Game-Used Memorabilia Trade Brings Items From The Field To Fans
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Yankees and the Mets are both headed to the playoffs – at the same time – for the first time in nine years.
As CBS2's Steve Overmyer reported, a lot of people want to be part of it all, but fans seeking memorabilia won't find it cheap.
The Mets are giving the public a chance to purchase an empty champagne bottle used during the celebration this week when the Mets clinched their playoff berth. It will cost only $100.
But the Mets aren't alone.
"There's a lot of collecting going on," said Brandon Steiner.
Two decades ago, Steiner practically invented the idea of game-used memorabilia.
"It's all about getting fans closer to the game," Steiner said. "And I want fans to have a piece of the game more than what they could do just by watching on TV or sitting in their seat. I want them to experience something that's exclusive to them."
Game-used memorabilia takes collecting far beyond autographed baseballs. You can buy bases, pitching rubber, and even a sign from the old Yankee Stadium. It is all housed in Steiner Sports' 50,000-square-foot warehouse.
Among the items is the actual lineup card from the day Alex Rodriguez had his 3,000th hit. It is not just a baseball card – it's an authentic item capturing a moment in time.
Also at the warehouse is home plate from the game where Greg Bird hit his first home run.
"I was talking to Greg Bird the other day about that, and he was like, 'Can I get that?' I was like, 'Whoa, slow down,'" Steiner said.
But not every item is collectible. Reggie Jackson purchased the 15-foot letters from the old Yankee Stadium, and cannot find a buyer.
But Steiner said the huge letters understandably might not work out so well in someone's home.
"I'd say to anybody who's married out there, go bring the letters from Yankee Stadium home and tell me how your wife responds," Steiner said.
Steiner said the story behind the items is the attraction.
"It's all about the story. It's all about the memories that matter," he said. "I always tell people: 'Collect with your heart. Collect the things you love, not with your pocket hoping you're going to send your kids to school.' That's all luck -- if it happens great."
The highest-priced game-worn item was a Babe Ruth jersey from 1920, which sold for $4.4 million. But there is actually more money in dirt – Steiner Sports has raised more than $65 million by selling dirt from infields around the nation.
