Opinions on autographing GU items?

[Neely8]

I hate signed game worn jerseys and will pass on something I like if it's an auto that can't be removed. I have never and will never understand the desire to get game worn jerseys signed when there is so much other stuff to get autographed.

[dcgreg25]

I actually like to have GU items signed. For me, it adds some player provenance to the item and makes the item (to me) more interesting as a discussion piece. I think the majority of collectors prefer their jerseys without autographs but for items staying in my personal collection it is my preference, especially if it is inscribed.

Part of it is the fun of showing the jersey to the player and seeing their reaction and/or a story about the jersey. One of my favorite player reactions include London Fletcher who signed a GU skins captains jersey earlier this year. He was really nice and we talked for ten minutes about the jersey and the game he wore it in.

I was also fortunate enough to get my Sean Taylor GU Miami Hurricanes jersey signed about six months before he passed away...I definitely dont regret getting that one signed. At the end of the day, its personal preference though it seems from previous threads like this one that its about 70-30 in favor of not getting items signed.

[legaleagle92481]

My preference is to keep the item the way it came off the field. So my goals are always to be unsigned. Sometimes i may cross an item that is already signed, and if it's a piece that i really like then i wont mind the autograph so much.

I am the same way, although I do not mind signed bats so much especially signed in silver they look pretty cool but I would not get one of my unsigned bats signed. Jerseys I bought a Mario Williams and a Michael Young that were already signed and I do not like how they look especially the young sig that did not come out too great in blue sharpie on a white jersey but the items were so hard to find that I bought them anyway.

[Neely8]

I actually like to have GU items signed. For me, it adds some player provenance to the item and makes the item (to me) more interesting as a discussion piece. I think the majority of collectors prefer their jerseys without autographs but for items staying in my personal collection it is my preference, especially if it is inscribed.

Part of it is the fun of showing the jersey to the player and seeing their reaction and/or a story about the jersey. One of my favorite player reactions include London Fletcher who signed a GU skins captains jersey earlier this year. He was really nice and we talked for ten minutes about the jersey and the game he wore it in.

I was also fortunate enough to get my Sean Taylor GU Miami Hurricanes jersey signed about six months before he passed away...I definitely dont regret getting that one signed. At the end of the day, its personal preference though it seems from previous threads like this one that its about 70-30 in favor of not getting items signed.

I can understand showing a game worn jersey to a player as I have done that too but why would you need to have him sign it? Also, I don't think just because a player adds the inscription "game worn" that makes the item legit. Some of the time they have no clue.

[dcgreg25]

I can understand showing a game worn jersey to a player as I have done that too but why would you need to have him sign it? Also, I don't think just because a player adds the inscription "game worn" that makes the item legit. Some of the time they have no clue.

I just prefer the look for displaying some jerseys. Just my personal preference having it signed and inscribed. I certainly can see other's side as not getting them autographed seems to be the majority opinion. There are some items that I would not necessarily get signed but for a middle of the road jersey from my favorite player I like the signature and inscription.

I just bought a Jeff Faine GU off of NFL Auctions and a Josh Cribbs GU and both are signed...I dont think they sold for a discount because of the autograph. There is the risk of the autograph fading or blurring and I certainly appreciate that.

Dont get me wrong, an inscription is not the same as provenance as I have seen bad jerseys that were signed and inscribed as authenticity is a seperate issue for me from an inscription.

To each there own, I think this is a valuable discussion and am always interested to hear others viewpoints.

[xpress34]

I can understand showing a game worn jersey to a player as I have done that too but why would you need to have him sign it? Also, I don't think just because a player adds the inscription "game worn" that makes the item legit. Some of the time they have no clue.

I love having my jerseys and hats signed - especially GU items - but, I have never (and will never) ask a Player to inscribe it game worn/used unless I have COA/LOA from the team or MLB Holo. If I have that, when I approach a player to sign an item, I always present the item AND the LOA/COA and ask the player to check the item themselves before signing.

While I agree that some have 'no clue', if done correctly and with the correct provenance, for me it adds great value - both intrinsicly and personally - to have had the player have the item in their hands once again and then verify it for me.

Unfortunately, as with any collectible, there will always be the fringe items that although signed and inscribed have NO provenance - not even a compelling story - behind the item or the auto.

I do however prefer Paint Pen Autos on the Jersey # on the back as opposed to a sharpie auto directly on the material. It is generally sharper and brighter and does not detract from the overall look of the jersey like a signature on the front breast does - or that monstrosity at the start of this thread.

All the best -

Chris

[ironmanfan]

If all goes well, I'll be sitting down with Cal Ripken tomorrow for him to personally look at two bats I obtained recently to get his thoughts and ask him to sign "game used" IF he feels comfortable in doing so....It is indeed very rare for him to sign "game used" to anything as he is extermely wary of the GU market.

I'll let everyone know how I make out.

[mbrieve]

I think I am a lot like other people who have already posted. I like the idea of keeping my items in the same condition as they came off the field. Baseball bats are the only exception, but even with bats I don't really care if they are signed or not.

I will never understand people getting jerseys signed. I think it detracts from the overall effect of the jersey and in some way cheapens it. Just my opinion.

[mbenga28]

I prefer as is, a bad autograph can ruin the aesthetics of a game used piece.

[cledawgs]

Very educational thread...thanks guys.