How to Buy Sports Memorabilia

sportsLearning how to buy sports memorabilia and collect sports memorabilia is something that can be both profitable and enjoyable at the same time. Here are some tips, some definitions and some examples that are going to help you to better understand the entire process for learning how to buy sports memorabilia and enjoy sports memorabilia in a collection.

What are officially licensed products?

These are products that have come to be because a professional athletic association has granted permission to a company to display a team logo, name or trademark on a product. An item that is officially licensed will typically have a tag or a sticker that indicates that the item has been officially licensed by a professional athletic association such as the NHL, NASCAR, NFL, NCAA, MLB or NBA for example.

What are limited editions?

When you buy sports memorabilia that is noted as being a limited edition collectible, what this means is that there are only a certain number of that item that were produced or that were autographed. There are typically going to be two different numbers that are displayed on such a collectible, one which is high and one which is low. The high number is indicating the total number of limited edition items that were produced and the lower number is indicating what number yours is out of the total.

With limited editions, the only way that the number is going to be the same in both numbers is if you have received the last limited edition item out of the total number of items that was produced. Most of these limited edition items are going to come with what is known as a certificate of authenticity, which is important even if the item is not actually autographed because what it is doing is letting you know that the item is licensed, limited edition and authentic, and this is something that you should be looking for when you buy sports memorabilia.

When you have the certified signature from a professional athlete on your collectible sports memorabilia, then what you have is a limited edition autographed piece of sports memorabilia. These signatures can appear on baseball cards, pictures, jerseys, balls and any other piece of memorabilia or equipment. The signature absolutely must be certified in order for the memorabilia to be worth anything, so when you buy sports memorabilia, make sure that you are getting the piece verified before you purchase it in order to verify its authenticity.

There are a lot of things that go into how rare or how limited edition an item is including the popularity or talent of the particular athlete, the number of items available to the public, if there is a hologram on the item and the condition of the item, though there are many other criteria as well.

Photo Credits: Keith Allison

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • sportsjersTypes of Sports Memorabilia Items to Buy There are a number of different forms that sports memorabilia items can take, including both modern memorabilia and vintage memorabilia. Some of the sports memorabilia items that you can purchase and add to your collection include: - Autographed sports memorabilia items, including balls, gloves, bats, cards and anything else that......
  • blog traffic exchangeFootball Memorabilia Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs: Original -> Football-NFL Collecting football memorabilia is a passion for thousands of people and whether you are a huge fan of the sport, or you admire certain athletes, there are many different items that are considered to be highly collectible. It’s easy to enhance your personal......
  • racingWhat is the Best Sports Memorabilia? Millions of people are shopping online looking for the best sports memorabilia. The best sports memorabilia can easily span a number of different sports while including a wide range of different items including high demand items, rare items and cool items, funny items and even some more bizarre items as......
  • sportsCollecting Autographed Sport Memorabilia Are you thinking about collecting autographed sport memorabilia? If you are interested in creating a sports collection of some kind, one of the options that is available to you is collecting autographed sport memorabilia. If you want to add autographed collectibles to your own personal collection, what you may like......
  • BobbleheadsBobbleheads Sports Memorabilia -> Vintage Sports Memorabilia -> Bobbleheads 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......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • tikidecorCollecting Tiki Hawaiian Décor Memorabilia There are a wide variety of relics and Hawaiian décor pieces that hail from the tiki craze, which happened between the 1940s and the 1960s. Collectors seem to get enjoyment from the over the time and often kitschy nature of these items. These items are often purchased, collected and then......
  • rareCollecting Rare Collectibles 101 There are all kinds of different collectibles out there, including rare collectibles and more common collectibles for example. If you are interested in collecting rare collectibles, then knowing how to identify them, find them, price them, display them and sell them are all very important considerations to make. Here is......
  • Movie MemorabiliaMovie Memorabilia Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Props-> Posters Movies touch our hearts, inspire our souls and transport us on an incredible journey. It’s no wonder that movie memorabilia has become so incredibly popular throughout the years. You’ll find numerous different types of movie memorabilia that range from simple posters, to theater......
  • blog traffic exchangeThin Wallet An Unusual Goal The other day I finally got around to changing wallets (I received a new wallet from my wife for Christmas). Guys are lucky because our wallets are tucked away in a back pocket, or inside our jacket, so they are less of a fashion statement than women's purses. I prefer......
  • blog traffic exchangeMusic Memorabilia Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop Music memorabilia has always been popular, and although we associate it primarily with today’s rock and pop musicians, the practice of collecting items for musicians and groups dates back many hundred years. In fact, in Japan, before mass printing was used on a......
Online Stores

Baseball Memorabilia

Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs – Original -> Baseball – MLB

Out of all of the sports collectibles, when it comes to the ones that resonate the deepest with collectors, baseball memorabilia is at the top of the list. This is an emotional game, and there are thousands of different things that you can collect. Whether it’s a vintage card from Mickey Mantle, a bobble head of Cal Ripkin, Jr, or a signed card from your favorite player, baseball memorabilia is valuable in many different ways. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest baseball memorabilia that is currently available.

