Brandon Steiner interview today about the DJ3K items for sale

[calvindog]

Quality dirt for sale too.

This is from my radio show in NYC, 970 AM from 10--noon every Saturday. Also on www.AM970theApple.com.

http://sliwonics.com/other/Lichtman/7-1610AMSEG3.mp3

[4815162342]

Game used dirt? How did you hold your composure through that interview?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Quality dirt for sale too.

This is from my radio show in NYC, 970 AM from 10--noon every Saturday. Also on www.AM970theApple.com.

http://sliwonics.com/other/Lichtman/7-1610AMSEG3.mp3

Laughed my ass off......nice one Jeff. Let us know when you get the "quality" dirt-bat, will ya'? Great interview.....

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Game used dirt? How did you hold your composure through that interview?

Yeah, I think Brandon was on to me pretty quickly. He had a sense of humor about it, though (I think).

[Gary Dunaier]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Game used dirt? How did you hold your composure through that interview?

On one of the Yankee Stadium tours I took in October-November 2008 (this would be the original stadium), I saw a few people scoop up some dirt from the warning track - and "security" came down on them pretty hard and made them put it back.

[ChiefBenderForever]

That was a great interview. I had always thought that by giving the ball back the way he did many things would come out of the woodwork and it looks like they are. I had no idea he was signing balls, how cool is that, even cementing himself more into the history of the day and now a client of Steiner sports, it's almost to surreal to fathom. The kids future is looking brighter day by day and he's become an overnight baseball fan celebrity. I was thinking how many endorsment opportunities he will have and can see a Jared from 'Subway' effect taking place and don't see his shine fading out anytime soon. I wonder how many agents are trying to get him onboard, I would imagine quite a few at this point. His head has to be spinning like the moon and he's pinching himself saying 'don't wake up' !!

[mr2686]

I love that..."you can buy a ball for $599 or $699, depending on which one you want". I'm assuming the $699 ball hangs a bit lower
This is just insane. I don't know anyone in their right mind that would pay that type of money. I just can't imagine there's enough people out there paying that to keep this market afloat.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by ChiefBenderForever

That was a great interview. I had always thought that by giving the ball back the way he did many things would come out of the woodwork and it looks like they are. I had no idea he was signing balls, how cool is that, even cementing himself more into the history of the day and now a client of Steiner sports, it's almost to surreal to fathom. The kids future is looking brighter day by day and he's become an overnight baseball fan celebrity. I was thinking how many endorsment opportunities he will have and can see a Jared from 'Subway' effect taking place and don't see his shine fading out anytime soon. I wonder how many agents are trying to get him onboard, I would imagine quite a few at this point. His head has to be spinning like the moon and he's pinching himself saying 'don't wake up' !!

Sounds good. More than likely, though, his fifteen minutes are just about up.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Sounds good. More than likely, though, his fifteen minutes are just about up.

I don't think so, he is the poster boy for all the corporate greed in the world to grab onto something wholesome, he will probably end up making a few million off endorsements and be shooting his first commerical shortly most likely, just watch. I also want to say I hear everything you are saying and can't disagree with you, and as upset as you are with Jeter and the Yankees I hope your rage is 100 million billion times more towards the politicians and civic leaders who are truly stealing and robbing this country blind to the point half of it has been sold and put in their pockets and we all participate without choice.

[timzcardz]

"Quality Dirt"


I LOVE it!



Steiner has a place in the hobby, because their items are legitimate, even if not reasonably priced.



Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I own several Steiner items, none of which I have ever paid their full price for, nor will I ever. Some I've acquired from secondary markets, as in ebay, and others directly from Steiner on specials that brought them into the realm of reasonable (IMHO).

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by timzcardz

Steiner has a place in the hobby, because their items are legitimate, even if not reasonably priced.

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I own several Steiner items, none of which I have ever paid their full price for, nor will I ever. Some I've acquired from secondary markets, as in ebay, and others directly from Steiner on specials that brought them into the realm of reasonable (IMHO).

It's interesting in that you can find Steiner items on ebay for half the Steiner retail price. I guess some people overextend their finances buying $500 baseballs and have to liquidate.

So, if it's marked $500 at Steiner and sells on ebay for $250, what is the true fair market value? Seems like the $500 is a somewhat artificial price point and the $250 is more representative of FMV.

[HRBAKER]

The original buyer gets the "leakage."

[autograf]

HR.................REO Speedwagon?

[HRBAKER]

yep, you're not that old are u

[Leon]

Originally Posted by autograf

HR.................REO Speedwagon?

