Sports Memorabilia Collectors

vant0037

Any collectors out there?

I'm a personal collector myself. I collect mostly baseball and hockey items, but will generally take a flyer on many autographed items. I say "personal collector" because I typically collect things that have value to me personally, and not necessarily resale or trade value. For instance, if I get a ball signed, I always have it personalized to me. I'm not reselling it, so why do anything other than that?

As far as items go, I specifically collect signed baseballs, signed pucks, signed photos or prints. I also have some sports cards (mostly baseball). Other than that, I mostly collect Minnesota sports (Univ. of Minnesota hockey, pro MN hockey, Vikings etc), with the exception of baseball items (I'm always after any HOF signed baseballs).

A few years back, the collecting was a little out of hand, in that I got many items that I didn't know what to do with or had no way to display. Then, I bought a curio cabinet and that really helped focus what I could keep and what I could sell. I display most of my signed baseballs in a display case that my dad made. That's the same for signed pucks that I have.

My most-prized items are probably a team-signed 1965 MN Twins team-signed ball, a 1987 and 1991 MN Twins team-signed World Series ball (those 3 years being the Twins 3 World Series teams, the latter two being victors), a Sandy Koufax signed ball, a Hank Aaron signed ball, a 1936 Goudey Lou Gehrig baseball card (fair), and a 2002-2003 team-signed University of Minnesota hockey National Championship signed print. Other than that, I've got a ton of signed baseballs and pucks, photos, prints etc. But those are the items that I cherish the most.

So...

What do you collect? How do you get your items? What kind of display set up do you have? What are you most cherished items?

DS1119

I've collected sports stuff since about the age of 5 or 6. I think at this point I have a couple of closets full of shit. The only things I have on display are the autographed baseballs I got though the years. My three most cherished collectibles are the DOn Mattingly ball I have signed (obtained it myself), my Gordie Howe autographed stick I got when I was 7 or so and my Dad snapped a picture of him signing it for me, and a Wayne Gretzky autographed menu from the breakfast counter from the old Buffalo Hilton. My Dad and I shared breakfast there one night with Gretzky and Glen Sather. They would have to pry that last one from my dead cold hands.

JonnyPistachio

I collected baseball cards from about 1983 to 1990. My uncle once showed up with a huge bin from his attic. It was full of baseball cards form the 50's and 60's. There was a second year Mantle card, but it was folded in half! :shock: :x

But there was also a nice Hank Aaron 2nd year Topps card. That's my prize possession. And for all you burglars, its not at my house :P

Ds - Im a big Mattingly fan too...got his signature on a ball too, but I didnt get it personally.

Jamminonthe1

I was always big into collecting baseball stuff, starting with Topps cards in 1986 after attending my first Mets game in 1985. But the baseball stuff got too much, so I ended up getting rid of a lot of it and focusing mostly on Mets stuff (though I still have some non-Mets stuff) like bobbleheads, statues, souvenir baseballs, cards, odd items, Starting Lineups, McFarlanes, pins, patches, etc., etc., etc. I never really got into the whole autograph thing. I have some, but I've never paid for any, with the exception of getting a few through entry to couple of moderately-priced charity events. I have everything displayed in my basement (running out of room down there), including a couple of meaningful items from Shea Stadium.

Everyone here who collects vinyl can understand that this is an illness. It's impossible to stop getting new and old stuff. You complete one part of your collection and then it's on to something else. But, as I tell people who think I'm crazy, I don't spend tons of money on cars, clothing, electronics and eating out, so at least everything I buy has a resale value — some items worth more than I paid, some less, but in the end it all evens out. Either my kids will have a nice inheritance if they want it (my 5-year-old is already obsessed and had 17 bobbleheads of his own) or one day I'll cash in my chips.

vant0037

DS1119 wrote:

I've collected sports stuff since about the age of 5 or 6. I think at this point I have a couple of closets full of shit. The only things I have on display are the autographed baseballs I got though the years. My three most cherished collectibles are the DOn Mattingly ball I have signed (obtained it myself), my Gordie Howe autographed stick I got when I was 7 or so and my Dad snapped a picture of him signing it for me, and a Wayne Gretzky autographed menu from the breakfast counter from the old Buffalo Hilton. My Dad and I shared breakfast there one night with Gretzky and Glen Sather. They would have to pry that last one from my dead cold hands.

