Inscribed Sports Memorabilia

By Dee Dee Smith

One of the most sought after pieces in sports memorabilia is the bat used by Babe Ruth to score the first home run in Yankee Stadium in 1923.   Ruth donated the bat to a high school, and the bat was won by a student in a contest.  Before giving it to the contest organizers, Ruth wrote the following inscription - "To the Boy Home Run King of Los Angeles. Babe Ruth, N.Y. May 7th, 1923."  The bat was well protected and kept in mint condition for over 80 years.  This valued piece of memorabilia sold at auction in 2004 for $1.26 million. 

Having a personalized inscription (like “to John Quincy“) written on your autographed item can be exciting and a great keepsake.   It’s an awesome piece of memorabilia to show off to your friends, co-workers and neighbors.  Nonetheless, a personal inscription can lessen the value of the autograph.  This is mostly due to the fact that it is more difficult to sell such a personal piece on the market.    The exception to this is an inscribed sentimental gift given by the athlete to someone special.  O.J. Simpson once gave a gold bracelet to fellow player Joe DeLamielleure after the 1973 football season.  The inscription on the bracelet said, “We did it, Juice.”   Also on the bracelet was DeLamielleure’s team number along with Simpson’s individual and team rushing records.   Simpson gave many special gifts like this to his fellow offensive lineman.  The DeLamielleure bracelet was donated to a charity auction.  Because this inscription is rare, it would be sought after by collectors.  

General inscriptions can actually add to the value of an item.  These types of inscriptions will oftentimes validate or celebrate a victory, event or an athlete’s personal achievement.  When signing Green Bay Packer jerseys, Brett Favre has sometimes added the inscription “SBXXXI Champs 95 96 97 MVP.”  Others may sign with an inscription of Hall of Fame (or HOF) along with their year of induction.  Some athletes make note of an award or accomplishment, such as the Cy Young or Heisman, when they sign a collectible item.  Baseball great Barry Bonds often signs baseballs noting the number of homeruns he’s made at the time of the signing.

Inscriptions may simply be the date an athlete signed the particular item or may mark an occasion.  Both Dick Butkus and Peyton Manning have autographed photos or other items with greetings such as “Happy Holidays” or “Happy Father’s Day.”  Hockey player Mark Messier left the New York Rangers for a short period and played a little while for the Vancouver Canucks.  After his return to the Rangers, Messier autographed many items with an inscription “1st game back,” commemorating his return to the team.

Players can sometimes be unique and creative in coming up with inscriptions.   Football Hall of Famer Roger Staubach was very crafty with his autographs.  He often signed both footballs and helmets with the football phrase “Hail Mary.”  Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra was famous for signing baseballs with catchy phrases like - “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over,” or “Déjà Vu All Over Again.”

An athlete may also use signings as an opportunity to share a meaningful message or heartfelt thought with their fans.  In addition to being a great boxer, Muhammad Ali is also recognized as a social and human rights activist.  Along with his signature, Ali would often write the following message - “Love is the net where hearts are caught like fish.”  In 1992, Pete Rose was banned from baseball due to allegations of betting on baseball games.  As a result, he often adds the inscription “I’m sorry I bet on baseball,” to his autographed baseballs.  These baseballs are very popular amongst Pete Rose fans.  Other baseball players have also had difficulties in their career.  One such player is Darryl Strawberry, whose legal and substance abuse problems were much publicized.  Strawberry has added the inscription “Everybody Deserves a Second Chance” to a collection of balls. 

Other inscriptions might be an alias or nickname (i.e. Roger “Rocket” Clemens, Gordie “Mr. Hockey” Howe, Cal “Ironman” Ripken, Jr. and “Smokin” Joe Frazier).  Fans also love autograph inscriptions that cheer on their favorite team.  Peyton Manning spent his college career with the Tennessee Volunteers so he would often inscribe college photos with a cheer - “Go Vols.”   

Companies like SportsMemorabilia.com offer a variety of autographed items with inscriptions.  Sports memorabilia shows and athlete signings also provide opportunities to personalize your memorabilia with an inscription (although you may be charged anywhere from $10-$100 extra for the inscription). 

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