Queens Tribune
 
....September 18, 4:02 PM
 
Stadium Memorabilia Selling Fast

There might not be much left to cart off when Shea Stadium gets demolished. Mets management reports brisk sales on memorabilia from seats to the foul posts.

By Noah C. Zuss

As the Mets appear to be headed for another late season collapse, both team and Shea Stadium memorabilia continue to sell fast.

“There clearly is an interest among our fans and other New Yorkers to own a piece of Shea history,” said New York Mets Executive Vice President of Business Operations Dave Howard. “Our new partnership with MeiGray Group provides fans an easy way to get authentic Shea Stadium memorabilia, and through the support of Major League Baseball’s Authentication Program, we are able to ensure peace-of-mind for fans and maximum value for collectors by guaranteeing the authenticity of these historic items.”

There are many items on sale, from the mundane to the magnificent.

“Whether it’s a turnstile from Gate B, an original brick from the old right-field wall, or one of the colorful photos or banners that have hung proudly for so many years, we have something for everyone,” said Barry Meisel, President and Chief Operating Officer of the MeiGray Group. “We are proud to partner with the Mets to honor this great New York landmark.”

An article this week in Crain’s New York Business detailed some of the biggest sales to date.

The big ticket items sold thus far include the team’s 1986 championship flag, just sold to a collector for $50,000. It was purchased during the sale of over 2,000 artifacts from Shea Stadium.

Tom Seaver’s retired No. 41 went for $25,000; the 1973 National League championship wall banner fetched $5,000; and a giant banner depicting former manager Gil Hodges brought in $2,500.

Hundreds of items have already sold and more than 60 people have expressed interest in depositing up to $10,000 to participate in three days of “Shea Premiere Club” tours that began this week. Fans putting down $2,500 to $10,000 will have first crack at remaining items, including player lockers, the two foul poles, outfield wall panels and dugouts.

The scoreboard from Shea would make a great addition to any fan’s backyard baseball diamond.

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