Inside a Larry Bird Autograph Signing: Why These Are the Good Times for Collectors

Last night, I got back from another Larry Bird autograph signing, and it really hit me just how special these signings are—and why collectors should appreciate them while they last.

Larry is turning 69 this year, and while he still signs regularly, the reality is simple: he’s not going to sign forever. That makes every signing feel a little more meaningful, both for us and for collectors who trust us with their items.

These are the good times.

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Why Larry Bird Autographs Are So Special

Larry Bird remains one of the most popular autographs in all of sports memorabilia. Not just because of who he is—but because of how he signs.

• Clean, consistent handwriting

• Full signatures every time

• Careful placement on items

• Genuine concern for how pieces look when finished

A lot of athletes don’t care once the pen hits the item. Larry absolutely does.

That’s why his autograph holds long-term value—and why demand for his signings continues to be strong.

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Limited Customization, Still High Demand

Larry doesn’t currently do inscriptions, which limits customization, but collectors still get creative with what they send in:

• Cards (always popular)

• Photos

• Indiana State magazines

• Unique flat items that display well

Because he won’t sign forever, we try to change things up and offer different options when possible—so collectors can own something unique, not just another standard piece.

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Traveling to the Signing: Why I Chose to Drive

This signing took place just south of Indianapolis. Normally, that’s an easy flight—but the signing moved to a Monday, which complicates things.

Monday signings mean:

• Items arrive Friday

• Sit at a hotel all weekend

• More risk than I’m comfortable with

So instead of flying and renting a car, I decided to drive the 7.5 hours each way.

Honestly? Not a bad decision.

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The Benefits of Driving to Autograph Signings

Driving has some underrated advantages:

• I control the schedule

• I bring my own food (chicken and rice always come with me)

• No airport stress

• No questionable hotel food

Plus, I got to take a different route through Southern Indiana, which was surprisingly beautiful.

I passed through:

• Bloomington (Indiana University)

• Brazil, Indiana (where David Goggins lived for a time)

Seeing back roads and small towns beats staring at the same interstate scenery every time.

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What Larry Bird Is Like at a Signing

If you’ve never met Larry Bird, here’s the truth:

• He’s quiet

• He’s professional

• He’s not rude at all

• He’s there to sign—and he signs immediately

No small talk. No delays. When it’s time to sign, he signs.

He also knows exactly where to place his autograph on nearly every item. He’s signed these pieces thousands of times, and it shows.

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Larry Actually Cares About Your Item

One moment that stood out:

• A collector requested a very thin gold paint pen

• Larry stopped mid-signature because he thought the pen was defective

• Once he realized it was intentional, he continued

Another time:

• A collector requested photo proof

• Larry noticed I hadn’t taken the photo yet

• He slid the item back toward himself so I could get the shot

That tells you everything you need to know.

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Why Transparency Matters With Athletes

Larry is very particular about counts:

• Basketballs

• Cards

• Magazines

• Tickets

• Other items

We handled this signing by item type, not pen color, so he could clearly track what he was signing and what he was being paid for.

Why does this matter?

Because athletes do get burned—often.

I know someone who permanently lost access to Larry Bird signings over six extra autographs. That’s all it took.

We’ve always believed in doing things the right way:

• Accurate counts

• Honest payment

• No shortcuts

That’s how you maintain long-term relationships in this industry.

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The Signing Setup (And a Left-Handed Challenge)

We used a new autograph board setup, which worked well overall—but Larry signs left-handed, which creates unique challenges.

Left-handed signers:

• Turn items at an angle to avoid smudging

• Require more spacing

• Can make standard setups awkward

It’s something we’ll continue to fine-tune, especially for left-handed athletes.

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Heading Home (And One Last Curveball)

The signing wrapped up efficiently—about 90 minutes total.

On the drive home, I got a call from Natalie (my wife, who many of you talk to on the phone):

She had locked her keys inside the building and couldn’t leave.

So she waited an hour until I got back.

Not ideal—but definitely memorable.

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A Busy Stretch of Signings Ahead

This has been one of our busiest stretches ever:

• Larry Bird

• Bo Nix

• Upcoming Chicago trip

• Over 100 athletes in a single week

• More major names coming soon

It’s a whirlwind—but it’s also why we do what we do.

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Final Thoughts: Why Larry Bird Is Worth It

Larry Bird—and Barry Sanders, in my opinion—are the gold standard:

• Great autographs

• Consistency

• Care

• Professionalism

Yes, Larry doesn’t do inscriptions right now. He has in the past, but they were extremely expensive, and I’m not sure he enjoys doing them.

Even without inscriptions, his autograph stands on its own.

If you’re thinking about getting something signed by Larry Bird, my advice is simple:

Don’t wait forever.

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Learn More

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