Saw them in San Bernadino in 1980-1981.....one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Unbelievable!!

Back to Steiner- He's doing what any capitalist would do, me too, if I could. At least he is transparent and isn't scamming people. Yes, what he sells has some valuation issues but so what. Everyone knows what they are buying when they do it. It's not his fault.

[Ejm1]

If folks like the fine ones on this board don't buy these goods, Who does? Stiener must have a target market that is under the radar. Housewives maybe, any clue?

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Ejm1

If folks like the fine ones on this board don't buy these goods, Who does? Stiener must have a target market that is under the radar. Housewives maybe, any clue?

Actually, a big reason a lot of people are here is because of Steiner-esque modern "memorabilia", which drives plenty of people back in time. His target is, e.g., Dads buying birthday presents for sons, sons buying birthday presents for Dads, wives/girlfriends buying stuff for their male counterparts, etc.

[Ejm1]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Actually, a big reason a lot of people are here is because of Steiner-esque modern "memorabilia", which drives plenty of people back in time. His target is, e.g., Dads buying birthday presents for sons, sons buying birthday presents for Dads, wives/girlfriends buying stuff for their male counterparts, etc.

This is true, but these Fathers, Sons and whoever else would almost certainly have to be non collectors and not realize the inflated price. If my wife bought a $600 Jeter baseball for a gift for me I would return it that day.
Perhaps this type of purchase will give birth to new collectors who will learn in time fair market value. Stiener will have to keep selling to new hatchlings with every new endevour and this may get harder and harder. In the end Steiner has enough bank if it all ends tonight he would'nt care.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Ejm1

This is true, but these Fathers, Sons and whoever else would almost certainly have to be non collectors and not realize the inflated price. If my wife bought a $600 Jeter baseball for a gift for me I would return it that day.
Perhaps this type of purchase will give birth to new collectors who will learn in time fair market value. Stiener will have to keep selling to new hatchlings with every new endevour and this may get harder and harder. In the end Steiner has enough bank if it all ends tonight he would'nt care.

I totally agree!

BTW, New hatchlings = suckers that get spanked

[David Atkatz]

"New hatchlings," or "There's a sucker born every minute."

[ChiefBenderForever]

What does an avg 4 yr college education run these days and what's waiting for 80% them? If you want to talk about suckers lets keep it real.

[Ejm1]

Originally Posted by ChiefBenderForever

What does an avg 4 yr college education run these days and what's waiting for 80% them? If you want to talk about suckers lets keep it real.

I am back in college after many moons and will graduate in May, so I should drop out of the accounting program and load up on $600 Steiner/Jeter baseballs and just watch that great investment just explode over the next twenty years and live off the profits. Good Idea.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by ChiefBenderForever

What does an avg 4 yr college education run these days and what's waiting for 80% them? If you want to talk about suckers lets keep it real.

What? You equate obtaining a college education with buying $600 Jeter-signed baseballs? And you really think that 80% of new college grads will be out of work?

I'd like a bit of what you've been smokin'.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Sure Eric, or maybe get a job workingr someone like Steiner who is making millions.

[ChiefBenderForever]

80% will be paying off student loans for 15+ years $150-300k is no joke. I'm just saying give the guy some credit he sold 10 mill of dirt that's pretty impressive. How many MBAs could pull that off?

[Ejm1]

Originally Posted by ChiefBenderForever

Sure Eric, or maybe get a job workingr someone like Steiner who is making millions.

I bet Steiner is a college graduate. Everybody works for someone or some entity that makes millions, thats life. I plan on working with Bruce Dorskind once I graduate cleaning his toilets. It's a living and my degree will come in handy polishing his shoes.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Ejm1

This is true, but these Fathers, Sons and whoever else would almost certainly have to be non collectors and not realize the inflated price. If my wife bought a $600 Jeter baseball for a gift for me I would return it that day.
Perhaps this type of purchase will give birth to new collectors who will learn in time fair market value. Stiener will have to keep selling to new hatchlings with every new endevour and this may get harder and harder. In the end Steiner has enough bank if it all ends tonight he would'nt care.

Most of the kids in my neighborhood would absolutely LOVE a Steiner authenticated Jeter ball for their birthday. They don't care what their Dad paid for it.

The irony is that Steiner probably sells to more pure collectors who don't care what it costs, or what it is worth, than people who buy the stuff that we discuss on this board that retains its value as a better investment.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Ejm1

I bet Steiner is a college graduate. Everybody works for someone or some entity that makes millions, thats life. I plan on working with Bruce Dorskind once I graduate cleaning his toilets. It's a living and my degree will come in handy polishing his shoes.

