Help With Pujols Game Used Jersey

[stitzerfse]

Hey eveyone,

I'm looking to make my first game used jersey purchase and recently stumbled upon this Pujols gamer on eBay. I'm familiar with some of the controversy surrounding Lampson and Vintage and have also read the Pujols primer on 2003 jersey characteristics. That said, standing on its own, what do you think of this jersey? Being a novice in the jersey dept it would be easy for me to miss a red flag! Thoughts on this one?

Thanks!

Doug

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330358440888&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[DoctorLoomis]

If you wanna see a real deal Pujols gamer from 2003....here it is........

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/auction/lot.php?id=610

[shoremen44]

I am by no means a Jersey expert... but I have been fortunate enought to speak to the likes of Jeff Scott and Rob Steinmetz...

The ebay Pujols jersey number on the front is too far right... and the number on the back looks really way off...

those are the two obvious things I see right away

[Birdbats]

For me, the discussion as to whether a Pujols jersey is legit usually begins and ends with the cut of the jersey. If it's a post-2001 jersey and it has tails, like this one, it's probably not legit. Pujols prefers a straight hem -- and if the jersey isn't tailored correctly, he will cut the tails off himself.

http://www.huntauctions.com/LIVE/img12/466.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/birdbats/Jerseys/2007PujolsFront.jpg

My advice is if you're looking for a legit Pujols jersey, avoid eBay. I can't say I've ever seen a 100% no-doubt legit Pujols jersey on eBay. Most auction house Pujols jerseys also are questionable (with the exception of the Hunt jersey pictured above; Leland's also had a real one after the 2005 season). Albert keeps most of his jerseys, so they're pretty tough to find in the collector's market. If the Cardinals keep having two "jersey off the back" days each season, a legit Pujols shirt may eventually show up on eBay. Until then, tread with caution.

[stitzerfse]

I really appreciate everyone's feedback! Yet another example of this site saving someone from a possible (and in this case definite) mistake. The wait continues . . .