Tiger Woods autographed victory photo

• Tiger is Back! Upper Deck Releases New Cards—Five years. That’s how long it’s been since Upper Deck published a PGA card set. But that’s not keeping them from putting the world’s most popular golfer in their sports collectibles. Tiger Woods cards will be popping up in football sets, baseball card sets and an upcoming Sports Royalty subset. This news comes just as Tiger Woods is coming back off his eight-month injury.

Interested in this Tiger Woods collectible? Click here.

• Upper Deck Produces New Griffey Jr. Mariners Cards—Who says you can’t go home again? Last week, Ken Griffey Jr. signed a deal to send him back to the Seattle Mariners. Will this be the storybook ending to a great career? Only time will tell, but Upper Deck has already gone to work to create a special welcome-back card for the slugger. Here’s to hoping Griffey is able to be successful in his new (old) home.

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card

Griffey cards, senior and junior

The Griffey Jr. rookie card is available on GoAntiques, as is the father-and-son set.

• A-Roid’s “Confession” Spells Disinterest in His Collectibles—Even if you don’t follow sports news, you probably have heard the reports of Alex Rodriguez testing positive for steroids in 2003. This devastating information coupled with his halfhearted explanation caused a severe downturn in demand for A-Rod collectibles. For more information, read my story about the market for A-Rod collectibles.

• Sports Museum of America Closes Doors—A sign of the tough economic times, the Sports Museum of America was forced to shut its doors recently. The museum hadn’t even reached its one-year anniversary before its inability to cover operating costs led to its demise (for now anyway). Museum officials remain hopeful that a new owner will emerge to reopen the museum, but with the state of the economy, that seems unlikely.

• Clemens’ Gifts to McNamee Go to Auction—Things have been fairly quiet on the Roger Clemens’ front for the last couple months. However, it was announced recently that several pieces of memorabilia that Clemens gave to now-famous trainer Brian McNamee will be hitting auction blocks soon. Some of these collectibles include Clemens’ 2000 World Series trophy, game-worn memorabilia, autographed baseballs, All Star jerseys, gloves and other items. It should be interesting to see for how much (or little) these items sell. A poor economy plus the Clemens’ steroid scandal could lead to bargain-basement prices.

Roger Clemens Red Sox cards

If you want more details about this Clemens Red Sox cards, click here.

What stories would you add to this list? Share your insight into the latest events of sports collectibles in the comments.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Alex Rodriguez, Yankees third baseman

Of course, the most recent admission of steroids comes from Alex Rodriguez. This admission is particularly damaging to baseball and sports collectibles as many fans viewed A-Rod as the last great hope to break Bonds’ home-run record legitimately. A-Rod was, in many ways, the poster child for clean, steroids-free success in baseball.

Until last week.

Even though the results were from five years ago, the fact that A-Rod took steroids is a crucial blow to the sport. No longer does baseball have that hope that the home-run record will be taken back by a clean player. More importantly, this latest steroids admission just further sullies an entire era of players. Unless evidence comes up to the contrary, people are going to cast a skeptical eye toward any player from this period, and that’s the biggest shame of it all.

So, what does this mean for A-Rod’s collectibles?

If history is any indication, the demand for A-Rod’s memorabilia is going to decline drastically. The reasons for this are simple.

1. Parents aren’t going to spend hundreds of dollars on collectibles of a known steroids user for their kids.

2. A-Rod likely won’t get into the Hall of Fame, drastically reducing the value of his collectibles.

3. A-Rod’s numbers are tainted and meaningless. In short, they no longer add value to collectibles.

4. Many sports memorabilia shop owners refuse to carry pieces of known steroids users.

Just do a quick check on eBay to see how collectors are responding to this. Some 795 A-Rod pieces are up for sale, and most of them are sitting there with no bids or interest.

Alex Rodriguez 1994 Foxes card

Another A-Rod Foxes car

Two cards from A-Rod’s days on the minor-league Appleton (Wis.) Foxes. To learn about the one on the left, click here. For the one on the right, click here.

And it’s not just because fans are holding some high moral ground. It’s because collectibles from the steroid age are more and more proving to be poor investments.

That’s why I think A-Rod’s positive test doesn’t just affect him—it affects this entire era. Fans and collectors are starting to see how widespread the problem of steroids is/was, and they’re going to respond accordingly.

How will they respond? By buying collectibles from the pre-1980s. Players like Nolan Ryan, Sandy Koufax, Roger Maris, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and many others will now be held in even greater regard as the value of the numbers they put up and of their collectibles sharply increases as the modern era takes yet another black eye.

So, if you’re looking to make an investment, look to the past. Until this steroids issue gets taken care of once and for all, I wouldn’t feel comfortable sinking my money into any player from recent times.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

The simple truth is people love the All-Star game. In fact, they come from all around the country to watch it. I remember just a few short years ago when it came through my hometown of Houston. The streets were crowded, and there were celebrity sightings in every restaurant and club downtown. You would have thought the Super Bowl was in town, not an exhibition game.

2009 Starting Lineups

Every year, the starting lineups are chosen by fan voting. The players with the most fan votes at each position start the game. What follows is a list of the starting lineups and my favorite collectibles for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Yao Ming—Due to his large fan base in China, you can always expect Yao Ming to be voted the starting center in the West. But don’t interpret that as Yao not deserving to be there. The truth is Yao Ming is the most dominant center in the West right now, and if he can find a way to stay healthy, he could have a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Now is the time to buy Yao collectibles because the more All-Star nods he gets, the more valuable his collectibles will be. You can still find autographed Yao Ming jerseys for just a few hundred bucks.

Amare Stoudemire—The 2009 All-Star game will mark Stoudemire’s fourth appearance in the midseason exhibition. Ever since being named Rookie of the Year in 2003, Stoudemire has been improving steadily. Stoudemire collectibles are actually still moderately priced, meaning now could be a great time to invest in some of his pieces.

