By Josh:
As I’ve mentioned in the past getting autographs for me is more about finding a connection with the game I love and the players, rather than it being about bragging rights. Now I do brag at times about some of the guys I have gotten (Ken Griffey Jr., Matt Kemp, Tommy Lasorda, and Felix Hernandez) but that is more about reliving some fun memories than the autograph itself.
Minor League Games
If you are looking for autograph-seeking bragging rights, then going to Minor League games is usually not the place to go because so many guys never make it to the major league level, but occasionally an autograph you get at a minor league game can be something to brag about in the future. Just remember that every major league player you love to watch now once played in the minor leagues.
Other than Fan Fest and Caravan events this may be the easiest place to get autographs especially at the lower levels like Rookie ball and Single-A. Many of these guys realize that it is a long shot for them to make the major leagues but they are pumped to be playing and love the fan attention.
Only twice in the past three years have I had a player tell me no they wouldn’t sign. One was because he was the starting pitcher and needed to get ready but came back after the game and signed everything I had for him. The other was because the guy thought I and other autograph seekers were selling his autographs. Hint to all players if you have played 5 years at the Single-A level I’m not asking for your autograph so that I can make a buck off of it, I’m getting your autograph because you have a card and I like to get cards signed.
The one thing to always remember is that baseball is a job for the guys, even in the minor leagues, so please be polite and if they say no stop and think about it for a minute to see if there is a reason why. Check out my past blog with some good rules and tips to follow when autographing. http://9inningknowitall.com/2011/07/25/autograph-seeking/
Major League Games
If you are looking for a challenge this may be the best place for you to try and get autographs. A lot of bullpen pitchers will sign autographs before the game, but to get starting pitchers and position players can be hard. Sometimes when guys get a day off they will sign some autographs and on early games if the team doesn’t do batting practice it isn’t unusual to see a few guys who are bored in the clubhouse to come out and sign some autographs.
I’ve seen guys like Clayton Kershaw, Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee and other top level players signing autographs and I’ve even gotten guys like Andre Ethier and Nelson Cruz at Safeco Field. Getting autographs at major league games is 50% planning and 50% dumb luck. When my brother-in-law and I go to games we set goals, but we know that one day we could get a lot of autographs and the next day not get even one. That is a part of the autographers’ challenge. It can be a little disappointing. The good news is if you don’t get any autographs you can still watch a baseball game, so in all it isn’t that bad of a deal.
Autograph Game
The main thing to remember about getting autographs is to keep it fun and with 2013 only a few days away it is time to start the 2013 Autograph Game Season. If you haven’t checked out the Autograph Game rules click on the link and read over the scoring system and play along this season. Let me know your high scoring days and even a tally for each month during the season. http://9inningknowitall.com/2012/04/01/the-autograph-game/
Previous posts in this series
Autograph Opportunities Part 1
Autograph Opportunities Part 2