What's your most prized autograph and why?

[mschwade]

What's your most prized autograph? It might be because it's value, it might be because of the story of how you got it, it might be a relative, it could be anything. Everyone has a few they love more than all the others.

Here's mine.. My Babe Ruth I purchased last year from the original owner who got it as an 11 year old boy. Have a letter from him and the article from his local newspaper about when he got it.

I've wanted to own a Babe Ruth autograph for so long and last year I had the opportunity to purchase one after selling my 1935 Ohio State-Michigan program that was signed by practically the whole 1935 OSU team. I was sad to give up such a nice program, but it allowed me to add the piece to my collection that I had been longing for since I began collecting.

[Lordstan]

That is an awesome Ruth. Congrats.
I'll post my favorite later when I get home.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[39special]

My '58 Topps Carl Furillo.We lived in the same area.My grandfather and dad knew him.I was 13 when he signed my card in his driveway.Being that age and having someone that played for those great Dodger teams sign a card
and talk to me blew me away.That was also my first vintage card I bought.
Looking at that card brings back alot of great memories of my childhood.I've
had that card for 32 years this month.It's the only card I will never get rid of.

[RichardSimon]

This has been shown here before but you cannot beat it for the content of the letter and the overall greatness of this man.
Just read it.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

This has been shown here before but you cannot beat it for the content of the letter and the overall greatness of this man.
Just read it.

Wow. That is simply one of the greatest, most sincere letters I've read from a ball player. Simply amazing.

[David Atkatz]

And, Hank never juiced!

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

And, Hank never juiced!

Good for you David.

[David Atkatz]

It has nothing to do with me. Good for Hank.

[David Atkatz]

Given to me in 1966 by Mimmie's sister--an incredibly kind woman.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Given to me in 1966 by Mimmie's sister--an incredibly kind woman.

Very nice graph. Can't wait to own a Gehrig signed Goudey someday.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

That is an awesome Ruth. Congrats.
I'll post my favorite later when I get home.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Thank you! Looking forward to hearing and seeing everyone's favorites.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by mschwade

Thank you! Looking forward to hearing and seeing everyone's favorites.

Matt awesome Babe as well. Sorry with what you had to part with, but then again, can't really go wrong with what you have. Gorgeous auto. Hopefully you can even upgrade and get a signed photo or ball.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Given to me in 1966 by Mimmie's sister--an incredibly kind woman.

Everything about this picture screams GREAT. Great pose and beautiful bold blue ink!

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

This has been shown here before but you cannot beat it for the content of the letter and the overall greatness of this man.
Just read it.

Actually, the envelope might be my favorite part!!!

[GrayGhost]

I don't have any of this kind of stuff, sadly, but keep these coming. What a GREAT thread among all the recent garbage autograph stuff

[T206Collector]

The Greenberg letter reminds me of one of my favorites, which I've shared on here a few times.

A couple of years ago I really lucked into this grouping of Fred Snodgrass autographs, including a signed T206. The autograph was obtained through the mail by legendary autograph collector John Wagner. The entire package included the letter, the return envelope, a signed T206, and a photograph signed on the back by Snodgrass. All of them are referenced in the letter, including the "Cigarette Photo card" (aka T206). And, you even get a really great bit of military content in the p.s. section.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

The Greenberg letter reminds me of one of my favorites, which I've shared on here a few times.

A couple of years ago I really lucked into this grouping of Fred Snodgrass autographs, including a signed T206. The autograph was obtained through the mail by legendary autograph collector John Wagner. The entire package included the letter, the return envelope, a signed T206, and a photograph signed on the back by Snodgrass. All of them are referenced in the letter, including the "Cigarette Photo card" (aka T206). And, you even get a really great bit of military content in the p.s. section.

Paul, I remember reading that multiple times on your site, very neat connection between player and collector. Love those.

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

The Greenberg letter reminds me of one of my favorites, which I've shared on here a few times.

A couple of years ago I really lucked into this grouping of Fred Snodgrass autographs, including a signed T206. The autograph was obtained through the mail by legendary autograph collector John Wagner. The entire package included the letter, the return envelope, a signed T206, and a photograph signed on the back by Snodgrass. All of them are referenced in the letter, including the "Cigarette Photo card" (aka T206). And, you even get a really great bit of military content in the p.s. section.

Simply awesome...in the true sense of the word.

