Thanks to Power Sports Memorabilia and to Dennis Rodman for the cool auto....
Autograph Signing Tips: How Athletes Can Improve Autos
After another busy weekend of signings, I wanted to share the one thing athletes can do that would instantly improve the autograph experience for collectors. This isn’t a hot take, and it’s not complicated. But when you understand why it matters, it changes how you collect, how you prep items, and even which athletes you prioritize.
Before we dive in, quick note: we added Ovechkin pre-sales on photos of him breaking Gretzky’s all-time goals record. For the price point (like $229 for a 16x20), that’s one of the most historic modern hockey moments you can add to a collection.
Now let’s get into it.
The #1 Thing Athletes Can Do Better: Improve Autograph Quality
Here’s the truth: autograph quality sells.
Most athletes want to make money (especially younger guys). And if that’s the case, there’s a very simple way to do it: give collectors a clean, readable autograph that looks great on display.
Because when an autograph looks good:
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Collectors are happier with the item
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They show it off to friends
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Other collectors want one too
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Athletes sell more tickets next time
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Everyone wins
A great signature doesn’t mean every letter has to be perfect. But if collectors can read most of it—say 80–90%—that’s a strong, “display-worthy” autograph.
Real Example: Patrick Surtain (Great Autograph + Great Experience)
One of the highlights this weekend was Patrick Surtain.
Super nice guy. Also… he’s tall. I’m about 6’1”, and he made me feel small. But what really stood out was his autograph. It’s clean, consistent, and looks like a professional signature—not chicken scratch.
And that matters even beyond Broncos fans.
A collector doesn’t have to be a diehard fan to want a great-looking autograph. Quality pulls people in, and it builds long-term demand.
Why Clean Signatures Make Athletes More Money (Long-Term)
If a player becomes a Pro Bowler, wins awards, or makes the Hall of Fame, autograph signings can turn into a long-term income stream.
But collectors won’t chase messy initials forever.
A great autograph helps athletes:
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Sell more at current signings
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Build reputation among collectors
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Stay in demand for years
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Command higher pricing over time
This is why guys like Barry Sanders and Larry Bird are still “steals” compared to what some young stars charge today—because they deliver elite signatures every time.
Collector Tip: Stop Crowding the Post-it Notes
Collectors… we need to talk.
Some of you label items like you’re giving the athlete a half-inch box to sign in. Then everyone wonders why the athlete hits the Post-it or signs tiny.
Here’s the rule of thumb:
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Cards: give at least ½ inch of space
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Jerseys: give at least 1 inch away from the number/area
Most athletes already know: don’t sign over the face.
They don’t need the Post-it jammed against the exact spot.
Giving them room helps them:
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sign larger
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sign cleaner
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avoid Post-its
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avoid smudges
Weekend Highlights: Great Personalities Matter Too
A few athletes stood out for great interactions and strong signing habits:
Phil Simms
Very personable, and yes—he signs left-handed. Some people act like that’s a magic trick. It happens more than you’d think.
James Harrison
You expect the tough-guy vibe, but he was a solid dude—took his time and knew how to place signatures cleanly.
Wild Story: The Missing $5,900
One of the craziest moments this weekend: a friend of ours somehow misplaced $5,900. Gone for about 10 minutes. We searched everywhere—boxes, under tables, under cloths.
Where was it?
The men’s bathroom.
A well-intentioned kid brought out the envelope and asked, “Is this what you’re looking for?”
Everything was there, and the kid got a $100 tip. Happy ending—but the lesson is obvious:
If you carry that kind of cash, keep it attached to you (fanny pack, zipper bag, something secure). Not loose in an envelope.
Faster Delivery: Shipping Helmets & Footballs Direct From Signings
We’re starting to do more direct-from-signing shipping for bulky items like full-size helmets and footballs.
Why it helps:
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You get your item faster
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We skip the “ship back to us, then ship to you” step
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Tracking is cleaner (mostly UPS)
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Less handling = less risk
We bring a thermal printer and labels on-site, so it’s smooth and efficient.
Almost Missed My Flight (But Didn’t)
I had plenty of time, got to Dulles, and security was bizarrely empty. Like… under a minute empty.
Then I checked the gate. It said B.
So I went to B… only to find out they moved it to Z.
I hustled across the airport and barely made it. That flight was full—missing it would’ve meant no ride home that night.
Moral: even when everything looks perfect, airports will still try to humble you.
Final Thoughts
If athletes want to sell more autographs and make more money, the answer is simple:
Better signatures. Better experience. Better results.
And for collectors, you can dramatically improve your results by:
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giving athletes space to sign
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labeling clearly (without crowding)
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choosing good placement
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understanding which athletes are “quality signers”
Visit: powerssportsmemorabilia.com
Follow: @PowersAutographs
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Nice big autograph!
Great autograph on this giant 2XL jersey
Power Sports was very helpful. They will answer any questions throughout the process of getting your Autograph. And they packed very well when they ship it back to you.
Another great looking signature added to my team signed helmet. It is great to get notifications throughout the process and using UPS is great to protect my items.
Nice autograph signed by former NY Mets great. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
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I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!
Everything went smooth from ordering the autograph to receiving my item promptly and Natalie was very helpful and responsive with the questions I had.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
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