Storing Autographed Baseballs: Protecting Your Collection

Autographed memorabilia are close to one's heart due to their significance. The connection between the player and fan is established. Most fans love to appreciate their autographed items by placing them in a safe location.  Storing autographed baseballs requires an investment but it’s important.  It’s also vital to know what to buy and where to find it.

Why is it necessary to protect them? 

Autographed baseballs are hard to obtain and require a fan to go out of their way.   Just like any other potentially historic collectible, autographed baseballs are a reflection of something significant. It can be the mirror to a fan's memory and a smudge, surface dirt or faded signature can reduce its value. Having this memorabilia in 'mint condition' is paramount to ensuring longevity and quality.

No one wishes to have an autographed baseball that is worn due to excessive handling. Each contact made with the ball should be precise and made to avoid damage. Storing autographed baseballs is a must in order to ensure protection from the daily rigors such items go through.

Not just handling, but UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause damage for autographed baseballs. Placing them in such environmental conditions can lead to unfortunate damage that could easily be avoided.

How and where should they be displayed?

The recommendation is to always store these items in places away from the 'action'. If they are being stored at home, a special area within the home should be dedicated to it. No one should be able to easily knock it down and cause irreparable damage.

Many individuals have special rooms designed for such memorabilia or at least a shelf or two devoted to important items.  This way, it is easy to keep track of them and to ensure damage is limited or wholly restricted.

Display cases

Glass displays are the finest methods to display autographed baseballs. The glass displays help the baseballs avoid damage from the atmosphere around them. Yet, it is easy for anyone wishing to observe the baseball to look at it through the convenience of the glass. As long as the display is kept clean, this is best method to ensure the baseball remains in 'tip-top' condition.   Glass displays are not as costly as one would assume. Of course, if one is willing to go and dole out money, there are better options available. The quality of the glass can be improved to better protect the item inside.

There are also plastic display cases, some square that snap together and others with a base where the ball is placed inside a two-part plastic case that snaps over the ball.

Numerous manufacturers have created different tools for storing autographed baseballs.  It’s really a matter of personal preference and budget.  The most important thing is to keep the ball inside some sort of case—and away from direct sunlight.  To find a variety of cases available for sale, visit Amazon.com.

Autograph For Sale Online Best With Reputable COA

If you have tired of waiting in crowds or long lines to get autographs of your favorite sports stars, you can choose an autograph for sale--fully authenticated-- here online.

Whether you are purchasing a ball, bat, jersey or photograph, you want something that will be a cherished keepsake, not a forgery.

It’s relatively easy for someone looking to rip people off to obtain photos or other memorabilia, and forge stars’ names on them. To you, the signature might look very similar to others you have seen, online or in the collection you may already have.

Outside of getting a star athlete to sign the item in front of you, there’s only one way you can be sure that you are getting the genuine article, and that is with the help of a dependable and reputable dealer or collector.

There is nothing more important when buying sports autographs than authentication. This will determine the value of the article you are looking to buy. An experienced and reputable authenticator will research the autograph you are looking at and see if it matches what the signature should look like. They will utilize exemplars of the player's signature and examine the characteristics before rendering a decision.

Are authenticators right 100% of the time?  No.  They do make mistakes.  It's an imperfect science.  COAs are really certificates of 'opinion'.  Yet the sports memorabilia hobby is far better off today than it was before research and authentication techniques became more sophisticated.  It's money well spent to pay a little extra for a PSA/DNA expert's opinion.

If you don’t know the dealer who has the autograph for sale that you are looking to purchase, put your trust instead in an expert, so that they can determine if your money will be well-spent or wasted on the item you have in mind. A Certificate of Authenticity is really only worth the paper it’s printed on without an organization to back it up and that's why we have broken down autographs for sale on eBay by sport and by authenticator (see right side of the page).  They are the biggest names in the sports memorabilia when it comes to COAs, so when looking for that special autograph for sale, you can buy with more peace of mind.

Baseball Autograph Collecting Tips

A true baseball autograph fan will have an eager approach to gaining signatures. For the older, valuable autographs, like Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, you will need to look at purchasing them from a reputable source. But if you're into the current stars as well, like Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols, this can involve a hunt for the players at games and official signings.

