Between the price of post-season tickets to a $10 can of beer at the Rogers Centre, it certainly isn’t cheap being a Toronto Blue Jays fan.
But for diehard supporters with a little extra change in their pockets, online sellers have opened up bidding on a variety of rare, vintage Jays merchandise with exorbitant price tags.
The online auction company eBay noticed a 30-per-cent spike in sales on Jays merchandise this week from last week -- a noticeable jump since the team wiped the Texas Rangers 3-0 in a short-lived series.
As the Jays move ahead to Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against Cleveland on Friday, check out these pricey pieces of merchandise and memorabilia.
$3,287 for a helmet worn by Jose Bautista
The helmet comes with a “certificate of authenticity” to assure the buyer it really was worn by the bat-flip king. Only downside: it takes 10 to 19 days for shipping, which might be a bit late.
$1,972 for a World Series jacket from 1992
For fans looking to relive the team’s glory days, this denim jacket with leather sleeves (size large) fits the bill. According to the seller, the jacket was “reportedly owned” by legendary baseman Roberto Alomar.
$301 for a Jays lover’s purse
There’s nothing subtle about this canvas purse by Dooney & Bourke, an American accessories company. The cross-body “Blue Jays handbag” includes fabric applique Jays graphics, two bold leather tassels and cotton-twill lining.
$3,286 for six tickets from the first-ever Jays game
The Toronto Blue Jays hit the field for the first time in 1977 at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. These six tickets were originally sold for $2 for the grandstand to $8.50 for VIP seats.
$721 for a rare baseball card signed by Josh Donaldson
It may not be vintage, but this mint-condition baseball card from 2015 is a collector’s dream. The high price tag has a lot to do with the signature from third baseman Josh Donaldson, with “MVP 15” scrawled below.
$1,971 for a brochure from the Jays’ inaugural season
This collector’s item from 1977 includes a game schedule, map of Exhibition Stadium and a mail-in form to buy tickets.
