As an additional middle finger to the collector the note on the Ripken price list says he will not pose for a picture at the autograph table. Please just say no to these degrading process.
Paying for signatures used to be fun and affordable. Now it's just a wallet drain. These prices, an increase from last year are comical. On most, they will sign a handful for the public and the rest will be done privately for the dozens of people who get backroom deals. These guys are signing so much nowadays that their prices are dropping and plentiful. I need Brett and Schmidt to finish a project and I just can't pay their prices.
I never went to a national and this is the reason. Way too expensive....for everything. I wouldn't blame you one bit if you didn't get the Brett and Schmidt autographs. If it were me, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth forking over that type of money. But that's just me.
@@TimDavis-td2go I have been to 19 National's and hundreds of big shows over the last 36 years. At the 1993 National, Koufax was $15 and you could get anything you want signed at that price. Today, his starting price at private signings is $1500. At the 1991 National, Muhammad Ali was free. I am all about athletes making money, but Reggie Jackson (and this example can be uses on dozens of ex-baseball Hall of Famers) was a somewhat reasonable amount at $99 two years ago and he is now $180-190. That's absurd.
Last year I went to the Pittsburgh show and Donny Shell was signing. They only charged $25 ANY ITEM!! Free hof inscription. That same item I got signed there would cost me $110 at this year's national(cause it would be classified as a premium item)
I think you are on the right path. I have a VIP pass for the national and I'm still not waiting to pay outrageous prices for them to sign their name. I get why guys do it. But I agree with Keating. I'd rather have the experience and memories of actually meeting the player and shaking their hand. But that's me. Thanks Mike for all you do!
It's incredible to me how much the prices have risen on the in person autograph experience at the National. It's kind of sad how expensive it's gotten. I feel like at what point does it stop going up!
I used to love going to signings. I’ve just about stopped because everyone’s fee is now out of control. If it’s a unique item, you can justify it. Other than that, buy one for half the price you could have them sign the item for when you see it for sale.
Baseball cards and autographs shouldn't be something anyone struggles over...either pay up or forget it...the real question is "what do you do with all the cards once you own them?"
I just saw the autograph prices for the national. Absolutely obscene. $25-$30 just to get in per day. No thanks. I don't even think the VIP packages are that good.
Autos prices at the national always gives me heartburn. I literally need to re-budget my national funds spending every year, like I am preparing for retirement or something. Days of work. I am a big inscription guy, so it adds up. For me I look at a few things when deciding who I need to get autos. 1) (Most Important) how old is the player. I usually look at the list of signers and see who is getting up there in age. That plays a big part. 2) How often do they sign. If its every year, I can hold off on some. If it's rare to see him sign, that plays a role. 3) How scarce is the product I am looking to get signed. Are there a lot of examples out there. Is it rare for one to come up on auction. What's the pop report. Maybe you can take your list and look at some of those factors. Good luck.
I would have to have a really unique item to consider paying those autograph prices. Those Cal Ripken's look great, and it a plus that Julie will love them too😜
Thanks for the video!!! You just validated for me that having autographs is not for me. I currently have three cards with autos. One was a gift and the other two came autographed and I really like the cards, with or without the autos. I know adding autos makes the items more unique, but that isn’t important to me. If it is to you, and you can afford them, then get them signed. You’re the only person that needs to appreciate your collection. Even though I collect very differently than you, I have always loved your video content. If you keep making them, I will keep watching.
Part of the reason I've never been able to get into autos. Just too darn expensive. I would like to meet Johnny Bench, but don't even want to stand in line and pay for ONE auto, LOL.
You have to already know thee answer to your question! I’ve known a LOT of guys over the years who have collected autographs, whether sports or celebrity, and every single one of them lost a small fortune when they had to sell for one reason or another. They all regretted the time/effort/money they put into it just to come out on the losing end. It’s a no-win proposition other than the joy it might bring you and honestly I would get the same satisfaction acquiring items that will actually retain their value down the road.
Good to know that PSA did your Lefty right, and quickly. A really nice Johnny Mize. Those Tristar auto prices are ridiculous to me. I have a ticket stub from Pedro's 17-strikeout one-hitter vs. the Yankees -- best game I've seen pitched in person and it would be great to have him sign it. Not for $207, though.
I'm a lot like you, I love all kinds of sports. Baseball is number 1 and football number 2. I even love bathtub racing up in the town of Nanaimo on the beautiful Vancouver Island in B.C. 🇨🇦. 🤣It's far down on my sports love list but it's there. Your wife's love for Ripken is like my Mom's love for Buster Posey. Never want to show her my Posey relic cards.
