Duke Snider Autograph Memory

They are living legends. We can't learn enough from them fast enough. It was sad to hear of Duke Snider's passing.

I briefly met Duke at an MAB show May 20, 2007. It was a Mets show and Duke was there signing autographs.

The picture here is Duke signing a nice Dodgers jersey. The jersey belonged to the person immediately in front of me in line. Duke's autograph four years ago wasn't the best and he didn't say much to people in line. He signed a baseball for me with the HOF '80 inscription. He looked at me, said thank you and that was plenty for me.

I'm not a Dodgers fan, but you don't have to be on to appreciate Duke Snider. RIP.

Yankees GM to Appear at MAB Autograph Show

Brian Cashman is making a rare appearance at an autograph show this weekend.

MAB's Pinstripe Passion Show is scheduled (snow permitting) for Jan. 29 -30. New York Yankees' General Manager Brian Cashman will be selling his autograph for $49 plus a $10 inscription.

This is the first time I remember seeing a front office executive sitting at an autograph show table to sell their signature.

Marvin Miller Autograph Signing Through Dick Gordon Sports

Baseball would not be where it is now without Marvin Miller. It's a crime that he is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I think Red Barber said it best, "Marvin Miller, along with Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, is one of the two or three most important men in baseball history."

That said, I'm making my first through the mail autograph order. Dick Gordon Sports is representing Marvin Miller at the MAB autograph show on Jan. 30. 

Dick Gordon Sports has a good reputation and solid reviews on SigningsHotline.com and MAB has always been solid. I ordered an MLB baseball for autograph. 

I can't wait to get this one in Feb! 

When the Oscars and Sports Collectibles Collide

This just in: "The Blind Side" was a popular movie. If you're into the movie, Oscar Awards and offensive lineman, then MAB has the perfect collectible for you.

MAB Celebrity Services is offering an autographed movie poster of "The Blind Side." For $50 (plus shipping and handling), you can get "The Blind Side" movie poster autographed by Michael Oher.

To be honest, I haven't seen the movie, but for $50 . . . I'd like to have Sandra Bullock's autograph on there too!

Andre Dawson Autograph Signing - That Didn't Take Long

MAB officially added Andre Dawson to their January 30 autograph guest list.

The Hawk was originally added to the list with a "if he's elected to the HOF" disclosure. I thought that was pretty funny at the time they added it and it was quickly removed.

However, less than 24 hours after his election was announced by MLB, Andre Dawson's picture and pricing was added to the site.

The Jan. 30-31 show is promoted as a Yankees "27 Rings" themed production. In addition to Dawson, MAB also has Luis Aparicio, Dick Williams and Whitey Herzog on the agenda as special guests.

Andre Dawson's pricing is:

- Flats up to 8x10: $59

- O/S Flats, Caps, Equipment: $69

- Bats/Jerseys/Jersey #s: $79

- Inscriptions (like HOF '10): $20

Of course if Andre's your BFF, you could skip the event and just get pictures of the two of you like our friends at the 30-Year Old Cardboard. Check out those pictures!

Rich Gedman Added to My 1986 Mets Holy Grail Autograph Project

My 1986 World Series Game 6 project is my favorite piece of memorabilia. I've been getting autographs on it for a while and last weekend I added another (and maybe the last) big name to it.

Rich Gedman was the behind the plate for the Red Sox during that 1986 World Series Game 6 moment. On November 14, Gedman was signing at the MAB show where I asked him to sign his name on the photo (bottom right corner).

He laughed and took a few moments to look at the autographs on it and asked some questions on where I found Dale Ford (home plate umpire).

My 1986 World Series Game 6 project is probably complete. It's doubtful that I'll find the other two umpires in the photo. If I don't end up getting their signatures, I'm happy with the autographs I have on it from:
- Mookie Wilson
- Bill Buckner
- Bob Stanley
- Bill Robinson
- Dale Ford
- Rich Gedman

Pete Rose and Bob Boone Autograph Story Baseball

About six years ago, I decided to start an autograph project that did more than collect signatures. I wanted it to be different. I wanted it to tell a story.

