In the late 1980's, the sports memorabilia market boom really took off.  What was once considered a childhood hobby became big business.  Fans from all over the world became atuned to various athletes with the emergence of ESPN and on-line (web) information.  Athletes and sports personalities became more than a mere home-town favorite; their notieriety took on a whole new meaning.  Through endorsements from major corporations, athletes became house hold names. 

Many honest collectors and dealers, through hard work and dedication, acquired authentic autographs from a variety of players.  Unfortunately others, looking to make a "quick buck" off  less informed collectors, turned to forgery to supplant their income.  Although there are many avenues of research pertaining to purchasing third party autographs, the following are some of the most important you should do/know before you commit yourself to a purchase:

• Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Find out the obvious: who, what, when, where did they acquire the autograph.  This is, however, your hard-earned money and you want to be sure you get the autograph of the person you are looking for. 

• Do your homework on the person you are buying from.  Check the history of their sales, look at feedback, and how long they have been selling on eBay.  Many collectors will gladly answer your questions and if they are reluctant to do so, keep away from them.

• Know what the signature of the person you are trying to acquire looks like.  As time passes, signatures change...know what you are looking for.  A player who signed their autograph during their rookie season may have a different writing style and/or sign their name differently 10 years later. 

• Become familiar with signing habits of how certain players sign different items (ie. cards, photos, jerseys, etc.).  Some will sign their name horizontally across items, others may sign it in a vertical fashion, while others may sign it diagonally across the item. 

• Don't always rely solely on COAs and third party authenticators.   COAs are only as good as the person attesting to the authenticity of the autograph.  Compare other signature exemplars of the person you are interested in acquiring to the item you are considering for purchase.  Additionally, you are dealing with the human factor when it comes to one person's judgement over another's, PSA and GAI do make mistakes.  Although they are correct a majority of the time, errors do occur and there have been instances where fake signatures have been authenticated as well as authentic signatures deemed fake by their company.  

I have attached samples of autographed Tony Gwynn cards obtained by me through his playing years.  As you can see, his signature changed dramatically from his first years in the Major Leagues to the more legible signature at the later stage of his career.  The first card (1984 Donruss) represents his signature from (approximate) 1982 to 1986.  The second card (1987 Topps) represents his signature from (approximate) 1987 to the mid-1990s.  The last card (2000 Topps) represents his signature from (approximate) mid-1990s to the present.  This card is reflective of Gwynn's current signature style.

In closing, this is a buyer's beware market when purchasing autographs from a third party.  The only true way you know an item is authentic is to witness it yourself.  Again, as many are out there to make a "quick buck", shop with reliable dealers and collectors you know or come as recommendations from satisfied customers.  Do your homework ahead of time and remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true...it probably is! 

Raymond Castillo, Xtra-Innings Authentics