>> Soak up as much information as you can about the industry as well as the team or player that you are collecting vintage sports memorabilia for. Just because something is old, that does not mean it is valuable – So if you are keen on collecting sports memorabilia, you need to be willing to research what will and will not be profitable as a part of your collection. The best thing that you can do is research, research and research before you buy anything. This way, you can ensure that everything you add to your sports memorabilia is worthy of being there.

>> Shop only with reputable dealers regardless of whether you are buying online or offline. You should make sure to find several different reputable dealers that sell authentic vintage sports memorabilia and other quality products. Shop only with dealers that you feel like you can trust, and be absolutely aware of scams that exist online. If a dealer cannot provide proof that something is authentic, do not buy it. Forged signatures are worth absolutely nothing in your sports memorabilia collection. If you ever find yourself working with a dealer that does not seem reputable in any way, it is absolutely vital that you not work with that dealer, lest you be taken for a lot of money for absolutely nothing.

>> Take proper care of all of your sports memorabilia items by protecting them while displaying them. If you have high ticket signed collectibles, then they should absolutely be protected all the time. Keep them in a dry place in your home, above the ground in case of water damage. Do not simply pack your sports memorabilia items away in plastic bags or cardboard boxes, because sealed containers like plexi glass are much more suitable. This will protect your sports memorabilia items from insects and mice. Your vintage sports memorabilia collectibles should always be stored at room temperature and away from direct exposure from the sun and exposure to moisture if you want to keep them in the best possible condition.

Photo Credits: dharma communications

Originally posted 2009-05-29 05:28:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Bobblehead dolls may be considered silly by some, but there is definitely a national craze to collect them. Whether it is of a famous personality, sports hero, or even a cartoon character, these fun collectibles can be found just about anywhere. While the garden variety bobbleheads are not really all that valuable, there are a few out there that will actually be worth quite a bit of money. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the diamonds in the rough.

1. Mickey Mantle Bobbleheads

These are perhaps the most sought after bobbleheads, and they are incredibly valuable. Look for the ones that were produced during 1961, when Mantle was going up against Marris. These were once sold for a mere dollar, but now can bring ten times that amount at auction, or even more. It’s rare to find one that is still in good condition, but flea markets and online auctions are a great place to start. Look for Mickey Mantle bobbleheads that don’t have any cracks in the finish and that are still generally in great condition. These will be the most valuable.

2. Secretariat Bobblehead

Although you wouldn’t think of a horse as being the prime candidate for immortalization as a bobblehead, the Secretariat dolls are incredibly collectible. These were produced during the horse’s quest for the Triple Crown, and since he holds such a high place in horse history and in the hearts of race fans everywhere, these dolls are actually highly sought after. Look for one that still has all the original paint and bright colors and you may just find one that is worth more than $850.

3. Cal Ripken Jr Bobblehead

Not all Cal Ripken Jr bobbleheads are worth money, so you’re going to want to keep your eyes open for the ones that were produced in 2001, when he was awarded game MVP. This doll will have an All Stars label as well as the number of the collectible. Only 2001 of these bobbleheads were produced, so finding one for sale won’t be easy. Once again, look for these at online auction sites, flea markets or even yard sales. You never know, you may just stumble on one of these highly collectible bobbleheads.

4. Disney Sports Bobbleheads

If you can find older Disney sports bobbleheads, they are usually worth a pretty penny, especially to someone that collects Disney memorabilia. These are easy enough to find if you hang around flea markets or go garage sale shopping. Most may not know just how valuable these dolls are, especially if they happen to have one of the prototype models from specific companies.

5. Commemorative Bobbleheads

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if a bobblehead is commemorating a specific event, such as a World Series win, or something in sports history, chances are it’s going to be pretty valuable. Always look for the ones that are part of a limited edition since they will definitely be worth the most amount of money and can sell for thousands at auction.

