Kicker the Bear Ty Beanie Baby (Soccer/Football Theme)
Ty Inc. · Toys & Games > Plush Collectibles
Era / Decade
Late 1990s (Manufactured 1998-1999)
Material
Polyester fiber and P.E. Pellets (synthetic plastic beans) or P.V.C. Pellets; features a plush outer shell.
Condition
Good. The bear appears clean, but the heart-shaped 'Hang Tag' is significantly creased and bent, which is a major negative for high-end collectors. The presence of a Goodwill price tag stapled or stuck to the item also impacts immediate condition.
Demand Level
Low to Moderate. While mass-produced, soccer-themed Beanies have slightly more utility as gifts for children in sports compared to standard generic bears.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$3.00 - $12.00 (Low: $3, Mid: $7, High: $12 if rare tag errors are present)
Estimated Retail Value
$5.00 - $7.00 (MSRP during 1998)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings show Kicker the Bear consistently selling between $5 and $9 with shipping. Clean examples with 'Mint' tags occasionally reach $15, but creased tag examples often sit at the $3-4 mark.
Description
Meet Kicker, the brown bear Beanie Baby holding a plush soccer ball (football). This classic collectible features a warm brown plush body, black bead eyes, and a stitched nose. He is posed in a sitting position clutching a black-and-white soccer ball. This version features the 5th generation heart tag and 7th generation tush tag. Perfect for sports fans, soccer coaches, or nostalgia collectors.
Key Features
Sport-themed (Soccer/World Cup crossover interest); recognizable Ty brand; intact hang tag (though damaged); highly nostalgic 90s collectible.
Authenticity Indicators
Classic red heart 'Swing Tag' and fabric 'Tush Tag' are present. The stitching and font on the tags match late 90s production standards. Confidence Level: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant creasing on the red heart hang tag; potential adhesive residue from the blue Goodwill tag; visible blue stitching/thread loose near the soccer ball arm.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for targeted collectors), Mercari (good for fast low-cost shipping), or Facebook Marketplace (local pickup to avoid shipping costs exceeding item value).
Selling Tips
Do not remove the Goodwill tag aggressively to avoid tearing the fur; use a hair dryer to loosen adhesive. Take a clear photo of the inside of the hang tag to show the birth date and poem. Use keywords like 'Nostalgia', 'Soccer Gift', and 'Vintage Plush'. Because value is low, consider 'bundling' this with other sport-themed Ty bears to increase profit margin.