How much is too much

[ChrisR]

I thought this was about in person?

When I send TTM it's only 1 unless I have a mini to go with it; even then i always send 2 of the regular card with 1 marked for them to keep. I never would even consider sending more than 2 cards TTM.

[Oxxon]

1 is max for me. I understand about sets so forth and so on but do you really, really need more than 1?

[mmalpedo01]

I usually send more than 1 card. Sometimes as many as 3 or 4. I am a set collector and many times a player is in multiple sets I am trying to get signed. I don't think it really matters to the athlete. They all have their "rules and limits". Many of them have no problem signing 4 cards and some only sign one but I usually do my research before sending. I do not sell my TTM autos and see no problem and have had no problem sending my requests the way that I do. The guys that are killing the hobby are the ones sending to the same athlete numerous times getting the same stuff signed over and over. Fore example check out Stan Musial in the TTMM. There is someone on there requesting autos about 7 times. Especially knowing that you are only going to get a signed stat card. Thats ridiculous. Just my opinion.

[C&C Collecting]

From my standpoint as a TTM and in-person autograph collector, I think it depends on what you are collecting or how you collect. I sent out 5 to Charlie Hough and he signed all 5 for me. I needed a couple for a team set I was trying to complete and also wanted a couple because I didn't have him in that particular team. There is a limit that should be set, however. You don't need 12 of the same exact thing signed, or if you are getting multpiles try not to get them all at once. I have a couple of signed Austin JAckson baseballs...the only reason I have more than one is because I only had a baseball for him to sign and you aren't going to NOT get his autograph.

When I see someone who obviously is going right to eBay with their newly signed cards it ticks me off a little bit. Those are the ones ruining it for everyone else in the name of a quick buck.

[CRJSr9]

1-2 ttm is what i always send.

[skapunk5251]

I usually send whatever cards I have of the player, but cap it off at 4 cards, ask for them to sign one, maybe two, and offer them the remaining cards.

[RockiesFan33]

There are some players who I have had sign dozens of items, but each one has been different. Each time I come up with a new custom set, for instance, there are a few of my favorite players who I always include. Sonnanstine, Snider, Doerr, Friedrich are just a few. My letters to them are always different than when I send to some other signer. Not my typical request letter. I usually talk about the card set and send either a payment or copies of the cards to them.

[BigRedMachine]

1-2 items are my normal. I have sent up to 4 items before but always sports cards never 8x10's or baseballs. I agree collecting certain players in multiple sets can lead you to send 3-4 items at once and I don't see anything wrong with it because I try to explain my intentions in my LOR. I always state that these items are for my personal collection and not for resale.

Ultimately the player has the right to say no and I would like to think that this kind of behavior from sellers and not collectors is not harming the hobby too much. I would agree that some players have changed their signing habits because of bad experiences but it may be a small percentage of the overall picture. Of course if the player who has changed their signing habits is your favorite player or on your favorite team you may feel differently.

[djauwerda]

In the past when I sent cards I pulled from a pack or other memorabilia, I've always sent a max of two.

When I send a custom, I usually send 3 or 4. I always explain in the letter that one is for my son, one for me, and whatever else is in there is for the athlete, if they so choose. But I do make sure I only request two back in the letter. Anything on top of that is a bonus. And, if I do get extras back, I usually them to friends who collect certain teams / players.

[metrotheme]

For me, TTM, I have sent anywhere between 1-6. For one player who I was a big fan of, I told him I had 12 cards (all different) and I asked permission to send them, and he said I could.
In-person, I will put in front of the player whatever I have and whatever he signs, he signs. I will not ask for alot when there are a lot of people waiting. If there are only a few and the person seems cool with it, if I have 5 or 6, I'll ask. I don't drop 20-30 on guys ever though as I've seen some do here.

I realize with 50/50's and trades, that people wind up with large amounts, especially minor league, which I've had a few people help me out with signatures via 50/50.