A photo match is the process of linking a game-used item, such as a jersey, bat, helmet, or glove, to photographic or video evidence showing a player using that exact item during a game . This is done by identifying unique, one-of-a-kind characteristics like grain patterns in a bat, pine tar placement, stitching flaws, repairs, or wear marks and matching them to high-resolution game photos. For Kansas City collectors, a classic example would be a Kansas City Royals legend Geo

Artificial intelligence has quickly found its way into the world of sports collecting. Today, a collector can upload a photo of a bat, glove, jersey, or card and receive instant feedback on what the item might  be, who used it, and what it could be worth. For casual research, that speed can be appealing. At Sports Cleanout in Kansas City, we’re often asked whether AI tools can accurately value sports collectibles—especially game-used items. The reality is that while AI can be

When it comes to sports memorabilia, few terms create more confusion than “team issued” or “player issued” and “game used.” We see non-experts use these terms interchangeably on listings, but they describe two very different types of items. The difference between them can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value. At Sports Cleanout, we evaluate thousands of pieces of memorabilia each year, and we see this misunderstanding often. Here’s what each term really means —

Signed sports cards have become one of the most popular segments of the memorabilia market for the last 30 years. Whether pulled directly...

Kansas City holds a special place in baseball history, especially when it comes to the Negro Leagues. The city is home to the Negro...

Baseball cards may have started in the United States, but the hobby has grown into a worldwide passion. Collectors in Kansas City and...

If you’re sitting on thousands of common cards or lower-end insert cards from the junk wax era or even modern releases, your first...

Collectors often chase cards thinking they’re grabbing something scarce, only to later discover the market is flooded with similar graded...

Professional wrestling evokes powerful nostalgia, capturing the hearts of fans across generations. In recent years, wrestling memorabilia...

Signed sports memorabilia holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Whether it’s an autographed baseball from your favorite...

Discover the rare talent of dual-sport athletes like Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, and Danny Ainge. Learn why memorabilia from these icons holds unique value for collectors. Sports Cleanout buys and appraises your sports treasures—game-used gear, cards, autographs, and more.

When it comes to sports memorabilia, the debate between college and professional items often comes down to collectibility and market...

Quick tips from Kansas City’s Sports Cleanout regarding game used jerseys. It is essential for collectors and fans who want to ensure the...

When it comes to sports memorabilia collections, determining whether an appraisal is worth the effort and cost can depend on several...

Kansas City Royals fans have long cherished memorabilia from their favorite players, and signed baseballs remain one of the most sought...

In the world of sports memorabilia, an athlete’s career doesn’t have to end when they retire from competition. Many players transition...

With Spring Training fast approaching, here is a refresher of Kansas City Royals history. The Kansas City Royals have a rich history of...

Behind baseball cards, the second most popular sports card collectibles would be basketball cards, but that is a recent years trend -...

Whether you're a lifelong collector or just starting out, preserving the condition and value of your sports memorabilia requires...

When faced with the challenge of liquidating a sports memorabilia collection, it can be overwhelming to determine the best path forward....