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View Full Version : Amazing autograph In-Person success today...


redsoxfan1291
08-09-2006, 06:36 PM
For those of you who don't know me, I'm a 14-year-old who goes to pretty much every Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox class-AA team) game and get between 20 and 80 autographs at each for my personal collection. I also go to a handfull of other minor league games. I used to do through-the-mail, I also have a great autograph friend (Kearns643 on this forum), and have a lot of certified cards. I probably have around 5000 autographs, ANYWAYS...

Possibly the most thrilling autograph venture I have ever had in my lifetime. I worked from 9-6 today (sportscard shop), but my mom picked me up early for the Sea Dogs game. I got there and got some run of the mill player autographs until around 6:30. Around then, a buzz started amongst the ushers and Barbara Bush along with the wife of the Sea Dogs' owner walked through with many of the Bush children, into the stands. Alright, cool, the ladies had a night out.

And then a secret service guy came out of the opposing team clubhouse and positioned himself on the stairs.

After about two more minutes, out walks the owner of the Sea Dogs.

Followed close in step by George Bush Sr. I was with only about two other autograph collectors right by the opposing team's clubhouse. Right when the secret service guy had come out I got a Major League Baseball ready with a pen. I was the first fan for Mr. Bush to sign for that night, he signed the ball beautifully in blue ballpoint. He signed for one more person, then walked out onto the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

A buzz was generated around me and I had a few people tell me it was a $200-$300 piece.

I had to leave right when the game started to get a ride home so I left, and went out to my dad's car, waiting for me.

And then I thought, what the hell, let's go back and see if I can do the impossible and get him to sign another baseball.

So I went back in, armed only with a pen and a baseball. I literally stalked him (or as close as I could get because of secret service, security, and ushers) until him and his enormous family (including the two infamous George W. daughters...) walked up to the skybox. I was pushed aside by a secret service man, along with a lot of other people. I knew I had no chance of getting his autograph from where I was. I ran up through the general admission section and waited by his skybox... he was signing along the way but the ushers kept saying just one more.

Turns out, he signed for me, AGAIN. I am definitely going to keep one baseball and the other one I'm going to sell for between $150-$250. I feel slightly bad selling an autograph of such high caliber, but I paid $120 for the dozen baseballs and am slightly in debt, so I'd really like to get a big break in life on this.

And that's the story.

Simon

RyneSandberg
08-10-2006, 03:14 AM
That must have been exciting! Only autograph I have is of Hank Aaron after he hit his 500th home run - "Many thanks to our great Braves fans - Aug. 1968" I mostly collect cards and I have a few that are worth a lot - including Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Stan Musial, Whitey Ford, Al Kaline, and more. I love collecting Nolan Ryan cards... don't have much money for cards these days, though.

redsoxfan1291
08-10-2006, 06:44 AM
It was awesome... I was shaking after he signed the first one. That's an awesome Aaron piece you have. I wrote him awhile ago and I got back a "signed" card from him... pretty obviously fake, ah well though, luckily it was just an Alltime Fan Favorites card and not like a 1960s card.

flyingdutchdude
08-10-2006, 07:22 AM
When you look back years from now, the moment of meeting an ex president will last longer than the $150 a ball might be worth or sold for. With your autograph opportunities, try not to think of the $$ as much as the chance to meet the person/player in person. It will be something you will remember far longer. I dont really collect autographs, but thats one of the nicer pick up.

Too bad you didnt have a camera handy, IMO I would rather have a picture with a player/famous person, than an autograph anyday. But thats just me.



Babe Ruth with George Bush (1948)

DodgerBlue8188
08-10-2006, 10:38 AM
Too bad you didnt have a camera handy, IMO I would rather have a picture with a player/famous person, than an autograph anyday. But thats just me.




I agree TO me an autograph isn't going to get you much money unless its autheticated. I know I wouldn't buy one without some type of guarantee its really there signature. Too many fake signatures out ther but a picture will last forever.

pesky6
08-10-2006, 02:44 PM
redsoxfan, your posts captures the best and worst of our hobby. on the one hand, it's a great thrill to get an autograph of someone like a president. on the other hand, it's too bad that you seem equally preoccupied with its value.

unfortunately, you're not the only one who thinks like this. it seems that there are more autograph fans than baseball fans out there these days. be true to yourself young man and collect what you like, not what has the most value.

redsoxfan1291
08-13-2006, 07:57 PM
Well, I really only wanted to turn it around so I could pay for the baseballs I bought. PLUS, I have never been a fan of the Bush's to say the least, so it's not like I want to baseballs of the senior in my collection. But whatever, I know what I'm doing. I ended up trading one for a Nolan Ryan signed sweet spot and $50 cash.

Honus Wagner
08-13-2006, 08:01 PM
When you look back years from now, the moment of meeting an ex president will last longer than the $150 a ball might be worth or sold for. With your autograph opportunities, try not to think of the $$ as much as the chance to meet the person/player in person. It will be something you will remember far longer. I dont really collect autographs, but thats one of the nicer pick up.

Too bad you didnt have a camera handy, IMO I would rather have a picture with a player/famous person, than an autograph anyday. But thats just me.



Babe Ruth with George Bush (1948)

Hey Flying, is this picture like those phony ones of Armstrong on the moon?:lookitup

kearns643
08-14-2006, 04:29 PM
Well, I really only wanted to turn it around so I could pay for the baseballs I bought. PLUS, I have never been a fan of the Bush's to say the least, so it's not like I want to baseballs of the senior in my collection. But whatever, I know what I'm doing. I ended up trading one for a Nolan Ryan signed sweet spot and $50 cash.


I am glad I was there to see that exchange with the Ryan ball, Simon. I could tell you were surpirsed to get it from on of my friends. I think you are worth it.......

Bill