By Jason Klein
Originally Written For New York Yankee Legacy Magazine – October 2009
Click each individual thumbnail below to read the feature story, exactly as it appeared in New York Yankee Legacy Magazine:
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 8/28/09
“Shut Up. Play.”
Bernie Williams stood there and faced the media with those 3 words quietly displayed on his t-shirt. It was October of 1996, and Williams wore this shirt in front of his locker throughout the post season. This subtle reminder personified the Yankees of the mid-90s.
Those Yankees teams never gloated, always acted as if they had “been there before,” and proceeded to win four World Series titles in five years. To this day, looking back on it, Williams still maintains a humble opinion of his years in pinstripes.
“I played on some unbelievable teams, but I was never concerned about where we ranked all-time or anything like that,” he said. “I was just glad to be there and be a part of all the winning.”
Williams, looking like he could still slip into his pinstripes, visited the Steiner Sports Corporate headquarters on Thursday and for #51, the autograph session quickly turned into an opportunity for reflection.
“As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to appreciate all the precious moments I had,” he said. “I was part of a truly great team and I enjoy sitting back and enjoying those moments.”
Williams played on some of the most successful Yankees teams of all time, and the switch-hitting center fielder had a major role in most of those triumphs. Over the course of his 16-year career – all with the Yankees – Bernie Williams was selected to 5 All-Star Games, won the 1996 ALCS MVP Award, won 4 Gold Gloves for his wizardry in center field, and captured the 1998 Batting Title. Despite all his personal accolades along the way, Williams insists his greatest memories are team oriented.
“The batting title in 1998 was special, but that whole 1998 team was unbelievable,” he said. “Those are the things I remember the most…the things we accomplished as a team.”
It is that unassuming personality that has landed Bernie a special place in the hearts of most Yankees fans. Adulation that was never more evident to Williams than at the final game ever played at the original Yankee Stadium.
“It was awesome to see the fans embrace me the way they did,” he said. “Especially after being out of the game for a few years. I was so surprised I got introduced after Yogi!”
Williams was invited back the following April to help initiate the new home of the Yankees. He appeared in center field, playing “Take me out to the ball game” on his guitar, and highlighted an extraordinary day at the new ball park.
“Playing [the guitar] in center field on Opening Day was weird,” he said. “It was such a bizarre moment. I was in Yankee Stadium, with a guitar, playing in front of a full house. It was such a cool moment. There was so much electricity that day. It reminded me of the old Stadium a lot.”
Inside that old Stadium, Bernie Williams cemented his place in Yankees lore, quietly positioning himself in the record books alongside other Yankees center fielders like Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio.
“I have no regrets about my career,” he said. “I was part of a great team for 16 years. I am very proud of that, and I did it my way.”
He shut up and just played.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 8/17/09
On the Mount Rushmore of sports memorabilia, the autographed baseball is George Washington. It’s the crown jewel of the sports collectible industry. Signed jerseys and helmets are great too, but there’s something uniquely appealing about a signature on a baseball.
According to Steiner Sports CEO, Brandon Steiner, a signed baseball is simply part of American culture: “There’s Chevrolet, apple pie, and autographed baseballs,” he says. “Nothing beats it! A signed baseball is at the very heart of collecting.”
In recent years, companies like Steiner Sports have introduced new and creative ways to collect, developing exciting new products and giving life to the game used industry. Though the memorabilia industry has evolved, the simplicity that is an autographed baseball still reigns supreme in the collectibles world.
Why Collect Baseballs?
A baseball is inherently collectable. It’s small in stature, but largely coveted. Because they’re so little, autographed baseballs are very easily displayed and stored. When wall space is at a premium, collectors opt to stack baseballs on shelves and desks rather than clutter up walls.
Its size also makes it a perfect candidate to bring to a public signing or the ballpark. Collectors have a much easier time transporting a few baseballs than photos or jerseys. Very rarely will a fan pull out a batting helmet inside a stadium and ask for a player’s autograph. In addition, the clean white palette of every ball’s sweet spot provides the perfect canvas for baseball’s biggest stars to sign.