Now THAT's pretty funny. LOL

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

The irony is that Steiner probably sells to more pure collectors who don't care what it costs, or what it is worth, than people who buy the stuff that we discuss on this board that retains its value as a better investment.

The people who buy the stuff that we discuss? Ummm... That'd be us, wouldn't it? You know, us collectors.

[Ejm1]

Originally Posted by ChiefBenderForever

80% will be paying off student loans for 15+ years $150-300k is no joke. I'm just saying give the guy some credit he sold 10 mill of dirt that's pretty impressive. How many MBAs could pull that off?

I give him credit for sure, no question. It just feels a little like he nows he is taking advantage of a blind audience and knows these trinkets will never be worth more than they are at this second. In 40 years will these goods be at a Robert Edwards auction getting 100,000. I think not. The way it is today even non collectors with no clue would say "Lets pay 600 now and are kids can go to college after we sell it down the road". I think just a few buyers really love Jeter and the moment and just want a momento.

[T206Collector]

Check out my 3000 hits ticket that I just bought. As I mentioned before, I went to this game with my 6-year old, and it was one of the best games I ever went to. Unfortunately, our stubs had ARod on them, which are really unsuitable for framing with our photos. So I picked up this beauty. What it cost is irrelevant. Is it a good investment? Who cares?! It's going in a frame on my wall with a picture of my boy and me. And the whole thing is priceless to me.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Ejm1

I think just a few buyers really love Jeter and the moment and just want a momento.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this point. Most of the people buying stuff in the team store on July 9 were buying $25-$50 t-shirts and hats with DJ3K on them. Nobody was in there trying to buy investments, or thinking that they could sell a t-shirt ever again. We all wanted to have mementos. Really, on that day, there were lines around the concourses with people just trying to get something to take home to remember the event. Maybe brag to their friends that they were there. I've seen a ton of great games at Yankee Stadium, new and old, including Aaron Boone, Cone and Wells' perfectos, 2009 clinching the WS, all three 2001 WS home games, etc. And the atmosphere at the Stadium after Jeter hit No. 3000 rivaled or surpassed just about all of them.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Check out my 3000 hits ticket that I just bought. As I mentioned before, I went to this game with my 6-year old, and it was one of the best games I ever went to. Unfortunately, our stubs had ARod on them, which are really unsuitable for framing with our photos. So I picked up this beauty. What it cost is irrelevant. Is it a good investment? Who cares?! It's going in a frame on my wall with a picture of my boy and me. And the whole thing is priceless to me.

Your point? That ticket stub is what most of us would consider to be "real" memorabilia, as opposed to manufactured garbage (e.g., plastic coins filled with "game-used" dirt.) It's no different, in principle, than, say, this ticket stub:

[Ejm1]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

We'll have to agree to disagree on this point. Most of the people buying stuff in the team store on July 9 were buying $25-$50 t-shirts and hats with DJ3K on them. Nobody was in there trying to buy investments, or thinking that they could sell a t-shirt ever again. We all wanted to have mementos. Really, on that day, there were lines around the concourses with people just trying to get something to take home to remember the event. Maybe brag to their friends that they were there. I've seen a ton of great games at Yankee Stadium, new and old, including Aaron Boone, Cone and Wells' perfectos, 2009 clinching the WS, all three 2001 WS home games, etc. And the atmosphere at the Stadium after Jeter hit No. 3000 rivaled or surpassed just about all of them.

Thats fine, a shirt or pennant and I feel there is alot of Jeter love at that level, but sticking with the $600 dollar balls and pictures are those just Jeter fans or Stiener marketing victims who think these will be the greatest items in history? By the way, I live in Ohio so I don't have the Yankee vibe and outside of New York area intrest is near nill in Jeter.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Ejm1

Thats fine, a shirt or pennant and I feel there is alot of Jeter love at that level, but sticking with the $600 dollar balls and pictures are those just Jeter fans or Stiener marketing victims who think these will be the greatest items in history? By the way, I live in Ohio so I don't have the Yankee vibe and outside of New York area intrest is near nill in Jeter.

There are certainly some Steiner marketing victims in the group, no doubt. But there is a lot of gifting going on.

[ChiefBenderForever]

That's a sweet ticket David! Very cool, but wouldn't it even be sweeter with a pinch of quality 1939 dirt?