[bender07]

My great uncle was a big time baseball fan. He lived in Syracuse and would go down to cooperstown for the inductions in the late 60's/early 70's. Back then you could walk right into the Otesaga hotel and hang (drink) with the players. There's no one earth shattering on here but i like to think of uncle chuck knocking back some cold ones as he got these autos.

[39special]

Originally Posted by bender07

My great uncle was a big time baseball fan. He lived in Syracuse and would go down to cooperstown for the inductions in the late 60's/early 70's. Back then you could walk right into the Otesaga hotel and hang (drink) with the players. There's no one earth shattering on here but i like to think of uncle chuck knocking back some cold ones as he got these autos.

Awesome stuff M@rk!!!

[mr2686]

I don't have any "one" prized autograph, but I do have a prized autographed item. My 1988 50th Anniversary Hall Of Fame book signed (currently) by 68 HOF'ers including 20 that are deceased. The main thing for me is that I only get the book signed in person, so I've met everyone that's signed it. Every time I look at it I remember something about each player...thinking that both Gary Carter and Carlton Fisk would be jerks and then ending up talking to each for about 5 minutes about baseball, and becoming a big fan of both. Watching Sparky Anderson, obviously slowed by age, look at the page with his 75-76 Reds for what seemed like several minutes and then watching him break in to a big smile when I said that those were some great teams. Meeting Brooks Robinson, probably the nicest hof'er I've ever met. Watching Mickey Mantle light up an entire room as he entered and then finding myself turn in to an eight year old boy when shaking his hand. Last but not least, talking with Duke Snider as he was about to become the first to sign my book, and wiithout me asking, he hands me his HOF ring to try on. These are the times I really love this hobby.

[bender07]

Originally Posted by 39special

Awesome stuff M@rk!!!

I also like that my uncle had a pal named 'Frenchy'...classic

[HRBAKER]

Not bc of value, they are not close to the most valuable I have but they each have a story. The first fairly new one is a Upper Deck sheet that I mailed to each of the players pictured along with a Sharpie. So it went out and came back 5 times with no damage, no one kept it, no one signed with a different color pen, etc. It turned out great.



The second one is a piece I had made with a scorecard that Roger Maris signed in 1967.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by bender07

My great uncle was a big time baseball fan. He lived in Syracuse and would go down to cooperstown for the inductions in the late 60's/early 70's. Back then you could walk right into the Otesaga hotel and hang (drink) with the players. There's no one earth shattering on here but i like to think of uncle chuck knocking back some cold ones as he got these autos.

Well heck, you have Pie Traynor on their! Fairly tough auto, very nice piece

[mr2686]

Jeff, I love that Maris piece. Really well done!

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by mschwade

What's your most prized autograph? It might be because it's value, it might be because of the story of how you got it, it might be a relative, it could be anything. Everyone has a few they love more than all the others.

Here's mine.. My Babe Ruth I purchased last year from the original owner who got it as an 11 year old boy. Have a letter from him and the article from his local newspaper about when he got it.

I've wanted to own a Babe Ruth autograph for so long and last year I had the opportunity to purchase one after selling my 1935 Ohio State-Michigan program that was signed by practically the whole 1935 OSU team. I was sad to give up such a nice program, but it allowed me to add the piece to my collection that I had been longing for since I began collecting.

That's a terrific story to go with a great Ruth autograph, Matt. Hard to beat having an old newspaper article and letter tying it all together!

Originally Posted by Lordstan

That is an awesome Ruth. Congrats.
I'll post my favorite later when I get home.

And although my dear friend Mark has about a gazillion autographs, I have a hunch on what his favorite is going to be. It also happens to be displayed in a terrific piece of folk art as well.

Here's mine. Gehrig and Ruth are my main collecting focus and my name is Jimmy, so that makes this a pretty easy choice for me...

gehrigjimmyAUTO.jpg

gehrigjimmycloseup.jpg

[Exhibitman]

This is my favorite, 1951 Ringside signed by my cousin Ray Miller:



I have several things signed by Ray. Here is his 1951 Ringside contract from the Topps Vault:



A letter with interesting card-related content:





This would be the most prized autograph, 1930s PC of Young Perez:



Victor "Young" Perez was a flyweight champ of Tunisian descent who lived in France. Come WWII, as a Jew he was betrayed to the Nazis and sent to the Auschwitz death camp in Poland where he was forced to fight gladiatorial contests for the amusement of the guards. If he won, he was fed. If he lost, he would be executed. He never lost. He was finally murdered during a death march near the end of the war when he shared some bread with a fellow prisoner in defiance of a guard's orders. Needless to say, his autographs don't come easy.

