New Member – Looking for Information on a Wrigley Field Item
 

Hi everyone,
My name is Shaquille and I’m new to Net54. I’m not a long-time collector, but I recently came into possession of a unique Wrigley Field stadium item with authenticated signatures. I joined the forum to learn more about it, understand its background, and get guidance from people who know the hobby better than I do.

I appreciate any insight the community can offer, and I’m glad to be here.
– Shaquille

Do you have any additional information at all that you could share?

Additional information
 

Thanks for asking! This is the actual Cincinnati Reds on-deck circle sign, stadium-used at Wrigley Field, signed by four legendary players who were part of World Series winning team in 1976. The signatures include Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Pérez (all MLB Hall of Famers), and Pete Rose (Reds Hall of Famer). All signatures were authenticated in-person by TriStar, and the sign’s stadium provenance is fully verified.

You do realize the Reds didn't play at Wrigley, right?

Do you mean Riverfront Stadium?

Used in the Dugout for Visiting Teams at Wrigley Field
 

Yes, this was the actual on-deck sign used in the dugout when visiting teams, like the Reds, played at Wrigley Field.

I found this when I googled on deck circles - this is a post from 2011.

"I have seen many pictures of the old baseball parks in which the on-deck circles had both the home team's one and the visitors' one. I think Wrigley Field still does it, probably Dodger Stadium and Rogers Centre. However, most parks have the home team logo by their dugout and either the league's on deck circle (Ex. National League or American League Logo), the Major League Baseball logo, or, in the case of US Cellular Field, The White Sox logo by the Sox's dugout and a US Cellular Field one with a white sock by the visitors' dugout."

The lack of TM/Copyright on the logo points to it being an older one. It's got that going for it.

It looks to be the 1967-1971 Reds logo, but Morgan didn't start playing for them until 1972 so it was probably signed after the fact...or it's "old stock" that was still hanging around Wrigley...either is possible as far as I know.

Thank you
 

Great info, thank you. From what I understand, pieces like this were often used for multiple seasons or kept around the park as old stock, so that lines up with what I was told as well.

The important part for me is that it was field-used at Wrigley and later signed by multiple Hall of Famers, including Morgan. I appreciate you pointing out the era of the logo that actually helps narrow down the history of it.

Pete signed "hit king" so all sigs likely signed well after it was used.

Welcome to net54 Shaquille.

Pete Rose signed it “Hit King” so that puts his signature at 1985 at the oldest but probably more recent than that.

Totally glossed over the "hit king" tag on the signature. Beyond that, having just those 4 guys would be a hell of a collection of only those guys for the period the on deck circle was used.

Signatures
 

For clarification: upon further research the Pete Rose ‘Hit King’ signature, along with the other Hall of Famers, was signed in person at a verified sports convention in later years. All signatures are authenticated with COA/hologram, ensuring their legitimacy

Nice kicks and welcome to the Net54verse!!
I'm sure everyone wants to know, are you named after the most famous Shaquille of all?

My name
 

Thanks , haha no im not named after the big diesel, the sheriff. Unfortunately, the name didn’t come with the check lol

Maybe "the most famous" is named after "ours".

Dimension
 

Here are the actual dimensions of the sign: 6 feet tall × 6 feet wide. Picture included. Hoping this helps clarify what type of sign it is, how it was used, and its significance on the field. If anyone can find any more information about this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the forum. How did you end up acquiring this? That's a big item (literally) for a new collector!

How I received the item
 

Thanks! I actually used to work for a moving company, and during one eviction move, the landlord allowed us to take some of the items in the unit. Among the things were this sign, a bunch of sports memorabilia including Cubs jerseys, a cubs pinball machine, and several autographed items. Definitely not your typical first item, but it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime find so i loaded it into the truck and have had the item ever since.

Additional information
 

Someone mentioned that this might be a rare, one-of-a-kind item. Does anyone have any insight or additional information on that? I’d love to learn more about its history and significance since it was well before my time. I wasn’t even thought of yet haha.

Found this when I searched for on deck circles. Selkirk auctions popped up with this old listing.

It appears to be pre-1984. I would suggest searching old photos of the Reds at Wrigley Field to see if you see it in the field.

Researching
 

I was looking through some old Cubs history photos and I actually found a picture in the Cubs Museum that shows their on-deck circle, and it looks really similar to mine. I’m not saying it’s the same exact one, but the style and design are really close.

It kind of surprised me because if something like that is in the museum, that tells me these pieces were at least considered museum-quality or important enough to preserve.

If anyone knows please comment below.

These photos are from the National Ballpark Museum, not the Cubs Museum.

My apologies thank you for the clarification as I am new to things like this. I just wanted to highlight the item being in the museum for reference.