[David Atkatz]

I know! I've been lookin' for years, but no joy.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Your point? That ticket stub is what most of us would consider to be "real" memorabilia, as opposed to manufactured garbage (e.g., plastic coins filled with "game-used" dirt.) It's no different, in principle, than, say, this ticket stub:

Sorry for stepping on a soapbox here, but....

In principle yes, but in reality with regards to the desirability and the collectibilty, they are polar opposites. One ticket stub is extremely scarce, limited and has a long runway as far as true ticket collectors go.

The other is a great momento of a historic game, but has a seemingly endless supply.

The number of Yankees season ticket holder = huge
The number of MT full, season tickets because of the e-ticket phenomenon over the last 5 years= huge

[David Atkatz]

True, Scott. There exists ten or so of one, and about 55,000 of the other. That's why I said "in principle." You and I may not be interested in owning the Jeter stub, but it still is not a piece of manufactured bullshit. T ha been defending "Steinerism"; I was just pointing out that that stub is too real for Steiner to ever deal with.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Check out my 3000 hits ticket that I just bought. As I mentioned before, I went to this game with my 6-year old, and it was one of the best games I ever went to. Unfortunately, our stubs had ARod on them, which are really unsuitable for framing with our photos. So I picked up this beauty. What it cost is irrelevant. Is it a good investment? Who cares?! It's going in a frame on my wall with a picture of my boy and me. And the whole thing is priceless to me.

T206,

I genuinely do like the Jeter ticket variation and I agree that it wouldn't feel quite right to have A-Rod on the ticket that you would collect for this historic moment with your son (although they were your actual seats!).

I was actually most surprised by the fact that the Yankees have $15 season tickets...

Enjoy your DJ3K moment with your 6 year old son!

I remember my 1 year old son's 1st ML game. We were given 1st row seats at Comerica Park in 2001 for the last game of the season. Shane Halter (who?) of the Tigers played all 9 positions in 9 innings. Pretty cool!

Amazingly, my son, now 11, attended a AAA minor league game where another player (Kevin Hooper) did exactly the same thing- 9 positions in 9 innings.
FWIW, that's kind of the way it's gone with him though. He caught a no-hitter the 1st time he ever played catcher. Bizarre!

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

True, Scott. There exists ten or so of one, and about 55,000 of the other. That's why I said "in principle." You and I may not be interested in owning the Jeter stub, but it still is not a piece of manufactured bullshit. T ha been defending "Steinerism"; I was just pointing out that that stub is too real for Steiner to ever deal with.

Just for the record, this is a season ticket holder stub. There are approximately 27,000 Yankee Season Ticket Holders. The rest of the stubs have no player images on them. And there are 12 players pictured on the Season Tickets. If they broke out perfectly, that would mean about 2,250 tickets with Jeter's photo on them. So, yes, still 2,250 vs 10. But still a bit of a challenge lately with all of the memento seekers here in NYC.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

I know! I've been lookin' for years, but no joy.

Send me your address and I will send you some dirt. You can say Jeter spit on it and then get it slabbed and COA'd......could be worth millions.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Just for the record, this is a season ticket holder stub. There are approximately 27,000 Yankee Season Ticket Holders. The rest of the stubs have no player images on them. And there are 12 players pictured on the Season Tickets. If they broke out perfectly, that would mean about 2,250 tickets with Jeter's photo on them. So, yes, still 2,250 vs 10. But still a bit of a challenge lately with all of the memento seekers here in NYC.

Nonsense. A game stub is a game stub. (Of course, I could say that mine is for a lower reserved seat, and may be the only lower reserved stub in existence.) But I'll agree that a stub with Jete's picture is more desirable.

Don't you want to have it authenticated and slabbed before you frame it?

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

It's interesting in that you can find Steiner items on ebay for half the Steiner retail price. I guess some people overextend their finances buying $500 baseballs and have to liquidate.

So, if it's marked $500 at Steiner and sells on ebay for $250, what is the true fair market value? Seems like the $500 is a somewhat artificial price point and the $250 is more representative of FMV.

Interesting guess and question.



It was back on '03 that I bought my first Steiner item, through ebay. I collect Ripken Jr., and besides being a fan of his am also a Yankees fan and collect Yankees stuff as well. In my normal ebay searches I came across a 16 x 20 of Ripken and Jeter shaking hands at Cal's last game at Yankee Stadium, autographed by the boht of them, plus it was matted and framed. Price was about $325 delivered with Buy It Now.

