mwbosoxfan
12-09-2007, 01:11 PM
I read an article this morning in the Globe that Jacoby Ellsbury held a signing at mall yesterday. You supply the ball or photo and $125 and he'd be glad to sign it. Oh, and if the picture was large or you wanted a bat or jersey signed, just add another $25. Everyone in Red Soxland loves this guy, but someone put the brakes on for just a minute. Jacoby made a major contribution down the final stretch of the regular season and some say he could've been MVP of the WS. I don't think anyone disputes his value, but he only played in about 30 regular season and 10 post-season games. He technically doesn't even qualify to be a rookie. This just doesn't seem right to me.
If there had been some mention that the proceeds were headed to a charity, I wouldn't have a problem with it. The article didn't mention anything of the sort. Some veteran players and HOFers don't even charge those kind of fees at signings. And, I don't have a problem with them charging those fees, as somehow I think they've probably earned it.
Players seem to sign less and less at the ball park. Along with my personal interest in collecting game used bats, my kids have assembled a pretty nice collection of baseballs - game used, bp, and auto'd mlb balls - all accumulated in person when attending games. It's been a huge part of the excitement when going to games, but in the past few years it's just been harder for them to get autographs. Less players sign and the ones that do spend less time doing it. I suppose when even a kid who played less than 1/5 of a season and can command $125 a pop, why would a player want to spend the time signing at the park?
Most would probably say that if people will pay it, that's the market, and so be it. I suppose with Ellsbury just signing on with Scott Boras as his agent, this probably shouldn't surprise anyone. I know I hold certain players in high regard, give them a pass when they disappoint me, and probably rip players apart when I really don't have a clue as to who they really are. Nevertheless, it seems sad to see a such a young and likeable player heading down a road this way.
By the way, I read that Ken Griffey, Jr. showed up at Redsfest unannounced and signed autographs. I saw a photo that showed boxes upon boxes of baseballs next to where Jr. was signing. Does anyone know what it cost to get in and what would it cost to get his autograph. Something tells me that he wasn't charging those kids $125, but I don't know. If someone does, please chime in.
If there had been some mention that the proceeds were headed to a charity, I wouldn't have a problem with it. The article didn't mention anything of the sort. Some veteran players and HOFers don't even charge those kind of fees at signings. And, I don't have a problem with them charging those fees, as somehow I think they've probably earned it.
Players seem to sign less and less at the ball park. Along with my personal interest in collecting game used bats, my kids have assembled a pretty nice collection of baseballs - game used, bp, and auto'd mlb balls - all accumulated in person when attending games. It's been a huge part of the excitement when going to games, but in the past few years it's just been harder for them to get autographs. Less players sign and the ones that do spend less time doing it. I suppose when even a kid who played less than 1/5 of a season and can command $125 a pop, why would a player want to spend the time signing at the park?
Most would probably say that if people will pay it, that's the market, and so be it. I suppose with Ellsbury just signing on with Scott Boras as his agent, this probably shouldn't surprise anyone. I know I hold certain players in high regard, give them a pass when they disappoint me, and probably rip players apart when I really don't have a clue as to who they really are. Nevertheless, it seems sad to see a such a young and likeable player heading down a road this way.
By the way, I read that Ken Griffey, Jr. showed up at Redsfest unannounced and signed autographs. I saw a photo that showed boxes upon boxes of baseballs next to where Jr. was signing. Does anyone know what it cost to get in and what would it cost to get his autograph. Something tells me that he wasn't charging those kids $125, but I don't know. If someone does, please chime in.