What player's items did you buy early in their career before they broke out?

[dcgreg25]

There have been a number of threads on here about players who detonate their careers (Bonds, Tiger, McGwire, Vick, etc) and destroy the value of their GU/Signed items as well as great rookies who end up as busts causing collectors to take big losses if they ever sell their items.

On the flip side, are anybody on here bought items of a player relatively early in their career, on the cheap? I realize this is more and more rare as rookies items can be more expensive than the established stars but wanted to hear some stories and see some pics if they are out there.

[bigtruck260]

I spent alot of money on Ben McDonald rookie cards....

If I had been collecting GU items back then, it would have been Dimitri Young. Not a bad career, but not a superstar.

[ironmanfan]

I bought my first Cal Ripken Jr. game worn jersey at an Orioles Wives auction in 1985

[Kid4hof03]

Bernie Williams; from 1994 through 1996 I bought at least 15 Bernie bats ranging from $40-$150, had 4 jerseys, batting helmet, cleats, a couple of hats and some other items.

A couple of years later when the prices were high and we were buying a house and expecting our first child I sold the entire collection. I made a nice profit but there are more than a few items that I really would love to locate and reaquire.

Abe

[STLHAMMER32]

I collected Josh Hamilton early in his career and continued even through the drug issues. I did not buy enough looking back... Wish I would have got more bats, problem was there was not many floating around.

[allstarsplus]

If I had been collecting GU items back then, it would have been Dimitri Young. Not a bad career, but not a superstar.

DaMeat as we called him during his time in Washington was a real delight. Fan friendly and always smiling.

A shame his diabetes caused major problems in his career in DC.

[allstarsplus]

This was Ryan Zimmerman and me on September 20, 2005. He was a September callup and 20 years old. Ryan had a grand total of less than 3 months in the Minors and I handed him a ball for my son and a guy says to me, "Why would you waste a baseball on this kid?".

I think Ryan who who had a great Rookie year in 2006 w/ 110 RBI's and great glove and 2nd place finish in the ROY really achieved star status with a Silver Slugger this year and Gold Glove and All Star pick.

I was lucky enough to get one of his USA Baseball bats, and the first Nats jersey he ever wore and some other amazing items. Now his game used items are hot and tougher to get the really good items.

[geoff]

Hanley Ramirez Game Used Signed Helmet.

[shoremen44]

I spent alot of money on Ben McDonald rookie cards....

Dave we can trade... I still have a bunch of Ben McDonald cards...lol

[mariner_gamers]

5 or 6 Alex Rodriguez game bats for around $250-$400 a piece. Sold them around 2001 when I built my Boss Shinoda Mustang.



Thanks Alex!!!