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Hello all,

I have a very random question about something I have thought about doing for a while, even before discovering this site. Aside from autograph collecting, I have another hobby in which I collect baseballs used during MLB batting practice/games. While catching nearly 500 since 2010, I currently have close to 200 batting practice balls sitting in my house.

Recently, I have considered shipping a baseball with an autograph request to not baseball players, but some of my favorite celebrities.

My only question is what are the possible downsides to sending a baseball instead of a picture or a card? I know the obvious chance of not getting the ball back (which I am more than okay with) as well as the higher cost to send a baseball compared to a picture. Is there anything else I should keep in mind?

Overall, is it a good idea?

Thanks for any feedback!

For the record, an official Major League baseball weighs about 5 inches and has a circumference of 9 inches.

The higher cost for postage and the likelihood that not all of the baseballs will get returned are probably the 2 biggest concerns in this situation. Another issue is that celebrities may get confused or careless and sign the balls in Sharpie marker (bad idea!). Ballpoint pen signatures (preferably blue ink) are more visually appealing and the ink won't bleed into the ball over time. Other than that, if you're okay with everything else (increased cost and the possibility of losing a few baseballs), I say go for it! And good luck! Let us know how it goes.

hdsports wrote:The higher cost for postage and the likelihood that not all of the baseballs will get returned are probably the 2 biggest concerns in this situation. Another issue is that celebrities may get confused or careless and sign the balls in Sharpie marker (bad idea!). Ballpoint pen signatures (preferably blue ink) are more visually appealing and the ink won't bleed into the ball over time. Other than that, if you're okay with everything else (increased cost and the possibility of losing a few baseballs), I say go for it! And good luck! Let us know how it goes.

How about if I include a generic, blue, bic pen with the baseball?

Sounds good. You may also want to include a note in your letter that explains why the pen is included. Good luck!