Tim Duncan—Mr. Fundamental. His game isn’t pretty, and he can be pretty boring to watch, but the bottom line is Tim Duncan produces year in and year out. He’s quietly won one MVP award, three NBA Finals MVPs and even an All-Star Game MVP. If you look hard enough, you can find Duncan memorabilia at reasonable prices. It’s not too late to invest as there’s little doubt Duncan will be a Hall of Fame inductee after he retires.

Kobe Bryant—What can I say about Kobe that hasn’t been said before? Love him or hate him, Kobe has been the best player in the league for the past several years. If you haven’t invested in his collectibles by now, you better have some deep pockets if you want any. Kobe’s collectibles are always in high demand.

Chris Paul—When I think about the future of the NBA, Chris Paul immediately comes to mind. Heck, forget the future, his time is already here. The Hornets point guard is just 23 years old, and this will be his first All-Star Game start. In his short time in the league, Paul has earned a Rookie of the Year award, first team All-NBA and All-NBA Defensive team. His collectibles are already rising in value (signed jerseys go for $700), but they’ll only get more expensive as this youngster continues to light the league on fire. Get his memorabilia while you can still afford them.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Dwight Howard—Perhaps Dwight Howard’s most notable moment came during All-Star weekend last year. His insane Superman dunk during the Slam Dunk Contest was in every highlight reel imaginable. Like Paul, Dwight Howard is just 23 years old, and he is the future of this game. His collectibles are as yet very reasonably priced (autographed jerseys sell for around $400), so you can still invest in this rising star.

Kevin Garnett—I don’t have to tell you that Kevin Garnett is good. If you’ve watched basketball at all over the past decade, you know KG is an absolute beast. And now that he has an NBA championship on his résumé, there’s little doubt about his greatness. Since he’s already established himself as an elite player over the course of several years, Garnett’s collectibles are fairly expensive. However, you should consider that the chances are good that he will add at least one more NBA Championship to his stellar career, and he’s a likely Hall of Famer.

LeBron James—Remember what I said about Kobe earlier? The same goes for James. He’s great, and his collectibles cost a fortune.

Allen Iverson—Despite the controversy that seems to follow him—are we talking about practice?—Iverson has always been a fan favorite. This will mark his 10th appearance in the All-Star game. In fact, Iverson already has two All-Star MVPs under his belt. Because of his popularity with the fans, Iverson’s collectibles are always in high demand. That’s why I think it’s not a good investment move to purchase his memorabilia. Frankly, he’s on the downside of his career, and I feel his collectibles are a bit overpriced.

Dwyane Wade—Because of his injuries last season, a lot of people forget that Dwyane Wade was an NBA Finals MVP just a few short years ago. Even though his collectibles are fairly expensive, now could be a good time to invest. Wade is coming off an injury, and he’s on a team that doesn’t have a real shot at winning a championship anytime soon. This could be a nice recipe for getting Wade’s collectibles at a bargain price.

Are you going to watch the All-Star game? Tell us about your favorite players and collectibles in the replies.

Eric Brantner is a sports fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

As much as anything, this is a match-up between two quarterbacks. Remember, it was just a few weeks ago that Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was knocked out of a game with a concussion. No one was sure how he’d perform when he came back for the playoffs. Many wrote the Steelers off, saying he wouldn’t be ready to lead them to the Super Bowl. And they were wrong.

On the other side of the coin, we have Kurt Warner. At 37, Warner is essentially an antique in a league of young men. Time and time again, so-called experts wrote Warner off saying the gunslinger was far past his prime. And they were wrong.

So, what does this mean for the world of sports collectibles? It means one of these quarterbacks is about to have his demand and value shoot through the roof. Let’s not forget that both Roethlisberger and Warner have each won a Super Bowl. So, at the end of Super Bowl night, there will be a quarterback with two rings and who is several steps closer to being in the Hall of Fame.

Ben Roethlisberger Collectibles

If you’re the type of person who likes to get the collectibles before everyone else, you might want to go out on a limb and get some Roethlisberger pieces. Even if he doesn’t win this Super Bowl, he’s still young (26), and he has a great chance of being in this position a few more times in his career.

• Autographed Jersey—Autographed jerseys are always popular collectibles. They tend to hold their value well, and they’re great pieces to display on your wall. Right now, a Ben Roethlisberger autographed jersey goes for about $500-$600. Rest assured, if he leads his team to another Super Bowl, that price will shoot up rather quickly.

• Super Bowl Champs Helmet—Another popular Roethlisberger collectible is the signed Super Bowl Champs helmet. This is a full-size helmet with the Steelers logo on one side and Super Bowl XL Champions on the other. It sells for around $700 currently. Again, another Super Bowl win could change that.

• Autographed Football—This is a fairly common collectible. People like signed footballs because they’re easy to display and they’re usually less expensive than helmets and jerseys. Right now, you can find Big Ben-signed footballs for just more than $400.

Kurt Warner Collectibles

If Kurt Warner wins the Super Bowl, he’ll be the first starting quarterback to win two Super Bowls on two different teams. That’s the kind of thing that could get him in the Hall of Fame. As it stands now, the Cardinals are 6 ½-point underdogs. But this isn’t the first time they’ve been the underdog. In fact, it seems to be a role Kurt Warner enjoys.

• Autographed Football—Due to Warner’s performances over recent years, the value of his collectibles dropped. People assumed his best days were behind him. That’s why it’s a good time to pick up his pieces. For example, an autographed Kurt Warner football sells for well less than $300.

• Signed Super Bowl Photo—Can you believe it’s been nearly 10 years since Kurt Warner’s Super Bowl win in St. Louis? This signed photo captures the quarterback hoisting the trophy after the Rams beat the Tennessee Titans. You can find it in various sports-memorabilia shops for around $150.

The bottom line is this—Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks are always a hot commodity. Just the title of “Super Bowl winning” can make a quarterback an instant legend. If you’re thinking of buying some Super Bowl collectibles, you can’t go wrong with either of these great quarterbacks.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Move over Christmas. You, too, Thanksgiving. There’s a new holiday that brings families and friends closer together than all the rest. Sure, you won’t find this holiday mentioned on your calendar, and this holiday won’t cause Wal-Mart to close its doors for the day. But rest assured, it’s a holiday, nonetheless, and a big one at that.

