New England Patriots, LeGarrette Blount and Chris Hogan Autograph Signings

New England Patriot fans, here is a great holiday gift idea.  Whether it's something you want to give early to that special Pats fan or something to hold for a later date you cannot beat this offer.  New England receiver Chris Hogan and Superbowl 49 champion LaGarrette Blount will be appearing together at the New England Picture store in Braintree Mass on Monday November 21.

Autographs prices for each player are only $39 for regular items and $49 for larger size flats and equipment.  2 autographs for $78 from 2 current players is a steal, especially players of this caliber.  I encourage fans to jump on this now and for those that want to finish some holiday shopping, this is your chance.

For more information please click Here.

David Ortiz Autograph Signing

Red Sox fans this one is for you.  Red Sox fan favorite and recently retired David Ortiz will be appearing at a public autograph signing on Tuesday November 15 at the New England Picture Store in Braintree, Massachusetts.  David played for the Sox from 2003-2016, hit 541 career home runs and ranks #17 on the all time home run list.  He has many MLB and Red Sox team hitting records, but most importantly won 3 World Series with the Sox in 2004, 2007 and 2013, of which he was the World Series MVP.

This signing is not cheap as regular items start at $249 per autographs.  Pricing goes up from there.

For more information check:  www.newenglandpicture.com

Patrice Bergeron, Reggie Jackson, Gerry Cheevers, Ray Bourque, Dave Bing, and more.......

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year.  Other than this being my birthday week, I look forward to attending the Greater Boston Sports Collector's Club Card and Memorabilia Show.  It's occurred the first weekend in November at the Shriner Auditorium in Wilmington Mass. for as long as I can remember.  This year's show is scheduled on Friday November 4 - Sunday November 6 and is featuring many members of the 1980's Boston Bruin hockey teams, 2 members of the 2004 Red Sox, former Red Sox and very rare autograph signer, Joe Lahoud, baseball Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Frank Robinson, Ferguson Jenkins in addition to local boxer Mickey Ward and many more.  I have not missed attending this show since I first attended in 2002.  I have found hundreds of deals on anything including memorabilia, photos, cards, supplies and autographs. There will be over 80 dealers in attendance, both from the region and nationally.

One of the reasons this show is my favorite is that everyone is very friendly and helpful.   There are items out there for the bargain hunter or the high end collector and of course all of us in between.  I've seen autographs for sale that include almost every hall of famer for every sport.  I've seen rare items like Cy Young, Babe Ruth and Alan Shepard(First U.S. astronaut in space) signed items.  I learn much about collecting, how to preserve autographs and what's out there on the market.  I always feel that when I walk and speak with dealers, I discover something new every November.

So here are some tips on how to make the most of one day or the weekend at the show.
1.  Walk the entire floor at least once before purchasing anything.  My experience is that you will find the same item in multiple locations.  The dealers are very competitive and will almost always come down in price to get the sale.
2.  Prepare to spend at least 2 hours browsing.  Be patient and ready to negotiate.
3.  Bring something to drink with you.  It is very dry in most facilities.
4.  Wear comfortable footwear.  The entire floor is concrete.
5.  If you are purchasing an autograph or game used piece of memorabilia make sure it is has authentication.  Ask the dealer where it came from and who authenticated it.  If the price is too good to be true, then don't purchase it.
6.  Most dealers will come down in price on the last day of a show.  They honestly don't want to haul it back to their homes or businesses.
7.  Have cash on hand.  Most dealers cannot accept credit cards and if they do, they might charge a service fee to pay for the connection at their table.
8.  Sign up for raffles and door prizes.  Almost every show has them and there are usually great prizes.
9.  If you are attending to meet players, be ready to wait in line, and in small spaces.  Also, if you have no idea what you want autographed the promoter's merchandise table will have the best items at reasonable prices.




