How to Start Collecting Sports Autographs - By: Allan Michael Taylor

Collecting sports autographs can be a fun and daunting hobby. It can be fun because you get to meet the athletes themselves or receive personal letters from them or it can also be fun because, well, collecting autographs can give a certain kind of satisfaction all on their own. However, it can also be daunting because as starting collectors discover, not all athletes are very open in giving out their autographs. Some even have strict rules they follow in giving out autographs. For example, some athletes only sign autographs during paid autograph signing occasions, others only sign when endorsing products, while some athletes give autographs only to children. And because of the growing popularity of autograph collecting, some athletes have limited giving out their autographs to increase the signing fees they'll receive from dealers and companies who sponsor autograph shows. Whatever the reason may be, the ease by which you can get the autographs of some athletes will vary depending on a number of factors which you can or cannot control.

Appearing as a true fan or a fanatic

Athletes may be more willing to sign for a true fan or an obvious fanatic. If you go on games or on signing shows dressed in complete team jersey, and talk to the athlete stats or special games you've watched where they made a special catch or a winning shot, you may entice the athlete to give you an autograph. They may even be so happy to meet someone so knowledgeable about them they'll give you multiple signed copies.

Avoid being a stalker

Nothing will make an athlete refuse to give you an autograph more than acting like a stalker. Do not go on camping out in hotels where they are supposedly staying or in places where they frequent. If you do follow athletes in their travels, be sure to act as if meeting them was somehow by chance. Do not wait outside hotel entrances or restaurants. Instead, try to act is if you were there for reasons other than just waiting for them so you can get their autograph. Try to act very surprised or completely excited to find out they were there. Whatever happens, never reveal you have been stalking them for their autographs.

Collecting sports autographs thru mail

You can also choose to collect autographs thru mail. There are many sports stars who respond to fan mail and send autographs. You may even be so lucky as to receive a personalized letter from the athlete themselves, especially if your letter so touched or affected them.

The advantage of collecting sports autographs by mail is that you save time and travel expenses. You also give the athletes the benefit of being able to refuse you or ignore your letter. Some athletes would rather prefer giving out autographs quietly in their homes, away from screaming and pushing fans.

Try to write a polite personal letter with some anecdote or short story as to why they are your favorite athlete or why you would appreciate hearing back from them or getting an autograph from them. If you write well and with sincerity, chances are you'll get a response and that precious autograph you've been searching for.

About the Author

Kellie is an expert when it comes to Collecting Sports Autographs. To find out the latest News and Tips on Sports Autograph Collecting, visit Collecting Sports Autographs at http://collectingsportsautographs.com/

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Allan-Michael-Taylor/45501

Additional Articles From - Home | Games | Sports games