K.I.S.S. The National Sports Collectors Convention Prices

I'm continuing my blog posts on Opportunities for Improvement with the National Sports Collectors Convention. On Tuesday, I blogged about partnership and the opportunity the National has to honor Ron Santo's legacy by teaming up with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

We've all heard of the K.I.S.S. method for products and processes (Keep It Simple Stup...). I think the pricing structure for the National needs some adjustments. Right now, just to walk in the door to the National you have to choose:

• One Day Pass - $18
• VIP Package - $129
• Super VIP Package $129
• All Access VIP Page - $229
• All Access Super VIP Package $279

Anyone else confused and find this insane? Oh, and this doesn't include any autograph tickets of the big name autograph stars signing at the TriStar autograph pavilion. You have to go their website and purchase that.   

I shouldn't have to create and Excel Spreadsheet to determine what admission ticket I need to attend a card show. It's the same show and the same dealers for everyone, can we cut the VIP, Super VIP, and Really Super Nice But Still Overpriced VIP packages?

Assuming you keep the $18 single day admission price, then offer a full weekend ticket plan for $50 and skip the rest of the items. I love autographs, but the Rick Reuschel complimentary autograph for a VIP ticket isn't worth the extra $100.

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.

Pete Rose Leaving Field of Dreams Las Vegas

Pete Rose's seven year run with Las Vegas Field of Dreams is over. The Las Vegas Journal reports that Rose is no longer signing autographs at the Caesar's Palace store.

The move seems to have taken place immediately. The StarsLive365 website, that holds the Field of Dreams autograph schedule, has Dick Butkus, Andre Dawson and Joe Montana listed for signings. I went to this store quite a few times to get Pete's autograph.

I thought everything in the store was over-priced and you had to get special permission from Pete to sign something you brought in, but the overall experience was great. You get to sit right next to him as he signs your item, you get a few minutes to talk to him and you get a photo taken.

A few years ago Pete did a pretty cool autographcast from Las Vegas, I blogged about it here. At the time, I thought it was awesome. I could talk to him on the phone, he signed my item and then had it on the camera. Of course today with facetime and Skype, it's not as big of a deal, but I haven't seen other companies try running with this yet.

Pete may not be done with Las Vegas. According to the LVJ, Rose could be on his way to Luxor - further down on the Las Vegas Strip. A year ago there were some rumors that Luxor would be getting into the memorabilia business, perhaps this is part of it.

Signings Hotline is on Twitter

Signings Hotline has a twitter account. You can follow them at twitter.com/SigningsHotline.

I'd like to see their twitter feed used for:

• Offer some free autograph listing tips
• Twitter contests for free autographs - I'm sure some of their sponsors would participate
• Twitter trivia contests for 30 day free trials or membership extensions
• Re-tweets of autograph show recaps from bloggers
• Signings news from autograph companies like CSA, Mounted Memories, and MAB

I think it's great to see SigningsHotline on twitter.

I hope it's used for making connections with collectors, listening and learning more about the collectors' needs instead of treating it like a megaphone.

#fingerscrossed

Marvin Miller Autograph Baseball Arrives

Zap, Pow! That was fast. I received my Marvin Miller autograph baseball already.

The signing was on Saturday with Dick Gordon Sports and I had the autograph in my hand by Thursday. Great service. They even sent a picture of Marvin Miller signing the baseball. To me, this is better than a COA.

This is a great autograph to add to my collection and the first I've done through a memorabilia dealer.

It's a pretty good autograph considering Miller is almost 100 years old!

Marvin Miller Autograph Picture

When I paid for the Marvin Miller autograph I requested a photo of Miller signing one of the baseballs. Dick Gordon Sports said they would try, but couldn't guarantee it.

I've never picked up an autograph I didn't get in person until this one, and all my other autographs have a picture of the person signing the item. It's my own COA. I thought it would be helpful for my kids one day when I'm long gone and they are trying to make money for the iPad 15 or whatever!

As you can see in scan, Dick Gordon Sports came through. He emailed this photo to me yesterday. My baseball is on the way!

Super Bowl XLV Autographs? There's an App For That!

Super Bowl XLV has it's own app.

I downloaded the iPhone version today (I can't test the android version) and it's great for local fans, collectors and fans coming to watch the game.

The Super Bowl Events section list the events by date and selecting one of the events will bring you a list of the details and where the event is located. This listing includes autograph opportunities and memorabilia information.

NFL Experience Autographs at Super Bowl XLV

Super Bowl week is hitting Dallas. I've been to two Super Bowl weeks (only to the game once) and the NFL Experience is awesome.

The card shows are cool and so is the NFL Experience. If you're in the Dallas area, definitely check it out and bring the following in your backpack:

1. Mini Helmet with the Super Bowl logo
2. Sharpie
3. Camera

I say a mini helmet with the Super Bowl logo because you don't know who you're going to see. If you can fit mini helmet of your favorite team in the same backpack, then go for that, but if you have room for one, choose the Super Bowl logo helmet. I've picked up Larry Johnson and Todd McFarlane on a Super Bowl mini helmet.

NFL Experience schedule
Thursday: 5 to 10 p.m.
Friday: 3 to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday: NFL Experience closed, NFL Shop open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: NFL Experience closed, NFL Shop open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 3 to 10 p.m.
Feb. 3: 3 to 9 p.m.
Feb. 4: 3 to 10 p.m.
Feb. 5: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Feb. 6: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

Miles Austin Twitters His Party Location

Fans wanting a Miles Austin autograph need to start following him on twitter.

