The New York Times puts their two cents into the Jeter memorabilia story

[barrysloate]

In my entire life as a baseball fan and memorabilia collector, the total number of autographs I've gotten in person is one- Joe DiMaggio's when he signed for free at a Bowery Savings Bank in downtown Brooklyn. He was pleasant and we were able to chat for a few minutes. Other than that, I have never had even a scintilla of interest in getting a famous athlete to sign something. I've always felt it was utterly meaningless and never understood the phenomenon.

Steiner certainly may be greedy for asking $600 for a signed Jeter ball, but what I cannot fathom is why there is a single person on this earth who would want to buy one. I would put a market value of about three cents on it, and I would have to be in a generous mood to even pay that. When I used to go to shows and see people standing on line for hours, just so they could overpay for an autograph from some surly ex-athlete who might not even make eye contact with them, I would shake my head in disbelief. Surely there has to be a better way to spend one's time and money.

But the world doesn't always listen to me, and this silly market of hero worship will continue unabated. Hey, people can spend their money as they wish.

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Steiner certainly may be greedy for asking $600 for a signed Jeter ball, but what I cannot fathom is why there is a single person on this earth who would want to buy one.

You nailed it Barry...all this anger at Steiner should be aimed at the people who drive this market...autographed baseballs are not electricity or gasoline..it is not food...there apparently exist people who will pay $500 for an autograph of someone still breathing. Steiner is just obliging them.

[calvindog]

Agreed. Any putz who spends $600 on a Jeter signed ball can be assured he will never get his money back when he tries to sell it.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Agreed. Any putz who spends $600 on a Jeter signed ball can be assured he will never get his money back when he tries to sell it.

But don't you think most people are getting one as a souvenier and not even thinking about ever selling it ? After the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series I was beyond appalled when they held a special signing for their great fans at only $160 per sig per player per item and had lines a mile long. I could see $160 for the whole team but per player, regardless of who it was and the fans couldn't get enough, when you think of that $599 to get a signed memento from one of the greatest games of Jeters life doesn't seem so outrageous. Would I pay it ? No, but then again I won't pay $1000 to take my kids to see the Yankees or the Red Sox, or I should say can't justify what used to be a great day has now become a vacation, for most people anyways. I've been priced out of professional sports, on the east coast anyways.......

[HRBAKER]

A souvenir of what really? The balls weren't used in the game. Nothing is to keep Jeter from signing a ball the same way ten years from now (as long as you pay for the inscription I assume).

The reality is that this is what the game and industry has become and how it will stay as long as there is a market for these items. Surely no one is buying a $600 Jeter auto'd ball as an investment.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Not sure Jeff, a memento of hype? I don't get it but judging by the number of employees at Steiner sales are not a problem. Yankee dirt for the price of gold, but it is quality dirt.

[mark evans]

I don't see either the players or Steiner at fault. Nothing unethical going on in my view. It is the fans who drive the market.