Derek Jeter hasn't slipped out of the spotlight post-retirement. In between starting up an athlete-run news outlet and stirring up rumors that he might try to buy the Miami Marlins, Jeter has been active in starting his second life.
Meanwhile, his legend is still fresh in the minds of his fans. For that reason, the value of Jeter's collectibles have skyrocketed.
But those inflated values aren't built to last, experts say. That's why rather than as a long-term investment, the smart move is to sell off Jeter memorabilia as soon as possible.
An article from Forbes highlights how collector's items can inflate in value -- and quickly. Even experts of memorabilia and auction houses can't always predict what an item will sell for.
In many cases, it only takes two people for an item's value to far exceed expectations. When that does happen, it's usually because the bidders have an attachment that exceeds financial interests.
Investors aren't as interested in purchasing Derek Jeter collectibles right now -- not while prices are so high. But fans are desperate to snatch whatever tangible connections they can find to one of baseball's all-time greats.
Nearly three months after first listing a Derek Jeter game-worn sock for $410, Steiner Sports hasn't lowered the price a penny. The sock is featured in the retailer's Derek Jeter section of its website.
Eventually, the demand will decline -- as will the price for items across the board. For die-hard fans of Jeter's, the monetary value is irrelevant. But for anyone hoping to get rich off Jeter paraphernalia, be advised: A recession in this market is looming.
Derek Jeter's Retirement Gifts
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
True to the Southern California culture, the Halos presented Jeter with a pinstripe paddleboard.
Houston Astros
Keeping with the local culture theme, the Astros gave the Captain a pair of personalized cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and some golf clubs.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians, who play in the city that is considered by some the birthplace of Rock n' Roll, gave Jeter a personalized guitar.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners presented Jeter with a chair from the old Kingdome, a base from Safeco field and a $5,000 check for his Turn 2 Foundation. Not pictured here is the $34,000 Jay-Z Hublot that Jeter's former teammate, Robinson Cano, gave him.
Cincinnati Reds
During a rare trip to Yankee Stadium, the Reds gave Jeter framed autographed jerseys of Davey Concepcion and Barry Larkin. The frame also included photos from June 3, 2003, the day Jeter was named the 14th Yankees captain before a game against the Reds in Cincinnati.
Chicago White Sox
On behalf of the White Sox, Paul Konerko presented Jeter with a miniature bench made of out bats, balls and bases, U.S. Cellular Field shortstop dirt in a glass container adorned with legendary shortstops' names and a $5,000 check for the Turn 2 Foundation.
Texas Rangers
Jeter got another pair of cowboy boots from Texas' other team along with a framed photo of Jeter and then-president George W. Bush from Game 3 of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium. The former owner of the Rangers was on hand to present the gift to Jeter.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins gave Jeter the last second base from the Metrodome. That bag was used during Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS, when Jeter and the Yankees beat the Twins, 4-1.
Chicago Cubs
Jeter received the No. 2 from Wrigley Field's famed hand-operated scoreboard.
New York Mets
The crosstown Mets presented Jeter with a No. 2 subway mosaic as well as a $22,222 check for the Turn 2 Foundation.
Detroit Tigers
Detroit's tribute was extra emotional for Jeter, who grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich. With Jeter's family on the field, the Tigers presented him with a $5,000 check for the Turn 2 Foundation, a pair of seats from Tiger Stadium and a trio of paintings of Jeter dating back to his high school days.
Oakland A's
In addition to a $10,000 check to his foundation, the A's presented Jeter with a personalized bottle of Napa Valley wine.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers presented Jeter with a bronze replica of his bat, a stay at the prestigious American Club and a round of golf at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis.
