Sports have accumulated one of the largest followings in American culture because they are exciting to watch and no one ever knows how any game will play out. There have been many great players, coaches, and great games that have gone down in history. Collectibles memorabilia has been generated by these teams over time and they have created a large and expensive market.
In the sports world, baseball really started this mega trend in collectibles with baseball cards. Baseball cards were minted around the early 1900’s and the first ever baseball card was of Honus Wagner. Since then, collecting baseball cards, team pennants, and just about anything else autographed by a player, has been a lucrative business because people pay top dollar for this memorabilia.
Football has caught on over the past 75 years in the United States and has pretty much replaced baseball as our country’s national passion. Because professional football is so popular, another large market has been created in the collection world. Football cards, autographed helmets and jerseys, and other items are the most sought after memorabilia for this sport.
Other than football and baseball pieces, hockey and basketball bring up the rear in the memorabilia business but still have a decently sized market. Hockey sticks and jerseys that have been signed by favorite players will draw some money. In terms of basketball items, signed jerseys and sneakers make up the majority of collectors market. Both sports also have cards printed but they do not generate as much fervor as baseball and football cards.
Collectibles memorabilia has taken root in the American society and as long as there are professional sports, people will want to collect historic items. Part of the reason the collector’s market is built up so high is that people idolize sports figures. Whether it is good or bad, it happens and collecting a piece from a favorite player will greatly excite any true sports fan.
