Collectible of the Week: 1996 All Star Game Logo HELmet
The Phillies hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium in July 1996. The event was the second such game to be held at the Vet (previous game was in 1976). Though the team was only three years removed from their 1993 National League Championship season, it was struggling on the field with the heroes of that magical season either moving on to other teams, or breaking down physically. With chances of another championship run slim, the 1996 All Star Game logo was the focal point of their marketing efforts - appearing on everything from hats and shirts to pepper mills and clocks.
This week's featured collectible, souvenir batting helmet, was also a victim of the logo branding. A staple of the ballpark souvenir stand, plastic replica helmets were and are a popular item for kids attending games. These may have been sold during Phillies home games, but I know for sure they were available at stands both in and outside Veterans Stadium at the Home Run Derby and ASG. Made by Sports Product, Corp., the helmets were available in two colors, red and white, Each features a screen-printed ASG logo and plastic Adjustrap. Unlike many of the souvenirs they produced for the game, the logo seems to be in proportion with the rest of the helmet - not super large.
Unfortunately, in general, the souvenirs from the 1996 Mid-Summer Classic don't hold great resale value. Mass produced at the time, and largely unattractive, many can easily be found for $15 or less. The helmets do not show up as regularly, but the red version does seem to be a bit less available. Either way, you can expect to buy them for $10.