Why do some autographs turn out bold and beautiful while others look rushed, streaky, or barely readable? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt breaks down the four core factors that determine autograph quality—essential knowledge for any collector or anyone sending items into private signings.

You’ll learn how the item itself impacts ink absorption, why certain materials like glossy photos, baseball leather, and stitched jersey numbers consistently deliver better results, and why mesh jerseys or dark basketballs can be a challenge even for experienced signers.

Matt also dives into pen choice, from paint pens and Sharpies to Staedtlers, explaining how ink type, freshness, and tip size can make or break the signature. Next, you’ll hear how signing speed affects legibility and why autographs from game-day or walk-by moments often look totally different from clean, controlled private signing signatures. Finally, we break down the often-overlooked issue of pressure—how too much or too little can cause flooding, streaking, or light, patchy lines depending on the surface.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to choose the best item and the best pen to maximize your autograph quality—and avoid the common mistakes that lead to disappointing signatures.

Perfect for collectors, fans, and anyone who wants to get the best possible results from their next signing.

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When it comes to submitting your prized sports card, the big question is always the same: should you grade just the autograph, the card itself, or both at the same time? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt breaks down the pros and cons of each option. From cost considerations to resale value and collector preferences, you’ll learn how to make the smartest decision for your collection. Whether you’re holding a Hall of Famer’s rookie card or a sentimental piece with a signature, this episode will help you understand what truly adds value, protection, and peace of mind.

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We missed them once. Then we missed them again. But we weren’t leaving Chicago without this card finished.

In this episode of the Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt takes you on the wild rollercoaster that was The Antetokounmpo Triple. What started as a missed signing turned into a chaotic chase across the show floor, with Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas always one step ahead. After striking out completely on Saturday, hope was fading—until a surprising turn of events led to a breakfast table in Chicago on Sunday morning.

Listen in as we relive the laughs, the near-misses, and the unforgettable moment we finally completed one of the most epic family-signed cards in memorabilia history. You won’t believe how it all came together.

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We hit the road—literally—for a legendary autograph session with Celtics icon Larry Bird. In this episode, I share the full story behind the 7.5-hour drive through Indiana backroads, hauling signed memorabilia and chasing down perfection. From last-minute travel decisions to the surprising personality of Larry himself, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to pull off a high-profile private signing.

Plus, find out which customer-submitted items stood out, how our new autograph board held up, and why Brazil, Indiana means more than just a dot on the map. Whether you're a collector, a Celtics fan, or just love sports stories from the trenches—this one’s for you.

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On this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, we dive deep into what truly makes an autograph collectible—and it's not just the signature. From bold, full-name autographs to the quick, lazy scribbles that frustrate collectors, we break down the impact of autograph quality on long-term value. But there's another side that often gets overlooked: the personality of the athlete behind the signature. Does being fan-friendly, humble, or showing up at events matter? Absolutely. We’ll share real stories of athletes who elevate their legacy by caring about their fans—and a few who fall short. If you're serious about building a collection with meaning, this is one episode you don’t want to miss. 

https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/pages/upcoming-autograph-signings

Step into the heart of Detroit where the ink flows as boldly as the legends themselves. In this episode of Motor City Ink, we dive into some of the most unforgettable autograph stories to ever come out of the Motor City.

From the jaw-dropping Calvin Johnson multi-signed, multi-inscription masterpiece—a rare piece with every accolade perfectly penned—to tales of Barry Sanders, the gold standard of autograph signers. No smudges, no skips—just crisp, clean perfection from the greatest running back to ever pick up a pen.

Hear behind-the-scenes stories from signings that made collectors' jaws drop, what it’s really like working with Detroit's biggest icons, and why some signatures go far beyond the ink.

Whether you're a die-hard Lions fan, autograph collector, or just love a great story—this episode has something for you.

Motor City. Big names. Even bigger signatures.

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In this episode of the Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, I take you behind the scenes of our recent trip to California for an unforgettable Kevin Garnett autograph signing. From hopping on a last-minute flight to setting up dozens of items, you'll hear what it's really like to work with one of the NBA’s most intense legends. Plus, KG opened up about his diet and shared his thoughts on drinking out of the Stanley Cup. Tune in for exclusive stories, laughs, and everything that made this signing one to remember. 

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In this special episode, we recap our unforgettable experience at the Bob Cousy autograph signing. At 96 years old, Cousy’s signature remains one of the cleanest and most consistent in the game—a true testament to the Hall of Famer’s class and precision. Matt shares behind-the-scenes stories from the signing, traveling to his house, and why Cousy’s autograph is still one of the most sought-after in the hobby.

We also dive into Cousy’s thoughts on former teammates and rivals, including his respect for the late Bill Russell, his memories of going head-to-head with Wilt Chamberlain, and his take on today’s Celtics team. Don’t miss this rare look into the mind of a basketball legend and what makes his autograph—and his legacy—so special.

https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, we’re diving into the biggest mistake athletes make when signing autographs—and it’s costing them money and collectors a better experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your autograph journey, this one thing can completely change your signing experience.

We’re talking about autograph quality—why it matters, how it affects your legacy, and what fans really want when they pay for your signature. You’ll learn how small changes can lead to a better fan experience, stronger personal brand, and more profit from every signing.

Collectors are paying for more than just ink on an item—they’re paying for a moment, a memory, and something they’ll treasure. Give them your best.

Tune in and level up your autograph game.

https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Is an Authentication Sticker Worth It? The Pros & Cons for Collectors
In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, we dive into one of the most debated topics in the hobby: should you add an authentication sticker or hologram to your signed sports cards?

We surveyed collectors and the results might surprise you—50% said no, 30% said yes, and 20% landed somewhere in the middle. So why the divide?

We break down the reasons behind each stance:
 ✅ Why some collectors prefer authentication: 61% value the witness certification, 15% say it's hard to get 3rd-party authentication, and 17% don’t plan on using PSA.
❌ Why others avoid it: 40% dislike the look of the sticker, 39% believe it hurts the card’s value, and 12% don’t want to spend the extra money.

We also talk about when it actually makes sense to sticker your card—think high-end autographs, cards that won’t be sent to PSA, or signatures that are tough to authenticate later.

Whether you love the hologram or hate the sticker, this episode will help you make a smarter decision next time you get a card signed.

https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/