Who have you been turned downed by In person?

[howiek]

Can you believe some of these guys turndown signing auto's.
Does anyone remember Andy Tomberlien? I think thats how u spell it.
If you don't, I'm not surprised!!
Back in the day before I realized some guys are not worth a $15 OMLB ball,
I was at a Met game at Shea and asked the guy for an auto and he turned me down. Can you believe that? He should have been extactic that I wanted is sig. I understand some of the bigger name guys are worried your just going to turn around and sell it. But, who in there right mind would pay money for an Andy Tomberlien Auto? I'm just doing this for the fun of it. Now a days, guys like that get to auto a card or 2. OMLB balls are saved for big guys.
Another good one, I was at Shea with my younger brother back in in 97 or 98and for some crazy reason he is a Blue Jay Fan. He asked The Rocket to Auto his hat. Roger's response was "F-OFF kid". My brother was not disrespecting him or anything. Ever since then, I couldn't stand him and know since the Mitchell report came out, I think even less of him. But, that is a whole other thread.

[AutographCollector]

Can you believe some of these guys turndown signing auto's.
Does anyone remember Andy Tomberlien? I think thats how u spell it.
If you don't, I'm not surprised!!
Back in the day before I realized some guys are not worth a $15 OMLB ball,
I was at a Met game at Shea and asked the guy for an auto and he turned me down. Can you believe that? He should have been extactic that I wanted is sig. I understand some of the bigger name guys are worried your just going to turn around and sell it. But, who in there right mind would pay money for an Andy Tomberlien Auto? I'm just doing this for the fun of it. Now a days, guys like that get to auto a card or 2. OMLB balls are saved for big guys.
Another good one, I was at Shea with my younger brother back in in 97 or 98and for some crazy reason he is a Blue Jay Fan. He asked The Rocket to Auto his hat. Roger's response was "F-OFF kid". My brother was not disrespecting him or anything. Ever since then, I couldn't stand him and know since the Mitchell report came out, I think even less of him. But, that is a whole other thread.

Sometimes that's just the way it is. As sad as it may be. Players get swamped at the stadium, swamped out in public, get tons of mail sent to them at home and to the stadium. They are getting tired of it. Players from yrs ago who were great signers won't even pick up a pen anymore. We all can thank those greedy fools who get 10 time All Star Player John Doe to sign twenty cards and then resell them all on eBay.

[nyyfan]

I never really had bad incident with anyball player but there is one pretty cool story. After a Louisville Bats game last year I was there as a birthday present and I also happend to pull a Ryan Jorgenson (catcher for the Bats) card. After the game he also happend to be right near the dugout where I was sitting. A bunch of kids wanted him to sign there bat/ball. He, in a mean way, said no and go away. I came over there and just asked "Can you please sign my card?". He said sure and I told him I just got it and he said that was pretty cool and he seemed like the nicest guy you could meet.

[bailiff]

Jamie Bubela of all people was having a bad day a couple of years ago when he was in AA. A couple of kids near me asked for his autograph, and this was his reply "I am so freeking tired of signing autographs right now, it's not like mine are worth anything." I thought that was pretty funny. He did sign the next though.

[Doug Miller]

I was at Mariners Spring Training in 2000. They were playing the Giants in Scottsdale. I'm sitting there and this 50 year old guy comes up and just looks distraught and sits next to his buddy. "Willie Mayes wouldn't sign my ball." The guy looked like he was going to cry. Honestly though, I didn't feel that bad. I rarely ask for autographs at games, even at Spring Training. The signatures usually suck (quality wise) and let's face it, players don't like signing for grown dudes.

I've stood at the wall of the baseline before games and just watched players up close. If a player comes by, I let kids move in front of me. (David Justice was signing literally in front of my body and I was handing him stuff from kids -- I would never want a David Justice auto, that a-hole killed us in the playoffs -- now we know how. :) ) Players are in a hurry, they're trying to sign as many tickets or balls for kids or hot girls as possible. I feel bad, but it's kind of funny to see how personal some of the collectors take it -- Grown men begging a player to sign their notebook full of 8x10s or to pass them a discarded ball. I just don't think I could enjoy the game the same way if I was worried about that. I was just as happy watching Derek Jeter play catch in front of me -- I could have reached out and touched him -- than if he would have hauled down the line and scribbled on a few dozen cards/balls.

Now, if I ran into one of the players in a line at a movie or just walking on the street maybe I'd react different to them not signing something. (But not while they're eating.)

Doug

[J.P]

Dennis Martinez used to hold celebrity(mainly baseball players) softball games to benefit his foundation. I got a lot of autographs there, but I also have some rejection stories, Jeff Conine and Charles Johnson were very polite, they both said in a very good tone of voice that they had to get somewhere and couldnt really stay around signing anymore, i didnt mind that at all. On the other hand, Alex Fernandez screamed out the top of his lungs (and he seemed really upset): "I have signed about a million autographs today, forget it", I really believe that he was ready to jump the next autograph seeker. Orlando Hernandez ran to SUV, and he backed out of his parking spot screeching his tires, mind you, the car was still surrounded by autograph seekers, he could had very easily ran somebody over> But the winner is A-Rod, this was the offseason he had signed his $250 mills contract, he wenbt in street clothes, did not play, and fans(including myself) were surrounding him waiting for his autograph, when he said in a very bad tone: "Careful with those markers you are gonna mess up my shirt".

[Extra Innings]

Jarrod Saltalamacchia because he said he had to get ready for the game.

[THEFANLINE]

:grouchyBack in 1987 I was outback near the player entrance area and clemans cam ot one of the side doors in his vehicle and I was right there. So I figured what the hell. Pulled out my card and asked for his auto and he said "Hey for 20.00." I was ticked man. He drove off without a second look. No joke here. Saw the Brewers vs the Sox Sept 1987. Got a lot of cool players autograph that day burks. horn, benzinger, and others.

