Signature Baseballs|Autographed baseballs » collecting 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 Autographed Baseballs: Themes for Your Collection http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/ways-to-collect-autographed-baseballs http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/ways-to-collect-autographed-baseballs#comments Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:47:26 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8067 Most collectors prefer their autographed baseballs in three forms:

  • Single-signed baseball
  • Team-signed baseball
  • "Theme" baseball

The single signed baseball is popular with collectors for its simplicity.  The player signs his name on the 'sweet spot', the narrow area between the seams.  They're easy to display, clean and neat with one singular focus.  Many collect autographed balls from Baseball Hall of Famers in this fashion.

The team-signed baseball is a bit more complicated, but somewhat of a rare treasure, especially if you're looking at one from decades ago.  Team balls are those signed by all members of a certain team.  Collectors of Yankees memorabilia, then, would gravitate toward a certain memorable edition of that club, likely a World Series winner.  World Series championship team-signed balls are among the most valuable in the hobby.  Others favor All-Star team balls or just collect signed balls from every year of their favorite team.  With team-signed baseballs, one must guard against "clubhouse" signatures.  Many times, baseballs would get passed around the lockerroom and the more famous athletes would have a clubhouse attendant or batboy sign their name to the ball because of the tedium involved for a popular player.  It sounds disappointing and it is-but it's also reality.  Fifty years ago, autographs really didn't have much monetary value and players who were asked to sign hundreds per day just simply didn't want to be bothered.  Good autograph authenticators can tell the difference.  PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentications are two good authenticators, but there are others.

Theme balls are fun.  Autographed baseballs can be created by picking a certain milestone or other theme and adding signatures to it when possible.  You can try to collect a baseball signed by pitchers who have won 300 games, pitched no-hitters or perfect games or won Cy Young Awards.  You can chase 500-home run club members, MVPs, batting champions or Rookies of the Year.  Obviously, if your theme includes a deceased player, you'll have to find a single-signed ball from that player and then add the living players to it.  You could start with a modified theme, however.  Something like "Perfect Game pitchers from the 1980s through today" would probably work.

It's good practice to check out authentic autographed baseballs on eBayto see what's availalable and get ideas for building your collection.

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