse to sign as they get up there in age, see Neil Armstrong. To me, I'll still enjoy a shaky autograph just as much. I like when a person takes pride in signing their name for you and would do anything to fulfill your request. I've received two autographs TTM in the last six months that were very shaky handwriting-- and I was just so thrilled to receive anything back from them.

Would you rather these guys call it a quits and stop signing at some point or would you like them to continue as long as they're capable to put pen to paper?

[GrayGhost]

Id take em. I think its cool they still try to make someone happy, even when old and frail

[bender07]

I actually don't like the post illness/late in life autograph since it's not how I want to remember these guys. I prefer autographs from their playing days, especially guys from the 30's to the 50's. There's just something cool about a kid (or adult) trying to obtain their heroes autograph not for resale or future cash value but for a connection with the ball player.

With all of that said, I never considered the coolness factor that these guys still try to sign for their fans regardless of their failing health (King Karl and Buck Leonard jump to mind). Great topic.

[mr2686]

Sometimes they're all you can ever find, but either way I don't mind them at all.

[scmavl]

I kind of like them. I appreciate that these guys that played 50+ years ago still embrace their younger days. I have a few shaky Musials (including the one on his RC) that I really love. A shaky Duke Snider too.

[Jerry G]

I was very happy when I received the elderly Mr. Chico's autograph through the mail, but when I saw his interesting and unique vintage signature on eBay I had to have them both.

I wouldn't mind having one of those shakey Cy Young's either.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by bender07

I actually don't like the post illness/late in life autograph since it's not how I want to remember these guys. I prefer autographs from their playing days, especially guys from the 30's to the 50's. There's just something cool about a kid (or adult) trying to obtain their heroes autograph not for resale or future cash value but for a connection with the ball player.

With all of that said, I never considered the coolness factor that these guys still try to sign for their fans regardless of their failing health (King Karl and Buck Leonard jump to mind). Great topic.

Another aspect to consider, mostly for the players who weren't big stars is that it often makes them happy too.

I saw a talk by a guy that made a documentary on 6day bicycle racers. Most of the guys were young in the 30's, when it was a big deal. The top riders made more than nearly every baseball player, and the very best made more than Ruth. But the sport took a huge hit from WWII and never really recovered. When he interviewed some of the guys they started cautiously, but even guys who said they'd only give him a few minutes ended up talking about the old days for hours. All of them were very happy to be remembered.
(Many of them hadn't even been asked about their career by family!)

Steve B

[MacDice]

I am amazed at how much Hank Aaron's signature has changed over the last few years. I would have a hard time telling what is authentic and what is not if I did not see it signed in person.

[Mr. Zipper]

Generally I have no issue with later in life autographs. I have a mark Koenig signed Ron Lewis print that is extremely shaky.

That said, I would try to avoid one if a younger, more fluid signature is available for the same price or less. The Steiner Hank Aaron balls come to mind. Aaron's signature is now a giant cartoonish parody of his younger signature. Why pay a ton for one from Steiner when you can get an earlier sig for much less?