Joseph F. Galiardi

Cupertino, CA

United States

Profile Information:

What kind of member are you? (Check as many as apply.)

Collector

What would you like to tell us about yourself, your collecting, or business.

From Arnold Palmer to Tiger Woods, to Michael Jordan and Donald Trump, from Jack Lemmon to Bob Hope, to over one hundred PGA and LPGA Tour golfers, and seven U.S. presidents, Ive been a collector on the prowl for the past two decades. Hooked on Autographs is an unforgettable collection of anecdotes and yarns that highlight what it took me to obtain my treasure trove of signed golf balls. Readers will come away with a better understanding and appreciation of the art of collecting autographs.

What is your level of expertise?

Advanced Collector

Why do you want to join Autograph Live?

To share my behind-the-scenes excitement of chasing down celebrities from all walks in life for their autographs on golf balls. I claim to have one of the largest autographed golf ball collections in America. With over 300 inscribed balls in my bag, my hobby memoir, Hooked on Autographs, describes my favorite stories in garnering and gathering the signed golf balls. Net proceeds are donated to our returning severely wounded soldiers being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.

Who can we thank for telling you about us?

I received an e-mail inviting me to join Autograph Magazine Live.

What are your areas of interest?

Sports

Why do you collect?

For the challenge of hunting down celebrities for their John Hancocks and for the love and passon of collecting prized signatures on golf balls and other golf memorabilia. For me, the thrill of the hunt is more fun than my two holes-in-one.

What is your favorite autograph in your collection?

Arnold Palmer. "The King" signed my first ball on October 25, 1989, at the inaugural Transamerica Senior Golf Championship at Silverado Country Club in Napa, California. A close second is Tiger Woods's autograph obtained at Stanford University in 1995 when he was a sophomore. Tiger stopped signing golf balls in 1997 shortly after winning his first Masters. Honestly, I treasure all of my signed golf balls. They're all like family to me.

You can ask anyone living or dead for their autograph. Who would it be?

Babe Ruth on a golf ball

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