Size
 

Here’s a photo showing just how massive this Wrigley Field sign really is. For size reference, I’m a little over 6’1. If anyone has any additional information about this piece, please feel free to share.

Rare one-of-a-kind
 

This piece is incredibly rare, and I came across it by sheer luck. I’d love to hear how fellow collectors see its significance in a serious collection. Let’s talk about it?

Museum quality Once-in-a-Lifetime Wrigley Field Memorabilia TriStar Authenticated
 

Sharing a one-of-a-kind Wrigley Field on-deck circle that was used during games. It’s TriStar authenticated and signed by Joe Morgan (deceased), Pete Rose (deceased), Johnny Bench, and Tony Pérez.

Heritage Auctions said there aren’t comparable items like this, so it’s hard to appraise.

Does anyone know more about oversized, game-used Wrigley Field memorabilia? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Yowza!! It was lost on us (when viewing the original photo) how massively large the autographs were on this thing.
That would've been fun watching those players break out the XXXXL Sharpies to sign it!! :D:eek::D

Massive Rare Appeal
 

Imagine those Hall of Famers signing this on-deck circle back in the day — I wonder if Joe Morgan and Pete Rose even had to crouch to get their signatures on it haha. Makes you appreciate the history behind it.

Museum, Rare Item — What Would You Value This At?
 

I wonder how much an item of this size and rarity would sell for 🤔🤑

Hi-

It is a really nice item, but selling it will be difficult due to its size as it limits who can display it. It would also be easier to sell if you can prove it was used in a special game or event. I think its coolness outweighs its monetary value. My guess (without any special game connections) is that it is worth around 1000.00 at most but that is just my opinion. I hope it sells for a lot more as it is really cool.

Alan

Historical Wrigley Field used sign
 

Thanks for the feedback, Alan! Totally agree that the size limits who can display it, but it was used on the field during games at Wrigley and comes with TriStar in-person authentication. They had to make the signs big to be visible, and 6ft by 6ft definitely does the job haha 😂 . The combination of size 📏, provenance, and Hall of Fame signatures makes it a real standout for collectors or institutions. I can’t link it to specific games, but the authentication ties it to the historic Wrigley Field where so many legendary games were played. 🏟️

You clearly (like the rest of us) want to maximize return on this piece, so I suggest you now post it in the 'Memorabilia/Autographs/Game Used' section and ask for help from the people (sellers, auctioneers, etc.) here who have tentacles reaching far and wide into the various aspects of the hobby/business.

Offer a decent finder's fee/percentage so they'll benefit from their efforts to help you out, and you'll both win.

Good luck!

Potential Buyer? Possibly YOU 🫵🏾
 

Thanks for the advice! My goal is to possibly connect with the right buyer who truly appreciates the rarity and history of this piece. Posting in the Memorabilia/Autographs/Game Used section and working with experienced collectors or auctioneers makes perfect sense. I’m open to offering a finder’s fee or percentage for anyone who can help bring this one-of-a-kind, field-used Wrigley Field sign to its next home.

I'd also suggest cutting down on the numerous adjectives/descriptors you keep using to highlight how great the piece is to you. A bit of subtly goes a long way. ;)

Cubs auction off a few recently used on-deck circles, most went for under $500.
Yours is a bit older and autograph so more than those. If you can tie it to a historic game or event, etc, then a lot more. The Phillies one from the 2022 NLDS went for $2500 The Tristar authentication probably came when it was signed at one of their shows, so probably signed in the past 20 years.


https://cubs.auctions.mlb.com/astros...1/aucd/5010664

https://cubs.auctions.mlb.com/blue-j...1/aucd/5010671

https://phillies.auctions.mlb.com/20...1/aucd/4537468

Google: game used on-deck circles auction, you will get a bunch of results to give you an idea.

If I had to guess, due to its age and autos probably in the $1500-2000 range. Would be worth more if it was the Cubs version.

Shouldn't we recommend that he cut out each of those extra large autographs to maximize his profit, just like cutting up those pesky uncut baseball card sheets? :D

Give it to one of the major auction houses to auction, and you'll find out!

Auction house
 

tried to have it appraised. But the auction house I went to said they have no sales like this to compare it to for them to appraise it at its true value. Only that a 6’ x 6’ wide sign would cause for shipping.

Good point — I’ll tighten up the wording. Thanks for the feedback.

The authentication says the signatures were done in person at a 2015 convention. Someone earlier mentioned the sign itself might be from the 1980s, so I’m still trying to figure out the exact era. Since the Phillies one from the 2022 NLDS went for around $2,500, I’m wondering where this one being older and signed by multiple Hall of Famers might realistically fall price-wise? Any ballpark estimates would help.

Normally I comment/give advice in the Memorabilia Forum. But since the thread resides here, I'll chime in...

