Best items/highlights of 2011 for you?

[jake33]

I recall about a year ago the thread came up of 2011 collecting goals. I pretty much ran them all down. 2011, has been the best year in collecting for me by far. Thanks to Korey for all his continued help in 2011. Got to run down a lot of premeire items. Highlights of items that I acquired were the following:

RAYS items

- finally ran down a Dan Johnson Rays game used jersey, worn on opening day. Amazing that he had the best moment of the 2011 MLb season. That homrun he hit on 9/28/11 was and will likely be the most memorable moment I will have as a sports fan

-Jake McGee game used fielding glove

-Eric Hinske home white Rays Jackie Robinson Day mlb authenticated 2008 jersey

-Spectacular Brad Hawpe shirt off the back 2010 jersey

-finally ran down a light blue Rays gmae used jersey after a long hunt. Casey Kotchman and Jake McGee, beautiful jerseys, wish the team wore them mor eoften

-MLB authenticated game used hit baseball of Matt Joyce from the 9th inning of the 2011 ASG, ASG logo still looks perfect. Only 32 baseballs per year get authenticated at the ASG, as opposed to over 200 in the WS. Maybe 3-7 balls per year are even authenticated at hit balls, let alone from a guy on your favorite team.

-JP Howell game used 2008 world series baseball. Used in the 9th inning when he hit Eric Bruntlett in the leg, putting the wining run on base.

-2008 ALCS game 7 2nd base, the very base akinori iwamura stepped on in the 9th to get the final out to send TB to their 1st world series. Amazing item, that could legitimately be in the HOF.

-Eric Hinske's clinching world series game used locker nameplate from 2007 (BOS game 4 in col) and 2009 (NYY game 6 vs. philly), got them both framed. VERY rare for me to get GU items outside from my team, but get chance to run down 2 major items from my favorite player.

-----------------------------------------

Buccaneers

Awesome 2006 Greg Spires game used revolution helmet

got #33 Elbert MAck's gloves from vikigns game in September from him after the game, he recovered a suprise onside kick with those glove, also got Sean Jones' from the same game and he got a sack on McNabb

getting Josh Freeman's hat at Bucs vs. PAckers in November

---

Lastly, I put over 1,000 locker nameplates on the market and to collectors at very reasonable prices, 55 of them were from all star games in 05,06 and 07. Thanks to all who purcashed, as all of that helped me run down funds needed to add to my collection.

As for 2012, hoping once again to get a 1996 orange wilson tampa bay Buccaneers game used jersey and saving up to get a stellar 1990 Bucs game used helmet, that I photo matched when watching a Bucs vs. Bears game from 1990 backwards and in slow motion (it was a rainy day that day).

Took a lot off my long time want list this year. Hoping to get to the point of small maintence on the colelction and only having to get a handful of items each year.

What was good for you this year in terms of collecting?

[AWA85]

My Ndamukong Suh game used Cornhuskers helmet has to be the highlight of my 2011 collecting year.



Second on the list would be a 3 way tie between my Devin Mesoraco fielding glove, jersey and skull cap from his MLB debut season.

[dcgreg25]

Below were my stated goals getting into the year:

Baseball
I would like to make a dent in my 1995 and 1997 Indians Team bat collection. Right now that means tracking down a good Manny Ramirez Indians bat (or two), Omar Vizquel, Kenny Lofton among others. I am always looking to add interesting Indians items, especially postseason items.

Football
Try to track down some good Browns jerseys from some of my favorite players from the 80's/early 90's as well as jerseys for Reggie Brooks, Chris Zorich and/or Rocket Ismail.

Overall
I would really like to overhaul my display and replace framed jerseys with cases that I could rotate jerseys in and out of as well as get some new items up on the walls.

Overall I did well in my baseball goals adding several Indians bats getting me closer to my complete run of the 1995 and 1997 Indians. Added some really cool items including several Sabathia jerseys (Brewers and Yankees), a pretty complete run of Victor Martinez Tigers items (including the ALCS HR jersey) and some others here and there. I was also able to sell of another chunk of items. As far as football I added several Notre Dame jerseys including a photomatched Zorich Bears jerseys and a photomatched Zbikowski Ravens jersey and I was able to reorganize my display with the cases instead of framed jerseys. I am thankful I was able to accomplish many of the goals I set earlier this year. Time to start thinking about 2012!

[gadsden86]

This year was good to me in a few ways.
1 in last 2 months i have gone from 100 % cards to selling off much of my NON dolphins PC to getting into full gammers.

