How to Collect Baseball Memorabilia

Baseball memorabilia is the most collected of all sports. Both old and new items can be extremely valuable, and players with staying power can be as collectible as players you love to hate. It's all about supply and demand.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Decide What to Collect

1. Collect uniforms, equipment, personal effects, autographed items and trading cards.

2. Know what affects value. Condition and authenticity are the two most important factors, but scarcity, the item's age and the player associated with the item are also important factors. The player's past and present accomplishments and the amount of memorabilia he's signed during his career will affect an item's value.

3. Learn about how baseball cards are issued and identified. Collect "singles" or a "set," one of each single issued in a season. Find out more about how cards are identified at Cycleback.com.

4. Know that the type of item is important--game-used is good, game-used and autographed is usually better. Multiple signatures can increase an item's value depending on the accomplishments on those who've signed it and their connection to each other.

5. Understand grading systems. Cards are graded by third-party services such as Beckett's or PSA/DNA on condition and assigned a point grade and classification of "Gem Mint" to "Fair."

Collect Baseball Memorabilia

6. Know the market. Record breakers, home run hitters, MVPs and Hall of Famers are usually safe investments. Subscribe to price guides at Beckett.com and publications such as "Sports Collector's Digest".

7. Shop online through auctions or well-known dealers like Steiner Sports.

8. Send away to players and teams for autographs, or approach athletes in person.

9. Buy merchandise at reputable memorabilia shops, or attend conventions and signing shows.

10. Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) or similar proof of documentation issued by an established authenticator. If none is available, be aware of a dealer's reputation and the item's history. Confirm online an online dealer's name, address and phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Walk away if a deal sounds too good to be true. It's estimated that half of all sports memorabilia is fraudulent. Familiarize yourself with players' signatures and ask questions about items you're about to buy.
• Invest in display cases and custom framing to preserve your investments.
• Use well-known authenticators like PSA/DNA Authentication Services. Forgery rings have been known to refer collectors to fraudulent authenticator services.