Hall of Fame baseball stars whose tremendous careers are over are among the most popular of baseball autographs, but there are plenty of excellent players who have not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and these tend to be a bit easier to obtain. Whatever autographs you seek, you need to find a reputable person or company to make sure your autographs are authentic. Much money has been lost on autographs that looked genuine, but were not.  Joe DiMaggio's signature remains popular years after his death and that's why his valuable name was forged by quick buck artists.  There are still fake DiMaggio autographs in the market today.  That's why on Diamond Autographs, we feature only autograph listings that have been authenticated by the giants of the sports memorabilia industry such as Upper Deck Authenticated, Steiner Sports and PSA/DNA, which specializes in all eras and has authenticated thousands of DiMaggio autographs.

You can find a baseball autograph in older autograph books, those being the books carried by people who “hounded” players for their autographs before and after games in the days before colorful 8x10 photographs, jerseys and baseballs were available to the general public. These old books can be full of authentic autographs, since that was the goal of the books' owners.

Have a recognized sports autograph authenticator or expert check your baseball autograph book before you purchase it to make sure that all the autographs are genuine. A recognized and reputable dealer can check each baseball autograph to make sure that they are all genuine. You can use quick opinion services offered by PSA/DNA and James Spence Authentication where for a small fee, they'll take a look at an autograph online and give you a non-binding but educated opinion on whether it's genuine.

If you want to get a baseball autograph at a game, it can make your life as a fan even more enjoyable. Be sure you know each player's name, if you want to try to snag a quick autograph. They know you'll appreciate their autograph more if you're a dedicated fan who knows the team.

Keep a pen with you at baseball games to get baseballs signed and a Sharpie marker for things like photos and jerseys. Don't use a Sharpie for a baseball as the ink will eventually bleed. Players certainly don't have pens with them when they are going in or out of the locker room. And be courteous. Treat the players like people, not like objects. Say please and thank you.

If you have a program for the game you are attending, that's a great place to have players sign. A roster sheet will also work. You're probably only collecting as a fan now, but if you wish to sell the autographs somewhere down the road, it looks better to have the autographs on something that is directly related to the game. Keep in mind, though, that quality items like authentic Rawlings American and National League baseballs, color photos, jerseys and the link are the items that best hold their value.

Front row seats are a great place to get a baseball autograph, but that isn't always possible. If there are players nearby who don't need to be concentrating at a certain time, you can speak to them. Don't harass them, though. The way that most autograph hounds get their signings is at the players' entrance and exit. When they leave the park after the game, they are more relaxed and it's easier to get a signature. They have more time when the game is done, too, since they aren't in a hurry to get back to the dugout.

You can also attend autograph signings set up by the team or go to sports card shows.

Online autograph collecting can be done easily--and with fewer headaches--if you're careful about where you buy from.  If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.  Research is the most important element when buying online.  Research the seller's feedback.  Look at the autograph yourself and compare it to others.  If you're not sure, ask someone in an online forum.

Baseball autograph collecting tips are important to follow if you're looking to build a collection you can be proud of.

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Autographed Mickey Mantle Items Still a Big Hit

He once told a friend he fully expected that once he passed through this life, St. Peter would greet him at the pearly gates by saying, "You can come in, Mick, but can you sign this box of baseballs first?"   Such was the life of the baseball idol of millions.  Autographed Mickey Mantle items were hot during his career, heated up again when the memorabilia hobby took off in the 1980s and early 90s and remain a big seller today.

One of the most legendary players in baseball, Mantle holds an amazing number of World Series records, including the most World Series home runs (18), runs (42), and runs batted in (40). Despite battling the effects of osteomyelitis and alcoholism, Mantle spent 18 seasons with the New York Yankees and is considered on of the greatest all-time baseball players. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974. Collecting autographed Mickey Mantle items can be an intriguing and satisfying pastime for baseball fans of all ages.

Collectors  can still find a significant number of items with Mantle’s signature. Available items include signed baseballs, signed and framed photographs, and baseball cards with Mantle’s signature.

Some photographs feature Mantle with his good friend Billy Martin, a Yankee teammate and the namesake for Mantle’s son, Billy. Collectors can still acquire jerseys and baseball bats with Mickey Mantle’s signature, although those are becoming rare.   Mantle did a number of autograph shows and private signings in the 1980s and early 90s but the demand was still greater than the supply, and prices rose regularly even before his death.