[bender07]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

This is my favorite, 1951 Ringside signed by my cousin Ray Miller:

Looks like referees back then were ready to rumble at the drop of a hat!

[Lordstan]

And although my dear friend Mark has about a gazillion autographs, I have a hunch on what his favorite is going to be. It also happens to be displayed in a terrific piece of folk art as well.

Jimmy,
I'm not sure I have a gazillion. I may have to count again.
My 2 favorites fall in to 2 categories.

First is my favorite item from a "collecting" standpoint.
Lou Gehrig sig in hand made frame. As Jimmy said Folk art as well as baseball. You can see from the matting, it is handmade.





From a personal standpoint it's this.


These are two matchbooks from Bookbinders restaurant in Philly. They are signed by Warren Spahn.
In the early 80's, he appeared at a card show at the Bethlehem hotel. On Sat night after the show Mr. Spahn wanted to go to a nice dinner. He decided he wanted to go to Bookbinders. Two of the men organizing the show, Al Wexler and Dale Deibert were going to accompany/drive him down to Philly.. Somehow, this 16 year old kid was also sent along.
During the hour long drive and dinner, he was absolutely fantastic to be with. He told stories and was super funny.
When we got to the restaurant it was packed. The three of us discussed what we would do if we couldn't get a table.
Well it wasn't an issue.
We walked in the door and the Maitre'd yelled out across the din Mr Spahn, Mr Spahn. How are you? Do you want a table? Mr Spahn answered Yes, and called his name, though I don't remember it now.
We walked right past everybody waiting, probably 20-30 people, and were seated immediately. All the while, the Matre'd was telling him how long it had been since he had visited and how happy he was to see him again. Mr Spahn returned the niceties in kind.
It was a fantastic evening. The food was great, although I admit to not remembering what I ate. I was so in awe of sitting and talking with him that a lot of the details are a blur.
On the way out, I picked up a couple of matchbooks which he signed for me as a memento.
It was certainly one of the best experiences of my collecting life.
RIP Mr Spahn.

[Scott Garner]

Great story about Spahnie, Mark!

[39special]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

And although my dear friend Mark has about a gazillion autographs, I have a hunch on what his favorite is going to be. It also happens to be displayed in a terrific piece of folk art as well.

Jimmy,
I'm not sure I have a gazillion. I may have to count again.
My 2 favorites fall in to 2 categories.

First is my favorite item from a "collecting" standpoint.
Lou Gehrig sig in hand made frame. As Jimmy said Folk art as well as baseball. You can see from the matting, it is handmade.





From a personal standpoint it's this.


These are two matchbooks from Bookbinders restaurant in Philly. They are signed by Warren Spahn.
In the early 80's, he appeared at a card show at the Bethlehem hotel. On Sat night after the show Mr. Spahn wanted to go to a nice dinner. He decided he wanted to go to Bookbinders. Two of the men organizing the show, Al Wexler and Dale Deibert were going to accompany/drive him down to Philly.. Somehow, this 16 year old kid was also sent along.
During the hour long drive and dinner, he was absolutely fantastic to be with. He told stories and was super funny.
When we got to the restaurant it was packed. The three of us discussed what we would do if we couldn't get a table.
Well it wasn't an issue.
We walked in the door and the Maitre'd yelled out across the din Mr Spahn, Mr Spahn. How are you? Do you want a table? Mr Spahn answered Yes, and called his name, though I don't remember it now.
We walked right past everybody waiting, probably 20-30 people, and were seated immediately. All the while, the Matre'd was telling him how long it had been since he had visited and how happy he was to see him again. Mr Spahn returned the niceties in kind.
It was a fantastic evening. The food was great, although I admit to not remembering what I ate. I was so in awe of sitting and talking with him that a lot of the details are a blur.
On the way out, I picked up a couple of matchbooks which he signed for me as a memento.
It was certainly one of the best experiences of my collecting life.
RIP Mr Spahn.

Great Spahn auto.I know Al.He told me that story.Great story!I still deal with
Al.He has alot of great stories!!!!

[ss]

Two of the tougher 1919 Black Sox:

[Deertick]

First the facts (then the story):

This matchbook cover has been in my family since the signature was obtained by my Great Uncle in 1945. It was signed by Double X while inside a bar outside of Shibe Park. It was then given to my Uncle, who put it in a scrapbook until 1985, when it was given to me.