[Gary Dunaier]

Shea Stadium, sometime in 1985, quite a while after the game had ended. Ray Knight and his wife Nancy Lopez the pro golfer had come out of the Diamond Club. Ray was barking to the few fans still there not to approach Nancy for autographs, and he wasn't too friendly to the ones who wanted his. One fan shouted "We pay your salary!" and Knight yelled back "No you don't!"

[Custom Made]

Many, many moons ago, Mitchell list member, Matt Williams. Was 1988 or 1989. Was the BIGGEST jerk!! (I was 11 or 12 years old). On vacation in Montreal, and all the NL teams that played the Expos stayed @ the hotel my family was staying at. I was there during a Montreal homestand where the SF Giants & Padres were in town. EVERYONE that I saw was accomidating and friendly. This includes Will "The Thrill" Clark (who was a MONSTER at the time), Tony Gwynn, Roberto Alomar, Benny Santiago (Alomar & Santiago actually gave me a batting glove each). Williams was a total TURD!! He told me and a bunch of other kids around my age, "Get th F**K away from me kids!!". That was the first time we asked him. When they were leaving, he just flat out ignored us. I ripped his cards up & threw him at his feet. He just shook his head and smirked, but if he has/had any bit of conscience, I hope he felt like crap!!

[yankeesr#1]

Derek jeter, i was near the yankees dugout and dj said i will come back after batting practice, and he never came back, he did an interview and never talked to us again. he could of said sorry i cant but whatever, got Raul Mondesi, John Flatery, Enrique Wilson

[nyyfan]

Derek jeter, i was near the yankees dugout and dj said i will come back after batting practice, and he never came back, he did an interview and never talked to us again. he could of said sorry i cant but whatever, got Raul Mondesi, John Flatery, Enrique Wilson

Hey, at least he said something to ya!

[Gary Dunaier]

It's frustrating when they say "I'll sign for you next time," like they expect everyone to show up the next day waiting for them.

The funny thing is that if everyone did show up the next day, the players would say "You were here yesterday, you must all be dealers, I'm not signing for any one of you."

You can't win... :mad:

[YOUgodofwalks]

John Halama when he was with the Red Sox in 2005. He was going down the first base line at Fenway signing, just skipped right over me. Not intentional i'm guessing, and I got over it fast enough. Especially since that same year I got Jonathan Papelbon and Ivan Rodriguez to sign at the same game.

For the most part not much luck getting any Sox auto's at Fenway. A friend of mine got Schillings a few years ago, I couldn't get close enough. However, usually can get several if you wait down the thrid base line.

[phillyphanatic05]

at a phillies cubs game in chicago at the phillies hotel. i saw adam eaton walking down the street shopping with his girlfriend and asked him if he could sign. he said no cause im pitching for todays game. i dont think an auto would kill your arm.( especially when he pitched that game he stunk)

[TigersFanB406]

:grouchyBack in 1987 I was outback near the player entrance area and clemans cam ot one of the side doors in his vehicle and I was right there. So I figured what the hell. Pulled out my card and asked for his auto and he said "Hey for 20.00." I was ticked man. He drove off without a second look. No joke here. Saw the Brewers vs the Sox Sept 1987. Got a lot of cool players autograph that day burks. horn, benzinger, and others.

The price of steroids must have gone up that day.

[NJMetfan4life]

Back about 5 years ago, I had my birthday party at Shea Stadium, the Mets lost to the Phillies but anyway, my dad had managed to get good seats, about 10 rows away from the field, my mom had given everyone who came with us a baseball, so I decided to try and get an autograph, first I ran past a chain that seperated the normal and buisseness seats, and asked a random guy, as I was about to give him a ball to sign, a rent-a-cop yelled at me, I tried that two more times with the same result. Soon I asked my friend to distract her and I went up, to ask this guy for his autograph having no clue who he was, this guy, Grant Roberts as it turns out, autographed the ball, but started screaming his head off at me I'm not quite sure what he said, but I belive it was this"What the F*** do you want???"

I got the autograph, but I regret that now. A few years later, guess who got arrested for possion and use of drugs (marijuana, I think)? Thats right, Grant Roberts

[howiek]

at a phillies cubs game in chicago at the phillies hotel. i saw adam eaton walking down the street shopping with his girlfriend and asked him if he could sign. he said no cause im pitching for todays game. i dont think an auto would kill your arm.( especially when he pitched that game he stunk)
How long have you been collecting? Pitchers DON'T sign on days you start.

I missed Curt Shilling back when he pitched for the Phillies because he
was starting that day. He stopped at the crowd of us and said Hello.
At least he didn't ignore us like some of these guys do.
I had driven to Phili from here on Long Island to see the game. Phillies vs. Cards. Mcqwire hit a homer into the Upper Deck.

[EdTarbusz]

One fan shouted "We pay your salary!" and Knight yelled back "No you don't!"


I have to agree with Knight on this. My father was a fireman, and he used to get people saying the same thing to him when they wanted the fire department to come out for a non emergency. His pat response was 'if your signature isn't on my check, you are not paying me'. I'm sure he laced that with a bit of profanity.

[jcmitchell]

When I was 17 I asked Plaxico Burress (I know he isn't baseball) for an auto and he cussed me out and threatened to have his body guard "take care" of me.

[MadHatter]

Wendy Fuller - 1991 Junior Prom. Redheads are heartless. :(

[Rockhound]

I was turned down by Johnny Bench this past summer at Isotopes Park where he threw out the first pitch of the game. A guy at work told me that Bench is an arrogant %&*!#@$. So when I asked for an autograph and he kept walking, I wasn't surprised. I wonder what Bench's response would be if I told him that Rogers Hornsby once said, "Any ballplayer that don't sign autographs for little kids ain't an American. He's a communist." Although I'm not a little kid....you get the point. :hyper:

[Zito75]

Here's a few that have shot me down over the years:

Ken Phelps, Mariners... Told me to "bug off."
Mike Mussina, Orioles... just flat out ignored us.
Roger Clemens, Red Sox... said "I'll sign just one" and there was a group of about 20 there.
David Wells, Tigers... said "talk to my agent."
Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners... also ignored us.
Chuck Knoblauch, Twins... said "I'm in a hurry, get you after the game." Yeah right.
Miguel Tejada, A's... pretended he didn't know any English.
Joey Cora, Mariners... was signing for a group of kids until someone's sharpie exploded on his sleeve ruining his jacket. He dropped that pen and card and just walked away.
Randy Johnson, Mariners... Said "I don't sign for adults." I was probably 15 at the time.