Because of Mantle’s strength as a power hitter and switch hitter, photographs of the player in action are especially popular. The Yankees won seven world championships during Mantle’s tenure with the team. Photographs of Mantle at Yankee Stadium and with teammates like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, and other famous players from that era make excellent collectibles. Autographed Mickey Mantle memorabilia is still a huge hit with fans in the generation that knew and loved him, and among younger people who enjoy learning about the great players of the past. As you collect items, remember that reputable sellers provide buyers with certificates of authenticity or other proof that the signature is really that of Mickey Mantle.

Mantle won many awards during his storied career. He was the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 1956, 1957 and 1962, and won the AL Triple Crown in 1956. He is considered to be one of the top 100 all-time  baseball players. If you respect Mantle and have nostalgic memories of growing up watching or listening to baseball games featuring one of the game's most popular players of all-time, you can showcase him in your home.  Expect to pay at least $250-300 and up for any quality item with a real Mantle signature--bats and jerseys as well as oversized photos are much higher.

Autographed Mickey Mantle items take us back to a simpler time when a kid from a tiny Oklahoma town could become the toast of New York.

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Derek Jeter Autographs: Best of the Era

Even supposed non-fans of baseball have heard of Derek Jeter. He is one of the game's most easily recognized players, and a perennial star for the New York Yankees. He began playing for the Yankees in 1996, when he won the AL Rookie of the Year. The same year, the franchise took home their 23rd World Series Championship.  Collectors know all too well that Derek Jeter autographs are worth a good deal of money, even though he is still playing.

Since he took over as shortstop for the Yanks, he has led them to multiple World Series victories, has won Gold Glove awards and  is the man you want at the plate in a clutch situation. He has also been called the new Mister October, because he plays even better in the playoffs.

Jeter is also an exceptional defender and when a ball is hit his way, you just assume he'll make the play on it. That's why his autographs are so prized. His stature in the game will only grow stronger after he retires.  Jeter autographs are undoubtedly a good investment, since he will be in the Hall of Fame after he retires and spending his entire career in New York has cemented him among the pantheon of greats like Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle.

A favorite among collectors of Derek Jeter autographs is a signed photo of a play known simply as “the Dive”. It shows Jeter's dedication and determination, as he flies into the Yankee stadium crowd to make a catch in the 12th inning of a game against the Red Sox. The Yankees would go on to win the game. This is especially appropriate because it shows the gusto Jeter gives to the game.

MLB Baseballs with Derek Jeter autographs are prized possessions already, and they will only become more valuable.  This item makes a great centerpiece for your collection if you're a Yankee fan.  Be sure to buy one signed on the 'sweet spot', the most narrow area between the stitch lines.  Jeter autographs aren't cheap, but he's been signing for Steiner Sports for years.  You can find Jeter signed items among the Steiner Sports authenticated items being sold on eBay here on Diamond Autographs.  It's often the best way to find an authentic Jeter autograph at a bargain price.

As with any autographed item, be sure that you check with a reputable and knowledgeable dealer, to make sure that you are buying an item with a legitimate autograph on it. Derek Jeter is one of the all time favorites in any sport, and his autographs are very sought-after. Photos or balls with authenticated Derek Jeter autographs will be a wonderful memory when Jeter retires, and more than likely an excellent investment, as well.

Nolan Ryan-Robin Ventura Photo a Collector Classic

It was one of the more bizarre incidents of the 1990s.  A 46-year-old Nolan Ryan, still tossing fastballs facing a then-youthful White Sox hitter who didn't quite hold Ryan with the same awe as most fans did.  It's a moment that lives on for baseball fans with the legendary Nolan Ryan - Robin Ventura autographed photo.

When the Express nailed him with a pitch that night in Texas, Ventura took on the man who could have been his father.  Ryan may have been almost ancient by baseball standards but he was still feisty, prone to grunting and swearing after each heave that missed the strike zone.  He delivered three serious noogies to Ventura's noggin and then landed a decent punch as Ventura tried to wrestle him to the ground.  After that, it was a sea of players from both benches on the field and into the fray.

Ryan was known as a pitcher who loved to throw inside and old school enough that he wasn't about to let some young player get away with encroaching on his turf.  Ventura was trying to send a message that he didn't appreciate what he perceived as some unnecessary headhunting.

The Ryan-Ventura photo has become one of the most famous baseball photographs ever made.   Bill Simmons, "The Sports Guy" wrote about it in his ESPN.com blog.

Ryan has never had any qualms about signing the photo.  Years later, of course, Ventura became the White Sox manager and eventually the two laughed about their encounter that summer evening in Arlington, TX.