Now, the family story:

I was told when it was given to me (and my dad has corroborated), that my Grandfather always said that his brother encountered Jimmie Foxx in the bar drinking beer BETWEEN GAMES of a double header and that Foxx subsequently hit a homerun in the second game. Both my Uncle and Dad said this behaviour, while not condoned, was not uncommon "Back in the day". IF this account is true, through the magic of the interwebs, I was able to pinpoint when this would have occurred.
(Edit: I got clarification to the story. Signature was obtained by my Great Uncle (not grandfather) after the game. He said the bar was on 22nd or 23rd and Lehigh, and he is trying to remember the name. But he was sure of the year and the HR in the 2nd game of the DH.)

Still cool to be able to pinpoint the day, just not as salacious.


Wed. June 6, 1945

First game

Phillies lost to the Boston Braves 15-1
Foxx went 2-4 with a strikeout

Second game

Phillies lost 7-3
Foxx went 2-4 with a HR and a walk, 1 RBI
This would have been his 530th career HR and 1900th RBI
This was the only Homerun that he hit during the 2nd game of a doubleheader at home in 1945.

[Tedw9]

Great topic with awesome responses. I've enjoyed reading each and every one of them, thanks for sharing.

This was a tough one for me, because I have several "favorite" autographs for different reasons. But this one has a special place in my collection just because he took the time to write me back.

Back in '03 some friends and I were talking Red Sox during our morning break. One of the guys asked me if I knew why they called it the "Pesky Pole", which I had no idea. I figured who better to ask than the man himself, Mr. Johnny Pesky. I NEVER thought he would write me back, but I had to at least try.

When I got a reply back, I was pretty excited. The Pesky Pole is such a big part of Fenway and to have the story behind it told to me from Mr. Pesky himself, well, that's pretty special to me.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Tedw9

Great topic with awesome responses. I've enjoyed reading each and every one of them, thanks for sharing.

This was a tough one for me, because I have several "favorite" autographs for different reasons. But this one has a special place in my collection just because he took the time to write me back.

Back in '03 some friends and I were talking Red Sox during our morning break. One of the guys asked me if I knew why they called it the "Pesky Pole", which I had no idea. I figured who better to ask than the man himself, Mr. Johnny Pesky. I NEVER thought he would write me back, but I had to at least try.

When I got a reply back, I was pretty excited. The Pesky Pole is such a big part of Fenway and to have the story behind it told to me from Mr. Pesky himself, well, that's pretty special to me.

Sweet letter!!

[HexsHeroes]

.


It's not the most valuable, or the most prized autograph in my collection. But it's importance is that it symbolizes why I collect vintage baseball autographs. It has to do with hearing about the death of the signer, Johnny Gorsica.

It was upon hearing of his passing that I realized that everyday, more and more of vintage baseball's living links were being lost forever. And it was that realization that ignited a passion in me to begin collecting something personal, something tangible, of these vanishing connections to baseball's past. Soon after the death of Johnny Gorsica, I started my collecting of vintage Detroit Tigers autographs.

It's easy to get caught up in the ugliness in this hobby. There is much of it. Strong words spoken for and against. Tempers flare. Feelings are hurt. And some leave the hobby. But sometimes, I remember that what started my passion wasn't a goal to fill every spot, or to be able to stand up and be recognized because I accomplished a feat of numbers; but remember that it was the vintage ballplayers, the stories they created, and the moment when he signed his name for business or kindness sake, and the loss of those individuals, that I collect autographs. Sometimes it's easy to forget the human behind the signature, and turn that autograph purely into an object for commerce, or for sport. I'm as guilty as anyone. But sometimes I do remember . . .


.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by HexsHeroes

.


It's not the most valuable, or the most prized autograph in my collection. But it's importance is that it symbolizes why I collect vintage baseball autographs. It has to do with hearing about the death of the signer, Johnny Gorsica.

It was upon hearing of his passing that I realized that everyday more and more of vintage baseball's living links were being lost forever. And it was that realization that ignited a passion in me to begin collecting something personal, something tangible to these vanishing connections to baseball's past. Soon after the death of Johnny Gorsica, I started my collecting of vintage Detroit Tigers autographs.