[SDL]

Last season, I saw Richie Zisk (Daytona Beach Cubs coach) refuse to sign, saying he's been the victim of identity theft. I had several blowups of his old cards so I didn't even bother to ask when I heard that line.

In '92, I saw Carl Everett tell a 8 year old kid to "get the F out of my face" when the kid wanted to to have him sign his Ft. Lauderdale Yankee card. There are some things you don't say to a 8 year old kid and that's one of them. Everett was in the stands (on the DL) and was in the row behind me and a few seats over. I turn and give him a look. "What the F you looking at," he demands. "Absolutely NOTHING," I respond. Guess that went over his head.

Best thing to do is ask to personalize it..that way they'll guess you aren't a dealer.

[ttmman21]

Jim Palmer, outside Oriole Park said he couldnt put down his suit

[Gary Dunaier]

One fan shouted "We pay your salary!" and [Ray] Knight yelled back "No you don't!"

I have to agree with Knight on this. My father was a fireman, and he used to get people saying the same thing to him when they wanted the fire department to come out for a non emergency. His pat response was 'if your signature isn't on my check, you are not paying me'. I'm sure he laced that with a bit of profanity.

The ability to hit a baseball hundreds and hundreds of feet away does not, in and of itself, benefit society. The ability to throw a baseball at blazingly fast speeds serves no intrinsic purpose.

The only reason ballplayers are able to make a good living by playing baseball is because we, the fans, are willing to pay money to watch them do it. Maybe we don't actually sign the players' checks, but if there weren't people who were willing to pay to go to the games, the men who do sign the checks wouldn't have the money to enable them to write those checks at all.

George Steinbrenner wasn't writing all those checks just because he enjoyed seeing grown men dress up in pinstripes and scamper around a baseball diamond.

[MadHatter]

Don't forget that everyone (whether you are an accountant, a janitor, an actress, or a baseball player) has the right to provacy -- and has the right to do what they want with their free time.

If a player refuses to sign, he may very well be having an in depth conversation with a spouse, or a friend... does anyone want to be disturbed during those times? Can you imaging not beig able to just sit in a ballpark and enjoy a game? Or not being able to just quietly go about your everyday business without people bugging you to write your name on a piece of paper?

[howiek]

Jim Palmer, outside Oriole Park said he couldnt put down his suit
I got him outside the Skydome in 2003. After the game.
Well I got a picture with him and a OMLB signed. I guess I got lucky

[J.P]

Don't forget that everyone (whether you are an accountant, a janitor, an actress, or a baseball player) has the right to provacy -- and has the right to do what they want with their free time.

If a player refuses to sign, he may very well be having an in depth conversation with a spouse, or a friend... does anyone want to be disturbed during those times? Can you imaging not beig able to just sit in a ballpark and enjoy a game? Or not being able to just quietly go about your everyday business without people bugging you to write your name on a piece of paper?

Exactly, thats why, as I said on my post, I dont mind getting turned down politely like my experiences with Jeff Conine and Charles Johnson, but sometimes the players need to remember the fact that we do indeed pay their salaries, and while they are not obligated to sign, they could at least show some respect.

[Captain Cold Nose]

The ability to hit a baseball hundreds and hundreds of feet away does not, in and of itself, benefit society. The ability to throw a baseball at blazingly fast speeds serves no intrinsic purpose.

The only reason ballplayers are able to make a good living by playing baseball is because we, the fans, are willing to pay money to watch them do it. Maybe we don't actually sign the players' checks, but if there weren't people who were willing to pay to go to the games, the men who do sign the checks wouldn't have the money to enable them to write those checks at all.

George Steinbrenner wasn't writing all those checks just because he enjoyed seeing grown men dress up in pinstripes and scamper around a baseball diamond.

One could easily argue that entertainment, which sports essentially are for those who aren't participating, does benefit society and does serve an intrinsic purpose. But, either way, the only things the fans who pay are entitled to is the game they are watching. They are not entitled to anything more than that.

Being a professional athlete is their occupation, no less than being a chef, psotman, corporate trainer or whatever is anyone else's. Their obligation is to do their job, which doesn't necessarily mean they need to cater above and beyond to people who think they're owed something just because.

[J.P]

One could easily argue that entertainment, which sports essentially are for those who aren't participating, does benefit society and does serve an intrinsic purpose. But, either way, the only things the fans who pay are entitled to is the game they are watching. They are not entitled to anything more than that.

Being a professional athlete is their occupation, no less than being a chef, psotman, corporate trainer or whatever is anyone else's. Their obligation is to do their job, which doesn't necessarily mean they need to cater above and beyond to people who think they're owed something just because.

So it is Ok for the chef at your local restaurant to tell you to "f**k off" if you approach him after eating your dinner, ditto for your postman after delivering your mail, after all, you are only entitled to the food you ate or the mail that was delivered. I'm not implying by any means that we as fans are entitled to players' autographs, but like I said, players could at least show some respect when declining to sign.

[Captain Cold Nose]

So it is Ok for the chef at your local restaurant to tell you to "f**k off" if you approach him after eating your dinner, ditto for your postman after delivering your mail, after all, you are only entitled to the food you ate or the mail that was delivered. I'm not implying by any means that we as fans are entitled to players' autographs, but like I said, players could at least show some respect when declining to sign.

