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

[sago]

Just like Mantle, Jeter is not even the best player on his own team. I would much rather have had Mariano Rivera than Jeter, and Yogi or Ford over Mantle. The mystique that surrounds players, especially when we see them play when we are young, tends to help overshadow their results.

[thetruthisoutthere]

If you're patient, and if you know Jeter's autograph, there are some great deals out there.

I own eight Jeter rookie (1996) autographed baseballs and the highest price I paid was $179.99.

I've paid $99.00 and less for early Jeter autographed cards.

$1,000.00? No way!!!!

[gregr2]

Originally Posted by thetruthisoutthere

If you're patient, and if you know Jeter's autograph, there are some great deals out there.

I own eight Jeter rookie (1996) autographed baseballs and the highest price I paid was $179.99.

I've paid $99.00 and less for early Jeter autographed cards.

$1,000.00? No way!!!!

I need to find one of those deals!

[brooklynbaseball]

Most overhyped player in the history of baseball. Is he a hall of fame player? Yes, he is Paul Molitor with better looking girlfriends. But please, he was never even the best SHORTSTOP in the league. Living in NY (not a Yankee fan) I respect him for being the anti-Aroid, but overrated and canonized WAY too much. I'm more impressed by his girlfriends than his game.

[packs]

Who was better other than A-rod who was cheating?

Molitor did not play shortstop (a premium position) so not really sure what makes his career similar to Jeter's.

Molitor only played 1,495 of his 2,683 games in the field. Also only played 11 of his 21 seasons at third base.

Not comparable in my opinion.

Jeter plays shortstop. It is one of the most demanding and important positions on the field, rivaled only by catcher and centerfielder. And unlike his longevity predecessors (Vizquel, Smith) he can hit. He is an aberration.

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by packs

Who was better other than A-rod who was cheating?

Molitor did not play shortstop (a premium position) so not really sure what makes his career similar to Jeter's.

Molitor only played 1,495 of his 2,683 games in the field. Also only played 11 of his 21 seasons at third base.

Not comparable in my opinion.

Jeter plays shortstop. It is one of the most demanding and important positions on the field, rivaled only by catcher and centerfielder. And unlike his longevity predecessors (Vizquel, Smith) he can hit. He is an aberration.

Ditto.

Well written, Packs.

[gregr2]

He's currently 9th on the all time hit list, he must be doing something ok.

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by gregr2

He's currently 9th on the all time hit list, he must be doing something ok.

Absolutely.

[ooo-ribay]

To the original question:

No.

I can't think of anyone's that is.

[brooklynbaseball]

Mr Jeter was NEVER a great defensive shortstop, very little range, and an average arm. Aroid, Garciaparra Miguel Tejada, Troy Tulowitzki, and others were always superior to Jeter, until injuries and PED's curtailed their careers. I respect Jeter's talent and longevity, the way he has carried himself, but I hardly think he is worthy of all the plaudits he receives for his talent. He was NEVER the best player in the league, never even the best player on his own team, so putting him on such a pedestal to me is ludicrous.

[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).

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by markf31

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 on Ebay 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.

I understand what you're saying, but if people on ebay stopped paying $200 for Jeter signed balls, the price would come down regardless of how much he charges. Conversely, if sellers knew that people would pay $200 for a Frank Thomas ball, that's what they would sell it for. It does effect it a little as people may be more willing to spend $200 on a Jeter, knowing it'll cost them $400 at a signing, but I think it's more a function of supply and demand. Total auto amounts controlled by Steiner make for a more limited supply and being a very popular player on a very popular team makes for high demand.