Why do people send baseballs to be autographed?

[scarybun]

This is not a critical post. I'm genuinely curious. I can see why you'd send a baseball to a baseball player. But why to a politician, a musician, or a TV or film star? Here's how I see it:

Pros:

- a collection of signed baseballs makes for a homogeneous, uncluttered display
- a packaged baseball will stand out amidst a pile of fan mail comprised of flat envelopes
- some celebs will find it refreshing to sign something different

Cons:

- awkward shape to ship and more expensive
- lack of flat surface can lead to crooked/warped signatures
- celeb or person of interest may not sign it because they're not a baseball player
- does not reflect the celeb or person of interest, i.e. doesn't show the movie they were in, the songs that they sang, or the book that they wrote

That's all I can think of right now. So those who do send out baseballs, please explain your reasons. I'd like to know. Thanks!

[vjw0307]

Who are you talking about? James Earl Jones?

The reason people send baseballs to people like James Earl Jones and Kevin Costner is because they were in BASEBALL movies. Field of Dreams, Bull Durham, Sandlot, etc.

I'm not sure that I've seen a signed baseball up here that the person who signed it didn't have a connection to baseball in some way.

But in my opinion, baseballs are one of the best looking signed items up there. They are often worth more on a baseball.

[scarybun]

I wasn't referring to any specific celebrity. It was a general question.

[vjw0307]

Can you think of anyone in particular? I've seen a couple of random ones...not sure why people would want to get mariah carey or Tom Cruise on a baseball...unless it was the only thing they had handy.

Plus, some people just want to collect baseballs...and thats the canvas they choose to use.

[scarybun]

...not sure why people would want to get mariah carey or Tom Cruise on a baseball...

Um, this is exactly why I'm asking. I've seen several on autograph collecting sites and off and on here.

It doesn't sound like you're someone who does this so this question really doesn't apply to you.

[packrat]

While I have never heard of anyone sending a baseball TTM to an individual who is not connected to the sport or in a baseball movie, I have known people who have gotten celebrities IP on a baseball. As a matter of fact, at a minor league game I attended today, Eddie Money was signing at the ball park prior to the game. A friend of mine had nothing else for him to sign so he got him on a ball. I think 9 times out of 10, that is the case.

[jjjj]

Well really if you think about it an actor who signs a baseball is kind of cool and something different. There are probably a million Vin Diesel signed photos out there but probably about 5 or so baseballs signed by him. Its also a good way to have something unique that no one else has.

[vjw0307]

I agree, its just the fact that its unique...photos aren't unique when there are thousands out there.

[mailboxofsuccess981]

very good question? Baseball is an American sport, and when you do get a baseball signed, it looks great on display! I went to a TNA event and this couple had a backpack full of baseballs and they wrestlers were signing them! I thought it was a dumb idea at the time, but now that I think of it! is it really a GREAT idea?