MLB Spring Training Autograph Tips: How to Grow Your Memorabilia Collection

As a young baseball card collector living in the Phoenix area, Jared Kavlie, Founder and CEO of Pristine Auction, was always looking for ways to make his collection stand out as both unique and valuable.

Like so many kids living in the ‘80s and ‘90s, he spent hours flipping through stacks of cards, searching for his favorite players and dreaming of the day his collection may increase in value. As we know today, however, the mass production of cards from that era made it difficult to find anything truly rare and valuable.

But he still figured out a way to make his collection stand out.

Each spring, when Major League Baseball teams arrived in Arizona for spring training’s Cactus League, Jared hopped on his bike and pedaled to the Peoria Sports Complex and other training facilities scattered around the Valley. Armed with a handful of cards and a sharpie, he took advantage of spring training’s more relaxed and fan-friendly atmosphere to solicit player autographs.

Source: Cronkite News

For Jared, this proved to be a successful way to transform a somewhat ordinary card collection into something special — something no one else had. 

“This is where I fell in love with the autograph hobby and the passion has continued all these years,” said Jared, today the owner and founder of Pristine Auction. (Yes, that’s the sports memorabilia and collectibles site you’re on right now.)

Jared’s origin story is a reminder that MLB Spring Training remains one of the best times of the year for baseball fans, especially those looking to grow their collection of autographs. With smaller crowds, more relaxed players, and better access than during the regular season, spring training is the ideal setting for getting up close to the game’s biggest names.

If you’re looking to make the most of spring training as an autograph collector, here’s what you need to know to do it successfully.

What Makes Spring Training a Fan’s Paradise?

Every year as winter fades, Major League Baseball teams head to their spring training homes in Arizona and Florida, giving fans a unique opportunity to experience games up close.

Running from mid-February through late March, spring training features roughly 30 exhibition games per team, played almost daily. The schedule is packed, with multiple matchups happening across both states, making it easy and affordable for fans to catch several games in just a few days.

Spring training is split into two leagues: the Cactus League in Arizona and the Grapefruit League in Florida. With teams concentrated within specific regions of each state, fans can visit multiple ballparks without traveling far. The atmosphere is relaxed, tickets are cheaper than regular-season games, and access to players — whether for autographs or casual interactions — is far better.

For collectors and baseball lovers alike, it’s the ultimate experience, blending top-tier talent with the charm of small, intimate stadiums.

Successfully Secure Autographs at MLB Spring Training

For autograph seekers, MLB spring training can be a goldmine for autograph seekers and memorabilia collectors — but success is never guaranteed.

“Hunting for autographs is a ton of fun, but it takes a lot of patience,” Jared said. “There will be days where you spend the entire day hunting for autographs and end up completely empty. Alternatively, there are really rewarding days where it feels like everything goes right. Part of the fun of the hobby is that rush, and it wouldn't be as rewarding if it was too easy.”

Knowing where to stand, when to ask, and how to approach players can make all the difference between walking away empty-handed or with that prized signature. With the right game plan, you can turn your spring training trip into a collector’s dream.

Here are five things to consider when seeking autographs at both Cactus League and Grapefruit League games.

1. Position Yourself for Success

Where you stand at a spring training facility can make or break your chances of getting an autograph. Unlike major league stadiums, many spring training complexes offer open areas where fans can interact with players—if they know where to be.

Some of the best spots include practice fields, where players warm up and often take a moment to sign before heading into drills. These backfields tend to be less crowded than the main stadium, giving fans better access. Dugout railings before games can also be great, as players frequently sign while stretching or chatting with teammates.

Another underrated location? Post-practice areas.

“Every spring training facility is a bit different, and it's important to learn the little tricks with each team,” said Jared Kavlie. “But most offer incredible access to fans, and the players are typically very accommodating to autograph requests during training camp.”

Source: Sports Collectors Digest

Many teams hold workouts away from the main stadium, and players may stop to sign on their way in and out.

If you’re hoping to catch a player after a game, clubhouse exits and parking lots can be good options, but patience and respect are key. Some players are in a rush, while others may stop for a quick signature before heading out.