Which Players Should You Collect?
Like snowflakes, no two collections are alike. The only similarity from one to the next is the emotional investment made along the way. While some choose to collect top players, potentially bringing the largest payday down the line, others prefer to gather autographed baseballs from players they grew up watching and have a connection to.
“I collect moments,” says Steiner. “I go to games with my son, I watch players develop and improve, those are the things that move me as a collector. Those items will always have value to me.”
Since determining a ball’s monetary worth over time is not an exact science, it’s important to collect players of personal rooting interest. This approach will ensure long term satisfaction for the collector.
If looking for a little more direction, Steiner recommends collecting those who are, quite simply, best at what they do.
“If I were starting a collection today, I’d focus on my top ten,” says Steiner. “I’d have to get a ball from Mickey [Mantle], Ted Williams, and Joe DiMaggio…have to start with those guys.” Rounding out Steiner’s top ten are: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Nolan Ryan, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Sandy Koufax.
Protect What You Collect!
Sports memorabilia is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, not hidden away in a closet or attic somewhere. Of course, it is up to the individual collector to decide how best to exhibit a collection. No matter what forum is selected, one rule should always apply: keep autographed baseballs out of direct sunlight!
In order to maintain its white complexion and crisp signature, avoiding open windows and bright rooms is key. The ideal shelter for these gems are behind UV protected glass – not an expensive proposition, and completely worth it over the course of time. When investing time and money into a collection, protect it, and put it in position to last a long time.
Your Memories are Authentic, Your Signed Baseballs Should Be Too!
“There’s nothing like meeting a player and having him sign a ball for you,” claims Steiner. “You will always have that story to tell and it adds a personal touch to the collection.”
If a collector can’t personally witness a ball being signed, it’s important to acquire items from a trusted source. There’s a lot of stress involved in purchasing a signed baseball on the second-hand market. One might never feel completely confident that what they own is real. More often than not, it’s worth spending a little more for the peace of mind that comes with owning an authentic piece of memorabilia.
“Why would you get a baseball that wasn’t authenticated? It’s foolish,” says Steiner. “If someone told you they had a great deal on a Mercedes, but all the logos would be stripped from the car, including the hood…would you still want it? Would you still feel good driving it? Having our hologram on a baseball adds to the value and selling power, should you decide to sell your collection some day.”
Companies like Steiner Sports guarantee the authenticity of their hand signed collectibles. Each item autographed at a Steiner Sports signing is witnessed by a Steiner representative before being cataloged and inventoried. Athletes are asked to sign an affidavit to document the date and location of the signing and a tamper-proof hologram is affixed to each item, declaring it 100% real. Certificates of Authenticity are also issued, further guaranteeing its genuineness. Such measures not only provide serenity, but will help the item maintain value over time.
Collect with Passion
It would be naïve to think that collectors looking for financial gain don’t exist. There are some who collect baseballs to eventually sell them off for a profit. However, if monetary goals were paramount, there are other, more lucrative things to invest in. People choose to collect signed baseballs because they are passionate about, well…baseball.
Many collectors have aspirations of one day passing their prized possessions onto their children, a symbolic way to share the stories of their childhood, and at the same time, leave behind a piece of themselves.
For some, collecting baseballs is an escape from reality, a source of pleasure, and a way to preserve the accomplishments of childhood heroes. Whatever the reason, Steiner has one simple piece of advice for all involved.
“I always tell people to have fun with their collection,” he says. “If you aren’t having fun, what’s the point?”
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/7/09
An athlete’s death gives new life to his sports memorabilia. It’s simple supply and demand really. Yes, it’s cold and heartless to think about profiting from someone else’s demise, but this is a very real part of the sports collectibles industry…bottom line.
Taboo to some, many in the industry view it as an opportunity to move product. Individual collectors see it as their chance to invest in something extremely limited in nature.
For those cynics looking to knock the sports memorabilia industry for taking advantage of such a sensitive issue, understand this: there is a very real demand for these types of items.
