New Steiner items commemorate Rivera’s MLB record
By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor
New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera now sits atop the all-time saves list with 602 — and counting — and that means one thing.
It means that Steiner Sports is sitting pretty with plenty of Rivera commemorative items already up for grabs for baseball fans with game-used memorabilia from the history-making game on the way soon as well. Steiner has the rights to handle all licensed products for Rivera’s record, including caps and t-shirts, as well as its autographed and game-used products related to the record.
“Mariano Rivera is a mega superstar. He is one of the five most-popular players right now, and the record really hasn’t sunk in,” said CEO Brandon Steiner. “We have a great pulse on the fans and collectors. It’s right there with the [Derek] Jeter milestone. The respect level for Mo is at the highest level.”
The main attraction in the offerings is the signed 602-save logo ball (above), which will be limited to 3,602 baseballs, and will be available with a capsule display of game-used dirt (above, right) from Yankee Stadium (but not the ball’s display case) for $199. Steiner says this is actually $200 less than Rivera’s typical going rate for an autograph.
“Mariano wanted as many fans as possible to participate in the collection,” Steiner said. “Mo is an unbelievable family guy who is involved in community, and a great teammate. His actions speak louder than words and louder than endorsements.”
Like its lineup of memorabilia from Jeter’s 3,000 hits milestone, available for Rivera are signed and inscribed photos from the game, replica lineup card displays, other framed pieces and a signed and inscribed baseball noting the date of the game. Game-used dirt plaques start as low as $24.99, while the signed and inscribed baseballs and photos are $499.99 while larger photos are $599.99.
For the game-used fans, Steiner has the game-used mound, bases and home plate from Yankee Stadium. Signed jerseys, cleats and other commemorative items will be revealed at a later date.
Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Baseball magazine. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an email to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
I have purchased a ball from the 602nd saved game, signed by Rivera and hand-delivered by him to a charitable silent auction event in Gainesville, FL on Tue Sept 27th, 2011. (Ministry called Ignite). How do I obtain an estimation of value?
From mod: If it’s the 602 logo ball, then there might not be any additional value — they are available for what you paid. If it’s a game-used ball, there might be more fluctuation but it’d likely be similar to what you paid — or in the ballpark.
Hello
Where can I buy the merchandise mentioned above for $199? I am hoping to buy one …. This is going to be my Christmas Gift to my boyfriend who is a big “Mo” fan. He was actually watching that game at the Yankees Stadium with his Mom (who is also a big fan of the Yankees). Please advise.