Have you guessed what I’m talking about? It’s the Super Bowl, of course. Since its inception in 1967, the Super Bowl has been growing steadily each year into the international media juggernaut we see today. Last year’s Super Bowl drew around 97.5 million television viewers. All signs point to that number eclipsing the 100-million mark this year. Those are some serious numbers for a single sporting event.

But the Super Bowl isn’t just for hard-core football fans. In fact, about one out of every 12 people watches the game just for the commercials. Companies spend millions of dollars fighting for a 30-second TV spot to pitch their product. Hey, there are usually more articles after the Super Bowl analyzing the commercials than discussing the actual game.

Here’s another neat fact. The day after the Super Bowl, 5-10 percent of the work force calls in sick. Now, that’s a holiday.

Super Bowl Collectibles

Of course, I’m rambling. After all, this is a story about collectibles. So, what does the Super Bowl do for the world of sports collectibles?

The Super Bowl has made quite a contribution to the sports-collectibles coffer. Let’s review just a few of the more interesting (i.e. valuable) collector’s items from the Super Bowl.

Vintage Super Bowl Memorabilia—When you’re talking about Super Bowl collectibles, you have to start at the beginning. The Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls, so their collectibles from this period are highly desirable.

• Super Bowl II Ticket Stubs—If you’ve read any of my past blogs, you know I’m a sucker for old ticket stubs. Why? I’m not really sure. I think it has something to do with a ticket stub capturing a fan’s memory. I look back at my stubs, and they each remind me of a specific moment in my life where I viewed a piece of sports history in person.

A Super Bowl II ticket stub is pretty difficult to find, especially in good condition. However, if you can score one, you’d have a collectible worth well more than $1,000 in your hands.

• Super Bowl III Program—Super Bowl III is one of the most famous in history. It featured the New York Jets against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. Before the game, Jets quarterback Joe Namath boldly guaranteed a victory against the league’s best team, the Colts. And the young quarterback lived up to his word. The Jets shocked the sports world, beating the Colts 16 to 7.

Mint condition programs from Super Bowl III can still be found in various online auctions and sports-memorabilia shops. You could probably pick up one for just a few hundred bucks. It’s a collectible that would surely grab some attention from your friends.

Super Bowl Winning Quarterbacks—No player receives as much attention at the Super Bowl as the quarterback. A win at the Super Bowl can catapult a quarterback from mediocrity to an instant elite player. Just ask Eli Manning. During his Super Bowl season, fans and teammates alike were questioning if he had what it took to be an NFL quarterback. Months later when he took the Giants to a Super Bowl win, he was named the Super Bowl MVP, effectively silencing all his detractors.

That’s why you can almost never go wrong getting an autographed piece from a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Here are a couple of my favorite collectibles.

• Joe Montana Autographed 4 Rings Photo—Joe Montana is one of just two quarterbacks (the other being Terry Bradshaw) to win four Super Bowls. This autographed photo features the legendary quarterback showing off his Super Bowl jewelry. While it’s far from the most valuable Montana piece, it’s a favorite of mine because it shows how much of a winner he was on the field. You can pick this collectible up for around $250. Learn more about Montana collectibles by clicking here.

• Tom Brady Autographed Super Bowl Mini-Helmet—Tom Brady rose from virtual obscurity to lead the Patriots to three Super Bowl wins in four seasons. During these wins, Brady showed confidence and poise that’s rarely found in a quarterback. Some have called him the current generation’s Joe Montana. This autographed Super Bowl XXXIX mini-helmet sells for close to $600. Definitely worth picking up since Tom Brady could still end up snagging another ring or two before his career is over.

Which Super Bowl Collectibles Should You Buy?

All of this collectibles talk leads to one big question. “Which Super Bowl collectibles should I buy?” While there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding this, here are some of my guidelines.

1. Quarterbacks Rule—Like I said above, you can’t go wrong buying collectibles of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Here’s a good list of all the Super Bowl-winning QBs.

2. Look for Team-Signed Pieces—Team-signed Super Bowl memorabilia make for great collectibles because they reinforce the idea that it takes a whole team to win. In this era of “look at me” players, team-signed pieces are a welcome alternative. Of course, they can be fairly pricey, so be ready to spend a nice chunk of change.

3. Shop with Your Heart—Most importantly, buy what you like. Collecting is supposed to be a fun experience. As cheesy as it sounds, just follow your heart, and you’ll end up with a collection you truly love.

So, go Phoenix. Go Pittsburgh. Or forget that the team you really love didn’t make it to Tampa, and have fun on the Super Bowl Sunday holiday.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Throughout the NFL’s illustrious history, fans have witnessed great coaches of every style. From hard-nosed, in-your-face variety to subdued geniuses, many of the greatest teams of all time have a great commander in chief on the sideline.

While collectibles from head coaches tend to be less valuable than player memorabilia, they’re still important pieces that can enhance any collection.

Here are a few collectibles from some of the greatest NFL coaches.

Autographed Vince Lombardi Speech Collage

When the subject of great coaches comes up, the name Vince Lombardi is always toward the top of the list. His tenure with the Green Bay Packers is one of the most successful coaching achievements of all time. He won championships with the Packers in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. In short, he created a football dynasty.

This unique collectible is a signed collage of his two most famous speeches. Lombardi was known for his motivational speeches. Copies of them hang in offices of top corporate executives. In addition to copies of his speeches, this collectible has a signed personal check and a photo of the coach. It’s valued at well more than $2,000.

Don Shula Signed Orange Bowl Seat

Don Shula led the Miami Dolphins through the team’s most successful years. The pinnacle of his success came in 1972 when he coached the Dolphins to the NFL’s only full perfect season in history. He will forever be in the history books for this accomplishment.

The Dolphins experienced much of their success in the confines of the Orange Bowl. This collectible features the autograph of Don Shula on a seat from the Orange Bowl. It’s a stadium collectible that would stand out in almost any collection. Surprisingly, it’s quite affordable at $250.

