The first portion of our interview with James Grimmer provided some polarizing discussion amongst the baseball and memorabilia communities. The second part of our interview focuses on this reaction from players and other collectors. In addition, James gives some insight on the future prospects of his collection.
Below is the interview:
Q: How have other people or ballplayers reacted to you?
A: There have been quite a few people who respect what I am doing. I have found that it is the players who are most interested in my collection. Quite a few have wrote me back thanking me for giving them a chance to be in the collection. Conversely, it is a little odd when I’m thanking them for being a part of it!
A large part of my collection are items that were given to me by players. The items range from letters, cards, photos, balls, bats, gloves, tickets, posters, team apparel, sex advice, spiritual guidance, even dinner. Fortunately, Scott gave me the opportunity to share my story to a wider audience.
On the other side of the sphere, there are some people who just don’t understand my passion. Many of the detractors are the players themselves. I can relate to the players perspective. In all honesty when somebody calls you out of nowhere, asking for their signature, and asking you questions about ten, twenty, or so years ago you do have a right to be on the defensive. But some players take it to the next level. I’ve been told im invading their privacy, some have threatened to call the police. Still others have accused me of being a scam artist. Over the phone I have been cursed out, hung up on and belittled to pieces.
In person, some players have voiced their rather rude opinion about me obtaining their autographs, with me being much older than they were. The point being is that I will turn 29 this month.
I have been shoved by a Cubs great, “grabbed” by a member of the entourage of a Cubs flop, and was publicly berated by a delirious former major leaguer with a major league ego who mistook me for another individual. It is what it is. Like in everything you have to take the bad with the good. The trick is making the best of the good, that way the bad doesn’t matter.
Q: What plans do you have for your collection and your story?
A: Right now, I am just trying to maintain my patience until baseball season starts. I am hoping to present my story and collection to some publications. Perhaps I can target specialty magazines like Beckett and Tuffstuff, as well as an array of newspapers.
My immediate plans for the collection itself is just to keep on collecting. Long ago I concluded that I most likely will never see the monetary rewards that the collection has to offer. I don’t do it for money, even though money is a constant factor. I am not planning on selling anything anytime soon, and if I were to meet an untimely demise I have left instructions with my mother as to what to do with the collection. Depending on different circumstances, my collection will either be sold off, or donated to the Hall of Fame. My ultimate goal is to have a career in the autograph field. Perhaps as an authenticator or a promoter for personal appearances.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I am frequently asked about my favorite autograph in my collection. Well, the answer is I don’t know if I have one. Certain items bring back memories that are worth so much more than the item itself. I will say that I am quite fond of my Buck O’Neil signed Major League Baseball and my signed 1952 Topps Jim Delsing card that he GAVE me just before he passed away. Also, my Pete Gray signatures that I obtained some years ago and most of the signatures of the local players stand out in my mind.
I would like to thank Scott for giving me this opportunity. When I heard from him it was a pleasant surprise. With all the joy I get from my collection, Scott has helped me to enjoy it just a little bit more. Also, I’d really like to give a shout out to my two “partners in crime” Steve Kuchar, and Jason Arena. I would like to mention another collector Gene Wilkerson. They have spent countless hours with me at ball games, talking autographs, and standing in line. It wouldn’t be fair not to mention them, because we share many of the same stories.
What does everyone think?
James Grimmer is an inspiring friend, writer, and expert baseball memorabilia authority with one of the finest collections in the country. He can be reached via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Hyperize Interview: Part I with Super Collector James Grimmer
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