Sports memorabilia market changing

Published Originally by GlobeGazette.com on Sunday, September 18th, 2011.

MASON CITY - Football is overtaking baseball as the national pastime, a man whose business is sports memorabilia said Sunday.

"Sad to say," said Mark Rodningen, a baseball fan and co-owner of Trader Jack's, which sponsored a card and memorabilia show in Southbridge Mall.

"About 75 percent of our business is football," said Rodningen.

"I think maybe part of it is the baseball season is too long. In the NFL with its short season, every game means something.

"Look at the Vikings. They're in the hole already and they've only played two games."

Rodningen said the most popular items at sports shows are things with autographs. "People want a piece of their favorite player," he said.

Fall is a great time of year to have memorabilia show, said Rodningen.

"Baseball is moving toward its playoffs and football is just starting up. It's a good time of year for both sports," he said.

Rich Riley of Algona displayed some collectors' items at his table.

Among them were a check for $6 signed by baseball legend Ty Cobb, valued at $1,500 and hand-size statues of New York Yankee greats Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra.

Rodningen said, from a sales standpoint, the most popular football teams are the Vikings, Bears and Packers - "no surprise for this area."

But he added, "We also sell tons of stuff to Steeler and Cowboy fans."

The memorabilia show started Saturday and ended Sunday and had vendors and customers from several counties.

Rodningen said future shows are being planned.