In an era dominated by quick selfies, Alex, a 47-year-old retail banker from England, stands out as a dedicated autograph hunter whose passion has filled three garages with cricketing treasures.
The Autograph Hunter’s Stand
Even hours after stumps, Alex lingered outside Headingley’s front gate, protecting his bags of books from the rain. He was waiting for the last commentators to leave, aiming for their signatures.
When Cheteshwar Pujara and Dinesh Karthik appeared, Alex quickly joined a small crowd. However, he found himself elbowed out by fans focused on snapping quick selfies with their smartphones.
For Alex, the autograph is the “winning ticket.” He believes there’s always another chance for a picture, but an autograph is a lasting piece of history. This contrasts sharply with the new-age fan, who prioritizes social media display over tangible keepsakes.
A Lifelong Passion and Vast Collection
Alex has been collecting signatures since he was just 13. While he carries a camera phone, his primary goal remains the elusive scribble.
His dedication has led to an astonishing collection. He owns three large garages packed with heavy-duty locking boxes, housing thousands of signed sports books. Among his prized possessions are every single Wisden almanac, from the World War II era to the present day.
When he moved out of his parents’ home in 2010, they were reportedly relieved to gain back the rooms his extensive collection had occupied. For Alex, it’s about observing the game, reminiscing, and meeting people from all walks of life.
The Art of the Chase
Over the years, Alex has honed his methods for finding players and commentators. He knows that hotels, ground exits, and even charity dinners are prime locations for securing autographs.
His passion also led him to a lifelong friend, Ilias, another autograph-hunter he met at Lord’s 27 years ago. Ilias’s challenge to collect signatures from each year’s five Wisden Cricketers of the Year added an adventurous dimension to their shared pursuit.
Cricketers and Their Signatures
Alex has seen countless cricketers sign his books, leading him to form opinions on their autograph styles. Sunil Gavaskar, for instance, is known to be very accommodating, often signing multiple items.
Conversely, cricketers like Sir Garfield Sobers and Kevin Pietersen are notoriously difficult to get signatures from. Vivian Richards is also elusive, while Alastair Cook and Ricky Ponting are generally good about signing.
Alex notes that modern players often provide only initials or a quick squiggle, a trend he believes might reflect character, or simply the fast-paced nature of today’s world. Joe Root, however, is an exception, taking his time with each autograph.
More Than Just a Hobby
While his wife occasionally questions the effort and space his collection consumes, Alex finds deep satisfaction in his hobby. He acknowledges its addictive nature but sees it as a fulfilling way to spend his time.
For Alex, collecting is about enjoying one’s passions in a short lifetime. He embraces the simple pleasure of the chase and the connection to the history of the game, a true signature move for an autograph aficionado.
