Mets Memorabilia Sale Progressing

New York's ballparks will be gutted piece-by-piece next spring, but while the Yankees and the city sort through their details, the other New York team has been busy.

The Mets offered private tours through Shea Stadium and first crack at the baseball memorabilia that will be saved before the ballpark is dismantled to make way for Citi Field. So far, according to published reports, dozens of people have taken the club up on its offer.

Crain's New York Business reports that the 1986 championship banner which hangs inside the stadium, sold to a collector for $50,000. According to Crain's, other sales includedTom Seaver’s retired No. 41 which went for $25,000; the 1973 National League championship wall banner ($5,000); and a giant banner depicting former manager Gil Hodges ($2,500).

The Mets also offered over 2,000 items of wide variety in a sale that began early this week, with the big ticket items saved for the big spenders.

By paying a fee of $2500 to $10,000 before last Tuesday night, collectors and fans ensured they would be the only ones with the chance to buy the remaining items from the ballpark. A guided tour would reveal items that could be reserved including:

· Championship Banners and Rooftop Flags

· Mets Player Lockers and other Clubhouse Artifacts

· Retired Numbers and Championship Wall Banners

· Stadium Signs

· Illuminated Gate Columns and Large Advertising Displays

· Original Photographs, Matted and Hanging In Executive Offices, Press Level and Suites

· Memorable Moment Banners Hanging from the Gate Lobbies

· The Foul Poles and Sections of the Outfield Wall

· The Dugouts and Bullpens

· Program Stands

·There are three levels of Club status – Platinum, Gold and Silver.

· Platinum - $10,000 minimum purchase deposit (MPD).

· Gold - $5,000 minimum purchase deposit (MPD).

· Silver - $2,500 minimum purchase deposit (MPD).

The Mets and Meigray say the payment was not a fee, but a non-refundable deposit applied toward any purchases. Anyone spending more than their deposit could pay the balance after the Tour. Platinum members were offered the first tours, followed by Gold and then Silver members.