The market for baseball memorabilia is massive – students of the game from all generations long to have their piece of baseball’s history. However, for those new to collecting, it can be daunting to know what to get now that will make for a good collection piece in a couple decades.
We’ve been part of the game for more than a century, so we know a thing or two about what kinds of memorabilia stands the test of time. If you’re just getting started with your baseball memorabilia collection, then shopping for baseballs themselves can be a good place to start.
What Makes a Baseball Commemorative?
Baseball was one of the first sports to grow a sizable market for memorabilia, with fans of early stars like Babe Ruth rushing to get autographs. If that autograph was on a baseball, it could have reached prices of hundreds of thousands of dollars. (You may remember this is the central plot point in one of baseball’s greatest contributions to cinema, “The Sandlot.”)
Commemorative baseballs, while not always signed, have their own history behind them. Commemorative baseballs started off as objects organizers made especially for 'opening day' of each new season. The first one of these was made in April 1974 to mark the season openers between Cincinnati and Atlanta (in the NL) and Texas and Oakland (in the AL). As you can imagine, these are very rare balls that are difficult to find for any collector.
Since then, Major League Baseball has used commemorative baseballs to mark all kinds of occasions. Some are more overtly marked for decoration, like the baseballs used in the All-Star Game or World Series. Others are more subtle, like those used in game while Albert Pujols was chasing down 700 home runs in 2022.
Since the year 2000, MLB execs have worked with Rawlings to commission a unique ball almost every year to commemorate the opening of the season. The design changes each season, so collectors can try to buy, sell, or trade to complete their full collections.
In addition, if you want a game ball from any World Series or All-Star game, you can order one from any year (1978-present) on our site! A personal favorite: the 2000 World Series Ball, which featured a departure in logo design from the other balls of the 1990s and marked the first time that MLB used a color besides blue or red on the balls.
There may be specific years that have special meaning to you, so you can find the perfect ball for your home or office and reminiscence about your best baseball memories.
For Collectors or As Gifts
With how many memorabilia collectors there are around, chances are you're not the only one you know who gets excited by our commemorative baseball options. Whether it's for you or for someone else in your life who shares your passion for America's pastime, you'll want to get a ball they'll find extra special.
Where Can I Pick Up Memorabilia Baseballs?
Whether you’re just starting your foray into memorabilia collecting or you’re just trying to add to your collection, looking into commemorative balls is a must. Click the link below to browse our site and start growing your collection today!
