tips for IP graphing?

[dbacksfan99]

Im going to be graphing the Diamondbacks and the angels in spring training and I have never done this before.

Any tips are appreciated.

Michael

[SMVintage]

Just have what you want to get signed easily accessible, know faces, and be polite!

Also if you see guys with bags and sharpies, it may not be a bad idea to make friends and follow the crowd!

[r0yals2012]

Make sure you know who the players are so you don't get confused like don't yell Mr Kubel! Mr Kubel! and it not be him. Otherwise you feel like an idiot. I would put Mr in front of everyone. It sounds more polite. Be patient. Let the kids there have first priority. Bring lots of sharpies. If you are doing cards I suggest put it in a notebook with photo corners on the cards. Make friends with the other graphers too. They could help you out a lot.

[Autofreak2842]

Don't expect much hope for a lot. I never go into events with expectations anymore and I enjoy it way more now. Back when I had expectations every time I could get 20 autographs in one day, but not be happy cause I was expecting 30 or to get a certain player and if/when those didn't happen it ruined the fun.

[NY Sports Teams]

Be courteous
Bring a binder if taking cards and have the cards alphabetized or whatever works best for you
Bring a clipboard so it is easier for them to sign a photo or card
Bring a printed roster with jersey #'s if you don't know all the players
Prep cards
Make sure after you get an auto it is dry before putting away
Do not store signed items in a hot car
If using a paint pen make sure it is prepped
Have your item ready
Bring plenty of sharpies + different colors and plenty of blue ballpoint pens for baseballs
Try not to look like a dealer

I'll add more when I think of them


...Rick

[cyberer]

More specifically, I've heard the diamondbacks who don't travel for spring road games are contractually obligated to sign after their morning workouts. Since stars don't travel as much should be a good opportunity.

[gysot]

Be courteous
Bring a binder if taking cards and have the cards alphabetized or whatever works best for you
Bring a clipboard so it is easier for them to sign a photo or card
Bring a printed roster with jersey #'s if you don't know all the players
Prep cards
Make sure after you get an auto it is dry before putting away
Do not store signed items in a hot car
If using a paint pen make sure it is prepped
Have your item ready
Bring plenty of sharpies + different colors and plenty of blue ballpoint pens for baseballs
Try not to look like a dealer

I'll add more when I think of them


...Rick

What does a dealer look like?

[dbacksfan99]

Probably having tons of stuff to sign like bats, helmets, baseballs ( a lot of them ) etc

[r0yals2012]

good luck and please share your successes when you get time. A dealer usually carries a briefcase or a nice bag and do not usually wear team affiliated items. Oh yeah, do not ask the same player to sign more than 1 item. Just pick one. Make sure you read on the park rules to see what items are allowed. Bats are not allowed at Kauffman stadium, unless a player gives one to you or you buy it in their team store. Also do not ask them to sign in a specific spot. Most dealers always ask them to sign in a specific spot like a sweet spot on a baseball. Always say please and thank you. Try to start a conversation with the ball player while he's signing your autograph like for example If you get Upton's autograph tell him how cool it was when you saw on tv that he hit his 100th homerun the same day as his brother. They can be impressed and could give you something extra.

[NY Sports Teams]

What does a dealer look like?

Someone carrying a duffel bag full of baseballs, 15 bats and 20 mini helmets, ect along with 16 different binders full of cards and photo's. You get the idea.

...Rick