Why is Ripken worth more than Gwynn?

ctsoxfan · January 11, 2007 2:05AM

I came home last night after going out to dinner, and switched the television on to relax. As I flipped around the channels, I hit one of the shopping channels (might have been QVC) and they had Ripken and Gwynn live in the studio selling "Hall Of Fame" signed items - including baseballs. It was like a car accident - I had to watch for a few minutes, and I saw that they were selling Ripken baseballs for around $279, while Gwynn baseballs were only around $179. Why the difference? Both guys were there, answering questions from callers and the host - if I were Gwynn, I would feel slighted that they would ask so much less for my autograph than for Cal's. Any thoughts?

Barndog · January 11, 2007 2:12AM

popularity difference between the two (outside of SoCal) is enormous.

fsjeter · January 11, 2007 2:15AM

Ripkin is infinitely more popular than Gwynn having won a World Series and two MVP's whereas Gwynn didn't get either. That's my take on it. Also, I believe Baltimore is a larger market than San Diego with a much longer history and tradition. That translates into bigger numbers as well.

Scott