Originally posted 2008-09-04 05:00:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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• - Autographed sports memorabilia items, including balls, gloves, bats, cards and anything else that is capable of being signed. Here you should be watching out for clean surfaces, signatures that are clear and legible and certificates of authenticity.
• - Sports cards, which should feature sharp corners, smooth surfaces and good image quality. Autographed sports cards are certainly worth more, and the most valuable are rookie cards for athletes that later go on to become stars.
• - Equipment from games such as balls, bats, jerseys, rackets, shoes and other sporting equipment that was actually used during a game by a star athlete can go on to be extremely valuable.
• - Team jerseys and other apparel memorabilia is another good option for collecting sports memorabilia items, but you should be looking for signs of wear such as authentic wear and tear, sweat stains and other proof that the apparel was used in the sport.
• - Stadium items also make good sports memorabilia items, including seats and turnstiles, plain signs, neon signs, benches and any other items that come from stadiums as they can be very rare and extremely valuable, especially in situations where they are historically significant or vintage. If the stadium is no longer standing, then these particular sports memorabilia items can be even more valuable because they are irreplaceable piece of sporting history.
• - Ticket Stubs and Programs are also great sports memorabilia items. You should be looking for programs and ticket stubs and other paper items that come from important or historically valuable tournaments, games and other events such as Super Bowl events, World Series events or US Open events for example, as these will be the most valuable.
• - Bobbleheads are more modern, but they are still great sports memorabilia items. These are plastic dolls that have oversized heads affixed to a spring. If you have a full set of Bobblehead dolls, they may be really valuable. There are also ceramic items that are worth even more when they are in excellent condition.
• - Pins are sports memorabilia items that are often offered for all sports and you can find them online or through sporting goods collectors. There are both modern and vintage pins that you can buy. Full series or full sets of pins can be worth a lot to the right collector.
• - Boxing Items are harder to find in comparison to most other sports memorabilia items, so if you are interested in a valuable type of sporting memorabilia, consider collecting memorabilia and collectibles from boxing tournaments and the boxing sport.

Photo Credits: eschipul

Originally posted 2009-09-25 03:09:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Every ice hockey fan knows the name Bobby Orr, and even most people who know nothing about hockey have heard the name, whether or not they have any idea who he is. Born in 1948 in Ontario, Orr became one of the most well-known, and some consider him one of the greatest, hockey players of all time.

Bobby Orr was a Boston Bruin and a Chicago Black Hawk during his career as a player in the National Hockey League. Orr could ice skate when he was only 4 and was recruited by the Bruins at the tender age of 12. He played junior-league hockey until his 18th birthday, the first time he could legally play as a member of the Bruins. He led his junior-league team to the championship in his third year of play.

Bobby Orr won a title as his team’s outstanding rookie after his first year of professional play. After that season, in which the Bruins finished dead last, the team went on to make the playoffs for 29 consecutive years. Though he was a defenseman, he was often his league’s leading scorer. He won MVP awards, and 8 consecutive Norris trophies. He scored the goal that won the game in 1970 that gave the Bruins their first Stanley Cup in almost 30 years. They won the Cup again in 1972, with Orr leading in playoff scoring and making the game-winning goal once again.

He was often plagued with knee problems, and after 1973 these problems severely limited his play. He had several surgeries that left him with chronic and severe pain. Despite a deal that offered him a lucrative payout and part ownership of the Bruins, he signed with the Chicago Black Hawks. It’s widely believed that his agent was friends with the owner and misrepresented the Hawks’ offer as being better. He was unable to play well for the Hawks because of his knees, though, and retired in 1979. He never cashed a check from the Hawks, because he said he didn’t play for them enough to earn the pay.

Hockey fans still seek out Bobby Orr memorabilia and collectibles, from programs of games like those in which he lead his team to the Stanley Cup twice in three years, to jerseys, pucks and game-used items. Shops specializing in sports memorabilia items often have these items, and almost always carry reproductions of things like Orr’s helmet and jersey.

When looking for Bobby Orr collectibles, online auctions like eBay are an excellent place to start. You can search for specific items or Orr-related items in general and compare prices among them quite easily while online. Any autographed items should be carefully considered, even if they’re offered from what appears to be a reputable dealer. Find examples of Orr’s autograph online and carefully compare. Also beware of items the seller calls “rare” or “hard to find.” Research these claims yourself, and you might discover the item isn’t quite as exclusive and expensive as you’ve been lead to believe.

Originally posted 2008-12-15 14:00:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Sports Memorabilia

Even today’s modern kids who might not even watch baseball or be able to name one single player have heard the name Joe DiMaggio. His name is synonymous with baseball and sports, as he was part of the game during its glory days, when it seemed every American boy dreamed of seeing the Yankees or the Dodgers play ball in their home stadium and win the World Series. He played for the New York Yankees during his entire pro baseball career, something rarely seen today.