Prices have jumped since last year. I have the VIP pass, but not sure how much I am going to get out of it. Seems like all signers are approaching $200 mark…..you can buy most already signed on something for much cheaper. A lot of it is the experience of meeting the person I guess.
Those autograph prices are crazy! I’m wondering if this will be more of the norm, especially at places like the National. I’m assuming they think people will pay crazy prices for the experience of getting autos at the National. It’s like the crazy prices of food at places like ball games and Disneyland. They charge crazy prices because they know people will pay it. I think you have a good strategy to only get the autos on the customs and Diamond Kings that are hard to find. I don’t follow signing prices that closely, but you may be able to save money by sending them into other signings. Depends on if the experience of you getting them signed in person is worth the extra money to you. Good luck! That’s a tough decision when you’re talking about that kind of money.
If you keep picking up autos at "all in prices" that are lower or far lower than just the auto price that you'd get at a signing ... what makes you feel you're holding on to "value" by doing this ??? I think they set these prices with the idea that THEY make the money, and you will take a loss. You can't say it's not about the money or that you can afford it, because the video was all ABOUT the money.
Hi Mike. I am very happy that I have very little (if any) interest is autographs anymore. Ripken has ALWAYS been my #1 favourite player since he started playing. I did get a Jersey and bat signed by him, which I got in person at the Toronto Expo show, back in 2018. At that time to get those two items signed cost me $275 Canadian a piece. That also included a picture with him, which I cherish more because my son was with me and was also in the picture. It certainly can add up when you are looking at multiple autos, so I understand how tough of a decision it can be. Talk soon my friend.
Auto prices are out of control. I’m Canadian and Ortiz would be close to 500$ CAD. Sometimes older players will have reasonable prices, but recent guys are way too expensive for 5 seconds of their time. You have to really be a huge fan to spend that much. I only get certain things signed. There has to be a good reason. I had a chance to have two players on the same dual player card sign in Toronto, one of them, Marcel Dionne will sign at his booth for free if you buy a 15$ signed puck from him. Last week in Montreal, I got a former player to sign and inscribe that the stick blade I showed him, which apparently was his, was possibly his. How far will I go for a joke, apparently 75$.
Actually Frank Thomas Price isn't that bad last Chicago show he charged 150 and 175 for his his rookie card to be signed but I agree these prices are crazy
I am in full agreement with you here Mike. The only reason to get something signed in person anymore is if you have some form of personalized item, or some item that is difficult to find signed and you really want to get it signed. Items like base cards, like your diamond king cards, should never be brought to a show for live signatures. I am a Mike Schmidt Superfan. The last Philly show that I saw him signing at he wanted $175 per signature. I can buy three pack issued signed cards that I don’t have yet for that price. The promoters are charging way too much for the signatures. Which means to me the athletes are probably asking way too much. Let the debate begin.
I am also appalled at the autograph prices at the National. As a kid growing up in the 80's we could wait in the parking garage after the game and get autographs from any star player or go to a card show and pay $10-$25 tops for HOF'ers autos. Why have players become so unattainable? I would really like to get some of my rookie cards signed Bench, Rice, Sanders, Marino but my dilemma is other than the cost of the autograph is all of these cards are already slabbed some in high grades Rice PSA 9 Sanders PSA 10 do I risk cracking them out and resubmitting them taking the chance they will come back in the same grade. I seems like they are grading harder now a days. I posed this question to Graig from MidLife and he suggested keeping the grade tab/plate or whatever they are call and resubmitting right there at the National. To crack or not to crack that is the question.
After seeing the price list as well, I plan on getting Bruce Smith on a Virginia Tech mini helmet (my alma mater, Go Hokies!!), Vlad Sr (my favorite Expo) and possibly Barry Sanders on cards.
I got back into the hobby about 1 1/2 years ago after a 25+ year break, and this coming National will be my first. I bought the VIP All-Access months ago. As TriStar was releasing names, I bought rookie cards of all the big names in EX-NM shape, especially since I intended to get them autographed. Well, I am a numbers guy....with these prices, it is not worth getting the auto because you can buy a PSA 7 (with PSA 10 auto) or a better card for cheaper. however... It looks like I made a FOMO mistake by buying the Platinum pass, too; thinking about getting my money back for that... (I should have known better because I am a 'numbers' guy, but I can still fix it.) The big point here is that WOW! Prices are crazy!
This might already have been mentioned but do you think Ripken would sign the Perez Steele custom? He is a Fanatics guy and has a clause saying he can only sign licensed items. I have one of those customs too and would love to get it signed at the National.
I'm in the one game at a time mode for the Timberwolves. Great season, ran into a tough Mavs team. I don't get expensive in-person autographs anymore. That has passed me by. I like bargains like the 27 NFL & MLB HOF autographs I found at Rich Kleins show for $5 each that included Reggie, Rickey, Yogi, Doby etc. Still have to get them slabbed, but my kind of price.