Consider it a few spoiling it for many. It all depends on the manner you approach the player. While I certainly do not think you, Mr. Dunaier or anyone who posts regularly in this forum goes about getting autographs disrespectfully, there are plenty who do, plenty who see the players' autograph as little more than a cheap way to earn a buck, plenty who are of the mindest that paying for one $6 ticket gives them the right to act like the player is the one having the favor done for, not the other way around. I can see why players are cynical and can be stand-offish.

Others have ruined it to the point some players get like that. It's too bad folks like you lose out. Of course, some people are jerks, so . . .

[J.P]

Consider it a few spoiling it for many. It all depends on the manner you approach the player. While I certainly do not think you, Mr. Dunaier or anyone who posts regularly in this forum goes about getting autographs disrespectfully, there are plenty who do, plenty who see the players' autograph as little more than a cheap way to earn a buck, plenty who are of the mindest that paying for one $6 ticket gives them the right to act like the player is the one having the favor done for, not the other way around. I can see why players are cynical and can be stand-offish.

Others have ruined it to the point some players get like that. It's too bad folks like you lose out. Of course, some people are jerks, so . . .

I definitely agree with you.

[CitiFieldIsNoShea]

Back about 5 years ago, I had my birthday party at Shea Stadium, the Mets lost to the Phillies but anyway, my dad had managed to get good seats, about 10 rows away from the field, my mom had given everyone who came with us a baseball, so I decided to try and get an autograph, first I ran past a chain that seperated the normal and buisseness seats, and asked a random guy, as I was about to give him a ball to sign, a rent-a-cop yelled at me, I tried that two more times with the same result. Soon I asked my friend to distract her and I went up, to ask this guy for his autograph having no clue who he was, this guy, Grant Roberts as it turns out, autographed the ball, but started screaming his head off at me I'm not quite sure what he said, but I belive it was this"What the F*** do you want???"

I got the autograph, but I regret that now. A few years later, guess who got arrested for possion and use of drugs (marijuana, I think)? Thats right, Grant Roberts



Yeah it was Grant Roberts

EDIT: Narcotic picture usage removed by Matt.

[Steven Tyler]

I used to be a part time glove rep for a certain dealer. I would go out to high schools and sell the kids gloves and other stuff for baseball and softball. As their rep, I would get the call if anything was wrong or needed to be replaced. In that time, I became very proficient in glove repairs. The equipment man of my local ML team knew I did this and he would call me to come to the ballpark to make emergency repairs on some occasions.

Well, I got the call to repair a certain Alex Rodriguez's glove one afternoon before a game. I went out there and re-strung the finger laces for him. Ballplayers are usually big tippers when it comes to something like this. He wanted to know how much he owed me. I said, "The bigger the ballplayer, the bigger the tip." He said, "I've something that's worth a lot of money that everyone wants." I said, "What's that?" Alex said, "My autograph." I said, "Sure, just make it out to me in the amount of $100.00." I just got a blank stare and he reluctantly handed two $50.00 bills.

I wouldn't have cared if he only gave me $50.00, but he had to ask.

[EdTarbusz]

The only reason ballplayers are able to make a good living by playing baseball is because we, the fans, are willing to pay money to watch them do it. Maybe we don't actually sign the players' checks, but if there weren't people who were willing to pay to go to the games, the men who do sign the checks wouldn't have the money to enable them to write those checks at all.

.


Which still does not mean that a ticket buying fan is paying anyone's salary. I'm not going to go the grocery store and demand that a bag boy wash my car because I'm paying his salary by shopping there.

[J.P]

Right, but if you and others stop going to that supermarket, then the bag boy will be out of job or have his salary reduced.

[EdTarbusz]

Right, but if you and others stop going to that supermarket, then the bag boy will be out of job or have his salary reduced.

So he should have to give me his autograph or wash my car on demand?

[J.P]

Well, as to wash your car, come on, letts keep it under perspective, as to your autograph, no, he shouldnt give it to you if he doesnt want to, but at least he should treat you with some respect when declining to do so, not tell you to "f**k off".

[EdTarbusz]

Well, as to wash your car, come on, letts keep it under perspective, as to your autograph, no, he shouldnt give it to you if he doesnt want to, but at least he should treat you with some respect when declining to do so, not tell you to "f**k off".

If I was bothering someone about an autograph, I wouldn't be suprised if they came back with a disrespctful reply.

[edsachs1]

I've never really gotten ask for autographs in person unless it was at an autograph event. But I've seen some players during batting practice. Cal Ripken use to sign alot, especially for how popular he was (which is why most players shouldn't really have excuses, but that's another story).

One of the biggest jerks I've seen at BP was B.J. Ryan. This was his first season in Toronto and I think his first time back in Baltimore. I was out in left field trying to catch a ball (which I did that time), when three kids about 12 or so came out. One of them had a ball hit off their glove and fall in front of the fence. B.J. came over and the kid ask for it, when he responds "It's better when you catch it yourself" and throws it back in. Later another guy was holding up a #52 O's BP jersey. B.J. said "Hey that's my number", the guy asks if he could sign it and he just walks right past without responding. It was like the guy actually tried to be a jerk.

I have another funny story about a jerk fan. There was this one guy that looked about 40 or 50 years old out at BP. He had a duffel bag where he'd ask players for balls, then hide them so he could ask for more. He acted like he knew all the players. Anyway another kid about 17 or so came by a little later. He starts talking to the guy. The older guy is making up BS about how he played in the minors (I don't think he'd be so "star struck" by the players if he actually did). Anyway the kid sees Rocco Baldelli in center and calls if over. Rocco was real nice came over to him and started chatting with him. It's obvious the kid really likes him, he may have been his favorite player. Anyway Rocco's says he has to go and tosses the kid a ball before he leaves. The older fan literally jumps in front of him and steals the ball. The kid was begging the guy to give him the ball. All the guy can say if "My son really like Rocco Baldelli so I'll give it to him, but I'll try and get you another ball". The jack@$$ was able to get Johnny Gomes to finally give the kid a ball, but I couldn't believe he could be such a jerk.

