Dalkowski110
06-28-2009, 09:16 AM
This is somewhat different from my "signing peculiarities" thread in that, in your opinion, I'd like to know what you think the top five nicest looking and top five ugliest signatures are. They can be from any player of any era in baseball. Here are my top five and bottom five...first the top five...
1. Gene Lillard, post-career. Move over, John Hancock! Lillard's virtually impossible to fake signature came about as a result of his love of calligraphy. The result is an incredibly elaborate yet very legible, 1700's style signature you'd expect more to see on the Declaration of Independence than on the index cards he so frequently signed.
2. Sandy Koufax. For some reason, I've always thought Sandy had the nicest-looking signature of any ballplayer, ever, until I saw Gene Lillard. Flowed so nicely, and from such a great pitcher, to boot.
3. Don Demeter. The third baseman/outfielder for several teams in the 1960's has to be given credit for creativity. If you've ever seen a Don Demeter signature, you'll never forget it with those big, looping D's.
4. Pedro Martinez. For some reason, I've always liked Pedro's sig. Very elaborate, but also very readable.
5. Mickey Mantle. Another one that falls into the category of "very elaborate" and "very iconic." Although I always liked Willie Mays better as a ballplayer, I thought Mickey's signature was nicer.
Bottom 5
1. John Danks. Ironically, his brother, Jordan, signs pretty good. If you can make out ANY letter Danks signs, then all the power to you.
2. Angel Villalona. Sloppily printed in tiny lettering; it would beat John Danks's if it was illegible.
3. Greg Maddux. Seems to read "Lo Gviy." The funny thing is, Maddux's inscriptions are always very legible and neatly signed, so he doesn't get an excuse on this one.
4. Andrew Miller. You can make out the "A" (kinda) and the "M," but outside that, it's just a painful-looking squiggle.
5. Wally Bunker. It's literally nothing more than a scribble. You can make out one letter, maybe two if you're lucky.
How about you guys?
1. Gene Lillard, post-career. Move over, John Hancock! Lillard's virtually impossible to fake signature came about as a result of his love of calligraphy. The result is an incredibly elaborate yet very legible, 1700's style signature you'd expect more to see on the Declaration of Independence than on the index cards he so frequently signed.
2. Sandy Koufax. For some reason, I've always thought Sandy had the nicest-looking signature of any ballplayer, ever, until I saw Gene Lillard. Flowed so nicely, and from such a great pitcher, to boot.
3. Don Demeter. The third baseman/outfielder for several teams in the 1960's has to be given credit for creativity. If you've ever seen a Don Demeter signature, you'll never forget it with those big, looping D's.
4. Pedro Martinez. For some reason, I've always liked Pedro's sig. Very elaborate, but also very readable.
5. Mickey Mantle. Another one that falls into the category of "very elaborate" and "very iconic." Although I always liked Willie Mays better as a ballplayer, I thought Mickey's signature was nicer.
Bottom 5
1. John Danks. Ironically, his brother, Jordan, signs pretty good. If you can make out ANY letter Danks signs, then all the power to you.
2. Angel Villalona. Sloppily printed in tiny lettering; it would beat John Danks's if it was illegible.
3. Greg Maddux. Seems to read "Lo Gviy." The funny thing is, Maddux's inscriptions are always very legible and neatly signed, so he doesn't get an excuse on this one.
4. Andrew Miller. You can make out the "A" (kinda) and the "M," but outside that, it's just a painful-looking squiggle.
5. Wally Bunker. It's literally nothing more than a scribble. You can make out one letter, maybe two if you're lucky.
How about you guys?