Since i started in June (very slowly)
I have gotten
Oronde Gadsden 1995 game issued jersey
Greg Camarillo 2009 Game worn jersey
Keith Byars 1995 Game worn jersey
pair of dolphins lineman glove (i htink i know the player but doing more research)

i know its only 4 items but hey we all gotta start somewhere and dont always have the cash for the stuff i want.

My goals for 2012
Dolphins game worn cleats.
About 3-5 more dolphins game used jerseys
at least 5 more pairs of gloves.

who knows maybe i will get lucky.

[genius]

Baseball: 1942 Pirates flannel
Football: 1974 Notre Dame Ross Browner cotton tearaway-type with crotch piece
Hockey: 1968 Pens durene in transit (hopefully!)
Basketball: lime green Notre Dame jersey from infamous Syracuse game in 1991

[rdeversole]

The highlight of my year and also my collection would be my 2011 game used Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds Home Jersey & Pants (MLB authenticated). I was able to knock off the top item on my wantlist this year!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p218/ryaneversole/photo-10.jpg

Other notables:

1. 2011 Joey Votto May 13th Walk Off Hit Bat
2. 1957 Ed Bailey All Star Game used Bat
3. Late 70's Ken Griffey Game used Bat
4. 2009 Jim Thome Dodgers Game Used jersey
5. Numerous Josh Willingham items for my collection
6. Pants to match my Votto & other Reds jerseys (style & year matched)

[ncbadges]

#1. Josh Hamilton game used bat from 2010 World Series Game 2, 6th Inning. He also signed it for my boys.:D
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/ncbadges/wsboys1.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/ncbadges/comparison1.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/ncbadges/comparison3.jpg
.
#2 Josh Hamilton game used bat (black marucci) from his 2nd ever Walkoff Homerun (July 9, 2011). Broken in the 1st inning on July 10.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/ncbadges/Mars2.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/ncbadges/3.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/ncbadges/blkmar.jpg

[BurlesonBlue]

Well, 2011 was the year I got into this hobby, and I'm pretty happy with a few finds in particular.

- Game Used Baseball from 9/8/2004 Mariners-Indians Game (Jeremy Reed's Major League Debut)
- Ryan Rowland-Smith Game Used Mariners Stars and Stripes Cap from 9/11/2010
- 2009 Justin Thomas Game Issued Mariners Jersey

I also want to thank jake33 for the numerous nameplates I was able to purchase from him!

[Preston]

I'm torn on my top two because not only are they my best of the year, but probably best ever.

1. Derrick Rose Memphis Tigers game worn jersey
2. Peyton Manning game worn, signed hat from the Titans/Colts game this year in Nashville

Now obviously a jersey usually trumps a hat, however with the story being written that I was featured in (and, yes, misquoted because the word "gosh" has NEVER come out of my mouth other than reading from the paper) - here's the link http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/31/peyton-should-be-mvp-without-playing-a-down/ - but the fact that I got it personally FROM Peyton makes it that much cooler to me.

And of course, a couple of my other "bests" from 2011

Steve McNair 2004 signed, game worn jersey
Derrick Mason signed, game worn 1998 Tennessee Oilers jersey with over 10 repairs and tons of hit marks etc. Used enough by a special teamer at the time that it very well could have been his jersey for the whole season.

[legaleagle92481]

Highlights:

Adrian Petersen 3 td game used jersey
Ray Lewis game used jersey from a game vs. Steelers
Darrelle Revis game used jersey
Randy Moss Vikings 3 td game used jersey
Tim Duncan game used jersey from playoff game vs. Grizzles
Von Miller's NFL Debut orange Broncos jersey
DeMarcus Ware game used throwback jersey
Larry Fitzgerald game used jersey from NFL Auctions

May 2012 top 2011

[BurlesonBlue]

Well, 2011 was the year I got into this hobby, and I'm pretty happy with a few finds in particular.

- Game Used Baseball from 9/8/2004 Mariners-Indians Game (Jeremy Reed's Major League Debut)
- Ryan Rowland-Smith Game Used Mariners Stars and Stripes Cap from 9/11/2010
- 2009 Justin Thomas Game Issued Mariners Jersey

I also want to thank jake33 for the numerous nameplates I was able to purchase from him!

And nearly forgot, my Nate Ness and Allen Barbre Seahawks practice jerseys are right up there as well!