[NJMetfan4life]

I used to be a part time glove rep for a certain dealer. I would go out to high schools and sell the kids gloves and other stuff for baseball and softball. As their rep, I would get the call if anything was wrong or needed to be replaced. In that time, I became very proficient in glove repairs. The equipment man of my local ML team knew I did this and he would call me to come to the ballpark to make emergency repairs on some occasions.

Well, I got the call to repair a certain Alex Rodriguez's glove one afternoon before a game. I went out there and re-strung the finger laces for him. Ballplayers are usually big tippers when it comes to something like this. He wanted to know how much he owed me. I said, "The bigger the ballplayer, the bigger the tip." He said, "I've something that's worth a lot of money that everyone wants." I said, "What's that?" Alex said, "My autograph." I said, "Sure, just make it out to me in the amount of $100.00." I just got a blank stare and he reluctantly handed two $50.00 bills.

I wouldn't have cared if he only gave me $50.00, but he had to ask.

That's hilarious, how didn't he get that?!?!?!?

[Mad Dash]

First of all...I'm not an autograph hound. Anyway, my wife and I were in Cincinatti in 2004 to watch a Cards/Reds series. We were walking around downtown in the morning before the Sunday afternoon game and of course had our Cardinal t-shirts and caps on. We saw Woody Williams (Cardinals pitcher at the time) walking toward us. I can remember looking straight at him and saying to my wife "That looks like Woody Williams." At that moment he pulled out his cell phone and began talking. I am assuming that he saw us as Cardinal fans and didn't want to be bothered so he faked a phone call (maybe it wasn't fake, who knows). Funny thing was, we weren't going to ask for an autograph, or even say anything to him for that matter.

[Mad Dash]

I've never really gotten ask for autographs in person unless it was at an autograph event. But I've seen some players during batting practice. Cal Ripken use to sign alot, especially for how popular he was (which is why most players shouldn't really have excuses, but that's another story).

One of the biggest jerks I've seen at BP was B.J. Ryan. This was his first season in Toronto and I think his first time back in Baltimore. I was out in left field trying to catch a ball (which I did that time), when three kids about 12 or so came out. One of them had a ball hit off their glove and fall in front of the fence. B.J. came over and the kid ask for it, when he responds "It's better when you catch it yourself" and throws it back in. Later another guy was holding up a #52 O's BP jersey. B.J. said "Hey that's my number", the guy asks if he could sign it and he just walks right past without responding. It was like the guy actually tried to be a jerk.

I have another funny story about a jerk fan. There was this one guy that looked about 40 or 50 years old out at BP. He had a duffel bag where he'd ask players for balls, then hide them so he could ask for more. He acted like he knew all the players. Anyway another kid about 17 or so came by a little later. He starts talking to the guy. The older guy is making up BS about how he played in the minors (I don't think he'd be so "star struck" by the players if he actually did). Anyway the kid sees Rocco Baldelli in center and calls if over. Rocco was real nice came over to him and started chatting with him. It's obvious the kid really likes him, he may have been his favorite player. Anyway Rocco's says he has to go and tosses the kid a ball before he leaves. The older fan literally jumps in front of him and steals the ball. The kid was begging the guy to give him the ball. All the guy can say if "My son really like Rocco Baldelli so I'll give it to him, but I'll try and get you another ball". The jack@$$ was able to get Johnny Gomes to finally give the kid a ball, but I couldn't believe he could be such a jerk.

I've seen this kind of stuff happen too. Thats the rub in this whole thread. Fans can be ******** too, we just aren't hearing too many of those stories told in this thread. I have seen players in restaurants, hotels and at shopping centers. Sometimes they are being hounded for autographs. We have to realize that even though they are public figures, they do have private time also. They have the right to be cranky if a fan bugs them during thier off hours. They should expect it at the ballpark though.

[EricDavis]

First of all...I'm not an autograph hound. Anyway, my wife and I were in Cincinatti in 2004 to watch a Cards/Reds series. We were walking around downtown in the morning before the Sunday afternoon game and of course had our Cardinal t-shirts and caps on. We saw Woody Williams (Cardinals pitcher at the time) walking toward us. I can remember looking straight at him and saying to my wife "That looks like Woody Williams." At that moment he pulled out his cell phone and began talking. I am assuming that he saw us as Cardinal fans and didn't want to be bothered so he faked a phone call (maybe it wasn't fake, who knows). Funny thing was, we weren't going to ask for an autograph, or even say anything to him for that matter.


Woody Williams is one of the nicest ball players I ever met. I was getting his autograph at an exhibition game in Round Rock at the end of spring training and he struck up a conversation and was very nice.

As far as rejections go, I've been rejected numerous times but it never really stands out in my mind. It stands out in my mind when they do sign.

One exception (At the same Round Rock/Houston game), but not really a rejection was when Biggio was signing down a line of people and two people before me he stopped. That was very sad because I knew it was my last chance to get him as an active player.

[J.P]

They have the right to be cranky if a fan bugs them during thier off hours. They should expect it at the ballpark though.

Exactly. :thumbsup:

[Mikie]

You people who think buying a $20 ticket entitles you to a $50 autograph crack me up..:yawn:...

[SDL]

Kind of sad where you remember that someone once said it's time to start worrying when the fans STOP asking for your autograph.

Heck, I was flattered one time when 5 year old asked me for MY autograph (I was a overnight DJ at a rock station at the time)

[icee82]

I do the autograph thing but I am respectful to the players. I realize that it is their choice as to whether they want to sign. It seems that if you have some age on you that people insinuate that you should stop. Why? I have never sold one autograph...I have never sold one card. I do it because I enjoy it and it is a hobby. I read a lot of stories on the various websites about middle aged men, blah, blah, blah. I know that some guys are jerks. They are everywhere...on the highways, in the work place but just because you are getting older does not mean that you have to stop everything that you enjoy. The guys that bother me are the younger one with 50 cards for a player to sign. Last summer, I was in Durham outside of the park waiting for Josh Hamilton. Some guy that was approximately 25 or so had him to sign 50 cards. Come on...you know that most of them were going to the Bay.