This past weekend, in the hours following the untimely and unfortunate death of former NFL MVP, Steve McNair, Steiner Sports phone lines lit up with inquires about items bearing his signature. Opportunistic collectors were looking to snap up anything they could before the market ran dry. Politically correct? Maybe not. Reality? Yes.
Steiner Sports experienced similar demand back in March, 2006 when the late, great Kirby Puckett passed away, and again in August 2007 when “The Scooter,” Phil Rizzuto died. Demand grew exponentially for items signed by either legend as collectors realized how difficult it would soon be to locate such pieces.
It’s difficult to find that delicate balance between sensitivity and commerce. When does it become appropriate to discuss the value of memorabilia signed by the deceased? A couple of days? A week? A month? There’s no right answer.
Steve McNair was one of the toughest, and most admired leaders in theNFL during his 13 year career. He beat the odds, emerging from small Division I-AA Alcorn State, to lead the Tennessee Titans within one yard of a Super Bowl Championship. Earning co-MVP honors (along with Peyton Manning) in 2003, the third overall selection in the 1995 draft accomplished enough during his career to give inherent value to his collectibles. Right or wrong, his passing makes anything he signed a hot commodity…bottom line.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 5/26/09
Dedicated collectors take great pride in watching their memorabilia collection grow, but the latest collectible to come out of the Bronx is unprecedented! Yankees-Steiner Collectibles is giving Yankees fans the opportunity to own a living piece of Yankee Stadium that will be sure to grow their collection – with proper food, water and sunlight, that is.
Many considered the field at Yankee Stadium to be the most sacred turf in all of sports. Now fans can own an actual piece of the legendary sod. Personal pieces of pinstriped real estate can be transplanted directly from the Yankees former backyard to private homes.
Landscapers took a scalpel to the field on March 14, 2009, removing the layer of grass, one row at a time. Throughout the 2-day process, each row was rolled up like carpet, and numbered according to which portion of the field it originated from. After being loaded onto the back of a truck, each spiral of Yankees turf was escorted out of the stadium, to be inventoried. Afterward, the lavish green field, once a stage performed on by DiMaggio,Mantle, Mattingly, and Jeter, resembled a mud pit better suited for the demolition derby.
Yankees-Steiner Collectibles recommends some simple steps to ensure the relocated territory flourishes in other yards as it did in the Bronx. Direct sunlight exposure of 4-6 hours a day is key, as is selecting a prime location free of standing water or excessive moisture.
Just like tending to any living plant, Yankee Stadium Sod will need proper maintenance. A gentile mow once a week for the first 3 weeks is necessary, and providing ample water (1 inch per week) will contribute to a healthy lawn. Turf fertilizing is also important, and it’s recommended to contact a landscape contractor for specific instructions, as lawn conditions vary from house to house.
Freeze-dried sod is another option available for fans looking to preserve the hallowed turf. During this process, the “life” is literally “sucked out” of a round sod patch, measuring 3 inches in diameter. No maintenance is required here, as the keepsake lacks any living properties.
While the freeze-dried option is great for decorating around the living room or office, transplanting actual living sod is the latest way to preserve the memory of the most celebrated field in all of sports…or, at the very least, it’s a great surface for backyard wiffle ball.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 5/19/09
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact date, but it started sometime last summer. The topic remained scorching hot throughout the frosty winter months. It continues to be the number one question being asked by Yankees fans, and sports collectors alike: when are the seats from Yankee Stadium going to be available for purchase?
The wait is over!
These precious gems are starting to be unearthed, pried from withinbaseball’s cathedral in the Bronx, available for fans to take a seat in history, within the comfort of their own home. This summer, throw some dogs on the grill, grab a beer from the fridge, and watch the Yanks while resting in an actual Yankee Stadium seat – from your living room!
Last Tuesday, May 12, 2009, Yankees-Steiner Collectibles and the New York Yankees announced the beginning of this historic opportunity, immediately giving fans the opportunity to purchase seats from the club’s former home. The press conference set off a flurry of phone calls as thousands pounced on the once-in-a-lifetime items.
