Collecting & Connecting: Tips of the Trade: Autographs of Champions

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Autographs of Champions

With all the excitement of Tom Brady winning his 4th Super Bowl, the debate has continued across the nation about who the best QB in NFL history is. Then in Boston, the question was raised about who the best champion in the history of the city is. Who should be on the Mt. Rushmore of Boston Sports? Names such as Russell, Bird, Williams, Orr, Ortiz, Auerbach, etc... spark this fun debate.

With all this talk of local and national champions, I started wondering about who's autographs do I own, of which won at least 4 championships. Not that this necessarily makes a case for the best athletes, but it sure does represent highly historic performances at the peak of pressure situations.

Generally speaking autographs from champions, even for the 2nd and 3rd tier players is worth more over the long term. I think of some of the bench players from the 60's Celtic championship teams, and they are still highly coveted 50 years later.

So if you are thinking of starting a collection or wondering whose autograph you should acquire next consider some of these names.

Bill Russell: 11x NBA champion (Autograph for regular items runs about $175)
Tom Brady: 4x SB champion (Autograph for regular items start at $649)
Reggie Jackson: 5x WS champion (Autograph for regular items runs about $99)
Derek Jeter: 5x WS champion (Autograph for regular items runs about $400)
Mariano Rivera: 5x WS champion (Autograph for regular items runs about $250)
Mike Timlin: 4x WS champion with 2 teams (Autographs for regular items runs about $50)
Bob Cousy: 6X NBA champion (Autographs for regular items start at $79)

These are just samples of some that I own. You can also consider checking out autographs from Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Johnny Bench, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Paul O' Neill among many others.