[15fan]

Here's what I remember from my autograph-collecting days...

Personally, I like baseball cards with autographs. If you don't have cards of a player to sign, cut a white index card down to baseball card size. Makes it easier to store that way.

A few other suggestions from back in the day:

1) It's amazing how much more receptive players are when you use the "Mr. ________, would you please sign my card/ball/cap." approach, as opposed to the "hey Steve, sign this willya?" approach. On numerous occasions, I've had players stop, sign what I had, and move on without signing anything for anyone else for the simple reason that I asked them politely.

2) If a player stops to sign an autograph, uncap the pen/sharpie, and hand it to him with the writing end facing you instead of facing him. Makes it much easier for the player to grab the writing instrument w/o getting ink all over himself.

3) If you go the autographed cards route, have the card on a hard surface (binder, book, etc) that will make signing it easier.

4) Have your daughter down in front asking for the autograph. Players generally like signing for kids (or good looking women) more than they do grown adults.

5) By all means get there early enough to watch the pitcher warm up before the game. I've had several pitchers toss me the warm-up ball as they exited the bullpen & I offered some words of encouragement.

6) Try and chat the player (or coach) up if he stops to sign. I've heard some great things from players as they signed autographs.

7) Most importantly, remember these two words: "Thank you." It always amazed me how many people never thanked a ballplayer after an autograph or picture.