[GameWornJCollector]

My Highlights:
Game Used C.Brewer Finals Jersey Game 1 away with Dirk "MVP" autograph
Game Used Los Mavs 2010-11 D.Stevenson Jersey
Game Used Mavs 2010-11 D.Jones home season Jersey
Game Issued Mavs 2010-11 J.Terry away Jersey
Game Issued Mavs 2010-11 P. Stojakovic

Game Used Mavs 2008-09 Dirk Nowitki green alternate Jersey (used in the 1st half against the pistons March, 17th 2009)
Game Used Dirk Nowitzki National Team 2002 World Championship Home Jersey
Game Used Dirk Nowitzki National Team Home Jersey (i think that it was used 2007/2008)
Game Issued (Worn once by Dirk to try how it fit) Dirk Nowitzki National Team Prototype Home Jersey
Game Used Dirk Nowitzki Olympics 2008 Shoes
Worn AllStar Hoody (Dirk Nowitzki)
Game Used Dirk Nowitzki Uniform Home 2001-02

Game Used Detlef Schrempf 1997-1998 Away Jersey
Game Used Detlef Schrempf Away Warm Up Suit

Game Used Uwe Blab Mavs Home Jersey (80's)

Game Used Sven Schultze Team Germany Away Jersey
Game Used Misan Nikagbatse Team Germany Away Jersey

Game Used Damon Stoudamire 2004-05 Home Jersey

http://de-de.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.105727442843474.12402.105702516179300&type=3

[Mulligans]

My favorites:
Corey Dillon Patriots Superbowl Jersey
Brett Favre Packers Jersey
Peyton Manning Colts Jersey
Dan Marino Dolphins Jersey
Ladanian Tomlinson Powder Blue Chargers Jersey
Tyler Seguin Home and Away Bruins Stanley Cup Finals Jerseys

[kylehess10]

2011 was definitely my best year of collecting. Here's my highlights:

Chipper Jones 2011 game worn signed home jersey - worn from Opening Day to July 1st. Worn for his 2,500th hit, 1,500th RBI, a walk off hit, & 3 home runs.

Aroldis Chapman's hat from 9/24/10 when he broke the pitch speed record, hitting 105.1mph, and also worn for his playoff debut in Philly.

Comerica Park 2010 pitching rubber - used the entire season, most notably Armando Gallaraga's 'almost perfect' game.

Alex Gonzalez walk off home run bat from 9/11/10

Jeff Francoeur game worn jersey - worn for his last home run in a Braves uni

Yunel Escobar game worn jersey - worn for his last hit & last game with the Braves

Chipper Jones game worn celebrity softball game jersey - he hit a called-shot home run during the game

Brooks Conrad game worn NLDS Game 3 hat - record setting error game

[flota89]

Picked up my favorite item in 2011...

[solarlottry]

2011 was kind to me in terms of 49ers GU items although it was NOT kind to my bank account!

Highlights include:

Deion Sanders 1994 home throwback worn vs Denver
Deion Sanders 1994 away throwback worn vs San Diego

Steve Young 1994 away throwback vs San Diego

Aldon Smith Mizzou gamer worn vs Kansas

Frank Gore 2010 International Series gamer vs Broncos with a sweet photomatch!

Jeff Fuller #49 home Russell gamer. Won this in a Legendary Auction and was told it had "light use" when I called them prior to the auction ending. A very nice surprise when it arrived and was covered with repairs!

Always buying 49ers GU items and ANY 1994 49er gamer! Paying a finders fee and also a bonus to the first person who sells me a 1994 49er GU item.

Paul
garciajones@yahoo.com

Always looking for 49ers gamers

[cliffjmp33]

Lot of great items this year, but top of the list is my Mo Rivera '99 jersey picked up from 8D Auction.

Honorable Mention to my 2011 Brad Lidge Phillies TBTC jersey and 2008 World Series Game 1 baseball (attributed to a Carlos Pena fielding error/Pat Burrell Reached base).

[project 4]

Although it may not have been a highlight career thus far for my player this whole year was a highlight in terms of my collection. This is my first year collecting and I was able to obtain a FULL GU outfit including helmet, jersey, pants, belt, and shoes. Was able to get a 9.11 Jersey as well as 2 different Game worn Jerseys. Not to shabby for a beginner I guess.

[woody1351]

Mine was my kurt warner football its not GU but I like it.

[asr1084]

[quote=solarlottry;279300]2011 was kind to me in terms of 49ers GU items although it was NOT kind to my bank account!


Great year but tough on the bank account is right!

