Saturday, February 23, 2013

The original number = High Value

One afternoon last summer, I was grateful to have an opportunity to work with Red Sox 3rd baseman, Will Middlebrooks.  At that autograph signing, he was telling the volunteers & workers that after the 2012 season, his jersey number would change from 64 to 16.  That piece of inside information created quite a stir in room, as the companies involved were having many #64 jerseys autographed.  We were all asked to keep this information secret as to not hurt #64 jersey sales. 
However, I had a different take on it because I feel the first jersey a player wears for a season in the big leagues, especially an all star prospect like Middlebrooks, will be worth more in the long term.  Yes, in the short run, fans aren't likely to purchase jerseys or t-shirts with #64, but over time those jerseys will increase in value.  I say that, because when I attend silent auctions, check auction sites or retail sites for autographed jerseys, I always find the older, original jerseys have much higher value.  I'm not talking about the long term minor leaguer who have made some small appearances in the majors, but I'm talking about the future all starts and MVP's.  Most people forget that Jacoby Ellsbury once wore number 43 before changing to #2.  I saw an MLB authenticated autographed #43 Ellsbury jersey on EBAY for $300.  I completely forgot he wore that number in his first few games in the majors.  So, now is the time to invest in a #64 autographed Middlebrooks jersey.  Most places will be selling these for $75-$100. 


Will Wearing #64 in action at Fenway.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Boston Celtic and Bruin Autograph Appearances

4 players in 2 days.  That's right, New England Picture Company is offering fans an opportunity to meet 2 Boston Celtics and 2 Boston Bruins in 2 days.  On day 1, (February 27, 2013) two of the Bruin 2011 Stanley Cup Champions will be appearing at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree Mass..  Adam McQuaid and Danielle Paille will be signing autographs for only $25 each for each item, regular or premium.  You can also purchase a super ticket to get an autograph from each player for $45.  That is a great price for members of a championship team from Boston.  This pricing won't ever be this cheap for these athletes anytime in the near future.
On day 2, (February 28, 2013), New England Picture Company are hosting 2 of the Boston Celtic forwards, Jared Sullinger and Brandon Bass for an autograph signing.  This is an outstanding opportunity to meet a future star of the Celtics and a wiley veteran of the NBA.   Pricing for this is more than fair, starting at $29 for regular items and $39 for premium. Super tickets will save you money which start at $50 for an autograph from each player. 
Both of these signings will occur at the New England Picture South Shore Plaza store. 
For more information check www.newenglandpicture.com.





Sunday, February 10, 2013

The Voices of our Teams

For many sports fans, their home teams are identified by not only the players performing but by those broadcasting the games.  Whether it be on TV or Radio, locally or nationally, sports fans know the broadcasters.  For years, the Philadelphia Phillies had Harry Kalas, the Milwaukee Brewers have Bob Eucker, ESPN has Dick Vitale and the Dodgers have Vin Scully.  In New England we all remember Johnny Most, Curt Gowdy, Gil Santos (Just retired), Fred Cusick, Ned Martin, Bob Cousy, Joe Castiglione (Still active) and Mike Gorman (Still active) and many more.
So why don't people collect autographs for more of these well known people?  I'm not really sure. 
Most broadcasters are former and well known athletes.  Most broadcasters are a part of the team's tradition and history.  Most broadcasters are willing to sign, at least more than the athletes.  Most broadcasters don't sign often, therefore their autographs tend to be worth money, especially those on the national level. 
Although they usually work in secure locations, inaccessible to the regular fan, they are generally more accessible before and after a game.  They almost always enter or exit the venue through a public door.  And if they use a more secure door, they usually will appear in a less secure location to find their mode of transportation. Sometimes you can find these individuals on or near the field of play prior to game time, especially after they conduct their player/coach interviews. 
So if you want to start collecting unique pieces, start seeking out the broadcast team.  You will own a piece of nostalgia and history.
Autographed Harry Kallas, Curt Gowdy and Vin Scully Autographs.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Autograph Signing with Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski

Patriot fans, it's finally here!!!!!  After hundreds of requests, Sure Shot Promotions and New England Picture Company are hosting a fantastic event with the 2 star Patriot tight ends, Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez.  That's right, both players will be at the same place (Sports Zone Athletic Complex, Derry NH), on the same date (March 4, 2013) and time (7:00pm - 8:30pm) to sign autographs for fans. 

Pricing for this is fantastic, as regular items start at $59 and $69 respectively for each player.  There are also super tickets available starting at $119.  The super ticket will allow you to acquire one autograph from each player.  Pricing for premium items is higher.

I highly recommend purchasing your tickets early, as this will sell out.  Having 2 players of this caliber is rare and fans of these players will take advantage.  The lower your ticket number, the earlier you get in line. 

For more information please check www.sureshotpromotions.com.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Boston Bruin Legends, Ray Bourque and Cam Neely Autograph Appearance

If you grew up in the 80's in the Boston Area and you were a Bruins fan, you knew everything about Ray Bourque and Cam Neely.  They were the Bruins Big 2 and were incredible fan favorites.  Both players are in the hockey hall of fame and have had their numbers retired by the Bruins.
New England Picture Company is hosting an awesome autograph event with both hall of famers together on March 6th, 2013.  Meeting both of these legends is a Bruins fan dream and now is their opportunity.
Pricing is more than fair for this event.  For regular items, pricing is $59 for each piece per person and for premium items pricing is $69 for each piece per person.  There is also a super ticket which includes an autograph from each player which starts at $99.
For more information check out the following website:
www.newenglandpicture.com


Ray Bourque and Cam Neely - picture 2

New England Patriot, Vince Wilfork, Autograph Appearance

In my collecting experience, I have found that defensive players, almost never have the same popularity as their offensive counterparts.  However, Patriot defensive lineman Vince Wilfork blows up that idea.  Every time he participates in a signing, whether it's a private or public his popularity is through the roof.  His photos and autographs always sell in high volume. 
New England Picture company and sure shot promotions are providing fans an opportunity to meet him and acquire an autograph at fantastic prices.  It also affords an opportunity to meet one of the most cordial athletes in New England. 
Pricing for him starts at $49 for regular items.  This event will occur on February 12, 2013 in Nashua New Hampshire.  For more information click on these links:
www.newenglandpicture.com
www.sureshotpromotions.com

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