1. Autographed Baseball Cards

These are definitely a fan favorite and whether you remember your collection as a kid, or you are still actively collecting, this type of baseball memorabilia is incredibly popular. In fact, many of these cards can sell for thousands of dollars at auction. When you’re shopping for this type of memorabilia, it is important to get it authenticated before you actually buy, since fakes are common. However, with care, you can easily get a great card to add to your personal collection.

2. Jerseys and Gloves

These items rank right up there with cards when it comes to the most popular forms of baseball memorabilia. Ideally, you should be looking for originals, and it’s even better if they are autographed. However, if your budget is a little on the small side, you can still get an nice commemorative jersey or glove that is a licensed reproduction. Just make sure that you are dealing with a retailer that has been approved by the MLB to ensure that you are getting the best merchandise.

3. Bobble Head Dolls

This is another incredibly popular type of baseball memorabilia and once again, there are a few that will sell for thousands at auction. You’ll want to look for older bobble head dolls that represent famous players, or ones that are specifically commemorating an event, such as a the World Series. While many of these have emotional value only, they still make for a great display item and a wonderful conversation piece.

4. Bats and Signed Balls

You may be able to get your very own baseball memorabilia if you show up at a game and ask your favorite player to give you an autograph. Try to get them to sign a bat or a ball. In most cases, players will stay after a game in order to give the fans a few minutes for autograph signings. Don’t hound the players, but depending on their level of friendliness, most should be willing to oblige you.

Baseball memorabilia is one of the collectibles out there that is a lot of fun to find and it’s easy to start building your own personal collection. If you love this game, and you’re not yet collecting memorabilia, you are missing out on a great chance to express your love of this game and get some valuable collectibles that you can pass on to your children and grandchildren down the road. This is a great family activity and one that kids really enjoy.

Originally posted 2008-09-19 14:00:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • blog traffic exchangeBasketball Cards Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs - Original -> Basketball - NBA -> Trading Cards Although when most people think of collectible cards, they automatically think baseball, basketball cards are actually incredibly popular. There are thousands on the market and many of them depict some of the best players that ever hit......
  • blog traffic exchangeFootball Memorabilia Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs: Original -> Football-NFL Collecting football memorabilia is a passion for thousands of people and whether you are a huge fan of the sport, or you admire certain athletes, there are many different items that are considered to be highly collectible. It’s easy to enhance your personal......
  • blog traffic exchangeSoccer Memorabilia Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs Original -> Soccer While the United States may not share the same love for soccer as the rest of the world, it is clear that everywhere else soccer and soccer memorabilia is big business. During the last World Cup a cumulative 4 billion people turned into......
  • bobgibsonTips for a Sport Collection Collecting a memorability sport collection is something that can be truly exciting as a hobby and also truly profitable. Perhaps you have always had an interest in sports, or perhaps you just love collecting items of value. If you are interested in creating your own sport collection, you need to......
  • sportssignedSeeking a Sports Memorabilia Appraisal When you are seeking out a sports memorabilia appraisal for an item that you own, there are two ways that you can do it: The first way is to have it done in person using a specialist in the field of sports memorabilia appraisals, and the other way is to......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • blog traffic exchangeLobby Cards Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Lobby Cards Most devoted film buffs and film memorabilia collectors have at least a small collection of lobby cards. These cards are released when a movie is released and serve as promotion must like film posters do. Most major releases also have a set of......
  • blog traffic exchangeMLB SATURDAY Interleague play continues this weekend and after yesterdays bizarre finish to the Yankees-Mets game, I expect we are in store for some more interesting outcomes. I am almost glad NHL is over after yesterdays disastrous performance by the Red wings, I look forward to concentrating this summer on fewer sports.......
  • Save Money at Baseball GamesSave Money at Baseball Games /caption] Spring is here and the baseball season is underway. Today and the next two days, I'll be watching the Red Sox visit the Oakland A's at the Oakland Colosseum. The tickets were around $60 a piece, but at least they are amongst the best in the house. Going to......
  • blog traffic exchangeFrugal Ideas to Celebrate Father’s Day photo credit: jillclardy Everyone knows that Dad deserves a special day to say thanks for all of the loving things he does for his family everyday. But, after working so hard to improve your finances, you don’t want to get too carried away purchasing a Father’s Day gift and......
  • blog traffic exchangeI Think I Made a Terrible Mistake I must have tempted fate the other day when I posted about something starting as a trickle (the migration of HGTV Message Board members to the Squirrel Forum).  I really was NOT talking about the weather. But, the fates must have intervened.  Talk about the Law of Attraction in action.......
Online Stores

Baseball Pennants

Sports Memorabilia -> Vintage-Sports Memorabilia -> Pennants-Flags

Baseball PennantsCollecting baseball pennants can be a fun hobby for a sports memorabilia fan, or a fan of a particular baseball team. A collector can choose to collect pennants that were made during a certain year, a certain era, or pennants spanning the entire history of one team. The variety in pennants in colors, materials and designs is so that any collection is bright and varied, and livens up any room in which it’s displayed.