It's easy to get caught up in the ugliness in this hobby. There is much of it. Strong words spoken for and against. Tempers flare. Feelings are hurt. And some leave the hobby. But sometimes, I remember that what started my passion wasn't a goal to fill every spot, or to be able to stand up and be recognized because I accomplished a feat of numbers; but remember that it was the vintage ballplayers, the stories they created, and the moment when he signed his name for business or kindness sake, and the loss of those individuals that I collect autographs. Sometimes it's easy to forget the human behind the signature, and turn that autograph purely into an object for commerce, or for sport. I'm as guilty as anyone. But sometimes I do remember . . .


.

+1 Nice Post.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by mschwade

+1 Nice Post.

Agreed.

[lutherlafy]

Favorites:

[7nohitter]

Wow

[GrayGhost]

Originally Posted by 7nohitter

Wow

yeah.

[toyman55]

I started collecting Autographs with my sons in 1985 going to baseball card shows. Back in the early 80's I remember my first autograph was from Duke Snider and I paid fifty cents. In 1988 a mall in Sacramento hosted Ali and the autographs were free! I stood in line with my 8 and 5 year old sons. Though the Parkinson's at the time prevented him from talking since it was only 9am and his meds had not kicked in, it stands as my biggest thrill. He came into the mall slowly obviously not the fighter I remember. Then, the chant started; ALI, ALI, ALI and like a tree coming out of the ground he rose up shadow boxing with the kids and there was the greatest athlete I had ever seen before me.
We brought a look magazine and a book to personally autograph for each of my boys (Dumb me I didn't think to get one). He was so large in person and so nice, as you can see he picked up my little boy for my wife to photograph and kissed him, though we didn't get that shot.

I looked at him, thanked him, told him how I had seen all his fights starting in the Olympics. I said "Muhammad, In your second fight with Listen I have watched the replay over and over and that was no phantom punch. He looked up at me, raised his fist in the air and said quietly, so quiet you could hardly hear, "I GOT HIM GOOD".

[sportsbaron]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

This has been shown here before but you cannot beat it for the content of the letter and the overall greatness of this man.
Just read it.

My prized autograph is a 1936 handwritten letter from Hank Greenberg to my Great-Grandmother. It is a thank you letter for a box of cookies that she baked for Hank. She was active in the Detroit Jewish community and they looked out for him. I'm grateful that my Grandmother saved this letter and passed it down to me.

[Runscott]

Wow, that Greenberg letter is really nice. I also have a Greenberg, and it's also one of my favorites. It reads:

"March 4, 1968

Dear Roger -
Having served 4 1/2 years in the Air Force during World War I, it hardly seems possible that young men are once again leaving their homes to serve in another war. I hope your tenure in the service will not be as long as mine and that you will return safe and sound and proud of your contribution to your country, as I was.
Your Mother tells me of your love for baseball and I hope you will be able to continue your interest in the game while you are away.
God speed, good luck and my very best wishes.

Cordially yours,
Hank Greenberg"

[kmac32]

Ernie Banks on a photo of myself and Ernie taken at Cubs camp 5 years ago.

[packs]

This is my favorite autograph. I never thought I'd own a Honus Wagner card, let alone his signature. The thing I love about this piece is that it was once in Honus' hands and through fate has made its way to me nearly 80 years later. I suppose that's true of all autographs but this is Honus Wagner! Look how sharp this bad boy is.

[Bestdj777]

My most prized autograph is a Nolan Ryan ball. My father sent it to him when I was twelve and asked him to sign it for me. He was so proud to be able to give me that ball. My father was not huge on giving me gifts--most Christmas or birthday presents came from my mother. So, the effort he put into getting me that present has always made it a priceless autograph for me. And now it is one of the few pieces I actually display in my apartment.

[Exhibitman]

Another two I very much like:

Eric Idle of Monty Python. I met him at a book store in Sherman Oaks, California, and got his signature. I have never been as nervous or excited at meeting a celebrity, and I've met quite a few living in Los Angeles for 35 years. To me, the Pythons were bigger than the Beatles.



Groucho Marx. I've been a Marx Brothers fan since I was little and Groucho was instantly my favorite the first time I saw him do Hooray For Captain Spaulding. I've long collected Groucho memorabilia and read my copy of Richard Anobile's The Marx Brothers Scrapbook until it fell apart [I later bought a hardcover 1st edition]. I have long thought that a Groucho-signed Bowman card would be the best possible Groucho item for me to have. I found this one a few months ago:

[David Atkatz]

Here are three I would never sell:

[GKreindler]

LOVE the W.C. Fields, David. Definitely one of my favorites of yours.

Graig