2004 World Series Champions, Mark Bellhorn and Alan Embree

It's been a while since we heard from Mark Bellhorn and Alan Embree.  Both of these unsung heroes played important roles in the Red Sox 2004 championship run.  Bellhorn was the starting 2nd baseman for the season, remember how he emerged over Pokey Reese.  Embree was in his 3rd season as the left handed set up man in the bullpen.  They both had impactful plays in the 2004 ALCS vs. the Yankees.  Bellhorn hit an important homerun in game 6, (Almost called a double, but umpire Joe West got the call correct).  Embree was the pitcher on the mound that threw the pitch that turned out to be the final out in the historic series.

Both will be appearing to sign autographs in Whitman Ma. on Saturday October 29th, 2011.  Each of them have only made one public appearance since they left Boston in 2005.  Their prices are great, $49 for any item, $10 for inscriptions.  There is also a deal that for $100 you can acquire 3 autographs, so it's like getting one free. 

Essential information is below:
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: The Whitman VFW, 95 Essex Street, Whitman, MA

For more information please visit: Sureshotpromotions.com

Meet 577 NHL goal scorer and Stanley Cup Champion Mark Recchi

Now is your opportunity to meet a future NHL hall of famer, 2011 Stanley Cup Winner and just classy man, Mark Recchi. 

Mark scored 577 goals in his 22 year career and is one of only 41 players in history with over 500 goals.  He is one of only 15 players to score 1500 points in his career and won a Stanley cup with 3 different teams.

Mark will be appearing at a very reasonable price on Thursday October 27th, 2011.  His price ranges from $39 - $59 plus a $20 inscription fee, depending on which items you have signed.  This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire an autograph that is sure to enhance any collection.

He will be signing from 7pm - 8:30pm at the La Carreta Mexican Restaurant on 35 Manchester Road in Derry NH.  For more information please visit Newenglandpicture.com.

Nomar Garciaparra says "Buyer Beware"

Last week, I was afforded the opportunity to work with former Red Sox shortstop and fan favorite Nomar Garciaparra.  This was Nomar's first autograph signing of any kind that we and him were aware of.  Despite the fact that Nomar signed autographs prior to every game, there were still many, many items mailed into the company to get signed.  We saw plenty of magazines, books, 2004 world series items, photos, balls and even baseball cards.



Nomar Garciaparra autographed baseball.

However, what caught Nomar's attention were the mailed in Garciaparra game used jerseys and bats, or so we thought.  You see, Nomar owns all of his game used jerseys, as he stated to us they are in a safe closet at or near his home.  And the bats, well, they weren't used by him either.  All the bats with his name on them, they were not his model number.  He said it's very possible they were used in a game somewhere, just not by him. 

Nomar explained he receives requests to autograph game used items often and every time he feels bad for the buyer that in some cases spent upwards of $1200 for these items.  So his advice, don't buy them, at least with his name on it. 


Nomar Garciaparra autographed bobblehead doll.

For authenticated Nomar Garciaparra autographed items visit Sureshotpromotions.com.  They now have baseballs and photos available for sale at great prices.

The Famous Collapse

The Red Sox had the worst collapse in their team's history, and even Major League Baseball history.  It parallels the current state of the economy, where as an observer it got worse and worse and continues even 5 days later to seem to get worse and worse.  With the way the team played, it's amazing that anyone even has an interest in the Red Sox, especially seeing that they used Francona as a scapegoat for the lack of the players ability to win.

Therefore, with the current collapse still fresh in our minds that has generated many questions and conversations about the state of the Sox.  Especially, in my case, many have asked, "so what are the autographs worth now?".  I've been asked enough, I thought it was time to comment on that question.

Here's the reality of the current Red Sox autograph situation:
1.  The players who won a world series with the Sox in 2004 and/or 2007 will maintain the same price/value.  David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield, Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis won as members on both teams and most definitely should not drop off.   Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, JD Drew, Jonathan Papelbon, and Clay Buchholz may drop off slightly, but that is more a function of them being over priced to begin with, than the collapse.  They all have individual accomplishments, that may trump them being a part of the famous collapse.


Jon Lester and David Ortiz autographed world series baseballs.

2.  The players who we acquired via free agency such as Adrian Gonzalez, John Lackey, Carl Crawford, Marco Scutaro, and Eric Bedard should definitely lose value in this high priced market, until they win a world series in Boston.  Although they own individual accomplishments, until they prove they can win or succeed in Boston, they won't have any type of major demand.


Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez autographed baseballs.

 3.  The jury is still out on players such as Josh Reddick, Daniel Bard, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Ryan Lavarnway, Jed Lowrie, Lars Anderson, Darnell McDonald.  They have never had high demand and certainly shouldn't cost anyone so much that they'll break the bank.  I would recommend purchasing Lavarnway's autographs now, because he showed a ton of positive potential in the last week and his memorabilia will be on average $25 or less.

One tip I have for everyone is that if you want to purchase any current Red Sox player autograph, this is the time to negotiate the price down.  Most of the players have been here the 2 seasons in which the team came in 3rd place.  Any collector/customer should be able to get at least 30% off current retail prices through Christmas.  I know for a fact there is a ton of Red Sox signed memorabilia on the market and the supply out weighs the demand about 2-1 right now.  So get your Red Sox deals now and rebuild your collection from this unprecedented collapse.