A set of seats, and other Yankee Stadium artifacts, were put on display at Gate 2 of the New Yankee Stadium and remain there for all home games. Thousands of fans have stopped by, admiring the relics during the game – and reserving their own personal pieces of The House That Ruth Built.
If looking to purchase the iconic blue seats, it’s important to know there are many different packages available. The first basic package gives fans the opportunity to purchase a pair of non-specific seats, not designated for regular season ticket packages. These seats will be chosen at random and will sell for $1,500 a pair.
If fans are looking to scoop up the actual seats, specific to their season plan, the second basic package is the way to go. For $2,000 fans can own the actual pair of seats they sat in while personally witnessing history each summer. These fans must have their Yankees season ticket account numbers handy, and have had either a full plan, or partial plan A or B to qualify. Seats are being sold in pairs, not individually. Additional packages, including hand signed and game used collectibles, along with seats are also available.
To reserve a set, anxious fans won’t have to dive headfirst into a pile of seats like their Captain did in July of 2004. Seats are available through Yankees-Steiner Collectibles via web or phone. Each set of seats will come complete with a Yankees-Steiner letter of authenticity.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 5/12/09
Fifty-seven thousand empty blue seats quietly rest in the Bronx. They are the last remaining witnesses of the historic grounds. There is a sense of tranquility inside the most decorated venue in sports. Gone are the nightly throngs of Yankees fans anxious to greet “mystique” and “aura.” In its place is…silence. It is the “calm” following an 85-year pinstriped storm – a whirlwind that brought 26 World Championships to town.
True, the famous blue seats currently filling “The House that Ruth Built” are not the original occupants. But they have certainly observed their share of history since the Stadium’s renovation in the mid-seventies. They were there every step of the way as recent Yankees teams dynastically rebuilt themselves. Now they will be part of history one last time as the building dramatically comes down.
It is an eventuality that draws varied emotions. Many are sentimental about losing such an iconic stadium. After all, change can sometimes be difficult to accept. Still, others have embraced the team’s new digs across the street. Ready or not, the Yankees have moved!
There will never be another game played at the original Yankee Stadium, a structure dripping with history. Every crevice contains a valuable memento, a keepsake sparking memories to last forever. These souvenirs are now available for Yankees fans and baseball historians alike to personally own, thanks to a joint partnership joining the New York Yankees and Yankees-Steiner Collectibles.
As the stadium is methodically taken apart, each piece will be preserved and transformed into an instant collectable. Pieces of the clubhouse, dugout, and private offices will be available. So too will famous stadium signage, pieces of freize, the foul poles, turnstiles, bricks from Monument Park, and yes, those fifty-seven thousand empty blue seats, each with so many stories to tell. Throughout this exciting and unprecedented process, I will share some of them with you.
Connect With Jason
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 4/23/09
Connect. That’s what I do every day I’m in the Steiner Sports offices. I connect sports fans with their heroes…customers with memorabilia…legendary sports moments with new product ideas. I help passionate people realize their sports fantasies by getting them closer to the game than they thought possible.
One might say I’m a glorified middleman. That’s one way to put it. One thing’s certain, I’m always in the middle of something exciting, thanks to the relationships Steiner Sports has with some of the most elite athletes and franchises in professional and collegiate sports.
For years, I’ve enjoyed connecting with many of you over the phone, via e-mail, and in many instances, meeting face-to-face at some of our unforgettable meet-and-greet events. This blog is an opportunity for me to further advance that relationship, giving you exclusive insight into happenings within the Steiner Sports community, and providing my take on sports news as it breaks.
Many of you have asked me what it’s like working directly with athletes like Derek Jeter, Dustin Pedroia, and Eli Manning or partnering with teams like the Yankees,Red Sox, and Cowboys. I’m constantly asked: What innovative new items are coming out? Who’s signing next? Or, simply, what did you think of the game last night? At Steiner Sports, there is always something going on…I look forward to sharing some of it with you along the way. Get connected.
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Jason Klein 