Do’s and Don’ts for baseball autograph seekers
Looking to beat those other outstretched hands to secure that autograph? The Los Angeles Times surveyed Angels and Dodgers for tips on how to stand out in a good way:
DO wear your team’s gear in opposing stadiums. You’re more likely to win favor with your favorite players there than at home.
DON’T block off the sweet spot of a baseball for signing. To players, that means you’re trying to sell.
DO bring just one item to sign. Players say dealers usually bring multiple items to sell later. As Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun explained, “How many cards of me are you going to put up in your house?”
DON’T ask the same players every day. They may remember you, and not fondly.
DO bring a pen. Players don’t keep spares in their stirrups. Also: no one wears stirrups anymore.
DON’T bring blank pieces of paper. That could be a sign you’re more interested in concocting a forgery than securing an autograph.
DO be a child. Sorry adults, but it’s hard to compete with the cuteness of a young baseball fan.
DON’T request unreasonable messages. Don Mattingly is happy to write “study hard” for your kid. But A.J. Ellis won’t jinx himself by writing “2014 World Series MVP,” though he appreciates the confidence.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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