Baseball Trivia

Baseball Trivia

No matter what their social or political differences may be, Americans from all walks of life find common ground at the baseball park. Called 'the great equalizer', baseball is the official national game of the United States, but its appeal also reaches well beyond American shores. It is played professionally in 80 other countries and continues to gain popularity abroad.

 Baseball Trivia  history

Baseball Trivia

For many years, American lore had perpetuated the idea that a man named Abner Doubleday invented the game of baseball in 1839, on a farm field in central New York. That theory has been largely debunked and today's sports historians believe baseball probably evolved from an earlier bat-and-ball game - most probably rounders.

Knowing the history of the game and its stellar players is essential to building  a meaningful collection of baseball memorabilia. The other key to informed collecting is knowing the types of items that are most in demand in today's marketplace, or which have the greatest potential for future appreciation.


'Game-used' is what collectors want and they will pay a premium for equipment that was used, or clothing that was worn, by important players: "certainly bats related to great hitters and gloves belonging to great fielders command considerable interest.

Baseball Trivia

The same goes for uniforms." Among the prized baseball mementos Hunt has auctioned are a baseball autographed by 1920s slugger George Herman 'Babe'Ruth, which fetched $53,900 (£30,453); a game-worn jersey from Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame outfielder Richie Ashburn, $31,900 (£18,023); and a 1911 tobacco card featuring pitcher Cy Young, $2,310 (£1,305).


A special area of baseball collecting involves souvenirs and game paraphernalia from the Negro Leagues. While the players' athletic accomplishments have risen to the ranks of baseball legend, precious little memorabilia has survived. Museums and private collectors actively seek the few remaining uniforms and bats, while historians covet the rare programs and scorecards as sources of information and statistics.

Baseball Trivia

A living Negro League veteran's signature on a modern baseball can start at £20, but signatures of deceased Negro Leaguers can bring in the vicinity of £175 - even more in some cases. A 1944             baseball, autographed by the famed Satchel Paige, sold for £450 in a recent Internet auction. A scarce Negro League uniform can bring in excess of & 12,000.



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With any autographed item comes the risk of forgery, which is why it is imperative to deal with reputable dealers and auction houses who know the background of their goods and will guarantee their authenticity. Another method of avoiding forgeries - and this one is foolproof - is to attend sports memorabilia shows where baseball stars of the past make personal appearances and sign autographs for a fee. Sometimes you can have your picture taken with the athlete as he is signing a photograph or ball.

Baseball Trivia

By far the most accessible type of baseball collectible is the trading card. While originally created as tobacco premiums in the early-20th century, baseball cards were later included as incentives in packets of chewing gum, a product with a wider consumer demographic because of its suitability for children.
Modern baseball cards comprise the most economical entry point into baseball memorabilia collecting and are very popular with younger enthusiasts. The cards are free for the cost of the gum, and while baseball cards of this sort may not be available over the counter in Britain, they do appear in abundance on eBay.


The realm of vintage baseball cards is an altogether different matter. That's where you'll find the biggest price tags and the most serious collectors. In July 2000, a 1909 tobacco card for Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Honus Wagner broke the million-dollar mark, selling at Robert Edward Auctions for $1,265,000 - that's £711,000. Tracing its history, the card had sold four years earlier at Christie's for £360,000. Profit-wise, that, knocked the ball right out of the park.

Baseball Trivia

Baseball Trivia Where do I start

Baseball Trivia

Join a team fan club. There are hundreds of organisations supporting Major League teams, and they can be your key to obtaining souvenirs and autographs. Make contact with the team of your choice online. All team websites may be found through the Major League Baseball website,Study up on the Minor Leagues. Almost every baseball star of today got his start in the 'Minors'. It's easier to get an autograph or souvenir from an up- and-coming Minor League player than from a superstar.

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