How to become an autograph hound?

[Rafi Kohan]

I'm new to the site, so please forgive any perceived ignorances on my part. I am -- with your help! -- learning. I've become interested in the world of serious autograph seeking, and I'm doing some research for what I hope will turn into a feature article. I'm fascinated by how word gets out about who will be where (celebrity-wise), how those in the autograph community mobilize, and how that translates into either success of failure. I have written for GQ and Details magazine, among others, and I'd be very grateful to anyone who has a few minutes to chat and provide further thoughts and/or direction. Just message me, or send a friend request, or respond here, of course!

Cheers!

[terrier8HOF]

hey CEE, I used to send 2-3 requests, with a personalized letter to each player, and the sase, and my return rate was incredible. then each year it dropped off. Part of it was that shows were starting to become big, and when the players saw the opportunity to get paid, their willingness to sign for free diminished.  I got Maris, Reggie, Yaz, Billy Martin, Koufax, Musial....some really cool pieces in the mail back then.

I went to a few shows to get IP's, but most of what I have, especially with signed balls, were purchased TTM, directly to the show coordinators.  I got a lot of my '61 yankees that way.  And a bunch from Richard Simon.