Saturday, May 8, 2010

Need some autograph hound tips

I'm taking my boys to see a Rangers game soon and they want to go early for BP and to try to get some autographs.

Back in my single days I got a number of autographs at Ranger games, but that's been a long time. Other than being in the right place at the right time are there any pointers from some of you experienced autograph hounds?

I've heard people mention "preparing" a card. What exactly does that mean? We'll probably be trying to get cards signed for the most part.

We're going to see the A's next week so hopefully we will have some luck. I'll do a follow up post if we get anything signed.

Thanks in advance for any advice/tips!

5 comments:

  1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UEOkB76-jI&feature=player_embedded

    and then...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAsPJDLMZ7Y&feature=player_embedded

    ReplyDelete
  2. If you call a player over, be ready with your stuff. They move on if you don't.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Arrive early, have what you want signed ready (including the pen or sharpie), and for the most success, try the visitor's end (especially the bullpen) if you don't mind which players you get. This used to work for me until the ushers at the stadiums got really strict.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I put a book together to make it easier for me to get get cards signed. It is just a spiral index card book and I use photo corners to keep them in place. I think it is much easier than fumbling with a stack of cards.

    If you watched the first video Cap'n C posted, it does a good job showing how to prep cards. If you don't want to hassle with that, just take Heritage, OPC, Goudey, A&G, and Goodwin-like cards.

    It's usually easier to get cards signed by the visiting teams since the home teams usually take bp before the gates open (or you just catch the last 10 minutes of it). When I was at Rangers Ballpark last year, most of the good spots to get autographs from were blocked off. About the only place to stand was on the outfield side of the dugout. It's not ideal, but you can usually get some pitchers out there.

    Also, if you go to a day game, don't expect bp. More often the not, the pitchers will be out on the field working out and that is a great time to get some autographs.

    If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks guys. I did watch the videos so thanks for the links. My oldest is really looking forward to it and we're going through cards tomorrow to pull out A's and Rangers.

    ReplyDelete