(
)
(
)
Talk about a lucky catch.
The fan who manages to catch the ball off Derek Jeter’s historic 3,000th hit could pocket as much as $250,000, experts said.
That’s just one price tag in the big merchandising bonanza to celebrate the Yankee captain’s approaching milestone. The Yankees and Jeter’s promoters are selling no fewer than 200 products linked to the hit, with markups of as much as 50 percent over the price of his usual branded collectibles.
“Derek Jeter is always worth a premium in everything he does,” said Brandon Steiner, president of Steiner Sports, a major sponsor of the Yankee star. “His status among fans is unmatched, and this is one of the biggest moments of his career.”
Steiner also holds the contract to sell five gallons of hallowed dirt scooped up from the infield and dugout after the historic home game. A half-ounce of pure Yankee dirt fetches more than $250.
Not everything used in the game will be sold or auctioned.
“Derek will probably keep his bat and game glove,” Steiner said. “He’s still deciding what he wants or doesn’t want.”
But almost all the rest is up for grabs.
Ordinarily, a single sock Jeter has worn in a season game costs $500 in Steiner Sports’ catalog; a dirty sock from the historic game will likely fetch $1,000 or more, Steiner said.
Some of the most prized treasures, such as cleats from one of Jeter’s shoes, will be auctioned online, fetching up to $10,000 a piece, with bidding opening at $7,000, said Steiner.
Bases will go for $7,500 each. The 30 game balls sell for $2,500 signed and $2,000 if they’re unsigned.