An autograph you despise?

[perezfan]

One that always bothers me is Pie Traynor. His autograph itself has absolutely no style or flair (in an era when most players took pride in their signature). But more irritating is that the guy had absolutely no feel for where to place the signature.

Whether it's on an index card, trading card, photograph or ball, he always crammed it into a ridiculously tight and illogical spot. Typically relegated to an obscure corner, or right up against a border (so you can't effectively mat it) or touching on the laces of a ball.

The concept of signing a sweetspot or side panel apparently never occurred to him. No matter what the medium, the result was almost always aesthetically displeasing.

[jad22]

Originally Posted by perezfan

One that always bothers me is Pie Traynor. His autograph itself has absolutely no style or flair (in an era when most players took pride in their signature). But more irritating is that the guy had absolutely no feel for where to place the signature.

Whether it's on an index card, trading card, photograph or ball, he always crammed it into a ridiculously tight and illogical spot. Typically relegated to an obscure corner, or right up against a border (so you can't effectively mat it) or touching on the laces of a ball.

The concept of signing a sweetspot or side panel apparently never occurred to him. No matter what the medium, the result was almost always aesthetically displeasing.

But his early signatures looked nice. Why did he change it?

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by perezfan

One that always bothers me is Pie Traynor. His autograph itself has absolutely no style or flair (in an era when most players took pride in their signature). But more irritating is that the guy had absolutely no feel for where to place the signature.

Whether it's on an index card, trading card, photograph or ball, he always crammed it into a ridiculously tight and illogical spot. Typically relegated to an obscure corner, or right up against a border (so you can't effectively mat it) or touching on the laces of a ball.

The concept of signing a sweetspot or side panel apparently never occurred to him. No matter what the medium, the result was almost always aesthetically displeasing.

Very interesting about the placement of the signatures-I've never noticed that before. Whereas I know Mantle took the time to sign in the 'best' place, I wonder how many players just don't give a crap.

Since Pie is from my hometown I'll cut him some slack!

[ScottR81]

Ive always hated that greg maddux signed his name like a stroke just came upon him....how did it come to this and is there a real nice signature out there that actually reads well? something a total stranger to the sport could read?

[whyconform]

Cool Papa Bell easily....nice simple 3x5 and he's got his auto crammed up in the corner...I've seen Grimes to it too....I can't stand that....Some late stage Cool Papa Bells are pretty ugly too....


I have two Pie's...but this one from 1929 has some flair

[perezfan]

That's a nice one... must admit!

I know there are always exceptions, and I guess most of the better examples would probably be his earlier ones (as mentioned above...)

[WillowGrove]

Agree about Traynor Mark.

I nominate Lefty Grove. He was so dominating yet his signature is just so painfully boring.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by WillowGrove

Agree about Traynor Mark.

I nominate Lefty Grove. He was so dominating yet his signature is just so painfully boring.

Hi Peter,
IMHO, I tend to disagree somewhat about Lefty Grove. Although his later signature examples could be a bit mundane, have you seen his earlier signature that he signed with a flourish?

Here is a 1931 vintage Lefty Grove fountain pen signature that I purchased from Jim Stinson. I consider this to be one of my favorite signatures in my collection.
Enjoy & happy holidays!