Just out of curiosity, I researched prices of my signed Bob Gibson Baseball. I'm thinking this thing is worth 300-400 on the open market. Nope. Prices ranged from 138 - 179, and that was for the HOF signatures. A-Roid's will get you considerable more as well as other current and recently retired players. Now here's a guy (Gibson) that has 2 World series Titles, WS MVP, 2 CY Youngs and the last pitcher in the NL to be named MVP of the league. Plus, still holds several pitching and hitting records for pitchers since the '60's. What am I missing over here? I thought vintage items carried more value weight than the new and scientifically improved? It just floors me.
I can tell you exactly what determines the value. If I have it, the price is down. If I want it, the price is up
HF, Where did you research your pricing? I have a baseball my father gave me. He got it signed in the spring of 1936 by several members of the Detroit Tigers who were the reigning champs, I believe. (This should make Gipper feel good). The team was barnstorming north by train from spring training in Florida and stopped in Dayton Ohio to play an exhibition game against the local semipro team. My dad, who was 12 at the time, actaully made it into the dugout and simply walked up and down the Tiger bench getting signatures. Among the names on the ball are: Charlie Gehringer Gilbert English Schoolboy Rowe Al Simmons Eldon Auker Mickey Cochrane Goose Goslin Hank Greenberg And a few others. Now at least 4-5 of those currently reside in Cooperstown. Back in the 80's, when memorabilia was white hot, I had a guy offer me $8000 for the ball. Apparently, Simmons hardly ever signed anything and all these gents are long gone. A few years ago I checked a source online and saw it valued at $600! I'm curious what it would fetch now. I should add that I would never sell this as I made my father that promise.
It's disappointing. I've learned that baseballs bearing my autograph are worth only $1.50, which is less than you would pay for a new one. :cry: