Baseball HOFer-elect Craig Biggio will now autograph "about 500 balls, photos, caps, batting helmets and jerseys for sale" as part of an exclusive arrangement with Houston-based Tristar Productions, according to David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Biggio's signature and items bearing his name and likeness "carry new weight in the billion-dollar sports memorabilia industry" in the wake of the announcement of his HOF induction. Biggio "has kept a relatively low profile on the memorabilia front" since his retirement, and that "relative scarcity has helped keep prices for Biggio-signed balls, for example, over $100, although they likely will climb to the $150 to $175 range in the wake of Tuesday's announcement." Biggio on Tuesday "signed his first item with 'Craig Biggio HOF 15' -- an Astros jersey." New items with the "HOF 15" inscription will carry a 40-50% premium as they "begin filtering onto the market." It "remains unclear whether Biggio earns a flat fee from his exclusive relationship with Tristar or if he receives a percentage of proceeds from the sale of items bearing his name" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/8).
MINUTES MADE: In Houston, Jose de Jesus Ortiz reported the Astros "plan to celebrate" Biggio's HOF induction throughout the '15 season. The team "will honor Biggio with a public celebration at Minute Maid Park" tomorrow at 5:00pm CT. The team "will also offer fans a seven-game ticket plan centered on games where Biggio will be honored this season" (CHRON.com, 1/6).