Bill Walsh Autographed Football

During the 1980s, Bill Walsh popularized the West Coast offense. It was an exciting style of play that captured the attention of football fans across the nation. His record with the San Francisco 49ers was 102-63-1. During this time, he won three Super Bowl rings.

This Walsh collectible is an autographed football featuring the legendary 49ers coach. Collectors should store this in a glass case in a dark, cool area. Most Walsh footballs sell for less than $300.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

The quarterback is arguably the most important player on an NFL team. How many times have you seen a great QB leading a fourth-quarter drive to take his team to victory? It happens all the time, and the great ones know how to do it best.

While this article can’t cover every great QB to ever toss a pigskin, it will touch on a few I haven’t yet had a chance to honor.

Without further delay, here are some of my favorite collectibles from the game’s top field generals.

• John Elway Signed Pewter Helmet—When you mention great quarterbacks, John Elway simply has to be on the list. During his highlight-filled career with the Denver Broncos, Elway earned nine Pro Bowl selections, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, the NFL MVP, a Hall of Fame induction and two Super Bowl rings.  The truth is this short section isn’t enough to do Elway’s career justice. But true football fans know what he meant to the game. My favorite John Elway collectible is an autographed helmet made of 100-percent pewter. The helmet has the inscription “2004 Hall of Fame” and “Super Bowl XXXIII MVP.” Because of the pewter, this unique collectible weighs nearly 10 pounds! It’s valued at more than $2,000.

• Dan Marino Signed ’84 Jersey—During the same time that Elway was leading game-winning drives, Marino was terrorizing defenses with his passing abilities. He’s the only rookie quarterback to start the Pro Bowl. In his second season, he put together one of the greatest seasons ever, earning him the MVP. Marino was a regular at the Pro Bowl, and he holds more passing records than I have room to list. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, this Hall of Fame QB is undoubtedly one of the game’s all-time greats.  Signed uniforms are great collector’s pieces. These collectibles can easily be framed and displayed on a wall. This Dan Marino signed jersey is a 1984 model (the year he won the MVP) of the Dolphins home uniform. It’s a great collectible to remind fans of a historic NFL season in which the Dolphins went 14-3, advancing to the Super Bowl where they lost 38-16 to San Francisco ’49ers. The jersey’s value is just more than $1,000.

• Johnny Unitas/Peyton Manning Signed Helmet—Long before Manning was wearing the Colts uniform, Johnny Unitas was revolutionizing the game of football. During the ’50s and ’60s, Unitas was earning a reputation as the game’s greatest quarterback. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls, won three MVPs and won a Super Bowl. And he led the Colts to victory over the New York Giants 23-17 in what has been called the Greatest Game Ever Played—the 1958 NFL Championship. He is a Hall of Fame quarterback that will never be forgotten.  I think the Johnny Unitas/Peyton Manning signed Colts helmet is a great collectible. It’s a piece that captures both the old and new era of the NFL through two of the game’s best QBs. This collectible can be found for around $2,500.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:
Sports E-cards
Sports Collectibles Memories
Brett Favre collectibles
Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles
Young NBA Stars: Collectors’ Slam Dunk
Verdict Puts Squeeze on O.J. Collectibles

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

To begin, it’s important to define who is your average sports-memorabilia collector. I’m not talking about the people who bid hundreds of thousands of dollars on rare pieces. Of course, those really high-end collectors will continue to acquire expensive rare pieces despite how bad the economy gets.

I’m referring to the collector who visits his local sports-collectibles shop or who browses online auction sites regularly to find new pieces to round out his collection. Has this economy squeezed them out of the market?

Sports-collectibles spending taking a hit

Judging from the reports from various sports-collectibles shows and dealers around the country, for now, the outlook is bleak. The number of dealers attending collectibles conventions has declined significantly over the past year. The bottom line is many people are cutting back their spending, and sports collectibles isn’t a necessary expenditure for them.

Worthologist Howard Lau (owner of Houston Sports Connection) confirms this point saying, “Right now, people are viewing sports collectibles as something that’s not a necessity but rather a luxury.”

Rarity items are still stong

While the rarity pieces that attract wealthy buyers seem to always have their market, how are the more expensive mainstream pieces (signed jerseys, helmets, etc) holding up? It seems this is the segment of collectibles currently taking the biggest hit. Your average sports-memorabilia collector just can’t afford to drop $1,000 on a signed jersey from his favorite player. Instead, he’s opting for lower-priced pieces that fit his budget.

But making a living by selling low-priced items can be difficult for card-shop owners. That’s why many dealers are pinning their hopes on a holiday-spending surge to boost their bottom line before the end of the year. It’s too early to say how much money will be spent on sports collectibles this holiday season, but it’s clear that for some dealers, their fate lies in the success of holiday sales.

Lau is optimistic there will be a holiday push, saying he believes “people will buy last-minute sports-collectibles gifts for Christmas.”

How can dealers get through the crisis?

So, what can dealers do to weather this economic storm? I believe focusing on a specific niche could prove valuable for sports-collectibles shop owners. For instance, pieces that have held their values for a long time will always be desirable. Vintage autographs, rare cards and big-name pieces (Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, Ruth, etc.) are proven investments that are safe to buy because they’ll always be valuable.

The demand for these pieces will always be there. And in difficult economic times, collectors are likelier to buy proven collectibles than take a chance on new, unproven pieces that could plummet in value.

No one can predict where the world of sports collectibles will be in a year from now, but I think there is hope for the market. As long as dealers are willing to make adjustments to help the average collector, the hobby will weather this storm.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

With everything in the collectibles realm, you need to be informed. Collecting for investment purposes can be challenging and rewarding. You have to take educated risks on which young players will have great careers and the most valuable collectibles.

For those who love basketball, this list will help you identify the best young players to invest in. Of course, this is only my opinion, so don’t get mad at me if their career takes a turn for the worse and their collectibles drop in value.

1. LeBron James—Okay, so this is an obvious choice for starting this list, but you have to mention LeBron James when you talk about great young NBA players. He’s not just the best young player in the league, he just might be the best player period. The tricky part is finding collectibles of his at a low enough price to warrant investing in them.

