The most forged autographs of 2013.

I recently attended a comic con show and a dealer was selling a beautiful autograph of Mickey Mantle.  It was signed on an American League ball, on the sweet spot in blue pen.  When I asked the dealer "How much for the Mantle ball?", he responded "$150."  I asked who authenticated it and he said he won it at an auction, but had no authentication.  That explained why a $800-$1000 ball was only $150.  It was too good to be true.  So I walked away. 

Recently the PSA/DNA corporation listed the most forged autographs of 2013.  There are certainly giants of sports on that list such as Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Williams, Jordan in addition to current Los Angeles Dodger Yasiel Puig.

So when purchasing an autograph that you don't see signed yourself, the sales person should always be able to show you some form of authentication.  That can be a simple certificate, hologram, certified letter or online verification.  They should also be able to explain where the autograph came from.  That could be a public or private signing, a charity auction or a specific company.  It's ok to ask lots of questions, it's your money changing hands.  And if it's too good to be true, then walk away. 

Full forgery article is below.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/yasiel-puig-among-most-forged-autographs-collectibles-industry-194457014--mlb.html

A Win-Win: Charity Events, Dinners for collectors to participate in.

One way I attempt to manage dreary and cold winters in New England is to find and participate in fun and local baseball events.  These events are generally casual, family friendly, include food, auctions for authentic collectibles, meet and greets with prospects, current and past players and lots of autographs.  Proceeds for these events usually go to charitable organizations such as team foundations, the Jimmy Fund or other philanthropies. 

In New England, 4 of these events are scheduled in January.  The Lowell Spinners, Portland Sea Dogs, Jimmy Fund and Boston Sports Writers Association are all hosting charity events with plenty of players available to meet.  Each event has it's own set of rules, pricing and schedule.

For instance the Boston Sports Writers dinner has plenty of big name guests such as David Ortiz, Tom Glavine and members of the 2013 World Series Champion Red Sox.  However only kids 16 and under are allowed to acquire autographs.

The Jimmy Fund event has tiered pricing, which allows guests more or less autographs and either a ball or Red Sox replica jersey.  People of all ages are allowed autographs and to meet players at this function.  This also includes a lunch.  Guests are usually top Red Sox prospects and one or 2 current players.  AJ Pierzynski, the new Sox catcher is scheduled to appear.

The Lowell Spinners dinner has one price, and usually one autograph per person.  Dave Roberts is the top guest scheduled for this function.  They haven't listed any other significant guests to this point.  Although in the past, this event usually had 10-12 guests.  The Spinners usually have a great silent auction, live auction and a good dinner.

The Portland SeaDogs are also hosting an event in January.  Their dinner will have Red Sox players Brandon Workman & Jackie Bradley Jr. as well as other guests in attendance. The Sea Dogs are limiting  this event to 300 people and all in attendance will receive an autographed 8x10 photo of Jackie Bradley Jr and Brandon Workman.

So take advantage of these family oriented charitable and team events.  You are not only supporting these respective organizations,  but offering opportunities for fans of all ages to meet their favorite players in a very laid back setting.

For more information, click on these links below:

http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t546

http://www.bostonbaseballwriters.org/index.php/dinner-info

www.lowellspinners.com

www,jimmyfund.org

2004 Red Sox hero, Dave Roberts public appearance

There haven't been too many Red Sox players who have had as much of an impact on a team in such a short span than Dave Roberts.  All Sox fans remember his famous steal in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees.  He has signed thousands those photos and yet, almost 9 years later his autograph is still in high demand.

To help meet that demand, Dave will make a rare east coast appearance in southern New Hampshire to sign autographs on Saturday January 11th.  His pricing is the same as it was 9 seasons ago, $29 for regular items, $ 39 for premium items and $15 for inscriptions.  This is a great opportunity to take advantage of meeting one of the best men in baseball.

For more information check www.newenglandpicture.com