Ray Navarrete Long Island Ducks Bobblehead

This item is a collectible bobblehead figure depicting Ray Navarrete, a prominent figure in the history of the Long Island Ducks minor league baseball team. The figure is housed in its original green cardboard retail window box. Ray Navarrete is shown wearing an orange jersey with the Ducks team logo and his player number '16', white pants, a black belt, and a black baseball cap. His surname is printed in large white capital letters across the bottom of the box. The packaging features the 'Ducks' logo at the top and the 'digmi' brand logo prominently displayed on the front window and on the side graphics. Standing approximately 7 to 8 inches tall, the figure is constructed from a cold-cast resin or polyresin material with a hand-painted finish. The construction includes a spring mechanism in the neck to allow the oversized head to wobble. The condition of the box shows moderate shelf wear, specifically visible creasing along the top right corner and some minor scuffing on the glossy green surface, while the figure inside appears to be in its original factory-secured state. This item likely dates to Navarrete's active playing years with the Atlantic League team, approximately between 2006 and 2013. The craftsmanship is typical of stadium promotional items or limited retail releases of that era, showing distinct facial modeling that captures the player's likeness.

Based on my examination of this Ray Navarrete Long Island Ducks bobblehead, I have assessed its value within the current sports memorabilia market. Ray Navarrete is a franchise icon and the team's all-time hits leader, which elevates this piece above generic minor league promotions. The 'digmi' branding indicates this was a specialized retail or premium giveaway item rather than a low-budget stadium flyer. The figure itself appears to be in Near Mint condition, retaining its original factory luster and vibrant orange pigment. However, the box shows visible shelf wear, including corner creasing and surface scuffing, which prevents this from reaching 'Mint in Box' premium pricing. Comparable sales for Atlantic League legends typically fall in the $40 to $80 range depending on the specific player's local popularity and the production run. Rarity is moderate; while not a one-of-a-kind prototype, these regional items were produced in limited quantities compared to Major League counterparts. Please note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence. A physical inspection is required to confirm the integrity of the neck spring mechanism and to check for hidden resin chips or professional repairs. Full authentication would ideally include a certificate of provenance or a signed receipt from the Ducks' team store (The Duck Club). Without physical handling, I cannot definitively verify the absence of 'bobblehead cancer' (internal paint degradation) or structural hairline fractures.