Thursday, February 23, 2012

Team-Signed Memorabilia

When it comes to collecting autographed football memorabilia, kickers are typically not high on the priority list. Although the kicker may have made a pro-bowl or had the highest field goal percentage in the league, they typically aren’t coveted as much as a quarterback or wide receiver. The reason for this is easy; kickers aren’t popular. Same goes for a middle reliever in baseball. Although these players are important role players and essential to a team’s success, they are never going to be as popular as the quarterback or starting pitcher. However, this all changes once a team wins a championship. This is because of the popularity in team-signed sports memorabilia. Whenever a team wins a Super Bowl or Championship of some sort, memorabilia from that team often becomes extremely popular and valuable.
1970 Team-Signed Orioles Photo
Ironclad Authentics
1970 World Series Champion
Team Signed 16x20 Photo
Acquiring all of the autographs for a team-signed item is often challenging for the collector. Today’s sports world is filled with free agency and trades, which have players switching teams constantly. After the Cardinals victory over the Rangers in the 2011 World Series, several key players, such as Albert Pujols and Edwin Jackson, have joined other teams. This makes it extremely difficult for collectors to find and collect all of the signatures needed to complete a World Series piece. This becomes even harder when players begin to retire and are out of baseball.

Occasionally, a collector’s show will have a reunion type show where they will bring in several members of a championship team. A good place to find these shows is www.mab-celebrity.com.

Although many will argue that collecting the signatures in person is more fun, the simplest way to acquire a team signed collectible is to buy one from a reputable memorabilia dealer. Although they are in most cases expensive, it guarantees you a piece of memorabilia that will only increase in value over time. Check out some of our team signed memorabilia at www.ironcladauthentics.com.