Pete Rose is one of my favorite players (add boo/hiss sounds here) and I wanted to do a project with him. "Sorry I bet on baseball" was not for me, but the idea is the same.

I decided to target the 1980 World Champion Phillies. With one out, in game 6, Frank White hit a pop-up down the first base line. Bob Boone chased after and tipped the ball just before Pete Rose could catch it from hitting the ground. Pete spiked the ball to the turf and ran back to first base.

Many credit Pete with making a great play, but Bob Boone remembers it a bit different.

While on vacation in Las Vegas a few years ago, I asked Pete Rose to autograph my 1980 World Series baseball with the inscription "I caught Boone's bobble in the 9th."

On Saturday, August 14, I asked Bob Boone to add to the story on the baseball. He read what Pete inscribed and I asked him to add something with his name. I was thinking, "Nice catch Pete" or "I should get the assist." Boone did even better.

Bob Boone added, "I'm the one that hustled on the play." Awesome.

MAB Catcher's Show - Saturday Report

I only made it to one day of MAB's catcher-themed show. I was Secaucus, NJ for part of Saturday's autograph signing.

I thought this show was much more organized than the previous one they hosted in Long Island, NY. Why? Was it a return to familiar grounds at the Crowne Plaza? Were things easier because there were not as many tables and booths? Was it less chaotic because there weren't as many people attending the show?

I think those reasons played a factor. However, MAB was much better organized from the last show I went to. They had a clear entry/exit point with a table in the front and they did a better job preparing for their big name guest (Joe Torre).

An entire section of the room became the Torre area. In the past, people waiting for the big name guests were mixed in with all the other collectors. You wouldn't think it's a big deal, but when you consider Torre easily had 300 people waiting for his signature, it made a lot of sense to reserve a bigger section of the room for them.

I'd still like to see more MAB people helping patrol the entry/exit points. I thought there were still too many people jumping in when the MAB workers weren't looking.

I'd also like to give the players more of an official announcement when they are entering the autograph area and exiting. I believe they deserve it and as fans/collectors, we'd like to give them another round of applause. Why not provide a simple, "Fans, please welcome Carlton Fisk to the autograph area." When the players leave, it would be nice to hear, "Fans please join me in thanking Carlton Fisk for his autograph time today." I'm not asking for a wave, but I think it would be a polite gesture to clap for the players as they come and go.

I didn't get too many autographs, but I'm really pleased with the two autographs I picked up on Saturday. I'll post some pictures this week on the blog.

Awkward Baseball Cards

Todd Hundley is the winner of today's awkward baseball card.

I know some people really dig the Studio cards - but the feathered hair and catcher's mitt props don't do it for me. Although I was a big Todd Hundley fan.

Interesting stat on the back - he says that Anthony Young is his best friend.

I plan on getting Randy's autograph at an MAB show next month.

Rollback Pricing with Mounted Memories and MAB

The struggling economy continues to affect the autograph show industry. Mounted Memories and MAB have been cutting the fat pricing structures and are offering more rollback prices for their guests.

The Mounted Memories autograph area at the November Chicago Sun Times Show will have several rollback pricing offerings. Some players are $20 and $30 cheaper now. Gary Carter's prices have dropped down to $49 per autograph baseball.

There are also some great football HOFers for $29 and $39!

MAB has lower pricing for several players at their November "Backstop Boys" show. Johnny Bench, Ivan Rodriguez, Yogi Berra, and Don Mattingly are about $20 cheaper.

Do the cheaper prices tell us how much the hobby is struggling? Or does it tell us how over-priced it was?

All About the Metstache

Could the NY Mets problem this year be their lack of Metstaches? Other than Johan Santana, who's sporting a good 'stache.

Looking back at the 1986 Mets teams, they seemed to be loaded with Metstaches. Keith Hernandez, HoJo and Wally Backman had the most famous 'staches.