Hi Mike. I received that email from Tristar last week too. I could not believe the cost of the autographs either. I am not a big autograph collector by any means. I think you should go ahead and get the Martinez, Ortiz, Ripken and Rivera autographs. You never know if you'll get another chance.
Maybe just get the Ripken signed this year. Seems like he's a lot harder to get than some of the other players. I think you said $200 for the McGriff? That's insane.
Those prices are nuts. I would say that in the autograph world, I always know that when I pay for a signature, it will not be worth what I paid. That's been true for a long while. The way I think about it is whether the signed item would elevate my collection & how proud I would be to own it. If it's something that I think is a key piece, or would personally value, I am a bit easier with the price. For instance, if I had a really neat or unique item, I would pay that price for Pedro - but he means something to me as I got to watch him in his prime. There are, however, some nutso prices, and Ortiz takes that cake. $300+ - I'm a huge Ortiz guy but no thank you! ~Allon
I feel like tri star is taking advantage of people with those prices. They should all be half that or less. Pray about it Mike. If you have a peace about it, then do it. If not, then don't.
I figure I’ll probably only go to National once, so I have bought 6 auto tickets. The really expensive ones I figure I’ll just buy already done/ graded, so I skipped them. But I have a particular card I want signed by Johnny Manziel and I just wanted the experience of getting Clemens, Thome, Carlton, Garvey and Parker. None of them are at the top of the price list, so I figured why not
At least you don't need Pujols. I never forget not getting Mantle at the '94 National because he wanted too much ($80). Now I don't pass someone IP at the National if I need them.
The signing prices are out of hand. From someone who is mainly an autographed card collector, I'm slowly putting an end to it as the pricing makes it less fun, sometimes no fun. That said, the National is not the place to get autographs. The are always way higher than even other shows/signings. My advice is to get more involved in private signings or mail in for other shows. Just looking at the last few months of private signings, Alomar and Thomas were available for $40 on cards, $50 for Yount, $65 for Winfield, $150 for Mariano. Takes a little more effort but those are all like half the prices of what they are charging for those guys at the National
This financial breakdown is my daily reminder why I'm so happy I've never been an auto collector and never will be. Crazy for $200-$300 to be the price for some of those guys.
The custom perez steele is going to be a rather niche market since its custom, for the price point id say no, because im not sure you will get your money back in them graded if you ever sold them. On the flip side the auto would be 1 of a kind situation all in the eye of the beholder go with your gut Mike, maybe get 1 or 2 signed and see how you feel about the rest.
It's definitely a money grab, I recently got a Thomas auto at a signing. I wanted a unique piece as he is doing signings just about every weekend. You can buy most of his recent autos for 1/3 to half of what he charges to sign. Your paying for the experience I guess.
You can get just about every player cheaper through a private signing or a a smaller show throughout the year, don’t pay the NATIONAL mark up. That being said I will be paying for Pujols as he was my favorite player for a decade and his price will only go up and maybe he doesn’t ever do a public show again.
I would sell 3k worth of stuff that your not attached to, and then get them all signed, especially if ya “need” those in particular. Everything costs a fortune these days. It’s jus the way it is, especially a collectibles hobby. In order for me to enjoy the hobby I buy and sell all the time. I can’t keep everything. Good luck on what ya decide!
I'd definitely have to pick and choose. I know last time I went to the Hall of Fame show (and I was way behind on getting hall of fame autographs) I spent $2700...now I'm even further behind and I just can't see spending in the 3-4,000 range. I certainly wouldn't spend $312 for Ortiz. He's the biggest over hyped player there ever was. $312 for Rivera is probably a yes.
This is just a general comment I suppose - I've been where you are in this sort of conundrum - I know exactly the feeling. What is the one thing (say you have to pick one) that you want to complete? That's what I would focus on. Just general for the collection - complete it. My problem has always been, I want it all. And I just keep adding to my list without ever really completing something. A really big thing I mean. Not just player runs or something like that. But let's say a complete 1955 Topps set, all autographed. What is your big completion? Or do you just keep adding more to the list?
Don’t understand people paying prices. I just got a Topps Chrome Black Auto of Pedro and one of Ortiz and paid less than $150 total for both. Paying more just to say hi to them and they don’t even acknowledge you seems silly, but to each their own I guess
I wouldn't think about it either because I would never drop that kind of money for autos Went to the Pittsburgh show last weekend and spent only $110(that includes pictures for players to sign and insciptions). I got 2 free autographs for being the first 200 people inside as well.