2. Dwight Howard—Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic really is Superman. This 22-year-old is undoubtedly the best young big man in the league. He does it all—scores, blocks shots, rebounds the ball and maintains a good field-goal percentage. Invest in this kid’s collectibles, and you won’t be sorry.

3. Kevin Durant—So he’s on a terrible team that just relocated to Oklahoma City. But after averaging more than 20 points per game at age 19, this youngster is poised to be great. I fully expect his next few seasons in the league will catapult him into the forefront of the game. Get his collectibles now.

4. Chris Paul—He’s just 23 years old, but many already view him as the best point guard in the league. I’ve seen him firsthand lighting up the Rockets down here in Houston when his team, the New Orleans Hornets, came to town. There’s no doubt about it—Chris Paul can flat out ball. He’s one of those players that teams develop their whole game plan around.

5. Brandon Roy—This shooting guard was the Rookie of the Year in 2007 and an All Star in 2008. Think he might be pretty good? You’re right. He averages about 20 points per game along with 5 assists each night. At just 24 years old, his collectibles make for a wise investment.

6. Deron Williams—It really pains me to put him on this list as the Jazz seem hellbent on crushing my hometown Houston Rockets every year in the playoffs, but the truth is Deron Williams is a great young point guard. He seems to fly under the radar and rarely gets the respect he deserves. From an investor’s standpoint, this is a good thing as you might be able to score some great deals on his collectibles.

7. Carmelo Anthony—Never forget, there was a huge debate as to whom would be better—Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. While James has become the face of the NBA, Melo hasn’t exactly been doing too badly, either. Last season, he averaged 25.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He’s gotten better each season, and he will be a solid player for years to come.

8. Chris Bosh—This 6-10 power forward has made a huge splash during his few seasons in the NBA. In fact, he was recently named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for his great start this season. For the past several years, he’s averaged about 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. Not bad for a 24-year-old.

9. Carl Landry—I know what you’re thinking—who the heck is Carl Landry? While he hasn’t had the success of other players in this league, he’s my wild-card pick for a future NBA star. During limited playing time with the Houston Rockets, he’s impressed scouts throughout the NBA. He’s a dunking machine, and his jump shot has improved over the off-season. If you’re looking to take a bit of a risk with investing, buy up some Carl Landry collectibles.

10. Kevin Martin—For the past couple seasons, Kevin Martin has quietly been averaging more than 20 points per game in Sacramento. While he might not play the most exciting style of basketball, he hits shots when the team needs him. Expect to hear more about Kevin Martin over the next few years.

Eric Brantner is a sports fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:

Chicago Cubs Collectibles

Antique Baseball Gloves

Red Sox Collectibles

Brett Favre Collectibles

Honus Wagner

Sports E-cards

Olympic Baseball Collectibles

Sports Collectibles Memories

Yankee Stadium Legacy Cards

Brett Favre collectibles

Sultan of Swat Collectibles

Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles

At Least Cubbies Have 1908 Series

Rays Collectibles—Buy Now

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

- Colt 45 Bobble Heads- Not too long ago, I wrote a post talking about some of the most valuable bobble heads to come out of the world of sports collectibles. Topping the list was the Colt 45 set of bobble head dolls. Before they became known as the Astros, the Houston baseball team was the Colt 45s. Since the name “Colt 45s” was used for only a few years, any collectibles bearing this name are highly desirable and very rare. Some colt 45 bobble heads have sold for nearly $10,000. And you thought bobble heads were silly toys!

- 1968 All Star Game Pennant- in 1965, the Houston Astros became the first major league team to play inside a domed stadium. The Astrodome took the sports world by storm. People came from all over to see this “eight wonder of the world.” Not surprisingly, Houston was awarded the host city of the 1968 MLB All Star Game. This amazing experience spawned many collectibles. One of the most valuable of them is the 1968 All Star Game Pennant. In good condition, these pennants can fetch up to a few hundred bucks at an auction. They represent a historical time for the city of Houston and Major League Baseball, and I think it belongs on this list of top Houston Astros team collectibles.

- Playoff Series Programs- Although the Astros have yet to win a World Series, the team has experienced some success in the playoffs. One popular collectible for teams who make the playoffs is the program issued to fans and members of the media. The most rare and valuable Houston Astros playoff program is the 1981 Division Playoff Series program. Copies of this program are scarce, and a mint conditioned copy could earn someone an amount n the low hundreds.

- Bagwell and Biggio Dolls- For Houston baseball fans, the names “Bagwell” and “Biggio” are synonymous with the Houston Astros. These two athletes are legends in Houston. They guided this team throughout the years into the playoffs and into the team’s first World Series appearance (okay Bagwell didn’t play much that year, but he was still a team leader.) It’s only fitting that the Astros are issuing interlocking dolls of the two during games this year. Fans that want the dolls have to attend two separate games to get them since they are released on different days. While these dolls may not be worth much now, the great moments in Houston sport’s history they represent makes them top Houston collectibles.

- Nolan Ryan Jersey- If you’ve read more any of my blog posts, you probably know how much of a Nolan Ryan fan I am. I grew up watching this amazing pitcher, and he simply must be included in this list of Houston sports collectibles. Frankly, any Nolan Ryan Astros collectible could fit on this list, but my favorite is the signed 80s Astros uniform. The rainbow jersey evokes a flood of memories of games I watched as a child. A signed Nolan Ryan 80s Astros jersey could easily sell for $500 today.

Montana was best known for his ability to stay cool under pressure. As the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana started in four Super Bowl games. The 49ers won all four of those championships. In short, the guy just knew how to win. He always seemed to find a way.

Montana was selected to eight Pro Bowls, he led the NFC in passer rating five times, he was a three time Super Bowl MVP, and a two time AP NFL MVP. This doesn’t even begin to cover all of Montana’s amazing career achievements.

