Is Derek Jeter's autograph worth $1,000?

[brooklynbaseball]

And this years "Farewell Tour" is an embarrassment. For a "team guy" he is killing his team this year by playing. Mariano Rivera, who IS the best relief pitcher ever, retired on top of his game, with class, Jeter is doing the opposite. Steiner is the ONLY one doing well by him being at shortstop this year.

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by brooklynbaseball

And this years "Farewell Tour" is an embarrassment. For a "team guy" he is killing his team this year by playing. Mariano Rivera, who IS the best relief pitcher ever, retired on top of his game, with class, Jeter is doing the opposite. Steiner is the ONLY one doing well by him being at shortstop this year.

In my lifetime, I've seen my Yankees win the World Series nine times.

I have absolutely no issue with Jeter playing shortstop and batting second.

[packs]

I'm with you and think his autograph prices are insane. But I don't see how you can take anything away from his career.

[yanks12025]

Originally Posted by brooklynbaseball

And this years "Farewell Tour" is an embarrassment. For a "team guy" he is killing his team this year by playing. Mariano Rivera, who IS the best relief pitcher ever, retired on top of his game, with class, Jeter is doing the opposite. Steiner is the ONLY one doing well by him being at shortstop this year.

Guessing you're a jealous mets fan?

[Mr. Zipper]

I can't help but wonder if because of Rivera's farewell tour last year, Jeter was essentially forced into doing his tour this year.

In my opinion, Rivera's personality (down-to-earth and truly a people person) was a much better fit than Jeter. Not to take anything away from Jeter's skills, but I have never perceived him as warm and fuzzy with the fans. He is someone to be more admired from a distance, like DiMaggio.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

Not to take anything away from Jeter's skills, but I have never perceived him as warm and fuzzy with the fans. He is someone to be more admired from a distance, like DiMaggio.

+1

[markf31]

With regards to the original topic and autograph values, I've always found it frustrating that the valuation of modern autographs is the only segment of the entire sports memorabilia/card hobby where the market value and price can be dictated by the athlete themselves (or those that represent them).

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by markf31

With regards to the original topic and autograph values, I've always found it frustrating that the valuation of modern autographs is the only segment of the entire sports memorabilia/card hobby where the market value and price can be dictated by the athlete themselves (or those that represent them).

Mark,
I think market value and market price are 2 different things. I disagree with your thought that either are set by the player. Even in Jeter's case, the price for modern days athletes are still dictated by the market. If no one purchased Jeter's auto at these prices, Steiner would lower them or cancel the contract they have with him. Same for anyone else, if people stopped paying these prices for the players at shows or through private signings, the prices would come down. The marketplace also sets his value on the secondary market as on ebay I have seen very few items, of any player, sell from close to what Steiner originally sold that same them for.

Mark

[markf31]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

Mark,
I think market value and market price are 2 different things. I disagree with your thought that either are set by the player. Even in Jeter's case, the price for modern days athletes are still dictated by the market. If no one purchased Jeter's auto at these prices, Steiner would lower them or cancel the contract they have with him. Same for anyone else, if people stopped paying these prices for the players at shows or through private signings, the prices would come down. The marketplace also sets his value on the secondary market as on ebay I have seen very few items, of any player, sell from close to what Steiner originally sold that same them for.

Mark

I agree to a point and maybe I should append my initial thought a little. The player does influence the market value of his signature, the value is not equivalent to the price they charge, but it is impacted by it.

Just a small example would be that Jeter charges north of $400 for a ball at a signing (or has in the past, I don't know what his current rate is for live signings). Whereas Frank Thomas charges around $100 for a ball at a signing. A Jeter ball can not be had for less than $200 typically, where as a Thomas signed ball can be found for between $50-$60 pretty frequently.

There is definitely an effect on the value of an autographed, based on what a player charges for it.

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by markf31

With regards to the original topic and autograph values, I've always found it frustrating that the valuation of modern autographs is the only segment of the entire sports memorabilia/card hobby where the market value and price can be dictated by the athlete themselves (or those that represent them).

Not entirely true. Many game used items are controlled by the players or agents of the players. Also, the market is the market. Just because Steiner is charging $1000, doesn't mean the market value is $1000. Only if you must have that particular ball (base, bobblehead, whatever).

I know many professionals who have such autographed items in their office for perceived status. They did absolutely no research on price, availability or authenticity. It serves as a way to show off, just like their latest car or wife.

Edit: Also what Mark said.

[djson1]

Originally Posted by Deertick

...
I know many professionals who have such autographed items in their office for perceived status. They did absolutely no research on price, availability or authenticity. It serves as a way to show off, just like their latest car or wife.
...)

So true. My family doctor has a huge framed Michael Jordan signed piece in his office...and I'm about 99% sure it's a forgery...but I just can't seem to come around to tell him that. He's really proud of it.

[djson1]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

...
In my opinion, Rivera's personality (down-to-earth and truly a people person) was a much better fit than Jeter. Not to take anything away from Jeter's skills, but I have never perceived him as warm and fuzzy with the fans. He is someone to be more admired from a distance, like DiMaggio.

I didn't really like Jeter until recently and I used to think Jeter seemed like a smug athlete...but just this past year, I have started to feel like he is a rather personable and nice guy. I work with a guy who played in the minor leagues and he said they all had training with the Yankees one year. Of all the Yankees he met, he confirmed that ARod was a stuck-up guy but that Jeter actually took the time to talk to the minor leaguers and give pointers and chat with them. This coworker (a Dodgers fan who hates the Yankees) walked away from that convinced that Jeter is a truly nice guy.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by djson1

I didn't really like Jeter until recently and I used to think Jeter seemed like a smug athlete...but just this past year, I have started to feel like he is a rather personable and nice guy. I work with a guy who played in the minor leagues and he said they all had training with the Yankees one year. Of all the Yankees he met, he confirmed that ARod was a stuck-up guy but that Jeter actually took the time to talk to the minor leaguers and give pointers and chat with them. This coworker (a Dodgers fan who hates the Yankees) walked away from that convinced that Jeter is a truly nice guy.

There is no doubt other pro ball players like and respect Jeter. I'm not so sure that it translates to people "not in the club." The few times I met him in the mid 90s, he was distant at best -- and it was in a setting for the purpose of meeting fans. And that was before he was a big star. I don't think my experience is unique.