Hall of Fame season is here!!

2014 Football Hall of Fame Nominee Jerome Bettis

I love this time of year when it comes to collecting autographs & reminiscing about watching famous athletes growing up.  You see, in 2 of the major North American sports, baseball and football, their respective hall of fames announce the new inductees for the summer.  The National Baseball Hall of fame just announced their 2014 inductees and the National Football Hall of Fame just announced their finalists. (Football will announce inductees during Super Bowl weekend).

The other nice piece is that I remember watching all of these inductees and nominees in their prime.  Moreover, based on the voting results, a collector can consider a player's status  This provides a good gauge for where the player sits in the history of the game as well as their individual autograph value. 

As I looked in my baseball collection I see that of the 6 major names being inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame I have 2 of their autographs, (Frank Thomas and Tony LaRussa).  Time to move those 2 items into my Hall of fame section.  Next year, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez are on the ballot and I'm sure I'll be moving theirs as well.  I'm excited to think these previously acquired autographs will enhance my collection even more now.

The other reason I'm excited, is that many of these new inductees start making appearances during the winter months.  Greg Maddux is appearing in NY this week (Autographs start at $199).  Frank Thomas & Tony Larussa will be appearing in NJ a couple of weeks later (Autographs start at $99).    Hall of fame pricing stays consistent throughout the players life.  Sometimes they even increase a bit.  So take advantage of these opportunities now.

For more information on Hall of Fame Inductees click below:
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/9/5292412/2014-nfl-pro-football-hall-of-fame-finalists
http://baseballhall.org/news/voting-news/class-acts


Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, Frank Thomas, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux

Shawn Thornton Autograph Appearance - Rhode Island

To Die Hard Bruins fans in Rhode Island this is for you.  Yes, I know you have the Providence Bruins, which is awesome and fantastic.  They are a great team, they are entertaining and many players on the roster become teammates of the person I'm featuring in the posting.  But if you want to meet a seasoned NHL veteran, a respected fighter and multi Stanley cup champion, I have great news.

Bruin enforcer and fan favorite Shawn Thornton will be appearing in Providence, Rhode Island on February 16th.  An opportunity to meet and acquire an autograph from this current Bruin is a great Valentine gift to offer to that die hard Bruin fan.  Not to mention it's occurring early in the day on a weekend and that will provide a great opportunity for families to come out.

Pricing for his autograph is fantastic.  $29 for regular items such as photos and pucks, $39 for premium such as jerseys and sticks, and $10 for inscriptions.  This is outstanding and below market for a 2 time Stanley Cup champion.  Take advantage of this opportunity.

For more information including time & Location click below:
www.sureshotpromotions.com

Boston Red Sox Catcher, David Ross Appearance

Are you collecting 2013 World Series champion player autographs? Are you a fan of the Red Sox?  If so, here is some fantastic information for you.  Red Sox catcher and 2013 World Series champion, David Ross is making a public autograph appearance on Saturday January 25th.  This will be a great opportunity to participate in something fun on the weekend prior to the superbowl.  It will also provide great opportunities for families to come out and meet a great man and Sox player on a non-school night.

Pricing for this is fantastic.  $29 for regular items such as balls, $59 for premium such as jerseys and bats and $25 for inscriptions.  I recommend spending the extra fee for an inscription as Ross made the last out of the world series.  It is worth the extra money to have him add on "Last Out, 13 WS" or 12 WS Champs. 

More information on location, time and other info can be found below:
www.newenglandpicture.com
www.sureshotpromotions.com

 

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

Rob Gronkowski Public Autograph Appearance

If you need a great gift idea for the die hard Patriots fan, I have one for you.  Imagine giving a person a ticket for the opportunity to meet and get an autograph from Patriot tight end Rob Gronkowski.  He will be appearing on Tuesday December 17th in Mansfield Massachusetts. 

Pricing for regulars items is $69 and premium items are $89.  Although this is at a Sports Authority, fans must purchase an autograph ticket to acquire an autograph. 

For more information on the event you can check:
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com