Paul Konerko
Date of Birth: 3/5/1976
Rookie Card Year: 1994
Investment Rating: 6.5
Rookie Cards
In an era of flash and excitement, Paul Konerko has quietly put together a career worthy of Hall of Fame discussion. Although it's a long-shot he'll get a plaque in Cooperstown, Paul Konerko cards and autographed memorabilia are heavily overlooked. One of his era's most consistent players, pretty much all of his cards, including autographs and premium memorabilia pieces, remain affordable.
Konerko was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994. While he broke into the bigs with the team, he was sent to the Reds very early in his MLB career. However, his stay in Cincinnati was short. Konerko was traded to the Chicago White Sox following the 1998 season, the team he would stay with for the rest of his career.
The six-time All-Star helped lead the White Sox to the 2005 World Series. In fact, he was the Series MVP. Injuries led to some up and down seasons for the first baseman, however, Konerko consistently put up solid power numbers and decent batting averages throughout his career. Named the White Sox captain in 2006, he was also looked up to as a leader.
The first Paul Konerko cards came out shortly after he was drafted. He's in both 1994 Topps Traded and 1994 Stadium Club Draft Picks. He also has several minor league cards from 1994 including an autograph in 1994 Signature Rookies Draft Picks.
Over the years, Konerko has signed autographs for lots of sets. However, they're not overly plentiful compared to a lot of other players.
Considering his on-field resumé, Paul Konerko cards and memorabilia are ignored and, possibly, undervalued. Ungraded rookie cards can be had for $5 or less. Even high-grade examples from PSA and BGS are affordable to most budgets. Autograph cards can be had for $30 or less.
At this point, the only likely way Paul Konerko cards are going to get the respect they deserve is if he gets elected to the Hall of Fame.
Paul Konerko Rookie Card Guide
1994 Stadium Club Draft Picks Paul Konerko #80
While the 1994 Topps Traded Paul Konerko rookie is easily recognized by long-time collectors, his 1994 Stadium Club Draft Picks card is overlooked. Traditionalists might not consider this to be a rookie card because all of the players in the set are prospects without MLB experience. However, it has the overall look and feel of a major league card as players are pictured in their MLB uniforms. Either way, given the reasonable prices the card sells for, it's a card Konerko fans might want to consider. The card has a pair of parallels. First Day Issue cards were randomly inserted in packs. There's also a Members Only card that was sold separately.
1994 Topps Traded Paul Konerko RC #112T
Not that there's a lot of options, but this is the most iconic Paul Konerko rookie. Included in the end-of-season box set, the card isn't very exciting. It's also strange to see him in a Dodgers jersey. Like virtually all Paul Konerko cards, this one is very reasonably priced given his accomplishments. Even a high professional grade card isn't overly expensive.
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Autograph Guide
Paul Konerko Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Paul Konerko's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Mounted Memories and Tristar. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Paul Konerko Cut Signature Exemplar:
Paul Konerko Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Paul Konerko signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- The signature is hastily, but consistently written in the same manner.
- The first name is typically stacked on top of the last name.
- It is written on a slight angle, elevating left to right on, approximately, a 30-40 degree angle.
- The overall signature is defined by several distinct loops.
- The first name is indicated with a large oval-shaped loop lying horizontally. This is intersected by a short vertical line to designate it as a "P".
- The second, and only other character, of the first name, is an "l". It is written as a bulbous, tear-drop shape with a line extending back to the left finishing in a small check mark shape.
- The last name is defined by the dominant letter "K". It is written with a short vertical line and the intersecting lines result in a motion that results in a bow-tie shape.
- Another large oval follows, designating the letter "O".
- The remaining letters are not discernible and are written as a very small scribble.
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More Info
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