And don't forget Randy Niemann! I found this 1986 Fleer in my piles of Mets cards. Niemann was on the '86 Championship team. He appeared in 31 games and finished the season 2-3 with a 3.79 ERA. Niemann was at an MAB autograph show last fall and signed my 1986 World Series baseball.

Autograph of a Convict - The Koos is Going to the Pokey

Outside of my Pete Rose and '86 Mets collection, I didn't think I had any cards or autographs of former inmates.

However, tonight I learned that I now have an autograph from a convict. Former Mets pitcher and 1969 World Series Champion, Jerry Koosman is going to jail. Koosman was sentenced to six months in prison for not paying federal taxes.

I saw Jerry Koosman at the 1969 Mets reunion night at $iti Field and the MAB autograph show last month.

Will my snot ball autograph go up in value?

Nolan Ryan Mets Autograph and MAB Show Recap

The good news: I have a Nolan Ryan autograph baseball.
The bad news: I wanted to get more autographs.

On Sunday, Aug. 23, I went to the MAB 1969 Mets reunion show on Long Island. I came in town the night before to see the Mets celebrate the 40-year anniversary of their amazing run.

The on-field celebration was awesome. They introduced all living members of the team and the family members of those who couldn't make it.

The MAB show was not as smooth. The hotel conference room was way too small. They packed dealer tables in everywhere leaving almost no room for two people to pass through the aisles.

The main attraction, the autograph session was a circus. In a 50'x 10' space they packed as many as 10 players and 15 or so people in line for each player. It was ridiculous and chaotic. Some show workers were doing their best to try and keep order while others were walking around complaining about the situation.

This just in: Blue painters tape should never be used as a divider. Show organizers used blue painters tape to separate the autograph area from the rest of the show. Painter's tape? I'm not asking for velvet rope, but tape?

The autograph area also didn't announce when players walked to the tables and arrived. Instead they just started announcing, "Tickets 1-5 for Nolan Ryan." Give the players a welcome and introduce like they deserve to be. I want to hear, "Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome one of baseballs all-time pitchers, a Hall-of-Famer, and holder of numerous baseball records... Nolan Ryan." This will allow people to cheer and make him feel welcome, instead of making it look like he's a commodity.

These were the problems inside the conference room - getting in was another issue. In a narrow hallway there were 3 lines, one for show admission ($5 was a good price), one line for call-ahead autograph tickets (like will-call) another line for same-day autograph ticket purchases and other items. I waited in line 15 minutes just to get my call-ahead autograph tickets (this was the short line). I can't imagine how long people waited in the same-day autograph ticket line.

To compound the issue were autograph times. The show opened at 9:00am and the first autograph guests began at 9:00am. Ed Kranepool (a pretty historic Mets player) was the first signer. They were announcing last ticket call for him while people were still in line to buy an autograph ticket for him.

I like MAB shows. They are fans of the players and the teams. They have a passion for what they do, but there needs to be improvement. I'm sure others like me wanted to get other player autographs and look at the tables, but felt the need to escape because of the environment. I would have paid to get Cleon Jones and Buddy Harrleson autographs but the thought of leaving the autograph area, standing in a long line to get another ticket and then trying to make my way to the area was more than I wanted to deal with.

As an owner, organizer, or marketer, you want to make it as easy as possible for someone to purchase your product, unfortunately, this time MAB fell short.

Here's what I'd change:
- Open the show before the first autograph guests is announced.
- Have a bigger show room or use multiple rooms.
- Introduce the players and allow collectors to cheer their arrival.
- Have a bigger area to accept 3 lines

Nolan didn't say much when I got his autograph. I said "thank you for doing this" and that I appreciated it. He just said, "sure" and signed the baseballs. I don't think I even got eye contact. To some players, autograph sessions are away to stay in touch with the fans, to others it's more of a business. Maybe it's all business for him? He wasn't rude or on the phone (Hello Tony Dorrset), so it wasn't a big deal.

I plan on attending the MAB catcher-themed show in November. Hopefully things will improve.

NY Mets Autograph Show and 1969 Mets Reunion

I'm heading Queens and Long Island this weekend to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of the Amazing Mets Championship.