Ever since I have been watching your videos (which I enjoy) I think of you as Perez being your favorite thing. In that case if you have the funds and won’t make you sweat paying a bill and Julie doesn’t care, GO FOR IT!!! It’s your favorite thing. If it was a random card (not Perez) I would wait. Enjoy.
Dead ringer for Cal Ripken! Gotten too expensive. Grove definitely > Gomez! Weirdly Par Tabler was my favorite player when I was 9 because I played 2B in Little League and he was the Cubs second basemen. When the Cubs traded him they moved Sandberg from 3B to 2B and he became my favorite. Anyway will be fun to get him for free. Just way too much, buy cards instead Mike.
It's not exactly 'giving back' to the fans, is it (those signing prices)? Obviously, it's far more complex than that, when the hobby is an industry. If you are to just consign yourself to the fact that 'that's capitalism', then the only way you can really justify it is by embracing it. Treat the hobby as something that needs to fund itself. Buy and sell cards, and redeploy the funds gained in order to afford luxuries such as these signings (without dipping into your own funds). Assuming the item you want signed isn't unique, and can be easily found elsewhere, then it makes no sense to pay the signing fee, and go through the whole process of grading etc. (unless you want that brief encounter with the individual). Those who declare themselves as a 'hobby purist', with some sort of moral compass that always points 'true north', and who take great delight in standing on their soap-box and bemoan others for selling their cards, aren't acting with clarity (in my opinion). Hope you have a great time at the National, Mike, and hope you and your family stay safe (I hear the weather where you are is pretty violent at the minute).
On top of the prices...it's always the same ol guys signing. Pete Rose has done so many signing his sig is worthless. Barrys Sanders is going that way as well.
To me it's not worth it at all - but it's also not my project :) If you can swing it and feel comfortable enough, I say do it! But if you'd be just as happy with replacement or fill-in pieces instead, then I'd roll with that and spend the money saved on more pieces
Ouch sounds like auto pricing is getting a little steep. Guess you getting the experience to “meet the player” if they take the time to look up at you.
@@BaseballCollector the more I think about it, the higher prices are actually a good thing for collectors long term. If everyone in the world had HOFer autographs the cards would soon be worthless. Most collectors don’t get 10 different autographs at one signing lol just get one at a time.
NOT worth it. Most of these guys will live for many more decades. Their autos are not rare. Buy autos via the secondary market, where you'll pay half as much as doing it "live".
If they throw in some complimentary vasoline, then go for it and enjoy the full experience. I mean, you're doing it anyway, right ? I pretty sure you will. I guess these poor guys are cash strapped & need the little guys to help them get back on their feet. Another example of how this hobby keeps on sucking. Keep supporting them and keep watching the prices rise.
Tri-Star has ruined the autograph experience at the National. First year I am not getting a thing signed - I can’t justify paying those prices!
Beverly Hills retail prices for a show set in Cleveland, Ohio.
As an additional middle finger to the collector the note on the Ripken price list says he will not pose for a picture at the autograph table. Please just say no to these degrading process.
Paying for signatures used to be fun and affordable. Now it's just a wallet drain. These prices, an increase from last year are comical. On most, they will sign a handful for the public and the rest will be done privately for the dozens of people who get backroom deals. These guys are signing so much nowadays that their prices are dropping and plentiful. I need Brett and Schmidt to finish a project and I just can't pay their prices.
I never went to a national and this is the reason. Way too expensive....for everything. I wouldn't blame you one bit if you didn't get the Brett and Schmidt autographs. If it were me, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth forking over that type of money. But that's just me.
@@TimDavis-td2go I have been to 19 National's and hundreds of big shows over the last 36 years. At the 1993 National, Koufax was $15 and you could get anything you want signed at that price. Today, his starting price at private signings is $1500. At the 1991 National, Muhammad Ali was free. I am all about athletes making money, but Reggie Jackson (and this example can be uses on dozens of ex-baseball Hall of Famers) was a somewhat reasonable amount at $99 two years ago and he is now $180-190. That's absurd.
Last year I went to the Pittsburgh show and Donny Shell was signing. They only charged $25 ANY ITEM!! Free hof inscription. That same item I got signed there would cost me $110 at this year's national(cause it would be classified as a premium item)
I think you are on the right path. I have a VIP pass for the national and I'm still not waiting to pay outrageous prices for them to sign their name. I get why guys do it. But I agree with Keating. I'd rather have the experience and memories of actually meeting the player and shaking their hand. But that's me. Thanks Mike for all you do!
Mike, I wish you the best with your National autos dilemma! BTW, just looking at your list, you have fantastic penmanship! 😊👊 P.S. Awesome Mize auto!
It's incredible to me how much the prices have risen on the in person autograph experience at the National. It's kind of sad how expensive it's gotten. I feel like at what point does it stop going up!