This year's autograph guests include:
NHL Hall of famers:  Ray Bourque, Cam Neely, Gerry Cheevers, Adam Oates, Grant Fuhr
Current Bruins:  Torey Krug, Patrice Bergeron
Baseball Hall of Famers: Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson, Ferguson Jenkins
Boxers:  Mickey Ward, Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks, Gerry Cooney
Former Red Sox:  Ben Oglivie, Don Schwall, Jody Reed, Joe Lahoud, Scott Williamson, Gabe Kapler, Doug Mirabelli
Former Boston Bruins:  Rick Middleton, Normand Leveille, PJ Stock, Lyndon Byers, Bruce Shoebottom
NBA Hall of Famer:  Dave Bing

For more information on autograph guest information please visit www.sureshotpromotions.com

New England Patriots Martellus Bennett and Chris Hogan Autograph Appearances

The New England Patriots are on a roll, starting the season 4-1, and as we all know without Brady for weeks 1-4.  Part of the early success is due to New England Patriot off season acquisitions Martellus Bennett and Chris Hogan.  Both have played vital roles on the team to this point and with almost 3/4 of the season left, fans are sure to see their long term impact.

For fans who would like to meet them, here is a great opportunity for you.  Martellus and Chris will a make a public autograph appearance together on Monday October 17, 2016 at the New England Picture store at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Mass..

Pricing for this is great as it is $49 per autograph on any item for Bennett and $39 per autograph on regular items and $49 per autograph on premium items for Hogan.  Inscriptions per item per player is $15.  Customers purchasing a ticket for both players will be offered a discounted price.

For more information please check www.newenglandpicture.com.

Drew Bledsoe Boston Autograph Signing

There are many New England Patriot fans who only know the history of the team to be 4 Superbowl championships, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.  While that is great, the reality is that if you were born before 1995, we only remember losing season after losing season, with some one time highlights such as Superbowl appearances in 1985 and 1996.  We remember names like Hannah, Cappelletti, Grogan, Morgan, Tippett and Nelson.  We also remember a crappy home stadium and games blacked out on local television.
Then in 1993 Bill Parcells and Drew Bledsoe came into the living room of Patriots fans.  This change with new ownership transformed the culture of the team into a winning tradition.  Bledsoe personally brought plenty of excitement (With some interception frustration) to the Patriot fan base.  Years after his retirement, true and knowledgeable fans understood and recognized the impact he made on the franchise.
For true Patriot fans, and those collectors collecting Superbowl 36 signatures, this is a great opportunity for you. Drew is making a rare public autograph appearance on
Wednesday, November 30th at the New England Picture store at Burlington Mall in Burlington, Mass..  Pricing is great for someone who makes rare appearances, as regular items are $69 per item and premium items are $89 per item.  Inscriptions are $30 per 3-4 word request.
For more information click one of these links www.newenglandpicture.com or Sureshotpromotions.com.
Hope to see you there.

Former Boston Bruin, Derek Sanderson autograph signing.

1970's Bruins fans, this one is for you.  This is your opportunity to see 2 time Stanley Cup champion. 1968 Rookie of the Year and Bruins tough guy Derek Sanderson.  Derek's professional and personal experiences are unlike any other athlete in the history of Boston.  His life spans far past hockey, as he had bouts with drugs and alcohol, was a Bruins TV broadcaster, and is now a financial advisor for current athletes.  In 1972 he was the highest paid athlete in the world when he signed a $2.6 million contract with the Philadelphia Blazers.

Derek will be appearing at the New England Picture store in the Burlington, MA. on October 25, 2016.  Pricing for this is great, as he'll sign any item for just $25, with an inscription price of $10.  Take advantage of this great opportunity.
For more information please check www.newenglandpicture.com.

NBA Champion, Brian Scalabrine Autographed signing

Celtic fans everywhere, here is the deal and opportunity for you.  2008 NBA Champion, former Boston Celtic, and current Celtic TV analyst, Brian Scalabrine, is making a public autograph appearance on Thursday June 16, 2016.  He is appearing at the New England Picture store in Burlington Mall in Burlington Massachusetts.

Pricing for this is outstanding, only $15 per autograph.  You cannot beat that price for a member of this team.  I highly recommend you take advantage of this.

For more information please check this link www.newenglandpicture.com

Unique and Personal

I am often asked about my favorite autograph in my collection.  I usually answer with my Bill Clinton, Albert Pujols or Bill Russell pieces.  It was exciting to meet them in person and share the story and encounter of how I acquired their autographs.