If you want to maximize its value, try to find a photo-match. Scour through photos of Reds/Cubs games that took place in the 80s. There should be plenty, if you just do the homework.... Getty Images, Vintage Stock Photos, etc.

It's cool that it's autographed by 4 legends of the Big Red Machine. But none of those autos are rare, and even though it's great that they signed it, the true value is that it's a Wrigley Field artifact. It will have cross-over value between Reds and Cubs collectors.

I'm a lifetime Reds fan and collector. Most of my stadium artifacts are from Crosley Field, so I am very familiar with this type of thing. Here are the pros and cons...

Pros:
* Rare and somewhat vintage artifact from a legendary stadium
* Presumably stepped and knelt on by many Reds' greats during games
* Signed by 3 (really 4) HOFers

Cons:
* Not many collectors would have enough room to display (or even store) it
* Not many auction houses would be willing to take it on
* Shipping would be a nightmare, and might cost half as much as the piece itself
* Since shipping is not a good option, you will probably need to sell as "pickup only"
* And if it is "pickup only", you are limited to buyers who reside somewhat close to wherever you live.

So there are obstacles, and even though many people will love and admire it, the realistic customer base is pretty limited.

I know that you want to know the value.... but given the fickle nature of auctions, it could range anywhere from $1,000 - $3,500 (I know that's a big range, given all the variables).

Assuming you live in the Chicago area, I do suppose that someone from greater Cincinnati would be willing to take a pickup truck out there to get it. I know that I would for a piece like this (especially if I was only 5 hours away).

There are a number of Cincinnati Reds + Chicago Cubs Collector Groups on Facebook. That and FB Marketplace would probably be your best bets for pickup only, as opposed to eBay or catalog auction. So I would proceed as follows....

Find a photo-match as described above
Locate the numerous Reds/Cubs Collector forums on FB.
Post the item at your price, but be flexible, as it's a high-maintenance piece

It's unique/desirable enough that I bet you get some good responses on Day 1.

Best of luck,
Mark

Mark, this is incredibly helpful — really appreciate you taking the time to break everything down. I’m going to start digging through 1980s Reds/Cubs photos and see if I can spot any matches or partial matches.

You’re absolutely right about the size limiting the buyer pool, so focusing on Reds and Cubs collector communities makes a lot of sense. I’m in the Chicago area, so pickup-only is fine, and for the right price I can also deliver since I have my CDL.

Thanks again for the honest assessment and the tip about Getty/Vintage Stock — that gives me a solid direction to go.

Sure thing! I wish I had room for it, but Divorce Attorney costs would exceed what this thing is worth. As for finding images.... they can photo-match a player's uniform based on the pinstripe configuration. So something as big and obvious as this (that sits right near home plate) should be a pretty easy "find".

Pm sent

Shaquille,

I have a friend who’s interested in this. I sent you a pm for contact information.

It’s now listed in the B/S/T section

You gotta respect the dude who apparently carried this thing through the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center at the 2015 National packed with people to have those guys sign it. It must've been a hoot to see him slam the thing down on the autograph table.

Someone on this site surely saw this happen!

Maybe they just rolled it around...

No shit! Have you been to the National? Do you recognize the inconvenience of wheeling that giant SOB either through the parking garage and skywalk, or down the River Rd. sidewalk jammed with bodies, maneuvering through thousands of people to wait in four different 200+-person lines to get it signed, then do it all over again out the door?

Would've made great video.

The Greeks spoke of a collecting God...

Attachment 677912

Found a few of these on eBay - not attracting a lot of watchers - looking at completed sales it doesn’t appear any have sold recently

HAHAHA — fantastic work!

Here’s an actual Wrigley field on deck circle that’s from the same era that sold in 2018 which I had posted yesterday.

I started to write a post similar to Mark's, but his is way better than mine would have been, and spot on.

Good luck with it, it's a cool item.

Doug

In case anyone is interested in how the OP utilized the provided input: https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=366553

Wow, Kevin Mize would be proud.

To get into Mize territory, he'll have to bump it 1,200 times over a 10 year period.

Am I reading the starting price on this on deck circle correctly??????

Having worked at Wrigley in the 80's as part of the game day security team and eventually in the front office, I saw this and the remaining National League on deck circles often. The team had a rack in which they would stack them individually and of course, change them out with every series at the old ball park. As one would expect, being nothing more than the consistency of a thick yoga mat (ok...maybe an extra thick yoga mat) they got chewed up by spikes pretty badly. They also got spit on, puked on (I saw this happen in the on deck circle a few times) and generally were not the most well cared for game used item but there is a coolness factor to it if you have the room to display.

Game used and rare? Sure, but rare doesnt mean highly valuable. The man can ask what he wants but I hope he has not gone out and spent the money in anticipation of a windfall.