Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

[rudyjj18]

So, I've got the opportunity to buy an autographed baseball that is signed with the players first,middle, and last name. Typically, he just signs first and last. Seems cool and unique to me. I guess I'm just looking for any opinions on whether that's actually that unique and/or cool. Appreciate any responses.

[Chess2899]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

A few players will do that edpecially for Stat balls. Ripken, Rose, Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan come to mind. They are usually worth a few extra dollars. Would you buy a George Herman Ruth ball?

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

For a while during his career, Lou Whitaker of the Tiger signed "Louis Rodman Whitaker Jr.".

Dave Miedema

[helf35]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

Here's my trout.

[salukidave]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

For a while during his career, Lou Whitaker of the Tiger signed "Louis Rodman Whitaker Jr.".

Dave Miedema

Whitaker once signed four cards for me at Comiskey Park with four different versions of his name.

[Roady]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

Whitaker once signed four cards for me at Comiskey Park with four different versions of his name.

Some of the experts on here would swear they are fake.

[Roady]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

In regards to the question.........The more a player adds the better I believe.

[cfern023]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

How do you go about asking a player at a free signing *After a game, before one*, asking a player for his full name.

[Roady]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

How do you go about asking a player at a free signing *After a game, before one*, asking a player for his full name.

I bet it goes something like this......"Hello Mr. So and So, can you sign this for me with your first, middle, and last name?" "Thank you"

[ironmanfan]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

Back in 1993, I asked Cal Ripken Sr. to sign his full name (Calvin Edwin Ripken) on the sweet spot of a ball & he told me it was the first time anyone had ever asked him to sign that way...........

[jsage]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

George Brett signs his name Gege Brett.
Asked him to sign using his full first name.
See baseball below - Normal autograph on the hat.
Jerry Sage

[godwulf]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

I guess there's no real harm in asking a player to do something like that, but personally I wouldn't care to ask. I mean, sure, it might get you a rare or even unique item - sort of - but very few if any players are known by three names within The Game, and it's that name that they are known by on the field that - at least in my opinion - belongs on the ball, bat, photo, or what-have-you. Anything else is one of those "manufactured rarities", if you know what I mean.

Besides, it's an uphill battle for some of us older guys to convince players that we're right in the head when we chase after them for autographs, anyway, without us asking them to do something odd.

[rudyjj18]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

Great dialogue. I appreciate everyone's response and opinion.

[sportsnbikes]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

I bet it goes something like this......"Hello Mr. So and So, can you sign this for me with your first, middle, and last name?" "Thank you"

And that's when they tell you no or ignore you. LOL.

[xpress34]

Re: Opinion on "different" autographs - adding middle name?

Just this year I have gotten the following HOFer's to sign their full names:

Rollie Fingers (Roland Glen Fingers)

Brooks Robinson (Brooks Calbert Robinson)

Goose Gossage (Richard Michael Gossage)

But, they have all been on VINTAGE balls (The Brooks for example was on a Joe Cronin AL Ball) and I asked for his 1964 AL MVP and 1970 WS MVP inscriptions (correct time period for the ball) and he thought it was a pretty special piece to get done.

I did the same for Rollie and Goose - vintage balls from other points in their careers.

But I approached them by already knowing their full name and asking (for example), 'Goose, would you please sign Richard Michael Gossage?' and so far, they have all been very receptive.

Just my .02

- Smitty