Tyler Seguin Autograph appearance

One tip I encourage all collectors, new and old, to take advantage of,  is to meet a young athlete when the opportunity presents itself.  A very large chunk of my 2000 autographs came from players in their first 2-3 seasons with a team when they are cheap and accessible. 
Collectors will be afforded this rare opportunity on April 1, 2013, when they can meet 21 year old, Boston Bruin, Tyler Seguin.  Tyler is still 3-4 years from his prime and has already had a significant impact on the Bruins, including winning the Stanley Cup.  His autograph will only become more valuable and more in demand over the next few years.  So take advantage now!!!!

The pricing for a young superstar as Tyler, is fantastic for this event.  Only $59 for regular items and $79 for premium, $25 for inscriptions.  I am telling you, fans will regret not taking advantage of this now. 

The information on location and time is below. 
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com

Aaron Hernandez rescheduled signing

About 2 weeks ago, Aaron Hernandez was scheduled to make an autograph appearance with Rob Gronkowski.  Unfortunately, Aaron had to postpone his appearance that day.  His new appearance date is Monday, April 29.  The location is still in the same place, in Derry NH.

His pricing is $59 for regular items (8x10 photos, mini helmets) and $79 for premium items (oversized photos, helmets and jerseys). 

For more information please check www.newenglandpicture.com or www.sureshotpromotions.com.

Come and Meet Milan Lucic

Milan Lucic is one of the toughest and most popular current Bruins.  He is a member of the 2011 Stanley Cup Champions.  He is also making an autograph appearance on March 26, in Nashua NH.  I have met Milan 2 times and he is one of the nicest professional athletes I have worked with.  Fans who meet him always rave about how well he treats them.

Pricing for Milan is very good.  Pricing for regular autographs (Pucks, and 8x10 photos) is $49.  Premium items such as jerseys, sticks and over size photos are priced at $69.  Inscriptions are $25.  I highly recommend taking advantage of this price and event, as the promoters are offering a great opportunity to meet a Stanley cup champion.

For more information check www.newenglandpicture.com or www.sureshotpromotions.com

Stan the Man Musial - Autograph Deals

Since the passing of baseball hall of famer Stan Musial, I have been looking to purchase one of his authenticated autographed baseballs.  I have looked in over 15 - 20 places, both in person and online and the pricing started at $225 for a signed ball.  This seemed very high, as until the day he died, you could find one in the $100-$150 range. 

This past week I had the pleasure of visiting St. Louis for the first time.  As part of the 4 days that I stayed there, I made a visit to the new Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals.  In the Cardinal's team store I found the item I was looking for.  An Authenticated autographed baseball, signed by Stan the Man Musial.  The price was in the $100-$150 range, with included the UV protected ball cube.  The authentication was a matching hologram both on the ball and certificate, that came from Musial's agent.  Not to mention, it is highly unlikely that a major league baseball, authorized team store, would sell a fake autograph.

So if you're looking for a Stan the Man Musial autographed ball, please check out the St. Louis Cardinal team store.

Stan Musial Autographed ball.

Matching hologram on certificate and ball.

The original number = High Value

One afternoon last summer, I was grateful to have an opportunity to work with Red Sox 3rd baseman, Will Middlebrooks.  At that autograph signing, he was telling the volunteers & workers that after the 2012 season, his jersey number would change from 64 to 16.  That piece of inside information created quite a stir in room, as the companies involved were having many #64 jerseys autographed.  We were all asked to keep this information secret as to not hurt #64 jersey sales. 
However, I had a different take on it because I feel the first jersey a player wears for a season in the big leagues, especially an all star prospect like Middlebrooks, will be worth more in the long term.  Yes, in the short run, fans aren't likely to purchase jerseys or t-shirts with #64, but over time those jerseys will increase in value.  I say that, because when I attend silent auctions, check auction sites or retail sites for autographed jerseys, I always find the older, original jerseys have much higher value.  I'm not talking about the long term minor leaguer who have made some small appearances in the majors, but I'm talking about the future all starts and MVP's.  Most people forget that Jacoby Ellsbury once wore number 43 before changing to #2.  I saw an MLB authenticated autographed #43 Ellsbury jersey on EBAY for $300.  I completely forgot he wore that number in his first few games in the majors.  So, now is the time to invest in a #64 autographed Middlebrooks jersey.  Most places will be selling these for $75-$100. 



Will Wearing #64 in action at Fenway.

Boston Celtic and Bruin Autograph Appearances

4 players in 2 days.  That's right, New England Picture Company is offering fans an opportunity to meet 2 Boston Celtics and 2 Boston Bruins in 2 days.  On day 1, (February 27, 2013) two of the Bruin 2011 Stanley Cup Champions will be appearing at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree Mass..  Adam McQuaid and Danielle Paille will be signing autographs for only $25 each for each item, regular or premium.  You can also purchase a super ticket to get an autograph from each player for $45.  That is a great price for members of a championship team from Boston.  This pricing won't ever be this cheap for these athletes anytime in the near future.
On day 2, (February 28, 2013), New England Picture Company are hosting 2 of the Boston Celtic forwards, Jared Sullinger and Brandon Bass for an autograph signing.  This is an outstanding opportunity to meet a future star of the Celtics and a wiley veteran of the NBA.   Pricing for this is more than fair, starting at $29 for regular items and $39 for premium. Super tickets will save you money which start at $50 for an autograph from each player. 
Both of these signings will occur at the New England Picture South Shore Plaza store. 
For more information check www.newenglandpicture.com.

The Voices of our Teams

For many sports fans, their home teams are identified by not only the players performing but by those broadcasting the games.  Whether it be on TV or Radio, locally or nationally, sports fans know the broadcasters.  For years, the Philadelphia Phillies had Harry Kalas, the Milwaukee Brewers have Bob Eucker, ESPN has Dick Vitale and the Dodgers have Vin Scully.  In New England we all remember Johnny Most, Curt Gowdy, Gil Santos (Just retired), Fred Cusick, Ned Martin, Bob Cousy, Joe Castiglione (Still active) and Mike Gorman (Still active) and many more.
So why don't people collect autographs for more of these well known people?  I'm not really sure. 
Most broadcasters are former and well known athletes.  Most broadcasters are a part of the team's tradition and history.  Most broadcasters are willing to sign, at least more than the athletes.  Most broadcasters don't sign often, therefore their autographs tend to be worth money, especially those on the national level. 
Although they usually work in secure locations, inaccessible to the regular fan, they are generally more accessible before and after a game.  They almost always enter or exit the venue through a public door.  And if they use a more secure door, they usually will appear in a less secure location to find their mode of transportation. Sometimes you can find these individuals on or near the field of play prior to game time, especially after they conduct their player/coach interviews. 
So if you want to start collecting unique pieces, start seeking out the broadcast team.  You will own a piece of nostalgia and history.

Autographed Harry Kallas, Curt Gowdy and Vin Scully Autographs.