Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Fields on October 1, 2009 at 4:25pm

I almost always use a Bic blue Roundstic grip ballpoint pen. I find these to be the best for appearance. But, I have used black Sharpies before too, but only on a ROMLB. I have never had a problem with a Sharpie fading. I have several (Bill Clinton, Kyle Busch) and they really look great. However, the Sharpies do fade if used on other balls such as ROLB and other "made in China" balls.

Permalink Reply by Louis Becerra on October 3, 2009 at 12:04am

Thanks for your input. I would add that I have also seen other types of pens fade on ROLBs and the 'Made in China' balls as well. These are cheaper than ROMLBs cost and quality-wise, but the savings are often nullified in the long run if the autos fade or bleed into the ball. Sometimes it's better just to spring a little more and get the ROMLBs, as the autos will almost always last longer on those, depending on how they are stored or displayed.

Permalink Reply by Tim Henderson on November 7, 2009 at 6:14pm

I had the same problem with the china baseballs from walmart. After getting them signed if go to Michaels or any arts and crafts store and buy a clear adhesive spray. Go home and set the baseball on the ground and stand back alittle and let a light mist hit the baseball it give the baseball a little of a shine but I have found that the signatures preserve because they have a light layer over them and they do not change color or fade! One of my friends have been doing this for years and especially if you just want it to keep a little gloss is not going to matter if preserves the signature 50 years from now. Please experiment with a few baseballs before you try it took me about 6 baseballs that I practiced on before I got the right amount of spray. If you are to close to the autograph it will just make the ink run and if you are to far away it will not get the right amount of protection! Hope this helps Good Luck and Keep Graphin!!!!

Permalink Reply by john zattor on December 5, 2009 at 3:35pm

For baseballs ball point pen and either cards pictures or mini helmets sharpies

Permalink Reply by jtk on December 24, 2009 at 11:54am

Where do you think the best place to buy the OMLB's? I've been collecting autographs on baseballs for a couple of years and have always bought them in bulk online (between $120-140 per case). If you go and buy them at a random store, they are sometimes $15-$18 a piece. Anybody have a good source?

Permalink Reply by ksm on March 23, 2010 at 6:25am

Best place to buy balls is andersonkpt - they have a website and their number is on there as well (231-865-6935). I usually call them cause you get a better price. Usually it's about $111/dz OMLB + exact shipping. They don't usually give you a total, but will give you a receipt in your shipment. They ship quickly and their balls are high quality. I order the ones in boxes (as opposed to cubes) and never have glue spots. They'll work with you if you do get some bad balls. I know quite a few other collectors that have used them with similar results.

Permalink Reply by Pablo Abilez on June 4, 2011 at 12:13am

I use the skinny fine Sharpie pen for getting autographs on baseballs, and the balls look nice.

Permalink Reply by FL Oriole on October 13, 2011 at 8:22pm

What type of baseballs do you guys buy to get autographed? I've only bought baseballs once, and I picked up a bag of  Rawlings OLB3 baseballs. Has anyone had any issues with these balls or should I upgrade to the offical MLB balls.