I’m not a big autograph seeker but I’ve obtained a few. When I was in high school Ricky Jordan appeared at a baseball card show in Troy. Jordan was going to be the next big thing for the Philadelphia Phillies before injuries got in the way. I had two cards: a regular card and, not thinking, a glossy card. I can still remember Jordan apologizing to me after the glossy card wouldn’t let the ink soak in. Granted, Jordan was paid to appear at the show, but he was genuinely sorry and disappointed his second autograph didn’t take and asked if I had another card to sign. I didn’t. I still have that card and it actually means more to me than the autograph that did take.
About 15 years later, I had a football signed by several Cincinnati Bengals. The football is in my attic. It’s not a knock on the Bengals, but because the autographs are indecipherable. I can’t imagine how many requests Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Marvin Lewis get daily but the experience was quick and incredibly impersonal like they were going through another drill. I don’t blame them for that and completely understand.
Unfortunately it’s just a sign of the times.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991 or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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