Joe Montana is probably best remembered for his playoff performance against the Dallas Cowboys in 1982. During the NFC Championship Game, Montana completed one of the greatest comeback drives in league history. With over 4 minutes left to play, the 49ers were losing 27-21. Montana led his team steadily down the field into Dallas territory. With about a minute left on the clock, San Francisco faced a third down from the Dallas six yard line. Montana made an off-balanced pass to Dwight Clark who made a leaping catch in the end zone to win the game. It was truly a defining moment in Montana’s Hall of Fame career.

So, which Joe Montana collectibles should you keep your eyes open for?

- 49ers Autographed Helmet- Although Montana played his final seasons as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s best known for his 14 year stint in San Francisco. Guiding the 49ers through their most successful era in franchise history, Montana established himself as one of the greatest players to ever step onto a football field. Autographed Joe Montana 49ers helmets can be found for around $500. I think they make a great addition to any sports memorabilia collection.

- Joe Montana Signed Football- Montana’s ability to toss the football might never again be matched. When I think of Joe Montana, I remember all the times he brought his team back from what seemed to be sure losses. He always knew how to win. A signed Joe Montana football is worth around $400. You should store it in a glass case, and keep it in a dry place away from excessive sunlight.

- “The Catch” Autographed Picture- As I mentioned earlier, the defining moment in Montana’s Hall of Fame career was the pass he threw to Dwight Clark. This is known in the sports world simply as “The Catch.” Since this is such an important moment in football history, I think an autographed picture of the moment is a must have for any football memorabilia collector. With the signatures of both Montana and Clark, this 16×20 collectible is valued at close to $600.

But things weren’t always like this. Back in the day, most players flew under the radar and always said the right things.

Then, along came Joe Namath. In my mind, Namath is the first NFL media star. The guy had the presence of any rock and roll star. He knew how to command attention wherever he went.

But to say “Broadway Joe” was just a publicity hound is to sell his career short. Make no mistake about it, Namath loved to talk, but he also loved to play the game of football. And he was pretty darn good at it. Enough so be selected to 5 Pro Bowls, win a Super Bowl, win 2 MVP awards, have his Jets number retired, and be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

As a result of both his huge personality and his on-field success, Joe Namath collectibles are always in steady demand.

Here are a few of the more commonly sought after collectibles.

- New York Jets Signed Helmet- Joe Namath played all but his final season with the New York Jets. He’s certainly the most well known player in the history of the team. For this reason, fans love to collect Jets helmets autographed by the outspoken quarterback. Namath autographed helmets are sold regularly for $600.

- 1969 Team Signed Photograph- One of Namath’s most renowned moments was when he guaranteed his team would win Super Bowl III. Fans and media got in a frenzy over the prediction, and Namath lived up to his word capturing the title. A team signed picture of this momentous occasion makes for a great collectible. It also makes for an expensive on as they regularly sell for close to $1000.

- Joe Namath Signed Super Bowl III Program- If you’ve followed this blog at all, you know how much I love programs. They are flimsy documents that fans can get their hands on, but I think they make for great collectibles. They document important moments in the history of sports. Unfortunately, they are rarely preserved properly. A signed Joe Namath Super Bowl III program is a unique collectible that would stand out in any collection. It’s value is just over $300 making it an affordable piece for most collectors.

You see, Sanders really was like something out of a video game. His ability to stop on a dime and to turn what should’ve been a loss into a 50 yard gain was absolutely magical. His career accomplishments are noting short of amazing. A few of them include Heisman Trophy winner, 10x Pro Bowl selection, Rookie of the Year, NFL MVP, and 2x Offensive Player of the Year.

In July 1999, Barry Sanders stunned the sports world by announcing his retirement at the age of 31. He was just one season away from breaking the all time record for yards rushed. Had he played a full career, he certainly would have put that record in a place that would never be broken again.

Here are a few of my favorite collectibles from this electric running back.

- Autographed Heisman Trophy Helmet- In 1988, Sanders was a junior at Oklahoma State. Many people regard this season as the greatest college football year in history. That season, Sanders led all running backs by averaging almost 8 yards per carry. He also averaged over 200 yards rushing per game. Sanders set several records during the 1988 college football season, and he was awarded the Heisman Trophy. This autographed helmet commemorates his Heisman Trophy season. It’s valued at just over $500.

- Barry Sanders Signed Lions Jersey- During his 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders earned a reputation as one of the greatest running backs of all time. His Hall of Fame career is full of highlights no other player could achieve. Autographed jerseys always make for great collectibles as they help bring the game to life. A signed Barry Sanders Detroit Lions jersey can be purchased for around $400.

- Signed Barry Sanders Photos- Look around online and you can find all different types of Barry Sanders autographed photos. Most of these pictures capture the dynamic running back making a move to brush off several defenders at once. It’s these type of moves that caused Sanders to be a fan favorite and a Hall of Famer. You can find autographed picture collectibles of Barry Sanders for $150-$200.

The further we get from this historic accomplishment, the likelier it seems their record will hold up. It just seems too difficult to completely run the table in today’s NFL season. It’s a long, grueling season, and any team can win on a given Sunday.

Of course, any time a historic moment occurs in sports, there are many collectibles produced to document it.

Here are a few of my favorite collectibles from the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season.

- 1972 Dolphins Team Signed Helmet- This collectible contains the signatures of 8 vital members of the 72’ perfect team. Some of the more notable names on this helmet include Don Shula, bob Griese, and Jim Langer. To me, this autographed helmet is a collector’s dream. No other team has accomplished what these guys have. This collectible is valued at just over $800.

- Don Shula Autographed Orange Bowl Seat 17-0- I’m a sucker for unique collectibles. Any NFL collection is brimming with signed helmets, footballs, and cards, but few can boast an autographed Orange Bowl seat from legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula. The Orange Bowl was the venue for the 1972 perfect season. This collectible is a seat from the stadium with an autograph from Don Shula and the inscription “17-0.” For all discerning collectors, this piece can be purchased for around $300.

- Super Bowl Program- At Super Bowl VII, the 72 Dolphins completed their run toward football history. They did what no other team before or after them has done. They completed the perfect NFL season. Since I always talk about how much I love programs from great sporting events, it’s only logical that I’d include a Super Bowl program from the perfect season on this list. If you can find one preserved in good condition, I highly recommend picking it up. You’ll be holding a piece of football history in your hands!