2. Strike at the Perfect Time

Even if you’re in the right place, timing is everything. Players have routines and knowing when they’re most likely to sign can significantly increase your success rate.

Morning practices are often the best time to get autographs. Many teams hold workouts before games, and since these sessions are usually open to the public, they provide an ideal opportunity to catch players when they’re most relaxed. Arriving early — before the majority of fans show up — can give you a better chance of interaction.

Some of the best autograph opportunities come from understanding each team’s unique schedule. Jared, for example, once learned that the Oakland Athletics typically held a practice in their home facility whenever they had an away game — and this practice was quietly open to the public.

“The facility never looked open, with the gates only cracked during these practices, but the public was allowed to attend,” he said. “There would usually only be a few fans in attendance, and it was very easy to get autographs from any and all of the players after that practice.”

Post-game autographs can be hit or miss. Some players will sign as they leave the field, while others may be focused on recovery and getting out quickly. Watching how players interact throughout the day can give you a good sense of who is more likely to stop and sign.

The key is to do your research — learn team routines, arrive early, and be patient. The more you align your timing with a player’s availability, the better your chances of walking away with a signature.

3. Respect the Game, Respect the Players

Getting an autograph isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time — it’s also about how you approach players. Respect and courtesy go a long way in making sure interactions are positive and successful.

First and foremost, always remember that players are people, not autograph machines. At any given time, they’re balancing training, game prep, and personal time, so not everyone will be able to sign at a moment’s notice. 

It’s also important to be mindful of the setting. Don’t interrupt a player while they’re eating, having a private conversation, or spending time with family. If a player declines to sign, respect their decision and move on. Persistence can quickly turn into a bad impression.

If you’re at a crowded autograph spot, be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be the guy who cuts in front of kids or shove others aside to get a signature. Players often prioritize younger fans, so if you’re with a child, let them take the lead.

Oh yeah — and a simple “please” and “thank you” can make a huge difference. Players are far more likely to engage with fans who show genuine appreciation rather than those who shove cards, balls, and pens in their faces.

Being respectful isn’t just the right thing to do. It increases your chances of getting the autograph you want.

4. Come Equipped with the Right Gear

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to collecting autographs at spring training. Players don’t have much time to stop, so the smoother your approach, the better your chances of getting a signature.

This starts with having the right items and tools on hand.

Source: Beckett Authentication

“Make sure to have items ready for all of the key players from each team that you will see while at training camp,” Jared said. “It's also important to have proper pens for the items that you are getting signed.”

If you’re planning to get autographs on baseballs, jerseys, bats, or helmets, make sure you have the right markers and pens. Sharpies work well on most memorabilia, but for baseballs, avoid Sharpies as they can fade over time. A ballpoint pen — blue is typically preferred by collectors — holds up much better.

Keep your items organized and accessible so you don’t waste time fumbling around when a player stops. If you’re collecting signatures on multiple items, be mindful not to overwhelm the player with too much at once. Limiting it to one or two items per interaction is a good rule of thumb.

Finally, bring backup supplies. Markers dry out, pens get lost, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared when presented with the perfect autograph opportunity. A little planning ensures you’re ready when the moment comes.

5. Know Player Schedules and Routines

Players may be more accessible during spring training, but they still follow structured routines. Knowing when they’re most likely to sign can make all the difference.

Morning workouts on practice fields are often the best time to catch players before they dive into drills. Arriving early increases your chances of getting an autograph before crowds build. Pre-game warmups — about 30 to 45 minutes before first pitch — can also be productive, as players stretch and chat near the dugout.

Post-game autographs are less predictable. Some players stop, while others head straight to the clubhouse. Watching player habits can help you identify who’s more likely to sign.

In the end, this all comes down to doing your homework. Knowing where to stand, when to ask, how to prepare, and — most importantly — how to approach players with respect can make the difference between walking away with a prized autograph or an empty-handed disappointment.

Spring training is a cherished American tradition. With the right strategy, patience, and a little bit of luck, you can turn an already memorable day at the ballpark into a one-of-a-kind collecting experience.