I'm one of those collectors who will buy specific things I really want... and sometimes will be tempted by an outrageous offer. Which means that I probably won't be busting any 2011 baseball products anytime soon.
But if Topps is reading this... there's something that might make me reconsider my view on box purchases.
Ten years ago, Fleer put out a product called Fleer Legacy. The product contained game used cards and the chance to pull an autographed rookie card of Albert Pujols... but the thing that attracted me to this product were the autographed hats inserted into these boxes. Now I'm not talking about the type of hats you find at Old Navy or Big Lots... we're talking about official MLB fitted wool caps.
A few months ago... as Jim Thome closed in on his 600th homerun... I decided I wanted to add an autograph of his. I've never owned his signature, but when I came across this:
I knew... I had to have it. After some research about Fleer Legacy and a small bidding war... I came out on top with a bid of $51.99 (free shipping). It's debatable whether or not I overpaid on this. But since I have no intentions of selling this anytime soon... and I haven't seen another one at this price... I'm content with my purchase.
Included in the purchase was a Fleer envelope that contained a certificate of authenticity.
The COA included a number that matched a Fleer sticker attached under the bill of the cap.
I'm surprised more companies haven't jumped on this trend. I'm sure they would be able to acquire authentic MLB hats at a reasonable price... and the fact is... these hats (IMHO) are a lot nicer and more unique than autographed cards or even autographed balls.
So Topps... if you're interested in attracting a collector of over 30 years back into the box busting market... you might want to consider taking a look at 2001 Fleer Legacy.
Now... I know this is only one collector's opinion. Obviously there are millions of collectors out there who collect autographed cards... and autographed balls and 8x10's are probably the two most popular signed pieces of memorabilia.
But I'm curious...
Do any of my readers own any autographed hats? If not... would you ever consider getting a hat signed?
And one more thing...
Outside of cards, balls, and photos... what are some other items you've had signed?
Off the top of my head... I could only think of two things. I have a couple of action figures that have been autographed on the package and a skateboard deck that was autographed by Tony Hawk. I used to own a sock autographed by Mankind, but I gave it to one of my students who was in love with the guy.
Well... I hope everyone has been enjoying their week. Only one more day of work... and then I'm off to the GTSM Show. So hopefully, I'll have some cool new PC items to share with you this weekend.
Last time I walked away with the 1956 Topps Jackie Robinson, I've wanted for years... and this time... I'll be on the hunt for a T206 Chief Bender or T206 Eddie Collins... although both are probably out of my price range.
Oh and before I forget... a tip of my hat goes out to Mr. Thome on becoming the 8th member of the MLB 600 home run club. There are some who say this club is not what it used to be... but the fact is... only 7 other people can say they've done what you have. Congratulations!
Have a great Friday everyone... and sayonara!
14 comments:
I have a couple autographed baseball hats. I believe one is from the Fleer Legacy set, and another I won at a charity auction. I don't care much for autographed hats because they're tough to display (lots of shelf space). I have some autographed balls of course, and I have game used bats (none of them autographed). I have a couple autographed mini bats.
Odd things? I have a water bottle autographed by Aslyn. That may be my most unique item. I have a few autographed ticket stubs, a signed set list from a band called Morningwood (with some of the lead singer's hair taped to the front - she cut it off at the show and gave it to me). A signed drumhead. Obviously, my odd signed stuff comes from musicians.
I have 4 Rangers autos on a hat I used to wear to games back in 1994. It's badly faded now, but that's because I never really stopped wearing it. The only other non-ball or card autos I have that I can think of off the top of my head are some photos and game programs.
I have a couple of McFarlane bases autographed, that the action figure sits on. I have a few hockey sticks auto'd, but mostly it's jerseys. I have an Andruw Jones auto'd jersey, and several hockey sweaters auto'd.
First of all, congratulations. Your timing is impeccable. Tonight Thome was traded back to the Indians.
You know, signed hats are neat, but the auto always looks a little off. Pen to material always changes the look of an autograph. Still it is a nice change of pace. I have so much stuff, I would be afraid to start a collection because of the extra amount of space it would take. My friend met Willie Mays at an Angels game and he signed his hat. That was weird seeing Mays on an Angels hat but it was a great auto and since its was social, no charge.