I love that shit (the stuff you get personally and that is unique). I've been after a signed Wayner stick for a long time.

vant0037

Jamminonthe1 wrote:

I was always big into collecting baseball stuff, starting with Topps cards in 1986 after attending my first Mets game in 1985. But the baseball stuff got too much, so I ended up getting rid of a lot of it and focusing mostly on Mets stuff (though I still have some non-Mets stuff) like bobbleheads, statues, souvenir baseballs, cards, odd items, Starting Lineups, McFarlanes, pins, patches, etc., etc., etc. I never really got into the whole autograph thing. I have some, but I've never paid for any, with the exception of getting a few through entry to couple of moderately-priced charity events. I have everything displayed in my basement (running out of room down there), including a couple of meaningful items from Shea Stadium.

Everyone here who collects vinyl can understand that this is an illness. It's impossible to stop getting new and old stuff. You complete one part of your collection and then it's on to something else. But, as I tell people who think I'm crazy, I don't spend tons of money on cars, clothing, electronics and eating out, so at least everything I buy has a resale value — some items worth more than I paid, some less, but in the end it all evens out. Either my kids will have a nice inheritance if they want it (my 5-year-old is already obsessed and had 17 bobbleheads of his own) or one day I'll cash in my chips.

Definitely an illness. Ask my wife.

DS1119

This thread got me to thinking...and searching... can't find any existence on the web that there was a Buffalo Hilton downtown when I was a kid. I know I was there a little over two years ago on Christmas but I can't find any pictures of the old place before it was redone. Maybe I dreamed the whole Gretzky/Sather thing. :fp:

vant0037

DS1119 wrote:

This thread got me to thinking...and searching... can't find any existence on the web that there was a Buffalo Hilton downtown when I was a kid. I know I was there a little over two years ago on Christmas but I can't find any pictures of the old place before it was redone. Maybe I dreamed the whole Gretzky/Sather thing. :fp:

Suffice it to say, if you have a signed menu from a diner from them both, you or your dad were there at the same time they were at some point.

MayDay10

I have a lot of 80s baseball cards, but I dont really collect cards/autographs. That stuff has really gotten out of control cost-wise.

I mainly get decorative type stuff to hang in my office, garage, man cave, etc. Stadium Replicas, McFarlane guys, banners, giveaways, nick nacks, posters, etc. I have a lot of cool stuff to look at, but most of it really is worth too much. It all ages very well though

The coolest items I have are:
hockey dasher boards from the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium
seats from the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium
a Brick from the aud
seats from War Memorial Stadium (Bills, Bisons, The Natural).
A piece of turf from the Buffalo Bills 1991 AFC Championship game

DS1119

vant0037 wrote:

DS1119 wrote:

This thread got me to thinking...and searching... can't find any existence on the web that there was a Buffalo Hilton downtown when I was a kid. I know I was there a little over two years ago on Christmas but I can't find any pictures of the old place before it was redone. Maybe I dreamed the whole Gretzky/Sather thing. :fp:

Suffice it to say, if you have a signed menu from a diner from them both, you or your dad were there at the same time they were at some point.

It's just weird. I have a perfect memory of how it looked...at least I think I do but I can't find it online. Next time I'm back at my parents house I'll have to see if the menu has an address on it or something. :fp:

vant0037

MayDay10 wrote:

The coolest items I have are:
hockey dasher boards from the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium
seats from the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium
a Brick from the aud
seats from War Memorial Stadium (Bills, Bisons, The Natural).
A piece of turf from the Buffalo Bills 1991 AFC Championship game

That shit's cool. My wife hates the idea, but when they tear down the Metrodome in a few years (for the new Vikes stadium), I'm going to try like hell to get a pair of seats for our den.

Do you have the seats from Buffalo Memorial displayed for use?

MayDay10

not yet. They are in my garage. They sold brackets with them that you install to make them stand. In the arena, they were bolted to concrete on the back & bottom. I need to do some restoration (find the exact shade of the Blue seats) and then make them suitable for sitting.

vant0037

DS1119 wrote:

vant0037 wrote:

DS1119 wrote:

This thread got me to thinking...and searching... can't find any existence on the web that there was a Buffalo Hilton downtown when I was a kid. I know I was there a little over two years ago on Christmas but I can't find any pictures of the old place before it was redone. Maybe I dreamed the whole Gretzky/Sather thing. :fp:

Suffice it to say, if you have a signed menu from a diner from them both, you or your dad were there at the same time they were at some point.

It's just weird. I have a perfect memory of how it looked...at least I think I do but I can't find it online. Next time I'm back at my parents house I'll have to see if the menu has an address on it or something. :fp:

It could have been some alternate dimension and the restaurant existed on just the other side of a time portal. In that other world, Wayne actually played for Buffalo and centered Alexander Mogilny and Pat Lafontaine (Pat begrudgingly moved to wing) in what was the all-time wussiest but smoothest lines ever in hockey.

