Sincerity.
That’s the secret sauce of success for collectors.
Yes, some envelopes will never get opened. Some players will never listen or look up for a collector.
However, when that moment comes, you better be the real deal.
If you think getting an autograph might be tough, imagine being the kid who wants more.
Consider 15-year-old Matt Nadel, a young blogger who writes “Baseball With Matt.” He’s scoring interviews with names from baseball’s past and present. Best of all, he’s got a baseball book coming out this fall from Summer Game Books. I’m grateful to include the details he shared.
Q: You’re writing great baseball history features. How many people have you interviewed?
A: I have done over 50 interviews including 10 hall of famers, bud selig, george w bush, hal steinbrenner, billy crystal and many others. My favorite interview is probably the one that I did with jim palmer since it was my first live one. here’s a link:
Q: Do you write to the people you interview?
A: I have never written letters to any interviewee by the way.
Q: What’s a good question that works for you, no matter who you’re interviewing? (Some collectors are unsure about what to ask when they write to someone.)
A: A question I usually ask is what sports did you play/watch as a kid? and who is your favorite hitter and pitcher in MLB history?
Q: Your passion for, and knowledge of, baseball is impressive. Some might say it’s unique from someone so young. Do you tell interviewees about your age before you connect?
A: Yes. they always know that I am 15 and the youngest baseball history pro blogger on MLB.com.
Thanks, Matt!