In 1876, the Phillies were a charter member of the National League. In fact, they hosted the first game in National League history. Unfortunately, the franchise folded during the middle of the season. However, they came back in 1883, and they’ve been a crucial part of the National League ever since.

The Phillies first World Series visit was in 1915. They lost 4 games to 1 to the Boston Red Sox. The team would have to wait all the way until 1980 to win their first World Series. And you thought the Cubs’ fans suffered. Since their 1980 World Series win, the franchise has appeared in 2 World Series, 1983 and 1993, but they lost both times.

What follows is a list of some of the most unique and valuable Phillies collectibles. These document the rich history of one of baseball’s longest tenured franchises.

• 1915 League Champs Pennant- This pennant commemorates an important moment in Phillies history. 1915 was the first time the franchise made it to the World Series. They were the NL League champions. This pennant celebrates their league championship. Finding a baseball pennant this old usually means the collectible is in poor condition. Pennants are rarely preserved properly. However, a good condition 1915 Phillies League champions pennant is worth around $2000.

• 1915 World Series Press Pins- Press pins are some of the most exclusive antique baseball collectibles you’ll find. As the name implies, these are pins given solely to members of the press to wear on their lapels during the World Series. Finding a World Series press pin from the 1915 championship is a difficult task. Philadelphia press pins are priced between $6,000 and $11,000. A truly valuable collectible indeed.

• Mike Schmidt WS MVP Signed Ball- The 1980 World Series featured the Phillies against the Royals. The Phillies took the series in 6 games, putting an end to a nearly century long stint of no championship. Mike Schmidt was named the MVP of both the season and the World Series in 1980. He hit 2 home runs and drove in 7 runs over the course of the series. The Hall of Famer signed several baseballs with the inscription “1980 World Series MVP.” The balls are easy to find, but I think they still make for a great collectible. You can purchase them for well under $200.

Then, the 2008 seasons happened. Not only did the Rays end their losing ways, but they also won their division—a division with both the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. As I write this article, the Rays are in the ALCS up on the Boston Red Sox 3-to-1, one win away from going to the World Series.

From worst to first—how did the Rays do it? Young players have helped give the Rays a new winning image.
Here are collectibles from some of the rising youngsters on this Rays team.

• Evan Longoria—If you’re looking for collectibles to invest in, Evan Longoria memorabilia might be for you. Since making his debut earlier this season, the youngster hit .272 over 122 games with 27 home runs and 85 RBI. In his first two postseason at bats, Longoria hit two home runs, becoming just the second player in MLB history to accomplish this feat.

An array of Longoria is still available at very reasonable prices. For instance, an autographed Evan Longoria baseball can be found for less than $100. A signed bat can be purchased for close to $150. If Longoria’s career stays on its current path, these collectibles will skyrocket in value. Invest now, and it could pay off later.

• Carl Crawford—Even though Carl Crawford has been playing since 2002 and is the longest tenured member of the Rays, he’s still fairly young at 27 years old. Every season, Crawford has improved considerably, and he’s established himself as a true MLB All-Star. His future is bright, and he seems poised to keep improving.

Like Longoria, Crawford’s collectibles can still be found at affordable prices. If you’re looking to invest in Crawford memorabilia, you can buy autographed baseballs for around $80 each. His rookie cards are still very cheap, and they could make for great investments. As the Rays continue to have success, Carl Crawford’s talent will no longer be a secret. Think about investing in his collectibles soon.

• B.J. Upton—At 24 years old, this center fielder looks to be at the center of the Rays’ future success. In 2008, Upton hit .273 and stole 44 bases over the course of 145 games. However, the youngster still has a lot to learn. On two occasions, manager Joe Maddon disciplined the center fielder for a lack of hustle. I expect Upton to get past these growing pains and to have a successful future.

Since B.J. Upton is less proven than others on this list, his collectibles can be found at very low prices. Admittedly, he isn’t guaranteed to be successful. However, he seems to have all the talent necessary to have a great career. Pick up his rookie cards now while you can still get them for a few bucks at your local collectible shop.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:
Chicago Cubs Collectibles

Antique Baseball Gloves

Red Sox Collectibles

Brett Favre Collectibles

Honus Wagner
Sports E-cards

Olympic Baseball Collectibles

Sports Collectibles Memories

Yankee Stadium Legacy Cards

Brett Favre collectibles

Sultan of Swat Collectibles

Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles

In short, the name Manning is synonymous with great football. They are nothing short of football royalty.

As such, it’s no surprise that this football family has produced a laundry list of highly desirable collectibles.

Here are a few of the top collectibles bearing the Manning name.

• Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning Autographed Photo—Is there a better collectible to start off this list than an autographed 16-by-20-inch photo of football’s first family? It features a collage photo of each of the three Mannings in action. It’s a great collectibles for documenting the family tree of one of the NFL’s most influential and recognizable families. This signed photograph is valued at $600.

• Peyton Manning Autographed Super Bowl MVP—For years, fans questioned Peyton’s ability to win the big one. All throughout his career, he came up short during the most important games. It seemed as if he might never win a Super Bowl. Then, in Super Bowl XLI, Manning led his team to victory, and he earned the Super Bowl MVP in the process. This signed Manning Colts helmet has an inscription of Super Bowl XLI on it, making it a unique, valuable collectibles. It’s estimated worth is $800.

• Eli Manning Team Signed Super Bowl Jersey—Just one year after his brother, Peyton, made Super Bowl history, Eli followed it up with a win of his own. The Giants shocked the undefeated Patriots in one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. This collectibles is an Eli Manning jersey signed by the entire 2007 Giants team. It’s a great testament to the power of being united as a team and never giving up. This rare collectible will set you back well more than $2,000.