Joe DiMaggio was born in 1914 in Martinez, California, the 8th child of 9 born to Sicilian immigrants. His family moved to San Francisco a year later. His father wanted him to be a fisherman like he and his father before him, but the smell of the boat made Joe nauseous, so he had no desire to walk in his father’s footsteps. Joe played semi-pro ball until 1934, when he tore some knee ligaments and the Seals, the team that wanted to sell him to a pro team found themselves with an injured player that no one would pay for.

The Chicago Cubs wouldn’t even allow Joe to try out because of the injury, but the New York Yankees’ scout was impressed and bought his contract, for a quarter of the prices the Seals had hoped to get. He stayed with the Seals for the next season, and became their Most Valuable Player, before the switch was made to the New York Yankees. Joe DiMaggio batted for the first time in the major leagues in 1936, right before Lou Gehrig’s turn at bat.

DiMaggio did something no one else had done before by getting 75 home runs in his first two major league baseball seasons. They won the first 4 Fall Classics after bringing Joe onto the team, and ending up winning 9 titles over the next 13 years. Joe DiMaggio was often compared to baseball greats Babe Ruth, Joe Jackson and Ty Cobb by sportswriters, also earning him the nicknames Joltin’ Joe and The Yankee Clipper. Several years after his retirement in 1951 he was voted the greatest living baseball player by a poll of pro players in 1969.

Throughout his career, Joe DiMaggio won three Most Valuable Player awards and was an All-Star 13 times. He still holds the distinction of the being the only baseball player in history who was an All-Star every season in which he played. He set a record with a 56-game hitting streak, and managed to hit in 72 out of 73 games, an impressive achievement. Just two years before his retirement, in 1949, he was regarded as the best baseball player, but injuries and the pain they caused led to his retirement just two years later. He entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.

Popular Joe DiMaggio collectibles are baseball jerseys bearing his retired #5, New York Yankees sports memorabilia that’s tied to DiMaggio, particularly from his early career, and autographed items.

Originally posted 2008-11-15 14:13:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs – Original -> Autographs – Reprints

When it comes to high value sports related collectibles, sports autographs are among the best. Whether it’s an autographed baseball bat, basketball jersey or a football helmet, autographed merchandise can be worth its weight in gold. If you are interested in getting some sports autographs, but you don’t know where to look, here’s a quick guide to help you build up your collection.

1. Right from the source

One of the easiest ways to get sports autographs is simply to go to games and ask the players for them directly. Most will more than willing to offer autographs, but it is best to wait until after the game is over before you approach them. The majority of arenas will have an area set up where the fans can interact with the players. It will be up to the individual players as to whether or not they will actually sign something, but most will. This is the most economical way to get a sports autograph, since you will only need to purchase the item that you want to have signed. As a plus, these autographs are often personalized, making them even more special to the collector.

2. From licensed vendors

You can get authentic sports autographs from licensed vendors that have worked out an agreement either with a certain league or with an individual player. These stores will typically have a wide variety of merchandise available and it is fairly easy to get a hold of a popular player’s autograph this way. The major downside for many consumers is that these stores do charge premium prices for the merchandise they sell.

3. From other private collectors

If you are looking for vintage or rare sports autographs, this is a great way to find them. Private collectors will sometimes have a disbursement sale, or you can attend auctions and pick up some great deals. Once again, the prices will probably be a little high, but you will have access to a wide variety of different types of autographed merchandise.

4. At online auctions

This has become one of the most popular ways to get sports autographs. You can find literally thousands of different autographs online and many sellers have built up a great reputation for providing authentic merchandise. However, it is smart to be cautious when buying sports memorabilia online since there are some sellers that do take advantage of people. Ask for certificates of authenticity, or have the item appraised before you buy to ensure that you are getting authentic autographs.

These are just a few ways that the average collector can get their hands on sports autographs. Wherever you shop, just take the time to do your homework to make sure that you are getting a real piece of sports memorabilia. By following this step, you can be assured that your autograph will have more than just sentimental value.

Collecting sports autographs is a great hobby for kids and can help them get involved in sports. In addition, it serves as a great way to spend more quality time with your kids.

Photo Credits: danagraves

Originally posted 2008-09-26 14:00:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Out of all of the different kinds of memorabilia, perhaps the one that collectors seek the most is sports memorabilia. There is something special about finding that special item from a player you admire, or a memento from a game that meant something special to you. Sports memorabilia holds a very strong emotional attachment for some people, but above all, it can be incredibly valuable.

