Signature Baseballs|Autographed baseballs » baseball http://www.signaturebaseballs.com Baseballs autographed by past and present baseball teams, players Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:04:30 +0000 en hourly 1 One Man’s Autographed Baseball Collection; What’s Yours Look Like? http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/one-mans-autographed-baseball-collection-whats-yours-look-like http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/one-mans-autographed-baseball-collection-whats-yours-look-like#comments Wed, 24 Nov 2010 22:42:38 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8224 by Greg Johnson

As collectors, we usually become excited when we look at our collection and we remember the story that goes with each item. We usually have specific items that we are proud of, for different reasons. I always am interested in hearing what other people’s collections look like, even if their collection is barely getting started. If you are a new collector or a veteran you know what I am talking about. There is an excitement to hearing the stories about certain baseballs that that were added to your stash.

I must say that the first autographed baseball I ever received will never be forgotten, not only because it was my first, but because Bengie Molina picked me out when there were thousands of people in line. I also have a Tim Lincecum ball which I won’t forget because he was pretty humble about it and he hung up his phone just to come sign. Edgar Renteria reminds me of how many times it took me to get his autograph but also of how durable he has been, playing for many years and being the MVP for the 2010 World Series. My favorite player of all, Buster Posey signed a ball for me. I have been following him since he was drafted by the Giants, and I was lucky enough to get his autograph, another humble and nice person who deserves Rookie of the Year in my opinion.

Matt Cain is another nice person that I was able to get, and one of my favorite players out there. He took the time to sign after doing a bullpen session. Pablo Sandoval also signed one of my baseballs, and he also picked me out of a big crowd waiting for autographs. Although I must say, I was with my girlfriend and I think he signed it more for her than for me! Baseball players are known for stuff like that.

If it’s not obvious enough, I am a huge Giants fan and most of my autographed baseballs are from Giants players. I don’t limit myself to just Giants players, though, because I am just a big baseball fanatic. And, when the chance comes, I am always trying to get other players. I happen to have a Carlos Gonzalez signed ball. I really like this guy as a player and I think he will be a great player for years to come. He was nice enough to come all the way from right field, where he was shagging balls, and he signed for me when I was on the left field wall.

A guy you may have never heard about, but probably the nicest guy in baseball that I have met, Esmil Rogers a prospect from the Rockies organization. I can probably say that he is the one baseball player that I have held the longest conversation with; I was probably talking to him for a good 30 minutes. Finally, I also have a Kurt Suzuki signed bat. I am really proud of that piece of memorabilia. I always wanted a game-used bat and Kurt was nice enough to make it happen for me.

You have heard a little bit about my small, but yet memorable collection. I would like to hear your stories about you collection. Feel free to leave comments and share your stories with the rest of us.

]]> http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/one-mans-autographed-baseball-collection-whats-yours-look-like/feed 0 First Autograph is Always Special http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/first-autograph-is-always-special http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/first-autograph-is-always-special#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:53:51 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8201 Although it can be very fun and satisfying to buy and collect autographed baseballs, if you have received an autograph personally from a baseball player, you know that there is something special that goes with that. I am not saying that buying autographed baseballs is not special, but what I am saying is that there is a bit more of excitement when you get the autograph personally, no one can take that experience from you. I have received a few autographs throughout my experience as a baseball collector and I would like to share my first autograph that I ever received.

It came from a special player that I admire not only as a player but also as a person, Bengie Molina. It happened during a Giants “Fan Fest,” which I was so excited to attend. It was my goal to get his autograph for a while, but I had a hard time getting one in the past. As soon as I arrived to the Fan Fest all my hope turned into disappointment as the line to get his autograph was about as long as the distance from home plate all the way to the center field wall. There was no way that if I stood in line I was going to get his autograph. So then I thought to myself, how could I make myself stand out so that perhaps Bengie can notice me?

I sat right across the booth where he was signing items and kept getting his attention, I kept showing him my Bengie Molina shirt that I was wearing and I would ask if he could sign my baseball. He would point at the line of fans like saying, “Come on, there are thousands of people in line here,” but not in a rude way, matter fact he thought it was funny. Again, here I lost hope and I kind of put my head down giving up and then I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.

It was his assistant.

She said “Bengie wants to sign your ball, want to give it to me so I can hand it to him.” And I am sure you know what happened from there. I must tell you I had the biggest smile at the park and I thanked Bengie, and he made a “fist pump” towards me and waved goodbye. The best thing about it was that as I walked away, everyone in line was looking at me like, “who is this guy how did he get an autograph so easy and we are still standing here? If you plan to be collector I am sure you will get to experience something close to this at one point of your collecting “career" if you already haven’t.

It's those unique experiences that are the most fun and your first autograph is always one you'll remember.

]]> http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/first-autograph-is-always-special/feed 0 How Do I Know an Autographed Baseball is Real? http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/how-do-i-know-an-autographed-baseball-is-real http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/how-do-i-know-an-autographed-baseball-is-real#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:02:24 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8065 The sports memorabilia market has its share of fakes but these days it's actually much safer to buy a signed baseball than ever before and know with some certainty that it's real.

The internet has created the opportunity for non-genuine signatures to thrive in the marketplace, but it's also afforded buyers with a remarkable number of tools to help ensure authenticity.

Purchasing autographs on eBay can be a good experience despite those who will try to scare you into not buying.  You do need to know how to shop for a ball or other autograph however.  Older baseballs that haven't been authenticated can be real, but you will want to do plenty of research and perhaps employ the services of PSA/DNA's 'quick opinion' service before making a commitment to bid.  For a minimal fee, the company's experts will examine the signed ball on eBay and render an opinion on whether it's likely genuine or likely non-genuine.  This way, you're getting a level of safety.

If you're in the market for a vintage signed ball, be aware that most dealers won't sell autographed items that haven't been authenticated by some of the more highly regarded names in the industry.  EBay only allows a certain number of autograph authentication services to be included among its listings.  PSA/DNA and James Spence Authentication are two of the better services.  If you're buying with their approval, there is no absolute guarantee the autograph is real, but there is a pretty good likelihood.  The more reputable companies have an extensive database from which to compare and contrast submissions with those already known to be real.  A full authentication letter or opinion should give the buyer a feeling of some comfort.

Of course, some autographed balls aren't worth enough to have someone authenticate them.  In that case, check the seller's feedback and see what the provenance of the ball may be.  Chances are, the seller isn't selling bogus items if he's not selling items priced at a level that would be worth it to him.  Do your homework and see if you can find online examples of the same ball that are real.

Beware of the hot players whose autographs show up on eBay at low prices.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Better to commit to a higher price with authentication that to try and find a bargain.

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Shop for autographs on eBay

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