Mint Musings: Detroit Tigers Offering Autographs for a Good Cause

Mint Musings: Detroit Tigers Offering Autographs for a Good Cause  – It can be a challenge to receive an autograph from your favorite player. However, the Detroit Tigers have seemed to find an easy way to do just that with their Autographs for a Cause program. In operation since 2006, it has offered people the chance to get autographs from Tigers players and coaches for a charitable donation.
Jordan Field, the Director of the Detroit Tigers Foundation, was kind enough to take some time to talk more about program. The following interview was conducted via email.
KS: For our readers out there who may not know, what exactly is the Detroit Tigers Foundation and what is its aim?
JF: The Detroit Tigers Foundation is the official charity of the Detroit Tigers. The Foundation is an affiliate of Ilitch Charities and is dedicated to enhancing lives through the game of baseball with a focus on youth, education and recreation in the greater Detroit community. Since our establishment in 2005, the Foundation has awarded over $19 million in grants, college scholarships and tickets to Tigers baseball games.
KS: How did the Autographs for a Cause program get started?
JF: The Autographs for a Cause program got started in 2006 with Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman. He was a young player that wanted to help raise money for the Miracle League of Michigan. That season, the Tigers won the American League pennant and along the way, he realized that he could use some help managing all of the incoming fan mail, so the program was developed. We realized very quickly that it accomplished several goals: helped manage his fan mail, helped fans gets their cards signed and after a short time we presented the Miracle League of Michigan a check for $10,000.

KS: In the past, you’ve typically had roughly a handful of players and coaches from the Tigers participate. This year, you have almost a dozen, including some big names like Miguel Cabrera. How is the list of participants determined each year?
JF: Each season I spend time in Lakeland, Florida during spring training and speak to our players about their Fan Mail. In general, players are happy to sign baseball cards mailed to them, but the volume of incoming mail can be overwhelming. For the players who wish to participate we spend time researching and identifying a charity that supports a meaningful cause.
KS: The prices range anywhere from $10 for players like Jordan Zimmermann up to $120 for Cabrera. How are the donation prices determined?
JF: Every donation made by fans is matched by the player. The required donation is based on a number of factors including the fundraising goal that we set, the volume of incoming mail and the player’s personal pre-game routine and time available to dedicate to Fan Mail. In general, a starting pitcher may have more time to dedicate to Fan Mail in between starts and bullpen sessions compared to an everyday player.
KS: As of now, the program offers fans the chance to get baseball cards signed. I remember that photos used to be an option as well. Is there a possibility you’ll offer fans the chance to get bigger items signed again?
JF: In the early years of the program, when we had a handful of participants, we could handle both baseball cards and small photos. However, now with over 15 participants, the volume of incoming mail is so significant, we simply don’t have room to store, organize or sort items larger than a traditional baseball card. Our club also has a very popular and successful Authentics department that sells autographed photos, balls and larger items, which provides an alternate avenue for fans seeking autographs on larger items.
KS: Overall, how have the players reacted to participating in this over the years?
JF: Overall, I would say players appreciate the program and enjoy working with our Foundation to raise money for important causes.
KS: On the flip side of that, what kind of fan reaction have you seen to it?
JF: Overall, the fan reaction has been incredibly positive. At the end of the day, the program helps facilitate the autograph process while raising money for charity, which is a win-win for everyone.
KS: I know the Rockies and Nationals, including former Tiger Max Scherzer, do something similar with a few of their players, but nothing quite as large as what you have going on. Is this something you could see being adopted by more teams?
JF: Certainly. Especially as players like Max move to new teams and work to continue the program. I believe that when Andrew Miller was traded from the Tigers to the Marlins he also continued the program for some time in Miami.
KS: For any fan who wishes to participate in the program and get an autograph, how can they do so?
JF: To learn more, fans should visit www.DetroitTigersFoundation.com or follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @TigersCommunity or me @Field_Jordan. We plan to announce at least one more participant before the end of May. Like any TTM autograph requests, fans should provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Also, if sending a donation by money order, please make sure they do not expire.
KS: Is there any cut-off date people should be aware of for submitting an item and roughly how long can they expect to wait to receive their item back?
JF: Yes, program cut off every year is postmarked by September 1. Timing can vary, but we estimate around six weeks. It depends on the player, but often we hold signings around the All Star break and the first week of September.

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Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan as the producer of ESPN’s Mint Condition has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on the hobby in Mint Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.