Game Used Uniforms

[Dave Grob]

Interesting question on value. I would offer that unless the common player later becomes uncommon, then there is probably little chance in any real appreciation. Part of this is due to the fact that collectors have so many more options when it comes to the availability of product and that this product is largely controlled at an organizational level (club or teaming agreement with a retailer). For me, I see the modern game used jersey market as becoming flooded, just like the card market in the 1980s. Many people bought cards based on what they saw in the appreciation in value against the notion, that if you bought it and held onto it long enough, they would become the “1952 Mantle” down the line.

For modern and current uniforms, I always ask people to remember when considering value:

1. These uniforms will never be in short supply as uniforms are no longer a consumable business expense for the club, but something they are buying with the plan to market and re-sell. This is not lost on players as well. I am not just talking about the raw number of uniforms a player has, but all of the different styles that a team looks to trot out in any given year, homes, roads, special event, alternates, etc..

2. The modern player is one whose legacy is far from secure… they remain a tweet or cell phone pic away from going from hero to zero in a matter of minutes.

Dave Grob