I have scripts, both TV and Movie that have been signed by the casts, but that seems almost the same as having an athlete sign a card. I also have some autographed DVDs. When I visited NYC, I saw the original run of The Producers, thought it was great so now have a signed poster of the entire original cast and a book of the play signed by Mel Brooks. I've got a signed music posters and autographed records and cds.
I have a friend who has a collection of Baseballs signed by tons of famous people from athletes to politicians to actors. He has an entire room, wall to wall of autographed baseballs.
First of all, congratulations. Your timing is impeccable. Tonight Thome was traded back to the Indians.
You know, signed hats are neat, but the auto always looks a little off. Pen to material always changes the look of an autograph. Still it is a nice change of pace. I have so much stuff, I would be afraid to start a collection because of the extra amount of space it would take. My friend met Willie Mays at an Angels game and he signed his hat. That was weird seeing Mays on an Angels hat but it was a great auto and since its was social, no charge.
I have scripts, both TV and Movie that have been signed by the casts, but that seems almost the same as having an athlete sign a card. I also have some autographed DVDs. When I visited NYC, I saw the original run of The Producers, thought it was great so now have a signed poster of the entire original cast and a book of the play signed by Mel Brooks. I've got a signed music posters and autographed records and cds.
I have a friend who has a collection of Baseballs signed by tons of famous people from athletes to politicians to actors. He has an entire room, wall to wall of autographed baseballs.
I have a Cole Hamels autographed hat from the year he won NLCS and WS MVP.
btw, I love the hat Fuji! I'm getting to be like you on these cards. I host breaks so I don't spend much out of pocket on busting boxes, and lately I've been spending my card money allowance on memorabilia over cards.
I have no hats signed, but I'd definitely get one signed if I had the chance.
Probably the coolest non-traditional item I have signed is a coaster signed by Don Mattingly from his restaurant in Evansville, Indiana.
I have three autographed bobbleheads: Matt Kemp Gold Glove Limited Edition, Clayton Kershaw, and Jonathan Broxton.
I've got some autographed books, a couple of jerseys, and even a signed lineup card.
I don't have any signed caps. I view them as something to wear, not something to display.
I think that it would be a good move for Topps to ditch the mediocre relic cards for actual memorabilia in their high-end sets, but I don't know how people who actually buy those products would feel.
ryan g - i agree that they're a pain to display. i almost bought a plastic holder for my hat, but I thought it looked horrible in it.
hmmm... autographed water bottle? that's pretty cool... even though I don't know who aslyn is ;-)
play at the plate - thanks for reminding me... i have a game program signed too.
captain canuck - i think getting mcfarlane bases signed is one of the coolest ideas out there. if i had the opportunity for more in-person autographs, i'd definitely start collecting these too.
baseball nut - lol... didn't realize that. hopefully he ends his career as an indian.
btw... you should get pictures of your buddy's ball room... sounds awesome!
schwang17 - you have to post this on your blog and let the rest of us live in envy.
the lost collector - wow... that mattingly coaster is pretty unique. i can't remember the athlete or celebrity... but i remember seeing a framed piece that included an autographed coaster from someone. .. it was pretty cool.
greg - autographed bobble heads are awesome! i need one.
paul - yeah... i don't know how collectors as a whole would accept actual memorabilia. i'd love it... but i'm just one voice. i'm sure... just like anything else... there would be people who love it... and people who hate it.
Overall, it is apparent that a continuing hat arbor is the a lot of adjustable affectionate of cap arbor and accordingly ideal for all uses and intents, whether it is an accident or acceptance about shops, while the copse hat racks are about aloof for food and shops.
Fedora Hat
I am a Jim Thome collector. I have his signature on everything you could imagine. I have hats, balls, photos, cards, bats, everything. My favorite would have to be the bat. Simply because he's known as a slugger, it's something he used, so it's more of a connection than a photo or a hat for me.
I'd love to add a Thome signed bat to my collection. As of right now, I only own two autographed bats: Kurt Suzuki & Frank Thomas. I hope to at the very least add a Tony Gwynn at some point.
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