There are specific types of sports memorabilia that can sell for millions of dollars. Whether it is a signed game ball, an autographed jersey or a special card of a player, this memorabilia does hold a tremendous amount of value. If you are looking for a great type of collectible, or you are a sports fan, there are a few things to know about before you get started.

1. Authenticity is key.

Due to the amount of money that sellers can make with sports memorabilia, it is vital to make sure that you are dealing with authentic merchandise. Most sports leagues will have authorized outlets that handle special autographs and other sports memorabilia. This is done to provide buyers with a seller that they can trust. Typically, the memorabilia will come with a certificate or a tag that states it is officially licensed, or that is has been deemed to be authentic.

However, as technology expands, it’s becoming easier for counterfeiters to make these documents and tags up. However, there are a few more ways to determine whether or not sports memorabilia is in fact authentic.

2. The price matters.

If a price is too good to be true, it’s best to walk away. Once again, the licensing companies typically have a set price for specific types of sports memorabilia and there won’t be a lot of variation. If you are buying from a private collector, it is best to think long and hard about your purchase, especially if they have no real way of verifying the authenticity of the item.

Since counterfeiters can make these items very easily, they will simply sell them for a greatly reduced fee and make it up in volume. While you can find some great deals on sports memorabilia, just remember that if the price is too low, you may be better off saving your money.

3. Get an appraisal.

Just because a seller states that a specific piece of sports memorabilia is worth X amount of dollars doesn’t mean that it is true. For a high value item, or if you are simply curious about the real value, consider getting an appraisal. There are many places online where you can submit a picture or even an auction listing and get a quick response from an expert on what the true value is.

In fact, many sellers may even include their own appraisal certificate in the auction. Make sure to verify the amounts, since once again, it is all too easy to come up with a fake certificate.

With care, you can collect sports memorabilia that is not only special to you, but worth a lot of money.

Originally posted 2008-08-29 14:00:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Richard Petty is a NASCAR driving legend. Known as “The King,” he was one of the most fan-friendly sports figures in the history of racing or any sport, always willing to sign autographs and engage with the fans for as long as they remained after each event. He holds the distinction of winning the NASCAR championship 7 times along with only one other racer, fellow racing legend Dale Earnhardt.

Richard Petty won a career total of 200 races, and few will argue with the claim that he’s the greatest NASCAR driver in history. Racing was in his blood from birth, it seemed, because his father, won the very first Daytona 500 (of which Richard would win 7) in 1959, and was a 3-time NASCAR championship winner. His son, Kyle, is a NASCAR driver, too. His grandson, Adam, died in 2000 while racing.

Richard Petty won his first Daytona 500 in 1964 and his second in 1966, making him the first NASCAR driver to win it twice. He became a drag racer in 1965, while he boycotted the Daytona 500 due to their ban of a certain type of engine. During a crash in Georgia that year, 7 people were injured and an 8-year-old boy in the crowd was killed.

In 1967, back to regular NASCAR driving, Richard Petty won over half of the races he competed in, earning him the nickname “King Richard.” In 1969, Petty switched from Plymouths to Ford, but then went back to driving a Plymouth in 1970 because of the look of the Plymouth Superbird. He won his last NASCAR championship, his 7th, in 1979, after not winning a single race in 1978, in part because he couldn’t seem to “break in” the Dodge he drove.

Richard Petty announced his pending retirement in 1991, stating that after the 1992 season he would retire. He went on a year-long tour around the country, meeting with fans and enjoying his celebrity. His last race was Jeff Gordon’s first career start.

In 1993, Richard Petty crawled back into a race car, driving several laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and then donating the car to the track’s museum. In 2003 he drove a solo lap to commemorate his 7 Winston Cups at the Homestead Miami Speedway. And in 2007, he drove a Daytona car during the pace laps at the Pepsi 400. Petty was as famous for the crashes he survived as he was the races he won, and was famous for his willingness to talk to fans and stand sometimes for hours to be sure none were missed if they were waiting to get his autograph or talk to him.
Richard Petty autographs aren’t hard to come by because of his career-long willingness to sign them. Just be sure to compare any you find in an online auction or shop with known examples of his signature for authenticity. You can find jackets, posters, programs, replicas of his cars and tons of other items at large marketplaces like eBay.

