How to Collect Autographed Baseballs

Collecting autographed baseballs can be for fun or for an investment. Some autographed baseballs can drastically increase in value if the signer becomes famous, gets elected to the Hall of Fame, or, sadly, passes away. There are some do's and don'ts a newcomer should follow to find success in the autographed baseball hunt.

Things You'll Need

  • Unsigned Official Major League Baseballs
  • Ball point pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Settle on what kind of autographs you have the time and resources to collect. Players from the 1950s through 1970s tend to sign more often than contemporary players who may not need the money. Focus on a certain group of autographs, such as Hall of Fame players or players from a single team.

    • 2

      Invest in official unsigned major league baseballs from Rawlings. Most players won't return or sign a cheap or damaged ball.

    • 3

      Attend card shows, games or fan events to ask players for autographs in person. You can also request an autograph through the mail if you're willing to pay the extra postage. Some players have addresses just for this purpose, and others may sign a ball in exchange for a charitable donation. Look for details on player websites, a team website, or hobby websites.

    • 4

      Get a good quality ball point pen to hand to the player when you ask for the autograph. Don't expect the player to produce his own pen. Do not use sharpie markers.They will bleed on the cover of the baseball. The pen ink should be dark blue or black.

    • 5

      When you ask a player for his autograph, request politely that he signs the baseball on the "sweet spot." This is the largest blank panel on the baseball. The signature will look centered and will be the focus of the collectible. An autograph on the side panel is better than no autograph at all, but most collectors prefer an autograph on the sweet spot. The only exception is a ball signed by several players.

    • 6

      Document how you got the autograph and how much it cost. Documenting the costs may help you with your taxes should you decide to sell the autograph.