Mike Piazza rare show signing

[JasonHalliburton]

600.00 is funny!!

What a joke.

[richpick]

How could you see any value in a non game usd bat signed by Piazza for $600. If you turned around and listed that same bat on ebay what do you think the market would pay for that bat? No where near $600. That seems absurd and I know the promoters set the price but what is Piazza charging for an appearance?

[island_style]

$600.00 for Piazza to sign a a non-game used autograph model bat? That's crazy. Even if you had a player issued bat (maybe one of Zane's "basically from the rack"), that's still an insane amount to consider. Although, I can't say that I'm surprised about Piazza's signing habits. I've got his signature before at Jack Murphy along the Dodger dugout when the Dodgers were playing the Padres. However, when I asked him to sign a baseball at Dodger Stadium when the Mets were visiting he said his hands were full. Mind you, he wasn't carrying anything. Also, this was before the gates even opened and the players were arriving at the stadium. (He did sign sparingly for others during the series as he was dropped off at the stadium) On another note, I appreciate this thread because Sid Fernandez will be signing, and I have some game used jerseys and bats that I'd like to get signed.

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

[ironmanfan]

However, when I asked him to sign a baseball at Dodger Stadium when the Mets were visiting he said his hands were full. Mind you, he wasn't carrying anything.

Not to be smart, but often when someone says their "hands are full," they don't mean it literally.

As far as the $600 goes to sign a bat, I realize that it seems excessive to me, but understand that not all people who would do this are profiteers who would do it to "turn around and list on eBay the same day." There are many passionate collectors out there who collect theme bats (Rookie of the Year, etc.) and want to add that player to that and simply have to make a personal decision whether its worth it to them. I could use an example from last weekend of all the people who I saw come through line at the MAB show for Ripken. I think his fee was like $150 (not positive) for flats & balls and after he signed them they would not fetch anywhere near that on eBay (even for certified ones). You can buy properly certified Ripken balls on eBay for like $75-80, but people wanted the experience to meet Cal & see their item signed in person and were willing to pay a premium for such.

If every purchase I ever made was done with the mindset that could I list on eBay the next day and make money or at least recoup what I paid, I wouldn't have near the collection I have today.

[Vintagedeputy]

On another note, I appreciate this thread because Sid Fernandez will be signing, and I have some game used jerseys and bats that I'd like to get signed.

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

Ron - I know El Sid was from the Island........are you a big fan of his?

Jim

[skyking26]

I am hoping the day will come when collectors say NO to accessive fees. We are all in the same boat. We have items that we desperately need signed, but at what cost do we say yes/no?

I collect some Thome items. Have a bat I'd like signed. Mounted memories had him last year at $99. After 500HR, I am sure that will go up, not to mention gas and parking fees, show entrance etc. I truely doubt I'd pay $99 for the cost. Just outrageous. If it cost that much for a Piazza or Thome or whomever fee, than it may be time to say no.

Now, mind you, I am not in the corner saying we the consumer should have a free auto. It costs the promoter $$ for hotel and airfare. But, let's be frank, if a players fee is that outragous as Piazza's must be to start - than forget it!

[TNTtoys]

On another note, I appreciate this thread because Sid Fernandez will be signing, and I have some game used jerseys and bats that I'd like to get signed.

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

Ron,

I will do my best to attend the show too. I have one thing for El Sid to sign and another for Keith... A handful of us met up at a recent MAB show that had Wally, Lenny & others... Would be great if we can all do it again. Catching up with &/or meeting new faces from GUU is certainly a nice filler while you're waiting for sig's.

Nick

[dcrules01]

Ill be there Nick for Carter and Hernandez...

[mvandor]

Fees are off the charts and the market itself is flooded for most living players. Something has to give. I laugh at what Montana charges for signings when I know I can buy a signed item complete with his hologram off ebay for about the same price I'd pay to see him and get the sig on my own item. Obviously these guys do volume signings for dealers for considerably less.

You're blowing cash for the sole purpose of face time, IMHO, which often devolves into being pushed past the guy by promoters where you share not a word and just get a glimpse of the bald spot on the back of the athlete's head.

Something's gotta give.

[island_style]

Ron - I know El Sid was from the Island........are you a big fan of his?

Jim

Hi, Jim.

I am a fan of El Sid's. I have several game used jerseys, bats, a couple of helmets, a 1986 cap and a Topps contract in my collection. Gotta love it when a local baseball player from Hawaii goes pro and does well.

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com