Shai is getting 78,000,000 a year salary next yr!!! Can u inagine lukas contract?!
Mike, do what you want to do! As long as you can afford it, display your slabbed cards in a shadow box , bc Life is too short!! Let’s go Panthers 🐆!!
Great points.
Those prices are really jacked up! Young was here in March at a local show and his auto was about 80 then. It’s the National tax. Sad.
Hide out in the parking lot and get for free or in the lobby where they are stayy
Ikr 😂
I used to love going to signings. I’ve just about stopped because everyone’s fee is now out of control. If it’s a unique item, you can justify it. Other than that, buy one for half the price you could have them sign the item for when you see it for sale.
Baseball cards and autographs shouldn't be something anyone struggles over...either pay up or forget it...the real question is "what do you do with all the cards once you own them?"
😂😂😂
Too expensive for me, would put that money into cards. But you’re an autograph collector more than I am. Nice to get them in person.
I just saw the autograph prices for the national. Absolutely obscene. $25-$30 just to get in per day. No thanks. I don't even think the VIP packages are that good.
Gotta milk all that money. Cause junk wax era is donezo
“Johnny Mize isn’t signing anymore”. Is that a polite way of saying he passed away in 1993
Yes it is.
Autos prices at the national always gives me heartburn. I literally need to re-budget my national funds spending every year, like I am preparing for retirement or something. Days of work. I am a big inscription guy, so it adds up. For me I look at a few things when deciding who I need to get autos. 1) (Most Important) how old is the player. I usually look at the list of signers and see who is getting up there in age. That plays a big part. 2) How often do they sign. If its every year, I can hold off on some. If it's rare to see him sign, that plays a role. 3) How scarce is the product I am looking to get signed. Are there a lot of examples out there. Is it rare for one to come up on auction. What's the pop report. Maybe you can take your list and look at some of those factors. Good luck.
I agree they're too expensive. I was going to get a few autos but when I saw the prices I'm only going to get My Johnny Bench rookie card signed.
Im skipping the autos this year.... I MIGHT do 1, but im already asking myself why in the world I would even think about it
I would have to have a really unique item to consider paying those autograph prices. Those Cal Ripken's look great, and it a plus that Julie will love them too😜
Thanks for the video!!! You just validated for me that having autographs is not for me. I currently have three cards with autos. One was a gift and the other two came autographed and I really like the cards, with or without the autos.
I know adding autos makes the items more unique, but that isn’t important to me. If it is to you, and you can afford them, then get them signed. You’re the only person that needs to appreciate your collection.
Even though I collect very differently than you, I have always loved your video content. If you keep making them, I will keep watching.
Part of the reason I've never been able to get into autos. Just too darn expensive. I would like to meet Johnny Bench, but don't even want to stand in line and pay for ONE auto, LOL.
I wouldn't do it,but that's me,I would put the money towards cards!
Gave a video like. Enjoyed hearing your thought process. Thanks for sharing
You have to already know thee answer to your question! I’ve known a LOT of guys over the years who have collected autographs, whether sports or celebrity, and every single one of them lost a small fortune when they had to sell for one reason or another. They all regretted the time/effort/money they put into it just to come out on the losing end. It’s a no-win proposition other than the joy it might bring you and honestly I would get the same satisfaction acquiring items that will actually retain their value down the road.
Very fair points.
If I collected autos, those prices would make me stop lol
Good to know that PSA did your Lefty right, and quickly. A really nice Johnny Mize. Those Tristar auto prices are ridiculous to me. I have a ticket stub from Pedro's 17-strikeout one-hitter vs. the Yankees -- best game I've seen pitched in person and it would be great to have him sign it. Not for $207, though.
I'm a lot like you, I love all kinds of sports. Baseball is number 1 and football number 2. I even love bathtub racing up in the town of Nanaimo on the beautiful Vancouver Island in B.C. 🇨🇦. 🤣It's far down on my sports love list but it's there. Your wife's love for Ripken is like my Mom's love for Buster Posey. Never want to show her my Posey relic cards.
Prices have jumped since last year. I have the VIP pass, but not sure how much I am going to get out of it. Seems like all signers are approaching $200 mark…..you can buy most already signed on something for much cheaper. A lot of it is the experience of meeting the person I guess.
Those autograph prices are crazy! I’m wondering if this will be more of the norm, especially at places like the National. I’m assuming they think people will pay crazy prices for the experience of getting autos at the National. It’s like the crazy prices of food at places like ball games and Disneyland. They charge crazy prices because they know people will pay it. I think you have a good strategy to only get the autos on the customs and Diamond Kings that are hard to find. I don’t follow signing prices that closely, but you may be able to save money by sending them into other signings. Depends on if the experience of you getting them signed in person is worth the extra money to you. Good luck! That’s a tough decision when you’re talking about that kind of money.