To promote a pre-Super Bowl party, Miles tweeted clues about the location and where he would be. Four hundred or so fans solved the riddles and were able to meet Miles Austin and get a few autographs.

Like it or not, twitter is bringing us closer to the athletes we cheer. If you're in a town with your favorite team (sadly I am not), I definitely recommend following some of the players on twitter. Now is the time to sign up with Super Bowl parties and athlete appearances becoming more common.

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! 

New Signings Hotline Forum Format

Signings hotline has a new format and honestly, I'm not a fan so far. I'm all for change and trying things new, but this isn't working:

• Best Practice & Maintenance should not be the first forum working - I go to signings hotline for signings information, not maintenance. 
• I have to click about 3 or 4 more times to get the same information than before the upgrade. 
• Before the upgrade I could see what threads had been updated, now I can only see the most recent. 

I've belonged to Signings Hotline for years. I like the service, but this upgrade to the forums isn't working. Instead of spending times on redesigns, I'd rather see time spent on:

• RSS Technology for getting updates
• Mobile App Development

Super Bowl Tours in Dallas

I've been to one Super Bowl and to the Super Bowl week activities for two, but I've never been able to tour the Super Bowl locker rooms.

Super Bowl 45 will have tours of the locker rooms and other areas of the Cowboys stadium.

If you're going to be in the Dallas area during Super Bowl week, this is a must see! The events in the days before the Super Bowl are a ton of fun. There are a lot of autograph opportunities and chances to see current and former players. I wish I was going to be at this one!

More about the tours here.

Brett Favre Autographing 297 Streak Footballs

It didn't take Brett Favre long to capitalize on his 297 consecutive games streak.

Favre is selling footballs with a 297 game inscription on his official website. If he can't put his socks on, I'm not sure how he can sign a football?

Interesting note from Pete King on Favre's streak ending in Detroit:

• Lou Gehrig's streak also ended in Detroit.
• Wally Pipp's streak also ended in Detroit.

Dallas Cowboy Gets Michael Vick's Autograph After the Game

"Wow, you guys just officially ended our season, can you sign this glove for me?"

Was that the conversation Tashard Choice had with Michael Vick following Sunday night's game in Dallas?

The Eagles just officially eliminated the Cowboys from the playoff picture (unofficially that was done by Tashard Choice's fumble agains Washington in Week 1), when Choice asked for Vick's autograph on the football field! According to Vick, "that's probably the first time that's ever happened to me." You think?

Do you think Emmitt Smith would have asked for Steve Young's autograph on the field? Would Tony Dorsett had ever asked for Terry Bradshaw's autograph after the game? How do you think the Dallas defense felt about Choice obtaining post-game autographs on the field for the player that beat them?

According the Choice, the glove was for a family member. What if that glove was now for sale on eBay?

The ESPN is story here.

Peter Yarrow Book Signing and Concert

Some musicians have songs that can span generations. Peter Yarrow may be unmatched in this category.

We caught up with Peter at a book store signing last month. Peter signed copies of his "Puff the Magic Dragon" book and a few others. Then treated the 100-200 people in the store to a small concert.

The audience consisted of grandparents, parents and toddlers. He entertained all of us with his song and his great sense of humor.

My boys brought a Puff CD for Peter to sign. The picture here is taken during the small concert and the video I captured from my phone.

Willie Mays Tells Mets - Let Me Sign Autographs

Willie Mays is so concerned about lack of attendance at Citi Field that he wants to have an autograph session (for him) on the field.

According to the NY Daily News, Mays said, "I'd like to come back and do a show there, 'like an autograph session, help myself, help the Mets."

Thanks to Willie for "offering" his services for a price at Citi Field. I think this could be a good idea if:
- Willie's autograph prices come down to reality
- Fans get a tour of the ballpark including, dugout, locker room, around the outfield, bullpen, etc.
- Add some other Mets greats to the line up.

But let's be honest.  Is really Mays really going to sit in the October chill at Citi Field to sign autographs? I think we're looking at next season.

My Vince Coleman Autograph Request

Former Met and friend of firecrackers, Vince Coleman, is signing autographs.

Vince is signing at the Mounted Memories November 21 show in Chicago, IL.

What are the chances Vince signs a firecracker for me?

If you don't remember Vince's little problem . . .

Minor Leauge Manager Ejected and Signs 1st Base for Fan

This brings game-used memorabilia to a whole new level.

Minor league manager, Gary Robinson, of the State College Spikes was thrown out of a game after arguing if a player was hit by a pitch. During his exchange with the umpire, Robinson was tossed out of the game.

Robinson eventually rips first base out of the ground, signs it and gives it to a fan sitting 2 rows behind the dugout.

Rare Magic Johnson Public Autograph Session

I was a New York Knicks basketball fan growing up, but I wouldn't miss a Magic Johnson basketball game on TV. It didn't matter who the Lakers were playing, if Magic was in the game I wanted to watch him play. And when he played the Knicks, it was tough to route against him.

CSA Shows in Chantilly, VA sent an email today announcing that Magic Johnson will be signing autographs at their October 15-17 show. Magic's prices are:
- $125 for flats
- $150 for premium items
- $50 for inscriptions