[SDL]

I do the autograph thing but I am respectful to the players. I realize that it is their choice as to whether they want to sign. It seems that if you have some age on you that people insinuate that you should stop. Why? I have never sold one autograph...I have never sold one card. I do it because I enjoy it and it is a hobby. I read a lot of stories on the various websites about middle aged men, blah, blah, blah. I know that some guys are jerks. They are everywhere...on the highways, in the work place but just because you are getting older does not mean that you have to stop everything that you enjoy. The guys that bother me are the younger one with 50 cards for a player to sign. Last summer, I was in Durham outside of the park waiting for Josh Hamilton. Some guy that was approximately 25 or so had him to sign 50 cards. Come on...you know that most of them were going to the Bay.

I'm also middle-aged as well. I mostly go after the sigs of guys that I watched play when i was younger. What I have going for me is that I usually get blowups of cars signed and I ask for them to be personalized. that usually lets the player know that what he signs in NOT going on eBay.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I'm also middle-aged as well. I mostly go after the sigs of guys that I watched play when i was younger. What I have going for me is that I usually get blowups of cars signed and I ask for them to be personalized. that usually lets the player know that what he signs in NOT going on eBay.

One would think that. And this is not an indictment against you, but in an antique mall near me, one vendor has an autographed picture of George Foster, which is personalized and where he's telling the signer what a good friend they are. Now I've gotten Mr. Foster's autograph a couple times, he's a personal favorite, and he's never told me I was a friend at all, let alone a good one. I'd love to hear the back story behind why that picture is in an antique mall.

Personalization as well as a unique item would help in alleviating a player's fears, though. I, myself, prefer baseballs when getting an autograph, and usually use store-bought in bulk "mlb quality" baseballs. The player probably knows the eBay market is a little less for a ball with big Dunham's stamped on it.

[J.P]

I have a story about a success that goes to show how irregular some of these players' signing habits are, last year, after batting practice before a Dbacks @ Marlins game, I'm stading with a few other fans behind the Dbacks dugout waiting for them to finish batting practice, trying to get an autograph as they are walking in, they all start walking towards the bench at once, so I have to make up my mind as to who am I going to ask for their signature, so I see Jeff Cirillo, I call out to him: "Jeff", when he looks over, I show him his card and ask him if I could have his auto, he nods at me, and continues walking, he stops in front of the dugout, takes off his batting gloves, and motions to me to give him the card and the sharpie, at that point, all the other fans around me (which werent many), start approaching, he just hands me my autographed card, I say "Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it", and without saying a word he goes into the dugout. Theres a lady next to me that tells me: "Dang, I've been trying to get him for the past two days, but he hasnt signed". So, what made him sign for me and not for everybody else?? :noidea

[NJMetfan4life]

You do know that with TTM, you can say you're 11 years old and trying it for the first time, or maybe paying some little kids $5.00 to ask the guys for you, I'm young enough to ask and recive one in person, if anyone at a ballpark offered me $ for sigs I'd say yes.

[stang05]

Chuck Knoblach was walking with Derek Jeter after a game. I asked Jeter first and he signed a 1996 World Series Ball. I then asked Chuck and he said no because i asked for Jeter before him cuz I know Jeter is better.

[stejay]

I got turned down by Paul O'Neill once. He amended it a week later though, and he had a good reason for not signing by ball, so that was OK in the end

[Captain Cold Nose]

Chuck Knoblach was walking with Derek Jeter after a game. I asked Jeter first and he signed a 1996 World Series Ball. I then asked Chuck and he said no because i asked for Jeter before him cuz I know Jeter is better.

Maybe he knew you wouldn't appreciate it.

[stang05]

I would have being 2 names short and 2nd base on that type ball. He was really acting jealous becuase i asked for jeter beofre him although jeter was closer

[MattD1972]

In '92, I saw Carl Everett tell a 8 year old kid to "get the F out of my face" when the kid wanted to to have him sign his Ft. Lauderdale Yankee card. There are some things you don't say to a 8 year old kid and that's one of them. Everett was in the stands (on the DL) and was in the row behind me and a few seats over. I turn and give him a look. "What the F you looking at," he demands. "Absolutely NOTHING," I respond. Guess that went over his head.


Even in '92, he was Crazy Carl.
Last year, my daughter and I went to the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown on HOF Weekend. It's across the street from the Golf Course. when we turned in, the securty guards were very tense about us parking there (Even at 10 in the morning, it probably had already been a long day for them) until I tld them we were actually going to the museum. Across the street, there were HUNDREDS of people begging for autographs. I'm betting all were turned down. I am quite glad we didn't join that throng.
On a more positive note, my daughter also won a contest last year to be a honorary batgirl for the Mets' AA affiliate. She was the batgirl for the game where Lastings Milledge started his rehab assignment. Milledge was extremely charitable about signing and talking with the fans pre-game.
PS and off topic - Go to HOF weekend at least once in you life. you will pay out the nose for autographs,but the experience is priceless. When else can you run into Bob Feller (holy crap, is he huge!!) right on the street, or say hello to Monte Irvin in the middle of town?

[EricDavis]

You do know that with TTM, you can say you're 11 years old and trying it for the first time, or maybe paying some little kids $5.00 to ask the guys for you, I'm young enough to ask and recive one in person, if anyone at a ballpark offered me $ for sigs I'd say yes.

Why would you say you're 11 and trying it for the first time? Lying breeds more trouble. If everyone took your advice then those guys who only sign for "11 year old kids" would figure it out pretty quick and then they wouldn't sign for the real 11 year old kids.