The experience isn't that big of a deal for me honestly.
If you keep picking up autos at "all in prices" that are lower or far lower than just the auto price that you'd get at a signing ... what makes you feel you're holding on to "value" by doing this ??? I think they set these prices with the idea that THEY make the money, and you will take a loss. You can't say it's not about the money or that you can afford it, because the video was all ABOUT the money.
Hi Mike. I am very happy that I have very little (if any) interest is autographs anymore. Ripken has ALWAYS been my #1 favourite player since he started playing. I did get a Jersey and bat signed by him, which I got in person at the Toronto Expo show, back in 2018. At that time to get those two items signed cost me $275 Canadian a piece. That also included a picture with him, which I cherish more because my son was with me and was also in the picture. It certainly can add up when you are looking at multiple autos, so I understand how tough of a decision it can be. Talk soon my friend.
Might as well get it done before next year’s price increase. It is the curse of the collector! #ouch
Auto prices are out of control. I’m Canadian and Ortiz would be close to 500$ CAD. Sometimes older players will have reasonable prices, but recent guys are way too expensive for 5 seconds of their time. You have to really be a huge fan to spend that much. I only get certain things signed. There has to be a good reason. I had a chance to have two players on the same dual player card sign in Toronto, one of them, Marcel Dionne will sign at his booth for free if you buy a 15$ signed puck from him. Last week in Montreal, I got a former player to sign and inscribe that the stick blade I showed him, which apparently was his, was possibly his. How far will I go for a joke, apparently 75$.
I can’t believe a closer charges $300…WTF?!
You think that is crazy, they are charging $619 if you want Joe Montana to inscribe "I left my heart in San Francisco"
@@TimDavis-td2go Who does he think is? Tony Bennett?!?
Actually Frank Thomas Price isn't that bad last Chicago show he charged 150 and 175 for his his rookie card to be signed but I agree these prices are crazy
I am in full agreement with you here Mike. The only reason to get something signed in person anymore is if you have some form of personalized item, or some item that is difficult to find signed and you really want to get it signed. Items like base cards, like your diamond king cards, should never be brought to a show for live signatures. I am a Mike Schmidt Superfan. The last Philly show that I saw him signing at he wanted $175 per signature. I can buy three pack issued signed cards that I don’t have yet for that price. The promoters are charging way too much for the signatures. Which means to me the athletes are probably asking way too much. Let the debate begin.
I am also appalled at the autograph prices at the National. As a kid growing up in the 80's we could wait in the parking garage after the game and get autographs from any star player or go to a card show and pay $10-$25 tops for HOF'ers autos. Why have players become so unattainable? I would really like to get some of my rookie cards signed Bench, Rice, Sanders, Marino but my dilemma is other than the cost of the autograph is all of these cards are already slabbed some in high grades Rice PSA 9 Sanders PSA 10 do I risk cracking them out and resubmitting them taking the chance they will come back in the same grade. I seems like they are grading harder now a days. I posed this question to Graig from MidLife and he suggested keeping the grade tab/plate or whatever they are call and resubmitting right there at the National. To crack or not to crack that is the question.
It would be worth about $200 to get them signed but back in the day it would cost you 0 the players signed stuff to be nice
It has turned into a big business.
After seeing the price list as well, I plan on getting Bruce Smith on a Virginia Tech mini helmet (my alma mater, Go Hokies!!), Vlad Sr (my favorite Expo) and possibly Barry Sanders on cards.
I got back into the hobby about 1 1/2 years ago after a 25+ year break, and this coming National will be my first. I bought the VIP All-Access months ago. As TriStar was releasing names, I bought rookie cards of all the big names in EX-NM shape, especially since I intended to get them autographed. Well, I am a numbers guy....with these prices, it is not worth getting the auto because you can buy a PSA 7 (with PSA 10 auto) or a better card for cheaper. however... It looks like I made a FOMO mistake by buying the Platinum pass, too; thinking about getting my money back for that... (I should have known better because I am a 'numbers' guy, but I can still fix it.) The big point here is that WOW! Prices are crazy!
Prices are definitely expensive. Welcome back to the hobby. You will absolutely love your first National.
This might already have been mentioned but do you think Ripken would sign the Perez Steele custom? He is a Fanatics guy and has a clause saying he can only sign licensed items. I have one of those customs too and would love to get it signed at the National.
I would never pay a Man to sign a card for me but I’m not you and your rich so imma Mind my business
Pricing themselves out of a market. Or at least my market!
I'm in the one game at a time mode for the Timberwolves. Great season, ran into a tough Mavs team.