More stories by Eric Brantner:

How to Start a Baseball Card Collection

Where to Find Baseball Cards

How to Store Your Baseball Cards

Chicago Cubs Collectibles

Antique Baseball Gloves

Red Sox Collectibles

Brett Favre Collectibles

Honus Wagner

Sports E-cards

Olympic Baseball Collectibles

Sports Collectibles Memories

Yankee Stadium Legacy Cards

WorthPoint—the premier Web site for art, antiques and collectibles

Baseball is a sport full of superstitions. You don’t talk to a pitcher during a no-hitter. You step over the foul line when walking on the field. And, if you were a Red Sox fan before 2004, you blamed the “Curse of the Bambino” for the 86-year drought between World Series championships. The Red Sox are undoubtedly one of the most popular teams in the world of baseball and sports collectibles. But these days, it’s not for being the cursed team; it’s for being a dominant force in the game.

Red Sox fans have witnessed an amazing history with their team. Along its historic path, some great collectibles have been created. This list covers just a few of the most valuable Red Sox collectibles.

• 1908 Mechanical Postcard—The rarest collectible on this list is the 1908 Boston Red Sox mechanical postcard. The front features the ballpark and team executives. The postcard then opens up in an accordion style to feature the players of the 1908 Boston Red Sox. Finding this 3 1/2-by-5-inch postcard is next to impossible, which is why it’s valued at close to $2,000.

• 1903 World Series Program—The most valuable collectible on our list of Red Sox memorabilia comes in the form of a program. The 1903 Boston Red Sox World Series program documents the first modern World Series in baseball. The Red Sox won and were forever a part of baseball history. The 1903 World Series program is valued at upward of $15,000.

• 1912 Yearbook—Baseball yearbooks are fun collectibles because they give us a snapshot of a time in baseball history. They have images and biographies of each player on the team. The 1912 Boston Red Sox yearbook is the oldest yearbook of the franchise. It features photos and sketches of the world champions. This historic document would fetch well more than $500 at an auction today.

• 1918 World Series Ticket—Until recently, 1918 was the last time the Boston Red Sox won the World Series. It was the beginning of the 86-year drought. For this reason, 1918 will always be an important year to Red Sox fans. A complete ticket from the 1918 World Series would be an important asset to any sports memorabilia collection. It would also be a valuable addition at nearly $1,500.

• 2004 World Series Ticket and Photo—The “Curse of the Bambino” was finally broken in 2004. Worthologist Howard Lau said this World Series win “definitely had an impact on the value of their memorabilia.” Collectibles from this historic event are sure to be great investments for fans. Right now, collectors can still pick up a 2004 World Series ticket and photo of the team celebrating for less than $200. I highly recommend adding 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series memorabilia to your collection. It is certainly an important event in baseball history.

One of the first questions that might come to mind is “if the cards are virtual and accessible to everyone, how do they get their value?” Topps solves this problem by offering certain collectibles for a short time and in a limited number. This prevents the market for cards from becoming flooded with too many of the same piece. After all, if an unlimited number of Joe DiMaggio rookies could be created, why would anyone pay more than a few cents for it? Limiting the number of downloads preserves the market for Internet baseball cards.

Collectors wishing to sell their virtual baseball cards can do so through online auctions. Of course, potential buyers must have an account at eTopps so the card can be sent to their online portfolio after purchase. All eTopps auctions are monitored by the staff at Topps, and the final prices are averaged to determine the current value of each card.

If owning a card that you can never physically touch doesn’t sound good to you, eTopps has a solution. For the price of shipping and handling, eTopps will physically print your cards and send them to you in plastic sleeves. Printing is typically done at the end of each season. Of course, after you have the physical card, you can no longer sell its virtual version online.

As far as investing in eTopps cards goes, it can be a dicey proposition. (My story on baseball-card collecting as an investment is filled with useful information.) The online market hasn’t quite found its footing yet. There was a period when Topps was producing too many e-cards, and the market fell flat on its face. Recently, eTopps corrected this problem by limiting the run of cards. Some rookie cards, such as that of Albert Pujols, have seen dramatic increases in value. Other cards, such as an Alex Rodriguez eTopps, have flattened or declined in value.

It’s difficult to tell the future of virtual card collecting. I think it’s certainly a novel idea and a fun hobby, but until the market finds itself, I’ll probably stay away from investing in it too heavily.

What do you think of these collectibles? Do you think virtual card collecting is the future of sports memorabilia? Or will this idea fade away in the upcoming years?

In past blogs, I have talked a lot about baseball card collecting as a hobby for example my post about starting a baseball card collection. We all know how exciting it can be to start a collection and grow it over the years. However, not everyone views baseball card collecting as a hobby. Some see their card collections as investments that will one day earn them a substantial amount of money. They choose the cards they purchase carefully. In fact, collecting cards for investment purposes is similar to playing the stock market.

• Know the Next Big Thing- We have all heard the success stories of individuals who bought stock in Microsoft or Apple back when almost nobody knew who they were. If you’re collecting cards as an investment, you’re always on the lookout for the next big thing flying under the radar. Recently, I blogged about some rookie cards I believe could be valuable down the road. They may not earn you as much as buying Microsoft stock 20 years ago, but you could earn a pretty penny if you get lucky. According to our own Worthologist Howard Lau, “The current market can be good for investors if they can pick the right players. For example, Jay Bruce & Josh Hamilton would have been a good investment had they been purchased back in 2005.”
• Buy At the Right Time- Just like playing the stock market, collecting baseball cards for investment purposes requires you buy at the right time. You don’t want to get caught up in the hype surrounding a baseball card only to find the card drop in value after the trend is over. Instead, you want to be the person who buys the card when it’s low in value so you can sell it once the frenzy hits. Which brings me to my next point:
• Sell High- Baseball cards are similar to stocks in the way they rise and fall in value. A lot of times, companies will release gimmicky error cards when they publish their new sets. Some of these cards become very hot for a short period of time, selling for large sums of money. However, a year later most of these cards won’t be worth the cardboard they’re printed on. If you see what you believe to be a short term trend, you should sell the card at its peak to get maximum value for it. Always be careful, because the bottom can fall out very fast, and the card will plunge in value. The rule is simple- buy low and sell high.

If you are collecting cards as an investment, you need to know how to store them properly. Read my post about storing baseball cards.