value of game used batting helmets vs jerseys/bats

[jgoldstein2000]

I realize its largely about preference and thus supply and demand but curious about how people feel about the value of game used batting helmets vs other game used items.

Depending on the player/team a guy may only use one game used helmet a year and rarely more than a few.

Do you think a game used batting helmet from a player that is covered in tar and may be the only one worn for a season demands a premium over a jersey of that player?

Lets take a star player like Jeter for whom there are lots of bats and jerseys available but probably not many batting helmets. Where would the helmet rank on what would you would be willing to spend if you were a jeter fan?

Thanks in advance.

Jeremy

[schubert1970]

Jermey,

Depending on the team. The tigerrs seem to use several a year per player and the Giants use one per player for the year. I would prefer the helmet used for an entire year then a bat or jersey due to limited supply.

Just my opinion.

[jake33]

two months ago, I paid triple for a game used willy aybar rays batting helmet than i did for his jersey, both were mlb.com authenticated. batting helmets are super tough to find.

[nationals2k9]

I think the helmet requires a certain element of "personality" to deserve a premium. I agree that pound for pound, helmets are far more exclusive than jerseys and bats. But I don't think the hobby as a whole has accepted this view point. Many collectors let helmets go for 3-4 times less than I'd value the same helmet. If it's a helmet that made it through an entire season, has massive amounts of tar and nicks and chips, that's one thing. But if it's just a MLB holo'd pristine looking thing, I don't get too excited. Same with helmets made for things like TBTC. Doesn't get me going. "Rare" sure, but it only saw 4-5 AB's and was put away for good. I also think older helmets can be way too difficult to authenticate and can make collectors nervous whether they have the genuine article. For me personally, any time I've "strayed" from bats, I've been burned.

[godwulf]

If it's a helmet that made it through an entire season, has massive amounts of tar and nicks and chips, that's one thing. But if it's just a MLB holo'd pristine looking thing, I don't get too excited.

The same thing applies to items other than helmets, of course. How many times have we seen some unknowledgeable eBay seller gush, in the item description, about what "MINT CONDITION!" some bat or jersey (or helmet) is in? As though that were a selling point!

Same with helmets made for things like TBTC.

As far as I'm concerned, a regular season helmet (or jersey or bat) is far more desirable than a one-shot gimmick or promotional item, like TBTC, Hispanic Heritage "Los"-whatever, or even Jackie Robinson, or Breast Cancer Awareness pink stuff. Almost without exception.

I like helmets, but my main interest is bats, so if I had to have just one or the other of a particular player, I'd go for the bat first.

[justinwc80]

I have to agree that well used helmets usually are valued at a premium. These seem to be used over a larger percentage of the season than jerseys and definitely bats. Not always the case but my opinion.

[xpress34]

I think I got a steal on this one at $299.00:





- Smitty

[gingi79]

I'd say a photomatched helmet with great wear is worth some nice scratch especially to a player collector.

My opinion is, in all sports, a jersey is more desirable however. Unlike jerseys, every players helmet and or hat is identical to every other helmet and hat. A jersey has the players name and number on it and you know what it is by just looking at it. Many people are skeptical with helmets as well because it is a lot easier to claim a helmet was worn by a player as they are harder to photomatch. I believe BirdBats had told a story about a #5 St Louis Cardinals helmet at a Cardinals sale not being listed as Pujols but how easy would it be for an unscrupulous person to claim it was? It's much harder to claim a jersey that says Johnson belongs to Jones.

Using rough numbers in football, a Dan Marino jersey sells for say $5k and a helmet goes for $3k. Did Dan wear 16 or more jerseys a season, possibly. Did he wear 16 helmets, most likely not. I think while the helmet is rarer and most likely shows better use, the jersey's sex appeal is just much higher. Both display equally wicked but as a jersey collector, I think jerseys just exemplify the player better. Robert (Aeneas01) would most likely disagree. That's what makes this hobby so awesome, everyone gets that "WooHoo that's the most !@#&ing amazing item in the whole !@#$ing world!"

[xpress34]

I think I got a steal on this one at $299.00:





- Smitty

WOO HOO!!!! I'll get this bad boy signed at Spring Training now!!!

Rockies pave way for Giambi return!!!

- Smitty

[Fnazxc0114]

For a team like the rangers id pay a super premium for one of their game used helmets. Ive only seen one big name player on the market and it is not for sale. For my favorite players i have bats jerseys, cleats, etc but dont own a single helmet.