Baseball cards stand as the leader among baseball collectibles, which causes many people to overlook things like baseball pennants, which are just as collectible and can be quite valuable. In fact, as far as an investment goes, pennants hold their value steady more than cards, which fluctuate based on a number of factors. While it’s unlikely that you’ll find baseball pennants that are worth as much as the top value baseball cards, you’ll have a more steady investment and a great-looking item to enjoy.

Baseball pennants are larger than baseball cards, and more easy and satisfying to display because of that, especially for fans of one team. While they take up more room, the space they occupy is typically on the wall, rather than in albums or boxes like cards, so they’re great for people with limited storage space. They serve as decoration as much as simply a collectible display, and are easy to theme a baseball room around, or feature prominently in a room filled with memorabilia from other sports besides baseball.

Thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets are a good place to browse for baseball pennants. Many people acquire them and never realize that they might have value beyond that of a souvenir, so it’s not unusual to find a true vintage pennant in one of these relatively cheap ways! Some older pennants can even be purchased through Major League Baseball and its affiliates, so it pays to check the official sources. And of course you can purchase new ones there, too.

Online auctions like eBay are a great way to find baseball pennants. While you might not be able to find the exact year a pennant was made when you’re purchasing through yard sales and auctions, this shouldn’t deter you from getting a pennant that you love. You can always research it later to try to find the year, if you’re interested in the history of the pennant.

When looking at baseball pennants, especially online, make sure you ask what material the pennant is made from, as this should affect the price and the value. (Also look into purchasing inexpensive pennant protectors so you can display your treasures without worry.) Felt pennants are the least expensive, and the more easily damaged ones, while wool pennants command higher prices and make a better investment. The earliest pennants from the 1940s will probably cost you more than those made later, but you may be able to find a great vintage pennant for much less than you think, especially if the current owner doesn’t realize its potential value.

Originally posted 2008-11-13 14:00:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • sportautographTypes of Sporting Memorabilia If you are trying to get into sporting memorabilia and would like a good idea of what types of memorabilia are out there, keep reading. Here you are going to find a basic look at what types of sporting memorabilia are out there so that you can go about finding......
  • tradingcardsCollecting Vintage Sports Cards Collecting vintage sports cards is something that has been a part of the culture in America ever since the 1800s. During these times, collecting boxing cards was especially popular. Then when the late 1800s as well as the early 1900s rolled around, baseball ended up emerging as the popular type......
  • baseballCollecting Signed Sports Memorabilia If you are interested in sports, then there is a growing business trend that you should be aware of, which relates to buying, collecting and selling signed sports memorabilia. This is a sound investment that would be well worth considering if you are into sports, but the first consideration that......
  • nflBuying NFL Sports Memorabilia Every fan of the NFL would absolutely love the chance to own a piece of real NFL Sports memorabilia. This may be an old match program or a signed shirt or a signed football. The NFL Sports game is a well loved game worldwide, and it has a huge amount......
  • blog traffic exchangeBaseball Cards Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs, Original -> Baseball-MLB-> Trading Cards Baseball cards have been around for just about as long as the sport has and many of them have turned into very valuable collector items. Whether you are interested in collecting baseball cards from a fan perspective, or you are more......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • blog traffic exchange2009 World Series MVP Futures YANKEES AND PHILLIES SET TO BATTLE WITH HALL OF FAME LINE-UPS – WHICH STAR WILL SHINE AND TAKE HOME MVP? NEW YORK, NY - Major League Baseball has finally reached the World Series after a thrilling regular season and two rounds of playoff action. Both the Yankees and the defending......
  • blog traffic exchangeBoston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates Played First World Series in 1903 Boston and Pittsburgh played the first World Series in 1903 with Boston winning 5 games to 3. A proposal for a World Series was made in 1894 but did not materialize until a reconciliation from both leagues in 1903. In game one, Deacon Phillippe  pitched a 6 hitter and right......
  • blog traffic exchangeLobby Cards Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Lobby Cards Most devoted film buffs and film memorabilia collectors have at least a small collection of lobby cards. These cards are released when a movie is released and serve as promotion must like film posters do. Most major releases also have a set of......
  • blog traffic exchangeThe 7-Day Turnaround, Day 2: Build an Emergency Fund, Quickly This is the second article in Frugal Dad's week-long series, The 7-Day Turnaround: One Week to Change Your Family's Financial Destiny. Each day brings a new step to implement and help you get control of your finances. Experts argure over the first step of a money makeover. However, anyone who......
  • blog traffic exchangeGame One of World Series Starts Tonight-Weather Permitting The Phillies  are in New York  tonight for game one of this years World Series. They're calling for a 30% chance of showers and a game time temperature of around 47 degrees. Sounds like good weather for this time of year in N.Y. It could be snowing. Cliff Lee is......
Online Stores

Email Updates