Preliminary identification

Cleveland Guardians Inaugural Season Pepsi Stadium Souvenir Cups

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A pair of large-format plastic souvenir stadium cups featuring the inaugural branding of the Cleveland Guardians. The design incorporates a 'doodle' style pattern with local Cleveland iconography, the new 'Fastball' logo, and Pepsi corporate sponsorship.

Story

In 2022, Cleveland's baseball team debuted its first new name in 107 years. These cups were part of the very first wave of fan merchandise, marking a historic pivot in Major League Baseball branding and local identity.

Maker / Origin

Whirley-DrinkWorks! is a family-owned American company that has dominated the stadium and theme park souvenir industry since the 1960s. They are the unsung engineers behind the 'refillable' culture of American sports venues.

Condition & Value

The cups appear to be in excellent, clean condition with no visible fading or 'dishwasher haze' on the plastic. Maintaining the clarity of the clear plastic is vital for future collectible value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.