In fact, he is going to take full advantage.
This from the associated press today
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The pitcher who gave up Derek Jeter’s 3,000th career hit has a deal to sign memorabilia connected with the milestone.
Tampa Bay’s David Price agreed with Steiner Sports to autograph collectibles, including baseballs and pictures. Some of the souvenirs will bear the inscription, “I Gave Up DJ’s 3K,” and be signed by both Price and Jeter.
Jeter became the first Yankee to reach 3,000 hits when he homered off Price last Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
Genius.
You rarely see a superstar be the one to give up a milestone hit. In fact, I would think that most would rather walk the guy rather than have their names live in infamy.
Price decided to flip the script and embrace his role in history. He has a tremendous career ahead of him so his signature only increases the value of the merchandise. If the hit had been given up by a guy like journeyman reliever Juan Cruz, he probably could have made a few bucks from signing some stuff, but his signature on anything signed by Jeter probably would bring down the value of the item.
If Price lives up to his potential, this will be nothing short of a shrewd business move.
Now that begs the question, did he maybe groove the pitch?