but i sure wish he woulda signed on the sweet spot. Historically and a baseball tradition is that the sweet spot is reserved for managers. Especially at the park, players can be leery of signing on the sweet spot, as if that ball gets to the manager they can "catch hell". Now, I am not saying that this why every player refuses to sign on the sweet spot, but if you get a relief pitcher (or someone that doesn't have a big demand) at the park, and they automatically sign not on the sweet spot, they are assuming you are going to get more sigs. on the ball. If you look at team signed balls on Ebay -- you will see what I mean 2007 Mets 1992 Reds 1957 Phills A good tip is to tell the players that you are not going to have anyone else sign the ball.