$500 to spend on memorabilia...asking for advice

[Topnotchsy]

if he picks items whose provenance is tight, is of a player(s) who will likely remain a focus for collectors and he picks nice looking items that are pretty normal items to collect, he should be fine. Will he make a lot of money? There's no guarantees.

Autographs of guys like Ruth, Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente etc fit that. Signed baseballs are pretty standard items though a picture, book or other option may be cheaper.

Personally I prefer items that have a historical component to them as well (like items tied to jackie robinson and the integration or ties to WWII). I do think that besides for my personal interest, they have cross market appeal to non-sports collectors and should sustain value but of course if there is a premium there it may already be built into the price.

If I was spending 5k some items I'd consider:
- 1947 Dodgers team signed baseball
- nice Ruth or Gehrig autograph

If he wants to really speculate, find something of an early player who he thinks the Veterans committee may vote into the HOF.

[bbcard1]

I think a nice Jackie Robinson, while not speculative, would be a nice centerpiece and still has room to grow.

Sheer speculation? I'd go after some MMA fighters stuff, basically the pioneers of MMA. It has a rabid following that is global.

[Snapolit1]

I wouldn't blow it on a Ruth autograph. Ruth autos are all over the place. The really high end ones may have investment value but they are a lot higher than 5K.

[packs]

Buy Mike Trout now, sit on it, profit later.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by packs

Buy Mike Trout now, sit on it, profit later.

Can't agree. I think Trout will end up by far with the largest number of refractors cards, blue refractor cards, red auto refractor cards, blue and red refractor cards, ad infinitum in the history of the hobby. Clean up someday by collecting something no one is smart enough to collect, not by collecting the thing everyone and his brother is hoarding.

I went to a card story down in south Jersey and half the room was Trout cards.

[packs]

I don't think anyone is talking about cards. I'm talking about memorabilia: game used bats, jerseys, hats, etc. High end HOF materials go for crazy money and Trout will surely be at the highest end of the HOF with the career he is likely to have.

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by packs

I don't think anyone is talking about cards. I'm talking about memorabilia: game used bats, jerseys, hats, etc. High end HOF materials go for crazy money and Trout will surely be at the highest end of the HOF with the career he is likely to have.

Do you think Trout bats will then appreciate? They are already pretty pricy.