An interesting NY Times article about baseball autographs

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Great article. I agree with pretty much everything he said.

As a lawyer I always take my time to write out a legible signature when I sign letters and court filings. It shows that I give a damn. I can't read most of friends signatures - one of them signs his name with two loops. It seems like poor form and a lack of pride to me.

[Tom Hufford]

Last year before a spring training workout, I was talking with Mets manager Terry Collins when some kids came up and asked him to add his autograph to a ball on which they had already acquired a few other "signatures." He looked at the ball and asked the kids, "Who are these guys, are they on my team? I can't read a single autograph on here."

Collins told me that he tells his players to take time and sign autographs that are legible. "I don't understand why anyone would want to sign - or get - an autograph that you can't read," he said. I told him a quote that someone had told me (and I'm ashamed to say I can't remember who - maybe Killebrew, it sounds like him) - "I've never understood why anyone would work their whole life to reach the Major Leagues, to be famous and for people to know who they are - and then sign an autograph that no one can read." That pretty much sums it up.

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards

Great article. I agree with pretty much everything he said.

As a lawyer I always take my time to write out a legible signature when I sign letters and court filings. It shows that I give a damn. I can't read most of friends signatures - one of them signs his name with two loops. It seems like poor form and a lack of pride to me.

For almost 30 years I have reviewed (hundreds of) thousands of legal documents and I am amazed at the lack of pride that most attorneys have in their signature. Yet, like a Harvard graduate, they will not hesitate to point out to you that they are attorneys. You have two things in life that matter, your name and your signature, why not make yourself proud of both of them. Being a lefty is no excuse either. I am a left handed male and always get compliments from females that my handwriting, including signature is so legible.

As one of the other posters mentioned, Ted Williams, along with Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Bob Feller and others signed thousands of very legible signatures for hours straight. Even some of the less than accommodating stars like Bo Jackson and Jerk..er I mean George Brett provided at least a somewhat legible scribble.

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by Michael B

Jerk..er I mean George Brett provided at least a somewhat legible scribble.

Is Brett a jerk? What was your experience with him?

[JimStinson]

They did not call him "Jungle Jim" Rivera for nothing , this quote was supposedly what Rivera of the White Sox told JFK when he asked for an autograph and got Kennedy's typical scribble...

"What kind of garbage college is that Harvard, where they don't even teach you to write. What kind of garbage writing is this? What is this garbage autograph (JFK signed the first pitch ball)? Do you think I can go into any tavern on Chicago's south side and really say the President of the United States signed this baseball for me. I'd be run off. Take this thing back and give me something besides your garbage autograph." - Jim Rivera (Kennedy took the ball back and carefully wrote his name on it before giving it back) Rivera replied, "You know, you're all right."
________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

Vintage Baseball Autographs For Sale on my Web site
stinsonsports.com

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by 7nohitter

Is Brett a jerk? What was your experience with him?

While he was a player he was a bit gruff and we all knew that so usually left him alone at the hotel. Around 1994 or 1995 I was at the SGMA sporting goods convention with a friend. Called the 'Supershow' it was known for all of the big name athletes that would appear in the booths to sign autographs (Nike, Champion, Spalding etc. etc.). It was for all of the sporting goods stores, distributors and such to see all of the new products. My friend owned a sneaker store and asked me if I wanted to come down with him and get autographs while he conducted business. He also told me that anyone could show up so bring a variety of items. I brought a bunch of Sports Illustrated covers that I had, just the covers not magazines. I was walking down the hall and saw George Brett, Ken Brett and another person walking by. I had one of his covers so I pulled it out and asked if he could sign it. I always say 'Exchuse me, Mr. or Miss...', never first name and ask if they would mind. He took it said 'He will probably cry if I don't sign it" thought for a minute and then signed it. I appreciated that he signed it, but the comment was unnecessary.

I have met several ex-presidents, hundreds of musicians, thousands of athletes and countless authors and others of note. I even had Reggie Jackson sign for me without asking him for an autograph. If you wish to sign that is great. If not, I respect that also. Just don't make an a-hole comment. Totally uncalled for.