Inscriptions spice up your average autographs from athletes and celebrities, and often make those penned items more valuable. At shows like this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention, autograph seekers are often willing to pay extra for those added messages.
For example, Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor will add an “LT was a Bad Mother F—er” inscription to go along with a signature from the New York Giants legend for an extra $105 during The National in Rosemont, Illinois next week.
Some of the other notable inscriptions being offered include this selection from former Boston Red Sox great David Ortiz:
- “Last to Wear 34”
- “Curse Reversed”
- “Boston Strong”
- “This is our F’N City”
- “Big Papi”
Former NFL running back and 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams is willing to provide “one (1) cannabis related inscription up to 3 words” for an extra $49 given his public affinity for marijuana. And with a purchase of an autograph from two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, you’ll receive a free autograph from each of his brothers Alex, Kostas, and Thanasis, who will also be signing and posing for photos at the event.
Conversely, some athletes signing at The National, recognized as the year’s biggest sports card and memorabilia show, refuse to inscribe certain phrases or sign specific items and have made it known ahead of time.
Allen Iverson isn’t signing about “practice.” You’ll also receive a “Bo No” response if you’re looking for a “Bo Knows” autographed inscription from Bo Jackson.
Let’s take a glimpse at some of the notable restrictions from signers at the five-day event:
Allen Iverson
The NBA Hall of Famer and former Philadelphia 76ers legend, won’t inscribe “practice,” referring to his famous 2002 press conference rant.
Bo Jackson
Jackson’s list extends much deeper than the no go for “Bo Knows.” The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner and former MLB and NFL dual-sport star also won’t pen “Bo Don’t Know Diddley” as an inscription, pointing back to his Nike ad campaign featuring Jackson and musician Bo Diddley.
Jackson also won’t sign the following items: artwork, bat on shoulder pads cards or photos (the result of a lawsuit that was settled between photographer Richard Noble and Nike), Tecmo Bowl items (the result of his more recent deal with EA Sports?), jersey numbers, stat jerseys, Heisman Trophies, Cam Newton or Pat Sullivan (fellow Auburn alums and Heisman winners) items, Tampa Bay items (Jackson was drafted No. 1 overall by Tampa in 1986 but refused to play for them), or his unauthorized biography.
Todd Helton
The former Colorado Rockies first baseman will not inscribe “Toddfather” or “Mr. Rockie.” That said, he will include on all items outside of trading cards a free “HOF 24” inscription with each autograph. Although Helton leaned into the Toddfather nickname in the past, there doesn’t appear to be any examples of him inscribing it on items he’s signed over the years.
Julius Erving
Dr. J won’t sign items referring to his on-court fight with Larry Bird during a 76ers-Celtics game in 1984. Erving also won’t autograph unlicensed ABA red, white and blue basketballs, either.
Roger Clemens
The seven-time Cy Young Award winner has no issue inscribing “The Rocket” — for a fee — on items. But Clemens will not sign items surrounding the Mike Piazza bat incident when the then-Yankees pitcher caught the barrel of a broken bat and threw it back at the then-Mets catcher in Game 2 of the 2000 World Series.
Albert Pujols
Pujols will not sign any type of Hall of Fame items. This includes HOF logo items and/or items already signed only by Hall of Famers. Pujols, a no-brainer HOF selection, will be eligible for the HOF voting in 2028. (Tom Brady doesn’t share Pujols’ patience. He started inscribing “HOF 2028” with his autographs back in February, as reported by Cllct.)
Roberto Alomar
The Hall of Fame second baseman won’t autograph any items related to his spitting incident with umpire John Hirschbeck in 1996.
Steve Garvey
His 1982 Fleer trading card is the lone restricted item the former Dodgers first baseman will not sign. The reasoning is a bit of legend floating around the internet where Garvey supposedly signed the card for a charity auction and vowed it would be the only time he’d ever sign that particular card.
Robin Yount
The Hall of Fame Milwaukee Brewers slugger will not inscribe nicknames “Rockin Robin” or “The Kid,” a nickname he received when he first hit the Majors as an 18 year old in 1974.
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.
(Top photo: Stephen Brashear/BIG3/Getty Images)