Market Report: Ryan Braun, Tim Tebow, Chris Paul, Ron Santo

There have been a lot of names popping up in the sports world over the past few weeks for a variety of reasons. Among them are: Ryan Braun (failed drug test), Ron Santo (Hall of Fame election), Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos winning seven of eight games) and Chris Paul (trade rumors).

The reasons for their inclusion in the news does have an impact on their collectibles, one way or another. Some good, some bad. In Ryan Braun’s case, the end result of the appeal process will go a long way in terms of his collectibles. However, we won’t know the answer to that until sometime in January. Fresh off a National League MVP award that provided a boost in his collectibles both in volume sold and price, his named being linked to a failed drug test of any type will only adversely effect the market for his goods.

Currently prices for his collectibles on eBay aren’t out of the park, but being in Milwaukee, you can buy signed items and like for relatively cheap prices regardless of the recent news.

Some of his recent selling prices include the following:
– 2007 Upper Deck Black Ato Patch rookie, 1-of-1, $520
– 2009 Topps Logoman patch auto, 1-of-1, $365
– SP Authentic Rookie Patch auto, $300
– 2005 Bowman Chrome blue refractor auto, $274
– 2005 Bowman Sterling auto, BGS 10, $236
– Signed Milwaukee Brewers replica jersey, $200
– Signed Rawlings Big Stick bat, $150
– Signed full-size batting helmet, $120
– Signed baseball, $95.

There is likely a tendency for a lot of Braun items to remain in private hands, as the thought process would have been to hold on to his stuff, as his on-field success, if continued, would mean more all-Star appearances, awards and possible HOF inclusion. Way down the road thinking, yes, but his trajectory was heading that way, meaning his collectibles would be even more valuable down the road.

Tim Tebow
It’s likely that Tim Tebow’s collectibles won’t go any higher than right now, unless he somehow ends up in the Super Bowl. Items with his signature have sold for four figures, including a signed book for $1,051, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Tim Tebow Foundation. Also selling for $1,052 was a 2010 Equisite patch/auto numbered to 10.

Other selling prices include:
– Signed Denver Broncos jersey, framed, $725
– 2010 National Treasures patch./auto, BGS 9.5, $810
– 2010 Topps Chrom gold refractor auto, $788
– 2011 Topps rising Rookie Cam Newton/Tebow dual auto, $550
– Signed Florida Gators replica jersey, $510
– Signed full-size Denver Broncos helmet, $499.

Ron Santo
The following comes courtesy of Don Fluckinger, who does the Online Auctioneer column in SCD.

Sadly, it took Cooperstown until a year after Ron Santo died to enshrine him in the Hall of Fame. How lame. However, his collector value increases as he morphs from a lovable Chicago fan favorite into a player chased nationally by the baseball establishment. On the day the Veterans’ Committee announced its decision to recognize Santo, here’s the baseline of his card prices on eBay, destined to rise in the coming year as hall of fame collectors start filling in the newly opened blanks in their collections: 1961 Topps, PSA 9 ($225); signed Cubs throwback jersey, JSA ($225); 1961 Topps, PSA 8 ($210); signed bat ($150); 1961 Topps, BVG 8 ($150); and a PSA/DNA signed ball, inscribed “342 HR” ($140).

Great sig, by the way, which can only increase the appeal of stuff from Santo, who probably will be best remembered for his guileless, loud, screaming celebrations in the WGN radio booth when the Cubs won in dramatic style.

Chris Paul
The New Orleans star guard was headed to the Los Angeles Lakes, and the NBA itself shot down the trade. Then he was going to the Los Angeles Clippers, which was also nullified. The Hornets can’t afford him, so they have to trade him before he leaves for free agency and the team gets nothing in return.

The following are some of his current selling prices, but you can bet these values will go up if he lands in a big market such as Los Angeles after all.
– 2005-06 Equisite patch/auto, $2,000
– 2005-06 Topps Chrome gold refractor, BGS 9.5, $600
– 2005-06 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection auto, $325
– Signed, game-used shoe, $300
– Signed basketball, $175.