New England Patriot Public Autograph Signings

Sure Shot Promotions and New England Picture company are still pleasing their customers.  They just hosted a signing with Will Middlebrooks & Jarrod Saltalamacchia last week.  Now they are planning signings with 2 of the most popular New England Patriots, Tom Brady not withstanding, Vince Wilfork and Rob Gronkowski.  Both players are not only popular in New England, but are 2 of the most valuable players to their teams and positions in the entire NFL.  Please see below for the details.

Rob Gronkowski







Pricing from Gronkowski is $69 for regular items and $89 for premium items.  Inscriptions are $25 each.

Vince Wilfork







Pricing for Wilfork is $49 for regular items and $69 for premium items.  Inscriptions are $25 each.

Hope to see you there.

All Star Worthy

 Major League Baseball announced 66 of it's 68 all stars today.  The other 2 players will be picked by fan votes over the next week.  There are certainly deserving receipients of this recognition and as usual there are snubs.  So my question is, does the recognition of being an all star make the player's autograph more valuable?

In short the answer is, NO.  Up until 1999 or 2000, the all star game had less players and 90% of players picked at that time were worthy of the selection and recognition.  Now, every team has to be represented, fans can vote for a player up to 25 times online with one email address for a player.  It seems that half the rosters are of players we just don't know about. However, most importantly the games are mostly boring.  The 2002 game was the last memorable all star game, because the game ended in a tie, and there were some fantastic plays made in that game (Torii Hunter's catch on Barry Bonds). 



2002 autographed all star ball.  Jimmy Rollins and Shea Hillenbrand are noted here.















So if you're going to collect player autographs based on all star appearances, seek out the players from pre-2001.  Pedro Martinez's performance in 1999 is an example of an all star ball worth having signed.  Or, collect autographs from all the all star game MVP's, including today's players. Another idea is to collect autographs on an all star ball from the players of your favorite team. 



Fred Lynn autographed 1983 all star ball.  Fred hit a grand slam in this game to earn him the MVP.
















The reality is that an all star game appearance does not make the autograph more valuable.  An end of season award (MVP, Batting average champ, gold glove) is what makes an autograph more valuable.  I guarantee that by the next morning following the game you won't even remember who won the all star game MVP (JD Drew 2008). 

Autograph Bucket List

Recently, a friend of mine asked me, 'Paul, what is your favorite autograph?" & "Who do I really want that I don't have?"  It was the latter question that got me thinking.  There are certainly autographs from current players/celebrities that I need to complete a project or team signed item, especially with the recent Boston  championship success.   My type A attitude wants to complete these projects, and certainly will stir up excitement for me.  Yet, there are a separate list of people that I would love to meet and acquire an autograph from that would trump all my in-progress projects.
So who are these people on my list?  My rule is that they need to be alive and I need to be able to meet them.  Here it is:

1.  Any living former or current president.  That leaves Jimmy Carter, George Bush, George Bush II, and President Obama.  I have met Bill Clinton.  Presidents are so rare to meet and get an autograph from and the respect I have for these men is enormous.  It is such a treat to be around them.

2.  Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky.  I am not a huge hockey fan and if it wasn't for the Bruins Stanley Cup championship, I'd have hardly any hockey autographs.  Yet, in the history of the NHL, these 2 men really transformed how the game was played and were superstars at the their respective positions. 

3.  Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.  I grew up watching these three men play the game of basketball. Being a diehard Celtic fan in the 80's Larry is a no brainer.  Watching him compete in championships against Magic was MUST SEE TV for any fan of sports.  Michael is another who transformed the game in the late 80's/early 90's.  At their peak, all 3 were unstoppable and it's no surprise that together they won a combined 14 NBA championships.  (Bill Russell was on this list until I met him almost 2 years ago).

4.  Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan.  Both men did so much for the game of baseball, especially on the pitching side. They were tough, hard nosed pitchers, who competed harder than anyone.  Most importantly, they weren't on any drugs or PED's that we are aware of. They still have such a positive impact on the game today.  Their autographs are also rare to get in person. (Pedro Martinez, my favorite pitcher of all time, was on this list until I met him 6 months ago.  That was such a treat.)

5.  Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Bart Starr, Bill Belichick.  Just like hockey, I'm not a big football fan.  However any collector cannot ignore the impact they have had on the sport of pro football.  Aside from their personal and team accomplishments, they continue to influence how the game is viewed and played today. 


6.  Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer.  I place golf in the same category as football and hockey with regards to my personal interest.  However, Woods and Nicklaus are the top names in golf, even today.  They are the only reason I have any interest in watching golf or playing a round on my Wii gaming system.  Sports fan can argue that aside from Jackie Robinson, these 3 men have had more impact on a sport than any other athletes in history.


7.  Carl Lewis.  The best and truest athletes, even today are olympic athletes.  And no disrespect to Michael Phelps, but Carl Lewis still has a more cache and popularity for his olympic feats than anyone else in olympic history.  People today compete in track and field because of Lewis.  You rarely hear any other current names mentioned, unless drugs are involved.

8.  Harrison Ford and Gene Hackman.  These 2 actors have appeared in some of my favorite all time movies.  I will be so overjoyed if I was to meet both of these men.  To be able to meet or acquiring an autograph from them would add so much sentimental value to my collection.

Anniversary presents, that diamond in the rough.

As I was recently searching for autograph merchandise on different websites, I came across one site in which they were selling a number of different commemorative baseballs for 2012.  The 100 year Fenway ball was number listed first as was the 2012 All star game ball.  Then as I looked down the page I noticed balls that are being used in various other stadiums to commemorate other anniversaries. 

