For the past 2 1/2 years, I have regularly attended the spectacular sports autograph shows held by the amazing crew at MAB Celebrity Services. The shows, which are regularly held at the Sheraton in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are put together by promoter Mollie Bracigliano. Not only is Mollie one of the premier sports show promoters in the business, but she also serves as the exclusive agent for such baseball greats as Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, Willie McCovey, Tom Seaver, Rod Carew, and Frank Robinson. The shows are always enjoyable, and this weekend's show, which I attended on Saturday, was no exception.

One guest that sports fans always enjoy meeting is the one and only Yogi Berra. Mr. Berra, who was charging a base fee (for flats and baseballs) of $90 for his autograph, is always an extraordinary gentleman. While the Yankee legend never signs personalizations or statistic inscriptions in public, he truly makes up for this by posing for pictures with fans and answering their questions about his iconic career. I have seen Mr. Berra at many events over my time collecting, and while he usually attracts a great crowd, it seemed as if the crowd this time was much smaller than usual. Mr. Berra rarely travels outside of the New York metropolitan area for a signing appearance, but he does sell authentically autographed memorabilia through the Yogi Berra Museum in his adopted hometown of Montclair, New Jersey.

Another Yankee icon appearing at the show was Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson. Mr. Jackson was also charging $90 for his autograph, and had a steady line throughout his hour and a half of signing. At prior appearances, I had never heard him say a word to a collector-and when he did, it was usually "no." to their special requests. This time, however, Mr. Jackson at least verbally acknowledged his many fans, but he would not pose for photographs or answer questions. Mr. Jackson regularly appears at signing appearances across the country, and occasionally travels with the Yankees, for whom he serves as an advisor to the owners. He does not answer his mail, but you can obtain signed items through his website, reggiejackson.com

Many legends of the St. Louis Cardinals attended the show as well. Legendary outfielder Lou Brock, who was charging $60 per signature, was extremely busy. Mr. Brock is one of the nicest players you would ever want to meet. He takes time with each of his many fans, answering their questions and asking them questions about their lives. He seems to especially enjoy talking to his younger fans. For such a nice guy, it may surprise some that Mr. Brock is not exactly generous with answering his fan mail. However, he is a regular at Cardinals spring training in Florida, and does a reasonable amount of autograph shows each year as well.

Bob Gibson was in attendance as well. The two-time World Series MVP was charging $70 for his autograph, and he just may have been the surprise of the day. Mr. Gibson does not exactly have the best reputation among collectors. He never answers his mail, refuses to sign complimentary autographs in person, and usually is very surly at paid appearances. This time, however, the great pitcher joked with his fans, quizzed them on some of his statistics, and even took time for pictures. The joke among the collectors was that a miracle must have happened, and that we might never see this side of Mr. Gibson again. If you want to try your luck with him, he appears at an estimate of 4-5 signing shows each year.

The manager of the Cardinals' 1982 World Championship team, Whitey Herzog, was signing for a fee of $50. Mr. Herzog was not rude, but he wasn't exactly friendly either. Most collectors on his short line never got a word out of his mouth, in fact. He would take pictures with fans, but only if their purchased autograph was on a "big-ticket" item, such as a bat or jersey. Ever since Mr. Herzog was elected to the Hall of Fame last year, he has drastically limited his signing appearances. However, at least for now, he still answers fan mail sent to his St. Louis home for free. Get him while you can!

Another legendary Cardinal manager, Red Schoendienst, was also charging $50 for autographs. Mr. Schoendienst was very quiet, yet extremely generous and kind to the many collectors who came out to meet him. This was his first appearance at a show in this area in many years, and his line showed. Needless to say, being that Mr. Schoendienst is 88 years old, he doesn't travel much. He also refuses mail received at any address. But if you are lucky enough to meet him at spring training, he is very generous with his time-and his pen.

Former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda was making his first paid signing appearance in almost ten years. He was charging $100 per signature, and I'm sure that he was not happy about that fact. He does NOT like to charge for his signature-in fact, Mr. Lasorda was very famous for always telling his players to sign whenever possible. Mr. Lasorda definitely had the longest line, and was absolutely the star of the show. He posed for pictures, signed inscriptions, kissed babies like a politician, and took his time with everyone-what a guy! Mr. Lasorda still travels with the team, and will sign at the ballpark or the team hotel. He is also great about answering letters sent in care of the Dodgers.

And then there was baseball's greatest living player, Willie Mays. He was charging $290 per signature (yes you read correctly), and, as always, he was extremely rude and nasty. He never answers mail, rarely appears at shows, and he barely did any business at this show. Mr. Mays travels with his personal assistant and two bodyguards. Due to his glaucoma, there is a reading light on his table, and he will never sign a baseball with a ballpoint ben-only with a Sharpie. He does not allow photography of him, with him, or near him either. For almost $300, I would absolutely not recommend putting a penny in this man's wallet.  

I WOULD however, recommend attending an MAB show whenever possible. They will be in Boston, Cooperstown, and St. Louis withing the next few months. For more info, go to mab-celebrity.com