Then, you left the diner, the portal closed, and all you are left with is a inter-dimensional relic from the cosmic twin of one of the greatest hockey players ever.

Better hire this guy.

DS1119

vant0037 wrote:

It could have been some alternate dimension and the restaurant existed on just the other side of a time portal. In that other world, Wayne actually played for Buffalo and centered Alexander Mogilny and Pat Lafontaine (Pat begrudgingly moved to wing) in what was the all-time wussiest but smoothest lines ever in hockey.

Then, you left the diner, the portal closed, and all you are left with is a inter-dimensional relic from the cosmic twin of one of the greatest hockey players ever.

Better hire this guy.

I believe this was pre LaFonaine...definitely pre-Mogilny but you could be right. Maybe it never happened in this world. :shock:

eeriepadave

mainly collected cards, have a few signed baseballs and hockey pucks.

Wilds

I'm probably the most insane sports collector on here. For example I'm four cards away from completing a fully signed 1992 Upper Deck baseball card set.

I need Bernie Williams, Cal Ripken Jr., Deion Sanders, and Barry Bonds (on a card that is already signed by Andy Van Slyke).

Collected in person at Fenway during high school, TTM (through the mail), through trading, and by purchasing.

If anyone cares to see it, I can post it tonight.

DS1119

Wilds wrote:

and Barry Bonds (on a card that is already signed by Andy Van Slyke).

Good luck with that one.

Wilds

DS1119 wrote:

Wilds wrote:

and Barry Bonds (on a card that is already signed by Andy Van Slyke).

Good luck with that one.

True.

A. Those two hated each other and (through eyewitnesses) both have refused to sign that card at certain times.
B. Barry has always despised signing autographs in general, at least post 1990.

I had the chance to buy a real one in 2005, but passed, cause I was low on funds. Totally regret that decision.

PJFAN13

What a fun thread!
YES - I have collected a little in the past...
I have:
- every single Topps & Upper Deck Dan Marino card from 83 - 2000 PSA graded and hard card plastic protected
- every single Starting Lineup Dan Marino (88 - 00)
- each Home/Away Marino Jersey (authentic) from the different logos & Starter/Nike/Reebok, etc...
- each McFarlane Dan Marino (2)
- every Dan Marino Danbury Mint statue & porcelain plate created w/ certs
- each McFarlane David Wright (4)
- every Topps baseball set (sealed) from 80 - 00
- 1986 Mets Topps and Donruss full sets
- every Topps Don Mattingly card
- Ewing, Gretzky, Messier, Jordan, Elway, Favre, Sanders, Montana, Rice, Young, Davis etc... rookie cards
- 1994 NY Rangers team set
- 1994 NY Knicks team set

Tons of football and baseball cards from 1980 --> stopped actively collecting football stuff after Marino retired.
My wife and kids just laugh. Whenever I'm near a old mom & pop card store I hop in and try to get Marino 1 offs.

Big kid still I guess. All in storage now :( Used to have a man cave with most of it displayed. Kids and age changed that in a hurry!

SatansFuton

I'm not really a collector, several of these things were gifts, but I have a few things

Autographed 8X10's

NFL

Brett Favre
Max McGee
Michael Irvin (my friend's dad was rich and paid him to show up at his sons 12th b-day party)
Mike Ditka (the classic picture of him flipping the bird with the personalization "To my #1 fan")
Walt Garrison


NHL
Joe Nieuwendyk
Matt Stajan
Darcy Tucker
Dany Heatley & Ilya Kovalchuk (picture of them together, autographed by both)

International Hockey

Jim Craig
Vladislav Tretiak

MLB

Bobby Valentine

NBA

Chris Webber

Other stuff:

Football signed by 20-30 Packers players (including Favre and Reggie White) I got signed at Packers training camp back in the day

Nolan Ryan autographed baseball

I have a few boxes of cards, not sure what's in them. I know I have an Ed Belfour and an Alexander Mogilny rookie card, a Brett Favre rookie card, etc. But none of them are really worth anything. Plenty were printed last I checked.

That's all I can think of. I have various other pieces of paraphernalia, but those are the only things that a collector might be interested in.

tybird

Have a few odds and ends.....two Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant autographs...one's an autographed book...the other is personalized to me....a football signed by Brett Favre, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman....a personalized Joe Namath autograph.....a personalized Ken Stabler autograph......a couple of items signed by Gene Stallings.....a Sports Illustrated cover of Ozzie Smith with a personalized autograph by the Wizard himself...and an autographed Bart Starr picture...also personalized.