[frikativ54]

Picked up my favorite item in 2011...

Cool Berkman item; congrats on the photomatch. :)

[frikativ54]

Bagwell 2002 DK Hat

http://bagwellgameused.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/bagwell-dk-1.jpg?w=468&h=310

http://bagwellgameused.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/bagwell-dk-2.jpg?w=468&h=310

[metsbats]

Every year I'm looking for a Bobby M. Jones game used bat. (for the last 12 years) This year thanks to Scott Preen (dcrules01) I was able to get Bobby M. Jones's game worn 2000 WS cap and locker room name plate.

So the search for a game used bat goes on into 2012 now.

[CPuente57]

I've really started to get more and more into the game used hobby and ween off collecting cards, once I bought my ARod bat last year I was hooked! This year I've added some great pieces including a Miguel Cabrera Autographed Game Used Bat, Albert Pujols Game Used Bat, Dwyane Wade Autographed Game Used Jersey, and just before the end of the year a Paul Pierce Game Used Jersey. I've added some others as well, but those are the big items. Football still eludes me, as it's the only sport I don't have a game used piece in. Hopefully that'll change in 2012! Also am hoping to add an MJ gamer to my collection this next year!

[maverick14]

By far, the highlight of my year for collecting was the pink mother's day bat of Robinson Cano from 2010 that I was able to have photomatched.

[lakeerie92]

I had to sell off almost all of my bats this year due to my wife having to quit when the Navy moved us West. I was able to get my collection back going once we got settled.

My best pick ups of 2011 included:

-2009 Chipper Jones game used jersey
-2010 All Star Game game used baseball
-2001 National League Opening Day baseball (Diamondbacks from WS series)
-2001 PNC Park Inaugural Game game used baseball (only 2 authenticated)
-Several game used bats

I would like to take this opportunity to thank some people who helped me this year. Jake Jahimiak, Andrew Lang, and Bobby Texeira all helped me add significant pieces to my collection this year.

[asr1084]

By far, the highlight of my year for collecting was the pink mother's day bat of Robinson Cano from 2010 that I was able to have photomatched.

Same kind of deal for me as well. I nabbed the pink game used HR bat of grady sizemorethis year and photo and video matched to the HR at bat.

[nycsports]

I picked up my holy grail in 2011, a John McEnroe match-worn shirt. Worn in 2011 at the Rogers Cup vs. Michael Chang:

[earlywynnfan]

Had some luck with some nice game used bats early in the year, including Biggio, 2 Joe Torres, Mel Harder, Hank Gowdy, and the ones pictured.

I also added two Omar Vizquel GW jerseys, my favorite player of the last 20 years. (One from a GUF member -- thanks!)

But my greatest purchase -- the steal of a lifetime, for me -- is this Ronald Reagan signed ball. Thought it looked legit in a small auction, so bought it and had Spence look at it (not that I'm terribly sold on the alphabet guys, but I did want some backup paperwork.) While it was at Spence's place, a major auction house figure offered me 10x what I paid for it!! To my wife's dismay (but, surprisingly, with her blessing), I kept it.

Ken
earlywynnfan5@hotmail.com

[vdsporty25]

This was a great year for me as well. I picked up a lot of good stuff but the best for me would be the Jay Bruce 2011 GU Home Jersey and the Brandon Phillips 2011 GU Alternate Red Jersey. Both jerseys show a ton of use and are MLB authenticated.

[russyurk]

It's funny when you look back at a full year and see all that you were able to add over the past 12 months. My highlights would include:

1992 Team USA Olympic worn jersey of Charles Johnson
2011 Detroit Tigers Brandon Inge spring training worn jersey with the Lakeland 75th anniversary and Sparky patches
2011 Detroit Tigers Negro League throwback Don Kelly (This was my son's first Tigers game)
2010 Team USA CNT Nick Ramirez w/ALS patch
2009 Team USA CNT Tony Zych w/ALS patch
2009 Team USA CNT Matt Newman camo

[shaunharr]

Best additions for me include:

J.R. Towels 2011 Astros MLB Authenticated Pinstripe GU jersey

Roy Corcoran GU LVS TPX Pitchers Glove. Worn from 2006-2011, Photomatched and signed.

(6) Greg Golson GU bats

J.R. Towles GU D-Bat from Lexington Legends

[frikativ54]

Roy Corcoran GU LVS TPX Pitchers Glove. Worn from 2006-2011, Photomatched and signed.

That glove sounds neat.