However, in the past few years, I've been working on a very personal and fun piece.  I recently had the item stretched and framed for the ease of hanging and transporting.  This item is a simple picture I took of Fenway Park's green monster in the year 2000.  I was always impressed with the photo, given it was taken before all the new advertisements were painted on the wall as is scene today.  I made some small 8x10's of the print for players to sign, but never did much more than that.

In 2010 I submitted the picture to be published in a book about fans and their experience around baseball.  In April, 2012, I found out the picture was indeed chosen for the book and it can be seen on the back cover as well as the opening picture for chapter 7.  With that news, I decided to make a 20" by 30" canvas of the print for former Red Sox players to sign.  Over the past 3+  years it has developed into the centerpiece of my collection.  It has now become a conversation piece with guests and what I think is cooler, the players I ask to sign it.  Players such as Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Luis Tiant, Carl Yastrzemski, Dwight Evans, Fred Lynn, and Pumpsie Green among others  have signed it. 

So if you're looking for that unique piece, take a look at your camera or phone and see what you can make from that. It is inexpensive, personal and most importantly sentimental, which generally leads to great memories.

Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts Autograph Appearances

Red Sox fans, this is a great opportunity for you.  Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts & shortstop and 2013 World Series Champion, Xander Bogaerts are making a public autograph appearance on Thursday April 14 in Braintree Mass..  Do not miss out on meeting these young exciting future stars.

As I've said in other posts, this is the best time to meet these young athletes. One because they are still new and fresh, two because they are accessible, and three because their autograph is inexpensive.  Their price will only go up and already has, so take advantage of this now.  Pricing for regular items are $69 per autograph per player and $89 for premium items per autograph per player.  Inscriptions such as 2013 WS champs or a personalization costs and additional $29 each. 

For more information you can check the following websites:
www.newenglandpicture.com
www.sureshotpromotions.com

Meeting the 2016 Presidential Candidates

Living in New England provides all sorts of fun.  Of course we have our sport teams, we have an authentic 4 seasons of weather, fantastic food and in the past month politics.  In the year of a presidential election, in which the incumbent 8 year term ends, there are many candidates on both sides of the aisle.  With the state of New Hampshire hosting the first primary, and Massachusetts voting on Super Tuesday,  the opportunity to meet all the candidates in intimate settings became very possible. 
It is great to hear the stump speeches, see the candidates up close and personal, and get a sense of who might lead our country. However, for a collector as I, it became a great opportunity to acquire photos, and maybe acquire an autograph of a future president.  The intimate setting of a town hall in NH or Mass. (125 - 250 people) allows for these moments.  In a span of 8 days I saw 4 candidates, acquired many autographs, took endless photos and shook all those candidate hands.  It's an opportunity that only residents of Iowa and the New England states get, unless you are a big donor.
So in 2019/early 2020, check out the new wave of candidates (and some older ones), shake some hands and maybe get a president's autograph.

John Kasich and I and the baseball he signed for me.

Marco Rubio Signed Baseball

Ted Cruz Signed Baseball

Come and Meet Celtic Legend Robert Parish

Any 80's sports fan from the Boston area could name every Boston Celtic.  It was the 80's Celtic teams who brought us championships in this New England area during that era.  They won 3 titles in 6 seasons and appeared in the finals 2 additional years.  Those of us who remember that style of basketball, viewed that as real "Team" ball, unlike what is played today.  We also know those teams were anchored by the Big 3 (Larry Bird, Robert Parish, & Kevin McHale).
Now is your chance to meet one of them.  Hall of Famer, Robert Parish, will be appearing at an outstanding price.  $39 for regular items and $49 for premium & $25 for inscriptions.  Celtic legends just don't make appearances at this outstanding price often, especially Robert, because he doesn't get to this area often.

For more information click here:www.newenglandpicture.com

Celtic and NBA legend, Kevin McHale Autograph Appearance

As soon as I saw the posting about this event I jumped out of my shoes.  For those of you who are familiar with me, you know Kevin McHale is my favorite Celtic player of all time and probably my favorite NBA player of all time.  He was so important to the success of the 80's Celtics, and transcended the power forward position.  He won 3 championships and was in the original "Big 3" group with Larry Bird and Robert Parish. 

So for the those true Celtic fans this is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the 30th Anniversary of the 1986 Celtics Championship.  Yes, Kevin is coming to New Hampshire on March 17th for a public autograph appearance.  This is a great and rare opportunity to meet this true Celtic Legend.  The last time he appeared in New England over 700 people turned out and some had to be turned away. 

