Where do you get the player addresses?
One good source is Jack Smalling's book, The Baseball Collector's Handbook. And when sending to the coaches at spring training, I send them in care of the baseball team.

What about buying autographed items?
Shows are the best, but unfortunately there are not as many shows anymore. I like the Tristar shows and go to the one in Kansas City. They'll have 25 to 30 guys autographing and it can be expensive.

But, for instance, Johnny Unitas was at one show and I had him sign a jersey and a football. It's a kick meeting these players and the show also has reputable dealers that I can buy from or trade with.

The best bet when not getting an item personally autographed is to get a guarantee from the seller or have a certificate of authenticity (COA). Scoreboard, Upper Deck, Tristar are all good companies.

How do you protect your autographed items?
Always use a globe or cube to keep the ball in. It's best to have a UV protected one, but when you have over 700 balls like I do, that can get costly. I do put my more valuable autographed balls in UV cubes and globes.

Always keep autographs out of the sunlight and they can even fade from a lamp in your house. And certainly don't use a spotlight on them! Once an autograph starts fading it's hard to stop.

Also keep the balls out of extreme heat and humidity, never storing items in an attic, basement or garage.

Pitfalls in collecting?
Check the obvious facts on an autographed ball.

For instance, is it the right commissioner's signature for the age of the player? Check the ink? Ballpoint pens would not have been used on the supposedly old baseballs.

Although there have been claims that up to 70% of autograph items being sold were fake, I don't think it's quite that high. From what I see, I would estimate it around 30%. (These figures are not including Internet auctions, it's too hard to tell on those!) Knowing your dealer and/or getting a certificate of authenticity is the best way to protect yourself and your wallet.