How to collect sports memorabilia

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Learn how to successfully and affordably collect sports gear and memorabilia

How much money do you think a ticket stub from the game Babe Ruth won his record setting homerun is worth? How much would a signed Herschel Walker UGA jersey be today?

If you’re a sports fan, your answer is no doubt, a lot.

Even newer sports, such as the MMA, are creating sought after collectibles and items fans are clamoring for. Whether you’re simply a lifelong fan of sports or a novice collector, this article will help you learn how to collect sports memorabilia that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

It’s no doubt that owning a piece of sports gear would be akin to owning a piece of our history. Americans spend and make thousands of dollars by buying and selling valuable sports memorabilia, which is why learning how to collect sports memorabilia the right way can save you money and help you create an expansive collection of sporting gear.

When it comes to football, always keep an eye out for talent at the collegiate level. Since college gear and souvenirs are far easier to acquire and cheaper than official NFL apparel, you can stock up on jerseys, decorative footballs and more at an inexpensive price. Because many football teams have ceremonial walks into the locker room before games, it’s very easy to get the autograph of a star player on a jersey, shirt, ball or cap. These signed collectibles can increase in value if the player makes it to the NFL, goes to the Pro Bowl or wins a Super Bowl.

Besides attending a baseball game and praying for a fly ball to hit you in the head, your best and most dependable option for official MLB souvenirs and gear are trusted retailers as well as sellers on eBay. Pay attention to the stats of rookie players and those just coming out of college and purchase the gear of franchise players.

One of the main lessons to abide by when you are learning how to collect sports memorabilia and sports collectibles is to be sure to keep everything. Even the most insignificant of items, such as ticket stubs, newspapers and magazines can become sought after items that will add value to your memorabilia collection. It is also important to document the provenance of your sports memorabilia. Keep programs and ticket stubs with signed balls or jerseys. Take photographs of the sports star with the item, if possible. Make certain that photographs are dated on the back.

It’s important to maintain your collectibles by storing them in a safe place free of humidity. You can easily display jerseys by placing them inside of large picture frames or showcase balls in unique display cases.

Regardless of how big of a collector you are, it’s important to be sure that all of the gear you acquire is within your price range and from a trusted seller. By learning how to collect sports memorabilia and properly store your sports collectibles, you can create a priceless collection of memories that you can pass down through generations.

References:
ESPN: MMA Memorabilia and Collectibles Industry Breaks Out
The Sport Journal: Is That a Real LeBron Ball? RFID and Sports Memorabilia