Truth is, the Ryan-Ventura photo is awesome.  And Ryan, despite his somewhat mythic stature, has signed enough to make them readily available through some of the major online outlets.   Here's a link to several that are on eBay now.  Just buy one with a good letter of authenticity from JSA, Steiner or PSA/DNA.

Kevin Durant Autographs Are Solid Hoops Investment

He is one of the hottest players in the NBA today. You can find all kinds of 'KD Trey' autographed collectibles, from balls to jerseys, as well as coins. There are trading cards available with Kevin Durant autographs, as well.

Some of the licensed autograph dealers also sell replica banners, photos, licensed apparel and ball caps autographed by Durant. Be sure, if you don’t have an item signed by Durant in person, that you have it authenticated by a reputable dealer, so you know the autograph is genuine.

Kevin Durant was a standout at the University of Texas, before he went pro, so you may find NCAA merchandise with his autograph, as well. He won numerous Player of the Year awards when he was only a freshman.

You’ll be doing well if you purchase Kevin Durant autographs for their investment value, even if he’s not a personal favorite of yours, yet.  He's blossoming into an NBA icon and his stock is bound to go higher.

Durant is a sharp-shooter but also a great all-around player with an incredible work ethic. You will probably want to see him in action, if you get a chance, and you may be able to get an autograph from him after the game if you're extremely lucky. Your best bet, though is to buy one online that's authenticated.

Many NBA fans were skeptical when Durant came into the league, since they still had images of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in their minds, and they weren't sure that Durant could stand up to them. But Durant has shown enormous potential, and thus, so will his autographed collectibles.

Durant already has excellent shooting skills, and he can post up from nearly anywhere, from three-point range in. He’s also great off the dribble, and frequents the free throw line. He is a fluid athlete with long strides and smooth follow-through.

You’ll enjoy collecting his memorabilia now, in his early years, and you can look forward to collecting as he continues his way into superstardom.  Durant has an autograph deal to appear on Panini trading cards and other items.

Whether you collect Kevin Durant autographs on jerseys, programs, photographs or balls, make sure they carry authentication that you trust, so that you know all your collectibles are the “real deal”.

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Ripken Autographs: Guide to the Best, Most Reasonable Items

Cal Ripken Jr. was the quintessential professional baseball player. Calm, reasonable, and always approachable, it is plain to see why Ripken Jr. was and always will be a fan favorite. As a result, Ripken autographs are highly coveted.

Many active MLB All-Stars sign hundreds, if not thousands  of autographs per year. Retired legends such as Ripken Jr. are in a special class, as they are surrounded by a crowd virtually every time they are seen in public, often leading to a mini-frenzy, which the seasoned Hall-of-Famer is more than prepared to handle.

Amongst the throngs of random fans swarming upon Ripken Jr. on any given day, many are simply looking to have a baseball signed.

There is no way to calculate what percentage of those autograph seekers are going to quickly turn a profit on ebay or a variety of other websites, but Ripken often obliges everyone, keeping a safe personal distance from the fans, but all the while being engaging and caring to the specific requests of the fan. On one particular occasion outside of an airport, Ripken was approached by an autograph-seeker with two pens in hand. “Which one do you want me to use- the black or the blue?” Ripken asked. After a bit of deliberation and giggling, the fan requested he use the blue pen.  He'll blow on an item in which the Sharpie marker or pen ink is still wet.

Ripken Jr. is asked to sign a wide array of baseball and non-baseball related items.

He has been asked to sign basketballs, hockey sticks, guitars, and even toasters. Ripken signs baseballs about half of the time, but he also signs a high number of jerseys, posters, baseball cards, baseball bats, hats, and portraits. The most popular and coveted Ripken Jr. photos involve the record breaking day of September 6, 1995, on which Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s record of consecutive games played, which had lasted almost 60 years.

Two of the more popular items are the Cal Ripken baseballs that were created to honor the streak and his career.  The #8 baseballs were designed to commemorate the streak and were used in the record-tying and record-breaking games at Camden Yards.  You can get the exact same ball.   The "farewell" designed Ripken balls were used in his last game in 2001.  Both are  great  to add to any collection and are available directly from ProSportsMemorabilia.com.

Attaining Cal Ripken Jr. photographed merchandise is easy to do in the era of modern technology. You might be a bit surprised about the availability and affordability of many of the offerings given that Ripken Jr. is among the all-time greats of Major League Baseball. There are a number of reasons for this, the primary being the overwhelming availability of the retired star, who often obliges a crowd of autograph-seekers several times on any given day.