[NJMetfan4life]

Why would you say you're 11 and trying it for the first time? Lying breeds more trouble. If everyone took your advice then those guys who only sign for "11 year old kids" would figure it out pretty quick and then they wouldn't sign for the real 11 year old kids.

Only a suggestion. :hide:

[locke40]

Joey Cora, Mariners... was signing for a group of kids until someone's sharpie exploded on his sleeve ruining his jacket. He dropped that pen and card and just walked away.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: That is absolutely hilarious.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I would have being 2 names short and 2nd base on that type ball. He was really acting jealous becuase i asked for jeter beofre him although jeter was closer

Right, he was jealous of that.

[hellborn]

... When else can you run into Bob Feller (holy crap, is he huge!!) right on the street, or say hello to Monte Irvin in the middle of town?

Are you talking about Feller's physical size, or his status as a great pitcher?
I think that he's about 5'11" now...if you meant size, maybe you were mistaking Frank Howard for Feller?
:noidea

[Captain Cold Nose]

Are you talking about Feller's physical size, or his status as a great pitcher?
I think that he's about 5'11" now...if you meant size, maybe you were mistaking Frank Howard for Feller?
:noidea

Feller seems taller than 5'11".

Hondo the liquor distributor is still Hondo.

[MattD1972]

Feller seems taller than 5'11".


I'm 5'8", but Feller did seem much taller than 5'11".

[SDL]

Even in '92, he was Crazy Carl.
Last year, my daughter and I went to the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown on HOF Weekend. It's across the street from the Golf Course. when we turned in, the securty guards were very tense about us parking there (Even at 10 in the morning, it probably had already been a long day for them) until I tld them we were actually going to the museum. Across the street, there were HUNDREDS of people begging for autographs. I'm betting all were turned down. I am quite glad we didn't join that throng.
On a more positive note, my daughter also won a contest last year to be a honorary batgirl for the Mets' AA affiliate. She was the batgirl for the game where Lastings Milledge started his rehab assignment. Milledge was extremely charitable about signing and talking with the fans pre-game.
PS and off topic - Go to HOF weekend at least once in you life. you will pay out the nose for autographs,but the experience is priceless. When else can you run into Bob Feller (holy crap, is he huge!!) right on the street, or say hello to Monte Irvin in the middle of town?

Interesting postscript to the interlude I had with Carl The Clubhouse Cancer (I want to note that the incident took place at a Class A FSL Ft. Lauderdale Yankee game).

A few months later I'm at the expansion draft festivities at Joe Robbie Stadium. Me and the guys I'm with..we're somewhat familiar with some of the draft picks, since a few had played in the FSL. Everett gets selected by the Marlins. We start laughing. Some people ask us why. I say "this is one guy you ain't gonna want to have on any goodwill caravans."

When the Sox got him...I had a feeling stuff was gonna happen.

Kind of sad, tho..not even his hometown Rays would even sign him...

[NJMetfan4life]

David Wright, was on celebrity apprentice 2 weeks ao, buying hot dogs for everyone from the women's team, I think Jenny Finch invited him.

[yankeeboy21]

I actually havent had the opportunity to be turned down, ut i do collect autographs. I dont have many, but im going to Yankees spring training in March any one got any useful tips to help me get some autos.
:noidea:noidea

[AutographCollector]

I actually havent had the opportunity to be turned down, ut i do collect autographs. I dont have many, but im going to Yankees spring training in March any one got any useful tips to help me get some autos.
:noidea:noidea

Say please, say thank you, don't shove 100 cards and baseballs in the players face, have a sharpie pen ready for the player to use. And most importantly be one of the first one's there. Remember the old saying:"Last one there is a rotten egg?" :)

[CubsFanLivinInMili-Wa-Kay]

I was turned down by Mike Mussina back when he was a rookie for the Orioles. It was at Comiskey Park the day after he had just shut them out the night before for 7 innings. You would of thought he'd been in a good mood or a better mood, after a great outing. He just walked right past about 10 of us kids at the time and didn't give us the time of day. Yet Cal Ripken was about 10 yards away and signing for everybody that wanted an auto that day. We were even yelling "Great Job last night Mussina", yet nothing, not even a nod or a glance.

But it makes sense now though, I hear that steroids will give you uncontrollable mood swings. :grouchy

[EricDavis]

I was turned down by Mike Mussina back when he was a rookie for the Orioles. It was at Comiskey Park the day after he had just shut them out the night before for 7 innings. You would of thought he'd been in a good mood or a better mood, after a great outing. He just walked right past about 10 of us kids at the time and didn't give us the time of day. Yet Cal Ripken was about 10 yards away and signing for everybody that wanted an auto that day. We were even yelling "Great Job last night Mussina", yet nothing, not even a nod or a glance.

But it makes sense now though, I hear that steroids will give you uncontrollable mood swings. :grouchy

And who has linked Mussina to steroids?

[The Prowling Cat]

Mark Whiten! He was the batting coach for the Spokane Indians one year. We went to watch a game in Salem (single A). In Salem we have what I call the walk of shame. The players are forced to walk from behind the stands, through the crowd to a gate and down a path with a short fence seperating them and the crowd. I always say no matter how big of a star you think you are. Everyone must do the walk of shame. The one game had the cards you buy from the team and he just told everyone there that he was busy. After the game he jumped the short fence and just about knocked my g/f over doing his sprint to the back. The next night though my son who was 8 at the time and knew who the last four guys he needed to complete the set. Whiten came running past and my son grabbed his card and started in hot pursuit. As he opened the gate my son asked him and how do you turn down a little kid? So he got the auto and the funny part is that night the crowd was larger. So instead of doing 5 auto's the night before he had to do about 15 that night...

[Captain Cold Nose]

And who has linked Mussina to steroids?

Nobody with anything but an axe to grind.

[riredsox]

Cert Schilling, spring training, 2007- just blew us off.

