Are baseball players mean for not signing autographs?
On Christmas Day 2023, I scrolled upon my Instagram feed only to stumble upon a comment on one of @milb_central’s Instagram posts that called out Orioles’ prospect outfielder John Rhodes for “being the opposite of nice.” Why? Because apparently, he didn't ink up his souvenirs.

Rhodes, who was recently taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Minor League Baseball Rule 5 draft, saw this and proclaimed himself “the Grinch.” A debate amongst fans in the comment section ensued. Usually, I try to avoid participating in Instagram comment section debates and conflicts. However, that comment about Rhodes rubbed me the wrong way, and it led me to participate in the debate and stick up for him and all professional baseball players. My comment on that post is still there as of today.
I am an autograph collector myself, and I enjoy venturing out to different ballparks to seek autographs, meet players and coaches, and have conversations with them. I have made a ton of big-league friends through our interactions. It means more to me than pen and paper. This means that I have picked up tons of tips and tricks to receiving autographs, in addition to a general of understanding of when players may sign or not sign autographs...and why.
One thing that I continue to hear during autograph seeking is that guys are mean for not signing autographs. So and so is a jerk because he didn’t sign. Blah blah blah. That is not true at all. Just because a player did not sign your stash of Bowman baseball cards does not mean that he is a bad person. Players get to choose when and if they want to sign autographs. Their contracts and job descriptions do not highlight signing autographs as their number 1 priority. Their priority is to play baseball.
There are many reasons why a player may choose not to sign, and they are still most likely some of the nicest human beings on the field. One big thing that has determines if a player decides to sign autographs or not is a fan’s manners and approach. “Yo John, can you sign bro?” comes off as rude and may turn some players away. I always make sure to use three key words: Mr., last name, and please. Something like “Mr. Rhodes, may I please have your autograph?” is more enticing and polite, and it is usually more likely going to get you that autograph. Manners still matter in today’s world, and especially in autograph seeking.

Perhaps one of the most irritating things that seems to be the primary issue here and in that Instagram post is the fact that some people cannot take “no” for an answer. When an individual is denied an autograph, that player who said "no" automatically becomes "mean" or "not nice." Sorry, but the “harsh reality” is that no means no, not keep wining until you get an autograph. Saying something like “I understand, thank you anyways” is the respectful way to accept an autograph rejection, and it actually may help you get that autograph at a future time.
If a player does not sign, it may not be entirely personal. Guys have a lot on their minds on gameday. A hitter could be thinking of how they are going to approach their at-bats during a specific pitcher. A pitcher may be thinking of a different game plan against a lineup that battered him up the last time. A player could be focused on getting in the right mindset for the game and may simply want to be left alone.
For someone like Rhodes, especially at the Double-A level, this is a pinnacle point in one’s career. It is make or break for many players, and the front office is looking deep into if a certain crop of players is truly capable of helping the big-league team win baseball games. I bet you Rhodes has seen many of his friends and teammates get released at Double-A, their dreams shattered, their careers possibly end. That must be a gut-wrenching feeling, and guys at that level, Rhodes included, do not want the same fate.
Guys may also choose not to sign - or at least they are careful who they sign for - because some people are looking to make a few bucks off of them on eBay. Players do not want their signature to supply someone’s bank account. They want the item that they sign to be something that a fan enjoys, appreciates, and holds onto as a souvenir from the baseball game.
My collection, which is still growing, consists of hundreds of autographs from hundreds of different players. I have everything from baseball cards to baseballs to ticket stubs to even my own pen and paper drawings. I have never sold an autograph nor do I ever intend to do so. They are souvenirs to me, and that is the way autographs should be. If I were a pro baller, I too would hate to sign autographs knowing that it is all just for profit.
Again, I try to avoid rocking the boat. However, as a collector who enjoys using the hobby for conversation and connection, I knew that I would eventually say something about this on some sort of online platform. Players are not mean for not signing autographs. There are many reasons why they may not sign and just because they did not or do not sign for you does not make them a jerk. Are you their teammate? Do you spend everyday with them? Probably not. So how can you actually determine if they are actually jerks or not? They are most likely some of the greatest human beings, but apparently it is that difficult to take “no” for an answer.
Let me repeat this one more time. Guys are not mean for not signing autographs.
Oh, by the way, Rhodes does sign autographs. I have met and talked to Rhodes many times. He has signed several unique baseball cards for me, all of which still remain in my collection as memories. A signed baseball of his sits on my desk in my college apartment. We have shared many conversations with each other and we genuinely enjoy talking baseball when time allows. Mean guy? I don’t think so. He is a super grateful and very polite guy, and he appreciates all of the support from all of the Orioles fans. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve met in pro ball…and he has a really unique signature too!
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