One could say that direct sports memorabilia
would be items used directly by a famous sports
figure. Items such as their own personal dinner
plates, watches, jerseys, mugs key chains, jewelry,
or videos. It could also involve things such as worn
sports jerseys, game balls, game gloves, game bats,
photos of a particular athlete, or even a jock strap
(You don't get much more direct than that!). Perhaps
it includes items produced en masse at a factory and
signed by the athlete, or a promotional item the
athlete is personally endorsing. Direct sports
memorabilia also refers to items an athlete signs as
a part of a contract directly between the athlete
and a particular company.
Although product sales have declined somewhat due to
arrogant players or players getting negative
publicity, there are still millions to be made
because of an association between a material thing
and the famous athlete.
Collections from golf greats such as Tiger Woods
would include scorecards, golf balls, photos, flags,
signed drivers, or signed and cancelled checks.
Boxing items that would be popular include gloves,
trunks, robes, boxing shoes, and speed bags. One
famous boxer, George Foreman, went on to invent the
popular tabletop grills which make eating healthier.
A wrestling icon who has filled the stands and the
pockets of those who sold memorabilia connected to
him is Hulk Hogan. Being a gracious host to one of
his number one fans, he even went so far as to
invite the lucky recipient to his home for
one-on-one time with the wrestler and his family.
Some companies with strong reputations who contract
direct with athletes are: Upper Deck, Steiner
Sports, Mounted Memories, ALLAuthentic, and
Schwartzsports. Athletes may have exclusive
contracts with companies such as these and won't
sign for anyone else because of obligations in their
contracts. These dealers document the signings and
can prove authenticity. The company will handle any
and all signing on items sold in direct relation to
that athlete.
Not only do their signatures gain wealth because of
their fame, the contracts often include the
nickname, initial, autograph facsimile, voice, video
or film portrayals, photo likeness and image or
facsimile image of the athlete. The athlete, though
bound by these legal limitations, is also very well
compensated for their involvement. So, sometimes it
will seem as though an athlete is just being rude by
not signing autographs, there may be legal
limitations which won't allow them to share that
privilege without prior approval.
It is possible to buy direct from show promoters on
a presale basis. You can attend public signings, buy
from a company the player owns, or even invest in a
company that deals directly with athletes. Some
offer 20% returns on short-term investments.
PSA-DNA is an authentication service that grades
collectibles. You can submit your item to them for
authentication. Items such as bats, baseballs, and
even saddles can be authenticated. Saddles? Yes,
saddles. Humans aren't the only ones to enjoy the
fame of sports. Horses that race are also treated
like royalty by adoring fans! I'd say a saddle is a
direct collectible, wouldn't you?