I don't get expensive in-person autographs anymore. That has passed me by. I like bargains like the 27 NFL & MLB HOF autographs I found at Rich Kleins show for $5 each that included Reggie, Rickey, Yogi, Doby etc. Still have to get them slabbed, but my kind of price.
Hi Mike. I received that email from Tristar last week too. I could not believe the cost of the autographs either. I am not a big autograph collector by any means. I think you should go ahead and get the Martinez, Ortiz, Ripken and Rivera autographs. You never know if you'll get another chance.
Very fair point Jim.
Maybe just get the Ripken signed this year. Seems like he's a lot harder to get than some of the other players. I think you said $200 for the McGriff? That's insane.
Those prices are nuts. I would say that in the autograph world, I always know that when I pay for a signature, it will not be worth what I paid. That's been true for a long while. The way I think about it is whether the signed item would elevate my collection & how proud I would be to own it. If it's something that I think is a key piece, or would personally value, I am a bit easier with the price. For instance, if I had a really neat or unique item, I would pay that price for Pedro - but he means something to me as I got to watch him in his prime. There are, however, some nutso prices, and Ortiz takes that cake. $300+ - I'm a huge Ortiz guy but no thank you! ~Allon
I feel like tri star is taking advantage of people with those prices. They should all be half that or less. Pray about it Mike. If you have a peace about it, then do it. If not, then don't.
I figure I’ll probably only go to National once, so I have bought 6 auto tickets. The really expensive ones I figure I’ll just buy already done/ graded, so I skipped them. But I have a particular card I want signed by Johnny Manziel and I just wanted the experience of getting Clemens, Thome, Carlton, Garvey and Parker. None of them are at the top of the price list, so I figured why not
Why would you only go to the National once?
@@BaseballCollectorif it was in comfortable driving distance I would.. but Chicago and some of the other places are too far without a flight.
At least you don't need Pujols. I never forget not getting Mantle at the '94 National because he wanted too much ($80). Now I don't pass someone IP at the National if I need them.
Wise council from the Jedi Master of autos.
Thank you my young Padewan
I had the exact same reaction
You also wanted to throw up Jake? Are you going to get any?
I did want to throw-up, yes.
I think I’m going to pass, and hit the private signings hard post-National w/ our mutual friend.
Handsome Ripken autos! Are you still counting down the days to the National on your phone?
Not sure if you know but it says for ripken Licensed items only. No trading cards, artwork,
The signing prices are out of hand. From someone who is mainly an autographed card collector, I'm slowly putting an end to it as the pricing makes it less fun, sometimes no fun. That said, the National is not the place to get autographs. The are always way higher than even other shows/signings. My advice is to get more involved in private signings or mail in for other shows. Just looking at the last few months of private signings, Alomar and Thomas were available for $40 on cards, $50 for Yount, $65 for Winfield, $150 for Mariano. Takes a little more effort but those are all like half the prices of what they are charging for those guys at the National
TriStar is dictating that - hate em!
This financial breakdown is my daily reminder why I'm so happy I've never been an auto collector and never will be. Crazy for $200-$300 to be the price for some of those guys.
The custom perez steele is going to be a rather niche market since its custom, for the price point id say no, because im not sure you will get your money back in them graded if you ever sold them. On the flip side the auto would be 1 of a kind situation all in the eye of the beholder go with your gut Mike, maybe get 1 or 2 signed and see how you feel about the rest.
It's definitely a money grab, I recently got a Thomas auto at a signing. I wanted a unique piece as he is doing signings just about every weekend. You can buy most of his recent autos for 1/3 to half of what he charges to sign. Your paying for the experience I guess.
Does anyone know why Fanatics athletes won't sign cards you send in? Seems odd.
You can get just about every player cheaper through a private signing or a a smaller show throughout the year, don’t pay the NATIONAL mark up. That being said I will be paying for Pujols as he was my favorite player for a decade and his price will only go up and maybe he doesn’t ever do a public show again.
I would sell 3k worth of stuff that your not attached to, and then get them all signed, especially if ya “need” those in particular. Everything costs a fortune these days. It’s jus the way it is, especially a collectibles hobby. In order for me to enjoy the hobby I buy and sell all the time. I can’t keep everything. Good luck on what ya decide!
I'd definitely have to pick and choose. I know last time I went to the Hall of Fame show (and I was way behind on getting hall of fame autographs) I spent $2700...now I'm even further behind and I just can't see spending in the 3-4,000 range. I certainly wouldn't spend $312 for Ortiz. He's the biggest over hyped player there ever was. $312 for Rivera is probably a yes.
