I spend beautiful, sunny weekends going to card shows
It was a beautiful weekend. Some people might spend these
gorgeous days going for walks or having a picnic.
gorgeous days going for walks or having a picnic.
I go to card shows.
I learned about what I thought might be a card show on
Saturday. I saw a listing that said it was supposed to have 200 tables. My eyes
lit up. The show was about an hour from NYC, so I was little surprised I never
heard of it. A quick Google search turned up what it really was – an autograph
show.
Saturday. I saw a listing that said it was supposed to have 200 tables. My eyes
lit up. The show was about an hour from NYC, so I was little surprised I never
heard of it. A quick Google search turned up what it really was – an autograph
show.
Saturday’s show was filled with football guests: Terry
Bradshaw, Cam Newton, Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Jamaal
Charles, Matt Stafford, Eddie Lacy and more. Impressive.
Bradshaw, Cam Newton, Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Jamaal
Charles, Matt Stafford, Eddie Lacy and more. Impressive.
And out of my price range.
A Bradshaw autograph was at least $175 for a flat or
mini-helmet. A helmet, football or jersey autograph was $195.
mini-helmet. A helmet, football or jersey autograph was $195.
Sunday’s show had a few different sports figures including
basketball’s Trey Burke, football’s Ryan Tannehill and Eli Manning ($250 for a
helmet!) and a couple of baseball players.
basketball’s Trey Burke, football’s Ryan Tannehill and Eli Manning ($250 for a
helmet!) and a couple of baseball players.
One of the baseball players caught my eye – Yangervis Solarte.
I know. I know. Solarte has been stuck in the minors for
eight years and is 26 years old now. He’s starting for the Yankees right now,
but has been a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed watching him play and Solarte’s signing
fee was right in my budget – $35.
eight years and is 26 years old now. He’s starting for the Yankees right now,
but has been a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed watching him play and Solarte’s signing
fee was right in my budget – $35.
I picked up an MLB baseball on Saturday and brought it to
the show. Just one autograph for me, although there were people on line who
were getting multiple signatures on bats, balls, and pictures. The short-term
investment could work in their favor.
the show. Just one autograph for me, although there were people on line who
were getting multiple signatures on bats, balls, and pictures. The short-term
investment could work in their favor.
Since Solarte hasn’t had anything on the market – no cards
or autographed items – the ones that have popped up on eBay recently have sold
between $100 and $150. Of course, since he had what is probably his first
public signing, more of these items have now showed up on eBay, likely to
soften the market slightly.
or autographed items – the ones that have popped up on eBay recently have sold
between $100 and $150. Of course, since he had what is probably his first
public signing, more of these items have now showed up on eBay, likely to
soften the market slightly.
But the only thing that will hurt Solarte’s market is if
(and it will likely happen) he comes back down to earth. Solarte is batting
.301 with .400 OBP and .852 OPS. However, Solarte is 2-for-19 over his last
five games. He was a late scratch from Sunday’s game against Anaheim with a
sore shoulder.
(and it will likely happen) he comes back down to earth. Solarte is batting
.301 with .400 OBP and .852 OPS. However, Solarte is 2-for-19 over his last
five games. He was a late scratch from Sunday’s game against Anaheim with a
sore shoulder.
Whoops! I hope it wasn’t from signing too much.
Sign up for the Card Chat newsletter here!
I can't think of a single player, current or retired, worth $150+ for an auto.