New Member – Looking for Information on a Wrigley Field Item

[Smiller93]

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

[Wildfireschulte]

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

[Smiller93]

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.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

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

Do you mean Riverfront Stadium?

[Smiller93]

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

[cubman1941]

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."

[JollyElm]

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

[Smiller93]

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

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

I'm sure everyone wants to know, are you named after the most famous Shaquille of all?

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

[Smiller93]

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.

[BobbyStrawberry]

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

[Smiller93]

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.

[JollyElm]

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!

[Smiller93]

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.

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by Smiller93

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.

[parker1b2]

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.

[Smiller93]

Originally Posted by parker1b2

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.

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.

[GasHouseGang]

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?

[Smiller93]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

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.

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