I just tell them how much I admire their accomplishments and things like that. Or if they played for say the Dodgers, I just say I am a huge Dodgers fan. It has worked so far. Also, I can tell you that I have gotten Duke Snider and I included a $10 check. Stan Musial will not sign your item but will...

My first in person auotograph was Cliff Floyd at a Double A All Star game before he made it to the bigs. I have just started the TTM thing and my first success was Joe Frazier.