Mickey Mantle Autographed BaseballSports memorabilia has come a long way from the standard autographed headshot. While headshots are still popular, now collectors can choose from a variety of commemorative and signed memorabilia from some of the greatest teams and athletes in history. Memorabilia revolving around a specific athlete usually includes autographed balls, jerseys and sports gear. For a collector whose passion extends to a certain team, there are team photos, championship mementos and stadium memorabilia.

For example, a collector who loves Mickey Mantle might have an autographed baseball, an autographed 1956 New York Yankees jersey and an autographed Triple Crown poster. If a collector’s passion extends to the entire Yankees organization, they may also have autographed memorabilia from other famous Yankees in history, like Babe Ruth and Yogi Berra.

Collectors of Yankee memorabilia are now seeking a commemorative keepsake of the old Yankee Stadium, like an autographed seatback from the stands, freeze-dried grass or a plaque featuring game-used dirt.

Labels: Sports_Memorabilia_Basics

Some collectors like to revolve their entire collection around specific teams and/or players. For example, a collector that lives in Boston might only have memorabilia representing his home teams: Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots. On the other hand, a collector from New York might have a shrine filled with Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter collectibles. To these collectors, their display of sports memorabilia is a reflection of about whom/what they are most passionate.

For general sports enthusiasts, it can be challenging to assemble a cohesive collection without focusing on favorite teams or players. The key to doing this right is to come up with a theme that ties the memorabilia together. Some themes might include Super Bowl MVPs, Cy Young Award winners, all-time NHL goal leaders, NBA record holders or Hall of Famers. The type of memorabilia may vary, but it is what the items represent that is most important. As long as a common thread can connect the items, the collection is a success.

Labels: Collecting

After scouring the internet and local sport shops for an Eli Manning autographed football, it would make sense to put the same amount of consideration into caring for it. There are many environmental factors that can affect the quality of your treasured item, including the type of light it is exposed to. Overtime, an autograph will naturally experience some fading, but sunlight can cause a more rapid deterioration. The best way to avoid this is to store all collectibles in an area protected from the sun.

Since the amount of natural light should be limited, most collectors will illuminate their collection with artificial light. When choosing a lighting scheme, avoid using any fluorescent lighting. This type of lighting can cause the same UV damage as the sun, just at a slower, more gradual pace. For the best lighting option, use a 60-watt incandescent light bulb that will light-up the display without causing damage to the memorabilia.

Labels: Care_and_Storage

Of all the different types of collectibles and memorabilia available, sports memorabilia is by far the most popular. Not only does each piece represent a defining moment in sports, but also a complete collection is a reflection of the most cherished moments of the collector – almost like a man diary. So, while woman keep journals of their thoughts and emotions, men collect memorabilia. When put on display, each piece has its own story and holds a special place in his heart.

Why are men so emotionally attached to their collections? First, men grow up idolizing sports figures, so autographed items from their favorite childhood players bring back fond memories of childhood. Second, sports play a big role in father-son bonding, so sports memorabilia can help them feel more connected to their father and/or son. Finally, men love showing off their collection; as it grows, so does the envy of their closest friends.

Labels: Sports_Memorabilia_Basics

Whether you have been together for five years or thirty-five years, celebrating your anniversary becomes more and more challenging each time around. While you always look forward to getting dressed up and having a night on the town, most men are less enthusiastic about the ritual. If your husband usually spends the evening checking the score of the game rather than enjoying your time together, give him an anniversary gift that will really grab his attention.

You know the old saying “If you can’t beat them, join them?” Work that to your advantage in this situation. Before you head out to dinner, win him over by giving him a piece of autographed sports memorabilia that will have him gushing about his favorite team or player. He will forget all about the game and instead focus on what a wonderful wife he has. That will make for a truly romantic evening that you will both enjoy.

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Looking to create a sports memorabilia collection and don’t know where to begin? For some, it can be intimidating to buy the first piece of memorabilia knowing this piece will set the tone for the rest of the collection. Here are some tips for getting started:

1. Know Whom to Buy From: Researching vendors to identify the most reputable dealers is a smart way to help avoid scammers selling unauthentic memorabilia.

2. Come up With a Plan: It can be overwhelming to browse through all the sports memorabilia on the market hoping something will scream, “buy me.” Creating targeted search criteria will help narrow the search. Steiner Sports features a number of well-organized search categories to help buyers find the right item.

3. Start Small: Assembling a collection takes time, so don’t go overboard on the first purchase. Start with one well-selected collectible and build from there.

4. Put It on Display and Enjoy: Then, get started on selecting the next piece. Once the collection is started, the possibilities are endless.

Labels: Collecting