I’m not sure when it happened, but lately I find that Sunday brings the best baseball writing from the New York Times, rarely thought to be the best sports section around. Today, a few articles peaked my interest, but this Vincent Mallozzi piece may speak to a few of you as well, the few who seek and collect autographs from players.  I’ve seen these guys for years outside the hotels, and at the ballparks, with their baseball card binders in tow.  Last summer in Kansas City, where the Oakland Athletics were staying, I got up at 8am and went out for a walk to get my morning starbucks, and there was already a group in formation.  I was doubtful that they would have much luck at that hour, but sure enough on my way back I followed a relief pitcher up the hill who was shorts, t-shirt and cap and had left the hotel only to get a newspaper.  The small throng created a barrier across the sidewalk and the guy had to push his way through.  He said he would sign before the bus left (to take the players to the ballpark around 2pm), but he was just trying to get a paper now.  The seekers were annoyed, but so was the player whom I rode up in the elevator with.  I see both sides.  As Mallozzi’s article points out, few sign at the ballpark anymore.  Part of that is often dealers send kids to get stuff signed, day after day, and the guys find they are really signing for the same people day after day.  Giambi stops on his way out of the ballpark almost everyday. Maddux signs only at the hotel before getting on the bus. Many do have memorabilia deals that makes it difficult for them to sign for large groups of people.  I suggest players figure out their comfort level for it and make a rule for themselves.  At the ballpark, before or after the game, always at the hotel, never at the hotel and then stick to the rule.  The word will spread.  My advice to the seekers?  Make it easier for the next guy, say please and thank you…if you really are a collector assure the player that this is for your personal collection, and if you have a favorite moment from their career tell them.  It lets the player know that you aren’t just trying to make a buck off of them, but that you are actually a fan of theirs and a fan of the game.  The moment can even be a team moment.  Just like we want all these players to be nice guys, they want to know the fans are good people.  If we make it harder for them to believe anything different, it will make it harder for them to walk by without at least saying hello.