Originally posted 2008-12-14 05:00:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Lou Gehrig, whose full name was actually Henry Louis Gehrig, is one of the most well-known names, not just in the history of baseball, but in the history of sports. He’s distinguished because of his remarkable career as a player, and his dignity in the face of the illness that forced him away from the sport he loved.

Lou Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive baseball games, a record that wasn’t broken until Cal Ripken, Jr. bypassed that number in 1995. The game that ended Gehrig’s consecutive streak came after his health began to mysteriously fail was a Detroit game against the Tigers in which he benched himself for the good of the team. The news was so shocking that the announcer told the crowd that it was the first time Gehrig hadn’t played in 2,130 consecutive games. They gave him a standing ovation.

Gehrig’s fame first came because of his hitting ability. He was known as the Iron Horse and set many Major League Baseball records. In fact, Lou Gehrig set one record that still stands today—23 grand slams, the most grand slams in any baseball player’s career.

For those looking for Lou Gehrig memorabilia, authentic autographed items run from about $5000 to $20,000 and more, so beware of cheaper auctioned items claiming to be authentic. Look in well-respected sports memorabilia stores for the best items, and look for items that aren’t perhaps authentic signed items, but somehow related to the Yankees during Gehrig’s era.

Lou Gehrig played for the New York Yankees until illness put him on the bench, where he remained as the team captain for a few weeks before leaving entirely. He was only 36 years old when he was stricken with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which has become commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The disease is a neuromuscular disease that causes a slow paralysis to overtake the individual, which eventually prevents them from even breathing or swallowing without help, while the mind stays sharp.

Even when his health started to decline and his statistics dropped dramatically from the previous year’s statistics in 1938, his record was still good, just not outstanding as it had been previously. He accumulated an RBI of 1,995, a lifetime batting average of .340, and he was a seven-time All-Star, an impressive number since the first All-Star game wasn’t played until 1933, and his career ended just before the game in 1939. He was the 1927 American League Most Valuable Player twice and won the Triple Crown in 1934. All high distinctions, considering he played ball with Babe Ruth, another Major League legend, who often overshadowed all other baseball stars.

If Lou Gehrig’s career was distinguished, so was his exit from baseball. When the diagnosis of ALS was given, it was only two weeks before he stood up and gave his famous farewell speech to a packed crowd, which stood and applauded him for two solid minutes. In that speech, he said he was “the luckiest man on the face of this earth.”

Originally posted 2008-10-25 05:00:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Football - Some of the best sports memorabilia in the realm of football includes team apparel and souvenirs, NFL jerseys and jackets, NFL hats, key chains, pins and watches. You can also choose team banners and signs, flags and car accessories, posters and lithographs, pennants, photos and more. If you are not interested in the NFL, there are other leagues that you may want to consider including the XFL, CFL and NCAA football as well.

Baseball - There are a number of different ways to go when it comes to collecting the best sports memorabilia in the realm of baseball. For example, you may choose baseball hats, or batting helmets or even bobble heads, apparel, jerseys and t-shirts, caps, souvenir buttons, watches, pins and jewelry and so many other items as well. You can choose major league baseball or even college league baseball depending on where your interests lay.

Basketball - If you are looking for the best sports memorabilia in the realm of basketball then you may want to consider apparel that represents your favorite team. Some examples are NBA jerseys and jackets, NBA shirts and hats, WNBA souvenirs and apparel, basketball apparel for the NCAA and more. There are photos and posters featuring the most legendary players, autographed caps and jerseys, autographed posters and prints, basketball cards, rookie jerseys and so many other items to choose from. And if you’re not interested in the NBA, there is always the WNBA and the NCAA to choose from.

Racing – Another way to go when it comes to collecting the best sports memorabilia is racing apparel and racing souvenirs. You can enter into the world of NASCAR style stock racing by collecting souvenirs and apparel that feature your favorite drivers, especially when it comes to drivers that have passed away such as Dale Earnhardt for example. If you are not interested in NASCAR racing, there are other racing styles to choose from including Indy racing, CART racing, Formula 1 racing and even NHRA racing.

Choosing the best sports memorabilia is up to you – Choose the sport you like, the team or the sports star that you like, and collect the best sports memorabilia that resonate within you.

Photo Credits: misterfreak

Originally posted 2009-09-21 03:51:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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