This is just a general comment I suppose - I've been where you are in this sort of conundrum - I know exactly the feeling. What is the one thing (say you have to pick one) that you want to complete? That's what I would focus on. Just general for the collection - complete it. My problem has always been, I want it all. And I just keep adding to my list without ever really completing something. A really big thing I mean. Not just player runs or something like that. But let's say a complete 1955 Topps set, all autographed. What is your big completion? Or do you just keep adding more to the list?
Don’t understand people paying prices. I just got a Topps Chrome Black Auto of Pedro and one of Ortiz and paid less than $150 total for both. Paying more just to say hi to them and they don’t even acknowledge you seems silly, but to each their own I guess
Great point, but in my case it is the particular item I want signed.
It’s been bad for awhile. Fanatics has kinda ruined it too.
Great point. They are certainly not helping.
I did a show in Chicago a couple weeks ago and dropped $1500 on autos without thinking about it
I wouldn't think about it either because I would never drop that kind of money for autos Went to the Pittsburgh show last weekend and spent only $110(that includes pictures for players to sign and insciptions). I got 2 free autographs for being the first 200 people inside as well.
The Schaumburg show was terrible
@@letsgoMJI normally don’t go for vendors, I normally spend the majority of my time in the autograph area.
@@TimDavis-td2go I have a hard time spending that much money on a photo
Beats paying hundreds of dollars for someone to take less than 15 seconds to sign their name.
Sounds like a giant waste of money to me. I'd buy pre-war and oddball vintage sets for 3k.
I get how a lot of people would feel that way about it.
Crazy!
Ever since I have been watching your videos (which I enjoy) I think of you as Perez being your favorite thing. In that case if you have the funds and won’t make you sweat paying a bill and Julie doesn’t care, GO FOR IT!!! It’s your favorite thing. If it was a random card (not Perez) I would wait.
Enjoy.
Great points.
Dead ringer for Cal Ripken! Gotten too expensive. Grove definitely > Gomez! Weirdly Par Tabler was my favorite player when I was 9 because I played 2B in Little League and he was the Cubs second basemen. When the Cubs traded him they moved Sandberg from 3B to 2B and he became my favorite. Anyway will be fun to get him for free. Just way too much, buy cards instead Mike.
It's not exactly 'giving back' to the fans, is it (those signing prices)? Obviously, it's far more complex than that, when the hobby is an industry. If you are to just consign yourself to the fact that 'that's capitalism', then the only way you can really justify it is by embracing it. Treat the hobby as something that needs to fund itself. Buy and sell cards, and redeploy the funds gained in order to afford luxuries such as these signings (without dipping into your own funds). Assuming the item you want signed isn't unique, and can be easily found elsewhere, then it makes no sense to pay the signing fee, and go through the whole process of grading etc. (unless you want that brief encounter with the individual).
Those who declare themselves as a 'hobby purist', with some sort of moral compass that always points 'true north', and who take great delight in standing on their soap-box and bemoan others for selling their cards, aren't acting with clarity (in my opinion).
Hope you have a great time at the National, Mike, and hope you and your family stay safe (I hear the weather where you are is pretty violent at the minute).
On top of the prices...it's always the same ol guys signing. Pete Rose has done so many signing his sig is worthless. Barrys Sanders is going that way as well.
To me it's not worth it at all - but it's also not my project :) If you can swing it and feel comfortable enough, I say do it! But if you'd be just as happy with replacement or fill-in pieces instead, then I'd roll with that and spend the money saved on more pieces
Great points. Thanks.
Ouch sounds like auto pricing is getting a little steep. Guess you getting the experience to “meet the player” if they take the time to look up at you.
That doesn't really do a lot for me honestly.
@@BaseballCollector the more I think about it, the higher prices are actually a good thing for collectors long term. If everyone in the world had HOFer autographs the cards would soon be worthless. Most collectors don’t get 10 different autographs at one signing lol just get one at a time.
Do it.
Guess if you have money to do more power to you. You either do it or don’t.
I have the same problem. So I can't comment.
LOL. You mean that I am not the only one?
NOT worth it. Most of these guys will live for many more decades. Their autos are not rare. Buy autos via the secondary market, where you'll pay half as much as doing it "live".
If they throw in some complimentary vasoline, then go for it and enjoy the full experience. I mean, you're doing it anyway, right ? I pretty sure you will. I guess these poor guys are cash strapped & need the little guys to help them get back on their feet. Another example of how this hobby keeps on sucking. Keep supporting them and keep watching the prices rise.
1st
And 1st in my heart too Garrett!!
Not worth it. Go buy mantle autos where the money is always good
I have a bunch of Mantle autos already.
Are you still on meds mike??
Autos on vintage cards destroy the card in my view.
Why is he wearing an sgc hat when he only collects psa?
Yey wtf 😂