[commishbob]

Many years ago I went with a Dodger fan friend as he tried to get some autographs in the Shamrock Hotel lobby. Davey Lopes strolled through the lobby carrying a suit bag with his name imprinted in huge Dodger-style script. When my friend approached him Lopes proceeded to rudely deny he actually WAS Davey Lopes and chewed my friend out for approaching him. We've laughed about that a few times since.

[dabigyankeeman]

One day when the Yankees trained in Ft Lauderdale, I was by the dugout with a bunch of people and Rickey Henderson was signing for all the kids. I had heard that Rickey only signs for kids, and he was done, about to walk away, and I held out my paper for him to sign, he looked at it, then continued to walk away, but knowing his passion for kids I yelled "C'mon Rickey, I'm just a big kid myself!" and he turned and looked at me, then smiled and came back and signed for me. So I was almost turned down, but I got the autograph!

[howiek]

One day when the Yankees trained in Ft Lauderdale, I was by the dugout with a bunch of people and Rickey Henderson was signing for all the kids. I had heard that Rickey only signs for kids, and he was done, about to walk away, and I held out my paper for him to sign, he looked at it, then continued to walk away, but knowing his passion for kids I yelled "C'mon Rickey, I'm just a big kid myself!" and he turned and looked at me, then smiled and came back and signed for me. So I was almost turned down, but I got the autograph!


Your lucky! I've been turned down numerous time while he played for the Mets. When he played for the Newark Bears, I figured it would be easy. NOPE.
He didn't sign for anyone.

[Otis Nixon's Bodyguard]

A friend of mine was a Braves bat boy a few years back, and he worked the 2000 All-Star game. Sammy Sosa turned him down for an autograph in the clubhouse. This wasn't some kid in the stands, this was someone who had been taking care of his equipment all week.

[rtcrules]

My brother and I were getting autographs after an Indians game a couple years ago, and a kid asked "Casey, can you sign?" Bob Howry, whom the child believed to be Casey Blake, replied angerly, "When you get my name right I'll sign" and stormed off. We still laugh at that to this day.

[steve rogers]

I don't have any personal stories about being turned down. I never did much standing around waiting for players to sign. The few times I did I was pretty successful. Most of the players I got were journey men at best (Jackie Gutierrez, Dick Schofield Jr., etc.). One day in 1985 at Yankee stadium my father and I were just hanging around waiting for the players to some out and my dad was talking to an older gentleman for a while. Well it turned out the older man was Rod Carew's father. Rod came out and was swarmed by kids and just walked right trough them, I was just kind of standing there and Rod's father grabbed my ball and yelled at Rod to "sign this kids ball!". My dad and I still talk about that day.

One more story that fits into this thread: me and a friend were watching the players come into Yankee stadium last year. There was a girl right at the entrance on the players side of the barrier. She was in a wheelchair and was severely disabled. She had a bat and a T-shirt and every single player stopped and signed and they all took pictures with her. Jeter, ARod, Pettite, Matsui, Posada, Mariano, Damon, Abreu, Cano, Wang. ARod and Pettite even stopped for a while and talked to her and her family. Every player except one. Roger Clemens. He walked straight up the walkway and just stepped around her. The fans started yelling at him. He just kept on going. And no, he wasn't pitching that day. I think that's as bad as it gets.

Scott

[SDL]

I don't have any personal stories about being turned down. I never did much standing around waiting for players to sign. The few times I did I was pretty successful. Most of the players I got were journey men at best (Jackie Gutierrez, Dick Schofield Jr., etc.). One day in 1985 at Yankee stadium my father and I were just hanging around waiting for the players to some out and my dad was talking to an older gentleman for a while. Well it turned out the older man was Rod Carew's father. Rod came out and was swarmed by kids and just walked right trough them, I was just kind of standing there and Rod's father grabbed my ball and yelled at Rod to "sign this kids ball!". My dad and I still talk about that day.

One more story that fits into this thread: me and a friend were watching the players come into Yankee stadium last year. There was a girl right at the entrance on the players side of the barrier. She was in a wheelchair and was severely disabled. She had a bat and a T-shirt and every single player stopped and signed and they all took pictures with her. Jeter, ARod, Pettite, Matsui, Posada, Mariano, Damon, Abreu, Cano, Wang. ARod and Pettite even stopped for a while and talked to her and her family. Every player except one. Roger Clemens. He walked straight up the walkway and just stepped around her. The fans started yelling at him. He just kept on going. And no, he wasn't pitching that day. I think that's as bad as it gets.

Scott

Really great for his PR image...

[steve rogers]

I do have another story about a player. A Toyota dealership near my house used to have an annual day where they had some players come down and sign for free. They made money for charity on the baseballs and photos they sold for signing. The first year they had Bill Lee and Jim Rice, the second year they had George Foster, Luis Tiant, and Jim Rice again.

The first year was fun. Bill Lee was incredible. He wore a turn of the century Red Sox, or should I say Pilgrims, uniform. He talked with everyone, posed for photos, made personalization's, signed everything "Bill Lee, Earth 2003". Then he invited everyone to the minor league game 20 minutes away later that night. Just as great as you'd hope he'd be. Jim Rice on the other hand was just not pleasant. No photos, no personalization's, no talking, no nothing. I had a ball and photo for him to sign. After he signed them I put out my hand and said "thank you", not only wouldn't he shake my hand he didn't even look up.

The second year signing was great too. George Foster was very nice. He chatted and took photos and I had a nice little conversation with him about his 52 homer season. Tiant was his usual happy and jovial self. He had a huge black cigar and was laughing and joking with everyone. And the signature he gave me this time is my favorite of my collection (I've had the pleasure of getting Luis' autograph at 4 different events). It must be 7 inches wide and 4 inches tall, and he added his number which I love players to do. And Jim Rice was there again too. I didn't bother to get anything for him to sign this year but I was in line to get Foster's and saw him doing the same thing he did the year before. He was even ignoring little kids.

I guess you're not supposed to complain about getting free autographs, but the guy was just miserable. For God's sake, it was a charity event aren't you supposed to at least try to be a nice person?