Pricing for this event is excellent, as it is only $49 for regular items and $69 for premium items such as full size basketballs, jerseys, equipment and pictures of 16" by 20".   Inscriptions are $25. 

I highly recommend you jump on this opportunity.  Kevin rarely comes in this area and his pricing is more than fair for a hall of famer of this caliber.

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

Autograph signing with Bruin Legend, Terry O' Reilly

To all the Bruins fans out there, here is a great opportunity for you.  For just $10, you can get an autograph, and more importantly meet former Bruin and one of the toughest hockey players Terry O' Reilly. 

He will be appearing in Nashua New Hampshire on Monday February 22.  This is a great opportunity to jump on, as this price is as low as it can get.

If you don't have an item to be signed there will be plenty of pucks, mini helmets and pictures to purchase.

For more information please click here www.newenglandpicture.com

Great deal on Superbowl 49 footballs

As the NFL playoffs are in full swing, and fans in Arizona, Denver, New England and Carolina are gearing up for the conference championship, Superbowl 50 is within sight.  However, before the big game on Feb. 7, I want to refer back to Superbowl 49 and the excitement that game drew, especially for those in New England.  With that win a new generation of football autograph collectors were born and new opportunities for the season collector were created.

And for all fans, the search for SB 49 merchandise and memorabilia commenced.  Fans wanted footballs, hats, tshirts, mini helmets, jerseys and photos.  By March, most of these items were bought up and hard to find.  However, for those of you still looking for items or just something to have as a keepsake, here is the deal for you.

On tanga.com you can purchase authentic SB 49 footballs for just $49 with free shipping.  The retail on these balls is usually around $100-$125.  Even the white panel photo balls usually run about $50 - $75 and are nice pieces, but not main for sustained display capabilities.  The leather balls will last and highlight signatures much better over a longer length of time.  So I encourage all fans to check this out and jump on it.  Even if the ball is never signed, it is still an authentic, and valuable item from SB 49.  Great gift idea for under $50.

Mark Hamill Fake Autographs

The Star Wars hoopla has hit the world in a huge way.  Record box office ticket sales, Star Wars merchandise everywhere you look, and a reminiscing for the 40+ year olds (Me) to the good old days of playing with our X-Wing fighters, Millenium Falcons and action figures of the late 70's and early 80's has taken hold of our culture.

With that, the evolution of the autograph industry over the past 40 years has offered opportunities for all movie fans to chase down their favorite actors to sign that random photo, movie poster, book or whatever we own.  The fact that our favorite stars are more available at comic con or pop culture events has made it easier to acquire such autographs.

However, one of the most coveted autographs (Harrison Ford is a close 2nd) from the Star Wars sagas is Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker).  Yes, Mark has made appearances around the world at these events, but they are extremely infrequent compared to say Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels and others from the original series.  When Mark does appear his lines are usually over 1000 people in length at anywhere from $100-$150 per autograph.

Recently Mark took to twitter and noted he was tired of his fans getting "duped" by fake Mark Hamill autographs. Click this link for the article. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mark-hamill-tired-star-wars-851178.  He invited fans to send photos of his autograph to his account and he would confirm it the signature was in fact real or not.

While I think this was a nice sentiment, I think there are other ways to fix the problem.  The issue is that because his signature is rarer than others, and that he rarely does make public appearances, there are unfortunately frauds in the world who forge autographs and take advantage of desperate fans.  And for those who don't know how to identify a real autographed item, and don't have access to Mark or a place he may appear, that customer is duped into buying a fake autographed item because they don't know what to ask, what to look for, or may fear they may never be able to acquire one in person

So I think Mark should make more public appearances.  I'm not saying saturate the market with his signature, but 2-3 appearances a year vs one every 2 years would be an improvement.  While some may say his price is a bit high, he is a pop culture star and his price is more than fair compared to other pop stars.

I think he should have a special hologram affixed to all items he signs.  While this isn't full proof, it does deter fakes from being sold and at least offers an example of a genuine autograph.

And if he identifies a fake to a fan, he should dig into where it came from and take corrective action against those sellers.

So for all you Mark Hamill collectors, May the Autographs be with you.