The list of anniversary balls are as follows:
1.  New York Mets - 50th Anniversary of Mets franchise
2.  LA Dodgers - 50th Anniversary of Dodger Stadium
3.  Baltimore Orioles - 20th Anniversary of Camden Yards
4.  Houston Astros - 50th Anniversary of Astros franchise


Dodger Stadium 50th anniversary ball.









Houston Astro 50th Anniversary Ball











These items will provide great opportunities to add some unique collectible items to your collection.  For instance, having a famous Dodger such as Sandy Koufax (He will be the most challenging) or Tommy Lasorda autograph the Dodger Stadium ball will be extremely valuable, especially with a unique inscription such as years active with the team.

Other player ideas include, Nolan Ryan and Craig Biggio for the Houston Astros.  Cal Ripken or Eddie Murray for the Baltimore Orioles, and Tom Seaver or Mookie Wilson for the New York Mets.  Or for the die hard fan, an autograph of your favorite players, that might not be a hall of famer will add so much more to that sentimental collection.

To purchase these balls you can check the individual team websites, or creativesportsent.com.  Prices on the creative sports website will come in at $20 a ball, and the more you order the cheaper they are.  Individual team websites will price these items at $30 and up per ball.  And as I look at it, this is truly a great diamond in the rough to give as an anniversary present.

Will Middlebrooks, Jarrod Saltalamacchia public Appearance

To date, 39 different people have appeared in a game for the Boston Red Sox this season.  Due to the host of injuries, a top Sox prospect (Will Middlebrooks) has had an opportunity to play and shine, quickly becoming a fan favorite.  Additionally, after a full year in a Sox uniform, Saltalamacchia has consistently raised his performance both offensively and behind the plate.  Both have become mainstays in the starting line up and are 2 bright spots in this early part of a frustrating season.




Will Middlebrooks at bat















As I consistenly preach, when you have the opportunity to meet a young rising star, take advantage of it.  The opportunity to meet these 2 budding stars will come upon us.  New England Picture Company and Sure Shot Promotions will be hosting a public appearance for Will Middlebrooks, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia on  June 23rd, 2012.


Jarrod Saltalamacchia warming up.















Pricing for this event is fantastic.  You can purchase individual tickets at $39 for any item or purchase a super ticket which is only $59 for both players.  I guarantee by this time next year, a Will Middlebrooks autograph will cost $65 or more and if Jarrod continues his consistent good play, he will also be above $65 at this time next year.  So, take advantage now, of this great offer.

Information for this event is below:

Celebrating 100 Years at Fenway

Unless you're living under a rock in Boston, it's hard not to notice the Red Sox are aggressively and actively celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.  It is the oldest active major sporting venue in the U.S. and no location or venue has seen more sports, concerts, and speeches combined in one venue over the past century. 

Thanks to this celebration, I have been regularly thinking of some ideas for collecting autographs from some Red Sox greats on 100 year items.  There are many, many ideas out there, all of which are good.  Some are elaborate and some very simple.  Here are some thoughts:

This year, MLB created a special ball to be used at Fenway for all home games.  This ball has a special 100 year logo on the side, that replaced the normal MLB logo ball.  This ball is perfect for autographs, and I would recommend having Red Sox hall of famers sign this ball under the logo with the years in a Red Sox uniform noted under their name.  The year inscription can be added for a minimal fee at public signings.  The balls are very expensive at Fenway ($40) each.  I would recommend purchasing them online for $20-$25 or purchase them in person at card/collector/autograph shows for about $20 each.  This will be a limited, one year item only, so purchase them now.



The 100 year ball used at Fenway this season.















Another idea is the 100 year mini truck.  Again these are very expensive at Fenway ($30), but you can find these at places like Modell's and Sports Authority for $16.99.  Perfect for about 8-10 autographs of your Red Sox favorites.  These trucks are also available in limited quantities.


Limited edition toy truck.















One neat idea I saw at Fenway, is the 100 year commemorative bat.  There are two sizes in a variety of colors.  The mini bat is $35 and the full size is $100.  What fun about these bats is that you can have a personal name, date or experience engraved onto the bat.  Then you can have them autographed by anyone you want.  I have done this for family and friends and it is truly a great keepsake.


100 year mini bat autographed by Mike Aviles, David Ortiz, Cody Ross and Franklin Morales
















Lastly, next time you are at Fenway, take a photo of the field, green monster, maybe a part of the ballpark that is recognizable.  Make that photo into an 8x10 or 16x20 photo and have players autograph it.  This is a great personal keepsake that is your own, and it definitely will have more meaning with your own personal memory of it vs. a generic baseball or toy truck.

My personal photo of the green monster from 2001, not with 10 autographs.  Notice the years under the player names.

Have fun celebrating the 100th anniversary.  It is a great time to be a fan of Fenway.

Have you ever met a knuckleball pitcher????

Tim Wakefield Autographed baseball

New England Picture Company and Sure Shot Promtions are providing another great opportunity for New England Sports fans.  They are hosting a RARE public autograph signing with 2x World Series Champion and former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield.

The pricing on this event is FANTASTIC.  They have rolled back the prices to the 2007 price point for Jason, as he is only $49 for basic/regular items such as small photos and baseballs.  The price is only $69 for the premium items such as bats, jerseys, game used merchandise and bobbleheads.  If you choose to add a personalization/inscription the charge is $25 extra.

The date is on the evening of Tuesday June 5th.  For more information please check http://www.newenglandpicture.com/ or http://www.sureshotpromotions.com/.

Information on time and place is below.  Hope to you see you there.