Are Alex Rodriguez Cards and Memorabilia Headed to the Bargain Bin?
His reputation isn't the only thing about A-Rod that's depreciating.
After the slugger's admission that he took steroids, memorabilia fans holding signed baseballs, bats, gloves and baseball cards are watching their expensive collectibles plunge in value.
"It's amazing. A few days ago I was paying $200 for a signed baseball and selling them on a regular basis for $325, but today I wouldn't give anything for it," said Peter Siegel, owner of Gotta Have It!, a midtown memorabilia store.
Many collectors learned their lesson from tainted superstars Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens. Demand for their memorabilia plummeted once allegations of cheating came out.
"Parents just aren't going to put out hundreds of dollars for a signed bat for their kid now that they won't see him as a good role model. I can't remember the last time I got a request for Bonds or Clemens," Siegel said. "A-Rod is headed for the same fate," Siegel continued.
Three days ago, fans were stocking up on A-Rod stuff, hoping to cash in on history if he became Major League Baseball's all-time home run champion, as many experts expect. Now it could all be headed for the discount bin.
Ari Whitkes, owner of Grandstand Sports, remains hopeful, "If A-Rod has a great start [to the season], maybe his stuff will begin to recoup some of its value, but a lot of damage has been done...just think, there are still over 100 names on that list," Whitkes said.
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