Autograph Shows

I love autograph shows!

Jennie Finch @ Phoenix Autograph Show

If you have never been to a sports memorabilia show, I recommend you check it out if only to catch a glimpse of the famous athletes and celebrities who are there signing autographs, along with the autographed sports memorabilia and sports collectibles on display for sale.

The upside to these events is that they are a controlled environment, and you are virtually guaranteed to get a signature (they will reserve the right to not sign specific items at their discretion).

Alex Morgan

Many people are very friendly and will chat with you, and some will also allow you to take a picture of them or with them if time permits. There are exceptions however - Willie Mays, Randy Johnson, and Bill Russell coming to mind..

The downside is, depending on the person and more importantly, the promoter, they can get somewhat expensive. On the other hand, many autograph show promoters offer free autographs from celebrities or athletes who make appearances that may not be as well known or have lower demand.

This is a great opportunity to get autographed sports memorabilia from top prospects and rookies before they become superstars.

How to Find Upcoming Autograph Shows

I use various resources to stay informed on upcoming sports autograph shows, and baseball autograph signings in my area along with private athlete autograph signings through sports memorabilia dealers. The majority of them offer mail order service, where you can send in your own item to be signed or choose from the promoter or sponsoring sports memorabilia shops inventory.

The Sports sections of local newspapers also announce athlete appearances and free athlete signing events - such as the grand opening of a store, for instance.

Be sure to research the event for specifics on dates and times, along with information on any restrictions of what will and wont be signed.

For instance, many celebrity book signings and free celebrity autograph signing events prohibit sporting memorabilia, collectibles, and signatures on items other than the specific book being promoted.

I post regular updates, so you should definitely bookmark this page here to stay current on upcoming autograph shows and signing events in your area, as well as for mail-in private sessions. provides free information on upcoming shows and athlete signings, along with premium member deluxe signings access to member-submitted tips on celebrity appearances.

Baseball Card Shows & Baseball Autograph Signings

Baseball card shows provide collectors of all ages and categories of sports autographs the chance to get autographs and shop for baseball cards, and authentic autographed sports memorabilia.

Many dealers who sell baseball cards have diversified their selection in response to memorabilia collectors demand and have started selling sports memorabilia, and some cool sports collectibles now, too.

Baseball card shows frequently have celebrity autograph guests that sign for free or a relatively small fee. This is a great way to get autographs from players either on the way up to superstar status, or those that are retired from the game.

With the baseball card hobby evolving into one that seems more and more focused on autographs and sports memorabilia, you can also find great deals on sports autographs on sports cards with game used jersey or baseball bat insertions.

For instance, the last show I went to, I picked up a signed Chipper Jones card for $25, while the going price for a signed baseball a couple of tables down was over $100!

Store Grand Openings

There is a growing trend for retailers to feature autograph guests at their store grand openings, and new product promotion events.

For instance, I met and got Curt Schilling's autograph a couple weeks after the Arizona Diamondbacks won the 2001 World Series. He made an appearance at a store opening for a cell phone provider in Scottsdale, AZ and signed for 2 hours.

Even though Schilling had brought his own publicity pictures to sign, he was willing to sign baseball memorabilia. At the time, Schilling's popularity was through the roof, and this was a great opportunity to get his autograph that would have easily cost hundreds of dollars at a traditional autograph show!

Speaking of store openings, I also had the chance to meet movie star Jaime Pressly at a store appearance where she was promoting her line of clothing. She was very nice, chatting with people and signing multiple autographs. She is A LOT more photogenic than I am - I'll definitely leave the glamor modeling to her!

Sports Memorabilia Stores &
Baseball Card Shops

In New York City, Steiner Sports memorabilia and collectibles host regular events with stars from the New York Yankees and New York Mets.

Baseball card shops and dealers not only sell baseball cards these days! They have thrown their hats in the ring of sports autographs! While they might not land the biggest names in sports, they do offer signing events with athletes from the local sports teams, or players who live in the area during the off-season.

Upcoming Autograph Shows

2013 TRISTAR National Sports Collectors Convention - Chicago

July 31st to August 4th

Donald Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL

Scheduled guests include:

 Baseball:

Roberto Alomar,  Johnny Bench,  Jermaine Dye,  Dennis Eckersley ,  Carlton Fisk,  Bob Gibson,  Tony Gwynn,  Rickey Henderson,  Reggie Jackson,  Randy Johnson,  Chipper Jones ,  David Justice,  Pedro Martinez,  Paul Molitor,  Eddie Murray,  Tony Perez,  Jim Rice,  Cal Ripken Jr. ,  Ozzie Smith ,  Frank Thomas, Joe Morgan, Ernie Banks, Bret Saberhagen, Steve Garvey, Wade Boggs, and  Pete Rose

Football:

Dan Fouts,  Bob Griese,  Dan Hampton ,  Bart Starr,  Lawrence Taylor , Larry Brown, Mike Ditka

find more info at : http://www.tristarproductions.com/National/index.html

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