Checking Steiner's site at the time you could buy the autogrphed 16 x 20 for $699, but that was unframed. matting and framing added to the cost.

Of course I wondered, how could someone possibly be selling this for that price, and was it legitimate?

So I called Steiner and asked those questions. I was told that if it had their hologram and COA that it was good. (Note: To date I've not heard of their holgrams being counterfeited.) I was also told that for some of their dealers that place big orders they thrown in additional items for free, so it weas possible that a dealer could be selling the autographed photo and the price would in essence be completely profit for them.

It turns out the Steiner rep that I was talking to, besides being rather forthright, also had a sense of humor, because when I asked him if there was any reason that I shouldn't buy it through ebay rather than Steiner, his response was "Well then you wouldn't get to speak to me!"

So I am sure that some people get overextended and need to generate some cash by selling off items like these, but there are other explanations as well. And yes, when the items can't be resold for what they were purchased for, the original price is probably artificial because they are the sole supplier and initially have control over the market.





On another note, I realize that I must correct a statement that I made earlier in this thread about having never paid full price for a Steiner item. I have paid full price to Steiner for a couple of in-person Yogi Berra autographs. They probably cost more than they should, but were worth more than they cost. Meeting him in person can be hysterical and worth every penny. As long as he is healthy and happy, I hope that he is with us for a long time to come, and I will probably pay again for the opportunity to get his autograph, shake his hand and have a few words with him.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by timzcardz

Of course I wondered, how could someone possibly be selling this for that price, and was it legitimate?

So I called Steiner and asked those questions. I was told that if it had their hologram and COA that it was good. (Note: To date I've not heard of their holgrams being counterfeited.) I was also told that for some of their dealers that place big orders they thrown in additional items for free, so it weas possible that a dealer could be selling the autographed photo and the price would in essence be completely profit for them.

There are probably dealers who get a discount for buying from Steiner in volume, plus people who need to liquidate.

Also, much of the Steiner items are on special balls, have special inscriptions, etc. After a year or two, these special inscriptions become dated and I think some collectors want to unload them. For instance, once Mariano Rivera gets his 600th save, who wants the ball inscribed with 500 saves?

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

The irony is that Steiner probably sells to more pure collectors who don't care what it costs, or what it is worth, than people who buy the stuff that we discuss on this board that retains its value as a better investment.

I don't agree with this. I suspect Steiner's primary target audience is the upper middle class and above person who wants a ball for their kid or a ball to show off in their office. They may have no other signed items. They dial a 800 number and get what they want, no muss, no fuss. $600 to a guy earning $300k a year is nothing.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

I don't agree with this. I suspect Steiner's primary target audience is the upper middle class and above person who wants a ball for their kid or a ball to show off in their office. They may have no other signed items. They dial a 800 number and get what they want, no muss, no fuss. $600 to a guy earning $300k a year is nothing.

I'm fine with that as well. I feel more strongly that his customers are not investing in his stuff, as much as they are either collecting it for show, or giving it to their kids.

[Ejm1]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

I'm fine with that as well. I feel more strongly that his customers are not investing in his stuff, as much as they are either collecting it for show, or giving it to their kids.

Whoever buys these balls from Steiner is getting soaked on cost. I think even if you planned to keep it forever, $600 is still way to much for this type of material. I just can't relate to anyone who thinks this is a good deal. How about $250-300 a ball, maybe, but not for a guy like me but this would make it remotely sane.

[RichardSimon]

"high quality game used dirt",,,,
what a time we live in where a businessman can say this with a straight face.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Originally Posted by Ejm1

I bet Steiner is a college graduate.

Eric your future is looking good brother ! Looks like Brandon is also an acct, from his biography page-

"Brandon earned an undergraduate degree in accounting at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management from Syracuse in 1981. Brandon still enjoys rooting for the Orange during the NCAA tournament and playing basketball with friends. Brandon played a major role in helping start the Sport Management program/major at Syracuse University. He still sits on the board for not only the Sport Managemet program, but also for the entire athletics program at Syracuse University. Brandon also helped cultivate Syracuse-Steiner, a program where Syracuse students play a part in actually running the company."

As far as his prices go, as long as orders are being placed they will stay where they are. I highly doubt anyone is thinking investment as this is purely entertainment. As far as 20 years down the road that is what people like Bernie Madoff are for and look what that got everyone. If people can't count on the government for any future social security or help and are paying them 30% of everything they make how is Steiner taking advantage of anyone ? No one is holding a gun to their head saying 'buy this dirt or else !'