re: protecting autographs question...

One other thing to consider, maybe, is that balls are typically treated before a game (at least at the MLB level) with that Delaware River Mud concoction to take the shine and newness off the balls - and I would think they do this at the college and minor league levels as well. There has to be some level of moisture content in that stuff as it soaks into a ball. Maybe by getting it oen day and then waiting a few days to have it signed allows that moisture to dry out. If you get it signed same day, the ink fades as the moisture content in/on the ball is reduced.

As others have said, once you have one signed, case it up in as air tight a container as possible and keep it out of the light. If you want to display it, get a case made with UV glass.