On Saturday night, Citi Field (weather permitting) will honor the 1969 Mets in a pre-game celebration. I'll be at the event and the game that night.

On Sunday, MAB is partnering with JP's Sports to bring a card and '69 Mets autograph show.

I'm going for the Nolan Ryan autograph - this is a rare public event for Ryan (especially in NY). I may also go for Cleon Jones, but I haven't decided yet.

I'll send twitter updates from the show and some twitpics. To see the updates and pictures, follow me at twitter.com/jamesryanj

Lenny Dykstra Files for Bankruptcy

The economic recession has taken down the Len Dykstra empire.

"Nails" was featured on HBO's Real Sports a few years ago and interviewed by Bernard Goldberg. Lenny seemed to be on top of the world with the sale of his car wash business, the beginning of his player's only magazine, and an economic empire that could handle just about any financial curve ball.

Today, Lenny is out on strikes after seeking Chapter 11 protection.

I was a big Lenny Dykstra fan. He was such a catalyst on the '86 Mets. His home run start off Game 3 in Boston (in my opinion) saved the series for New York.

I met Lenny about 2 years ago at an MAB show in New Jersey. He had more people in line to get his autograph than any other guest. Maybe we'll be seeing more of Lenny on the autograph circuit now?

Sports Illustrated Cover: Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan

There is a great cover to this week's Sports Illustrated: Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan!

It is coming out at a perfect time for autographs too. Next month I'm going to an MAB show on Long Island where Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan will be signing. Tom Seaver is also signing this month at the National.

George Kell - Hall of Fame Collection

In May 2007 I met George Kell at an MAB show in New Jersey. I talked about my brief meeting with George Kell earlier and I can't say enough how nice of a person he was.

Here are the photos of my autograph baseball and of George Kell signing it.

Catcher's Autograph Show: Bench, Piazza, Fisk and More!

MAB Celebrity Services announced this week their November autograph show will be a catcher's themed show.

I really enjoy the MAB themed show (of course they have a lot of Mets at their shows), but they do a great job of getting some of the hard to find guests. Earlier this year they had Hideki Irabu at a Yankees show. How do you spell "fat toad" in Japanese???

Not only could this show have great guests, but you could really get some cool items signed. You could get autographs on a catcher's mask, chest protector, or shin guard! Now that could look pretty cool framed and hanging on a wall.

MAB will probably start off with an initial guest list of 4-5 to get the attention of everyone and the rest will start to pour in around September. You can get updates if you have a SigningsHotline.com account or check the MAB web site.

My wish list is: Mike Piazza, Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Jerry Grote, Bob Boone, Todd Hundley, Gary Carter, and Mike Scioscia.

Who would you want to see there?

The MAB Store - A New Auction House

Fees, feedback and foolishness are driving eBay stores and customers into the arms of other companies like the MAB Store.

Registration is free, but like all auction sites, you have to register to bid for items. I think you can expect more memorabilia or autographs and less sports cards at the MAB store. I don't know what the seller fees and expectations are, but any alternative to eBay is great.

My first impression is the phone number list in the top right corner! I know, it may not seem like much, but if you've had to deal with eBay email customer service or chat, then you know what I'm talking about. To be able to talk to an actual person for help is so refreshing!

I've been to a few MAB shows and have liked every one. I think the people are great and genuinely care about customer service. When was the last time someone said that about eBay or PayPal?!

http://www.mabcornerstore.com/index.php

NY Mets Art Shamsky in Page 6 of the Post

Art Shamsky was signing autographs last month at MAB's Amazing Mets Fest. He was great with the fans and pushing his book, "The Magnificent Seasons."

Today Art Shamsky is in the middle of Page 6 in the NY Post and being sued by his ex-wife for $11 Million dollars in damages for spreading more than the pages of his book. According to Page 6 of the Post, the ex-Mrs. Shamsky is claiming he passed an STD to her after he engaged in unsafe squeeze plays with men and women while the two were still married.

Shamsky was a member of the 1969 Miracle Mets and hit over .300 that season. He also played for the Reds, Cubs, and A's.