He's also made a number of autograph show appearances and signed as part of memorabilia deals he's put together to make his signature readily available.

Another reason for the price of Ripken autographs remaining low is the fact that he represents the prototypical blue-collar worker, a guy who went out and did his job every day before he went home to his family. Everyone can respect and admire that. Thusly, investing in and collecting merchandise signed by the great Cal Ripken Jr. is always a sound investment.

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About Upper Deck Authentication

You may know their trading cards, but Upper Deck Authentication is also a huge part of the company's business.  Unquestionably successful thanks to its long relationships with Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and other big name athletes, the quality of items and ironclad guarantee make the company's signed items very popular.

In fact, authenticity has been a major factor in the Upper Deck process since it first appeared in the sports collector world with their famous inaugural baseball card set 1989. Despite being relatively new, Upper Deck has managed to be quite innovative and often a field leader in the authentication of sports memorabilia.  Plus UDA takes pride in providing a constant guarantee for collectors of autographed sports memorabilia.

Upper Deck provides a five step process for authentication of its sports memorabilia and they stick to it.  Upper Deck uses a very technical printing technology which adds a trademark hologram to the cards. That means an Upper Deck Authenticated piece of memorabilia or trading card is virtually impossible to counterfeit. In other words, Upper Deck has somewhat set the industry standard on authenticity.

The five step authenticity process developed in 1992 includes one feature that will give great comfort to sports memorabilia collectors. Each autograph has to be witnessed by an Upper Deck representative. This guarantee is one of the many reasons Upper Deck Authentication is considered by many sports memorabilia analysts to be top of the line. When you are purchasing an item for a high price, it's only safe to say that you want to be absolutely confident in that investment. Upper Deck Authentication provides that and more.

The Upper Deck five step authentication process includes a witnessed signing, an authenticated serial number hologram, a certificate of authenticity and a registration card. These simple but often necessary steps provide the safety of mind for consumers that their product is 100% legitimate.

Upper Deck Authentication also has a database where collectors can register their memorabilia. The Hologram Data Center allows prospective buyers to enter a Hologram number to see if it corresponds with the correct registration number. This will give the consumer accurate knowledge if the product they are interested in is actually authentic.

Upper Deck also has signed major sports athletes to the brand. Can you imagine a who's who list of premium athletes like Jordan, Ken Griffey Jr?

The value continues to increase with a very reliable authentication process.

You can find dozens of high quality autographed items carrying the Upper Deck Authentication guarantee through the links in the upper right portion of the pages here at Diamond Autographs.

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Most Popular Baseball Autographs

The most popular baseball autographs will generally be the hardest to come by, and if you are purchasing them, they will probably be the most expensive--but not always.

When looking for MLB autographs, you can choose from well-known names, like Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth, to name just a few. Bats, balls, photographs and jerseys are especially collectible, and you will want to be sure that all your potential purchases are authenticated before you decide to buy them.

One of the most popular sports autographs ever is that of Babe Ruth. He signed many autographs in his relatively short life. He was well-known for not turning many autograph seekers down, and he sometimes signed hundreds each day. Babe Ruth is truly an icon in sports, which is why his autographs command so much money. Supply simply doesn't match demand. Unfortunately for collectors, there are forgeries of Babe Ruth's autograph available as well, so you will always want to buy a Ruth autograph authenticated by a company like PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentication.

As a rule, autographs of New York Yankees stars, past and present, are popular collectibles. They have a fan base from all over the world, and some of the game's greatest players have worn Yankee pinstripes. Not only Babe Ruth, but Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio are highly sought after sports autographs. Many former stars have actually signed more autographs since their retirement, than they did when they played.

Nolan Ryan autographs are still sought-after, since he is quite popular among MLB fans. He had a very large fan base, and a fan-friendly attitude, so he was easier than some stars to approach for signatures. Ryan feels that signing a lot of autographs means the value of his signature will stay low enough to stop forgers.

Perhaps few autographs are more treasured than those of Mickey Mantle. He was always very popular, and he had inexpensive signings when he first started signing with memorabilia companies and at card shows, although some fans still complained at the time.

Whatever you collect; photos, bats, balls or jerseys, be sure to buy those with a COA such as those we've brought you here via eBay and Amazon.com.   The most popular sports autographs are really those you feel worthy of adding to your own collection.

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