Is there any value to a 1946 Yankee program?

Answer 1

A 1946 New York Yankees Program/Scorecard is worth about $30. -$50. In excellent condition.

As with all collectibles, condition is the most important factor of all providing that the item is authentic. With programs/scorecards the slightest flaws will bring the price down significantly. An exceptional mint condition scorecard could sell for more.

Common flaws would be staining, foxing (yellowing), fading, creases, rips, loose pages, cracked binding, and writing on the cover. Un-scored programs will generally sell at a higher price than a scored program but sometimes it doesn't effect value. The over all condition, and how well the cover displays will.

The value on a "scored" program as opposed to a un-scored program can vary depending on the game, and collectors preference. In general I would say an un-scored program will sell at a higher price. Some collectors do not mind scored programs, or might prefer it scored. A game in note that might sell at a higher price "scored" would be Don Larsens perfect game in the World Series. The 1946 Yankee program has significant historic value as it is sporting the first appearance of the now famous New York Yankees top hat logo. Artist Lon Keller provided artwork for a number of pro sports teams and events including the New York Yankees but he is most recognized for designing the New York Yankee's emblem, That supposedly had it's first appeared in 1947. This is conflicting information as reported in a issue of the 1976 Yankees program, as every 1946 program I have ever seen has the Logo. I have also been in touch with the son of the artist Lon Keller, and his information is supplied by the 1976 article as well. As the 1976 Yankees program reports, the original concept by Lon Keller was used in the 1946 Spring training Itinerary. Larry MacPhail co-owner of the New York Yankees not completely satisfied then asked Lon Keller to refine the logo. Lon sat down and put a Baseball around the Yankees, made the "K" into a bat, and put the top hat on top. First appearing in the 1947 Spring training Itinerary the famous Yankees Logo we know today. Below I will leave a link below for more information on the scorecards, which includes information and pictures of all the programs mentioned above.