My very first article in SMR!

Peter_Spaeth · #1 01-28-2019, 09:00 PM

Great achievement.

Speaking of Wilt autos, the prices on some of the "certified" autos are unbelievable. I guess they must have been very limited.

Russell, on the other hand, who as a player and for decades afterwards apparently NEVER signed anything, became a prolific signer. His certified autos are mostly quite inexpensive.

I was actually at the first public event, or so it was represented, where Russell signed. It was a late 90s show at a Boston school. Wilt was there too. And yours truly was too cheap to buy a signed basketball lol.

vthobby · #2 01-28-2019, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Great achievement.

Speaking of Wilt autos, the prices on some of the "certified" autos are unbelievable. I guess they must have been very limited.

Russell, on the other hand, who as a player and for decades afterwards apparently NEVER signed anything, became a prolific signer. His certified autos are mostly quite inexpensive.

I was actually at the first public event, or so it was represented, where Russell signed. It was a late 90s show at a Boston school. Wilt was there too. And yours truly was too cheap to buy a signed basketball lol.

I would have LOVED to be at that Wilt show. I'll bet Russell autos at that show were through the roof! I have met him a few times at the Shriner's Show in Mass along with Big O and had them sign their cards right in front of me. That was an incredible experience!

Thanks for the memories Peter. I want to build a time machine and go back and get Wilt in person! Any others like that idea?

Peace, Mike

Peter_Spaeth · #3 01-28-2019, 09:11 PM

I think it was $300 for a jointly signed ball, but it was a long time ago so that's my best guess only. I don't recall an option of just getting one of them to sign. I thought about it then said nah too much. LOL.

They were sitting at a table together near the entrance, they did seem to both be enjoying it. I am pretty sure it was BC High, which used to be a big show. Lots of national dealers. I have no doubt that in hindsight whatever I bought that day pales compared to a Russell Wilt signed ball.

scooter729 · #4 01-28-2019, 09:17 PM

Your memory is pretty accurate - it was BC High, I would guess about 1995, and was thinking $350 for the joint-signed ball.

It was mind-blowing at that time for Russell to do a signing. This was a person whom I assumed I'd never have his autograph - the stories were legendary of how he wouldn't even sign an autograph for his friends and teammates. Glad he had such a change of heart - he is an icon for many reasons, and truly did seem to enjoy the interactions with (and adulation from) fans. Understandable that he acted as he did, based on how he was treated in the 1960s, but glad to be fortunate enough to meet him a few times in recent years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I think it was $300 for a jointly signed ball, but it was a long time ago so that's my best guess only. I don't recall an option of just getting one of them to sign. I thought about it then said nah too much. LOL.

They were sitting at a table together near the entrance, they did seem to both be enjoying it. I am pretty sure it was BC High, which used to be a big show. Lots of national dealers. I have no doubt that in hindsight whatever I bought that day pales compared to a Russell Wilt signed ball.

Jerry G · #5 01-28-2019, 09:42 PM

Wow! That is terrific. Raise your hand Carl Braun!

I have actually been thinking of contacting you lately. When I started the project I kept a log of dates that I mailed the cards and when or if they were returned to me. Nothing fancy, just handwritten notes. The varied return times are interesting, but probably more importation to the collection, it would document the time frame in which the cards were signed. I'm not exactly sure where they are, but if you are interested, I'm sure I could find them for you.

KCRfan1 · #6 01-28-2019, 11:54 PM

So cool! Congratulations!

vthobby · #7 01-29-2019, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry G

Wow! That is terrific. Raise your hand Carl Braun!

I have actually been thinking of contacting you lately. When I started the project I kept a log of dates that I mailed the cards and when or if they were returned to me. Nothing fancy, just handwritten notes. The varied return times are interesting, but probably more importation to the collection, it would document the time frame in which the cards were signed. I'm not exactly sure where they are, but if you are interested, I'm sure I could find them for you.

Yes!

Thanks Jerry once again and to all who have sent me kudos!

Peace, Mike

rjackson44 · #8 01-29-2019, 06:46 AM

Terrific

vthobby · #9 02-05-2019, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry G

Wow! That is terrific. Raise your hand Carl Braun!

I have actually been thinking of contacting you lately. When I started the project I kept a log of dates that I mailed the cards and when or if they were returned to me. Nothing fancy, just handwritten notes. The varied return times are interesting, but probably more importation to the collection, it would document the time frame in which the cards were signed. I'm not exactly sure where they are, but if you are interested, I'm sure I could find them for you.

Jerry,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for your original notes! I received them today and I am so happy to have them to put with my detailed notes on the provenance of many of the cards in my signed set.

I love your last paragraph from the note you sent me that references how you appreciate sharing these stories with me because your wife and friends could not give a "XXXXXXXXX" well......you know what you wrote! lol

Thanks Jerry once again for all your help. What a journey! You are a big part of it!

Take care my friend!

Peace, Mike

swabie2424 · #10 02-05-2019, 10:00 PM

Got my copy last week and read this article in its entirety. It was awesome (and I’m not even a basketball collector!). Congrats. These type of collecting adventures and articles are what makes the hobby great!!!

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