Questions for Those who Collect TTM Autographs

[Agente Libre]

I bet there are a lot fewer ghost signers TTM now than in the 1940s through the 1970s. Back then, players felt some pressure to answer fan mail, which gave way to batboys, wives, etc., signing for the player. Now, players either sign or they don't sign but I doubt they feel pressured to do so, which probably lowers the odds of a ghost-signed auto.

(In fact, people are probably getting real auto's TTM now from a lot of older players who used ghost signers when they were active players.)

[AutographCollector]

Originally Posted by Agente Libre

I bet there are a lot fewer ghost signers TTM now than in the 1940s through the 1970s. Back then, players felt some pressure to answer fan mail, which gave way to batboys, wives, etc., signing for the player. Now, players either sign or they don't sign but I doubt they feel pressured to do so, which probably lowers the odds of a ghost-signed auto.

(In fact, people are probably getting real auto's TTM now from a lot of older players who used ghost signers when they were active players.)

Good points. If a player feels pressured to sign... chances are he won't. And he will tell you "no" in person, or simply keep your cards if you send ttm.

[Dan G]

Throughout my years of autograph collecting, I have never done it TTM. Living in Florida at the time, I had access to a wide range of players and teams, so autograph collecting in person was quite easy.
TTM you're only assuming the player you're writing to is actually reading your letter and signing your cards.
When you receive your autographed cards back, do you search online for images of that particular players autograph to compare it to your own? Have you ever questioned an autograph, wondering if it's real or not?

[AutographCollector]

Originally Posted by Dango727

When you receive your autographed cards back, do you search online for images of that particular players autograph to compare it to your own? Have you ever questioned an autograph, wondering if it's real or not?

Sometimes I do... sometimes I don't search for other examples of the autograph in question online. It all depends. The thing is though. You are 100% right. When someone sends a request ttm to a player it could be his son who signs the card, next door neighbor, grandson, etc, etc. OR maybe just maybe the player himself will actually sign the card. I believe that 100% of the cards that I have obtained from players ttm from the 1940's thru the 1960's are as real as they can get. I hope that I answered your questions and concerns.

[kearns643]

I agree with previous post...you can only believe that the right person is signing. And that the older players 100% true. Why would it be any different. I haven't deliberately "compared notes" but have had times that I have seen other sigs of players and they were the same.

To get a forgery is an unknown...how do we know? but that is not the point...we write..they respond...we can only be thankful.

In person is more fun..I have done that and would like to do it more.

I hope this helps

Bill

[bailiff]

I only compare sigs when I get a "superstar" or a hard to get signature. Otherwise, I believe that the auto is real.