What would you pay for a historic ball?

[kylehess10]

Tonight, Dan Uggla set an Atlanta record for longest hit streak with 32 straight games with a hit. The record was set with a homerun. The second it was hit, I immediately starting running to the outfield seats to find the person that caught the ball. I wasn't sure if the guy knew it broke the record or not, so I low-ball'd him an offer of $100 cash and he rejected...I went up to $200...rejected again....then I just said "I can go higher"....he just shook his head no and said he wanted the ball. It's disappointing being that close to Braves history and not coming out a winner, but it makes me think, what's the right price to pay for history? Anybody have any stories with situations like mine tonight? I'm curious to know what you should typically offer someone for a historic baseball.

I did see security take the guy somewhere with the ball. I'm not sure if he was getting it authenticated by MLB, or if maybe the Braves/Uggla wanted the ball back, but hopefully it doesn't go on his shelf and stay there forever. It would look a lot better in my case

[Manram]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Don't have any stories like that. But im sure it would look best in your display kyle

[gingi79]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

I was at Shea when Big Mac hit a rather memorable HR. Same series, I let a kid cut me and get an autograph from Mark instead of me. He signed hers and walked away before signing mine.

I saw Gretzky's last game at MSG.

Michael Vick's first game in the PS against the Jets.

Steve Smith's first game in the PS against the Giants.

Islanders game against Washington when Turgeon was injured by Dale Hunter in 1993. They were killed by the eventual SC winners (Montreal) and to this day, anyone who follows the NYI feels they lost because they lost Pierre.

I never realized it, I've seen a ton of history live. To answer your question Kyle, I'd pay as much as I could for Chipper's last HR or hit.

Randomly, I'd love a Matt Diaz HR ball with MLB docs. Considering what a slugger he has been this season with a whopping zero ****ing HR's, his next could be his last LOL

[AutographAddiction]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Kyle! I was watching, saw the guy catch it, and literally remembered telling my friends, "I bet my friend with all the Braves jerseys is sprinting over to get that ball to add to his collection."
I wish you could have added it to your collection.

Maybe we can ask Lisa what came of the ball.

[71buc]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

In 1991 I met the gentleman who caught this ball in the Kingdome. It is the ball McGwire hit to set the American League record and tie the MLB record for rookie Home runs. The owner coated it in a light coat of varnish and put on a shelf for four years. He was looking to sell it as he claimed to have no interest in it any longer. I'm sure McGwire's steady decline each year up to that point had something to do with his motivation to sell. Nonetheless he wanted 350 which I gladly paid. In 1998 I was offered a substantial sum for it and turned it down. For obvious reasons it has depreciated significantly since then. I am still pleased to own it. Collectors in my tax bracket doesn't often get the opportunity to make such purchases. It's only money right Sorry for the picture size.

[ironmanfan]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Back in 1996, I traveled to Kansas City to see Cal Ripken Jr. pass Japan's Sachio Kinugasa for the World Record of Consecutive Games played (2216) and I was determined to get a game used ball from that contest....Orioles' catcher Chris Hoiles hit a foul ball into the stands off Kevin Appier and I approached the guy who caught it (early to mid 20's) and offered him $50 for the ball and the guy (fortunately for me) was more than happy to oblige......

The good thing was that I caught a ride back to the hotel with the Kinugasa and he signed the ball for me on the sweet spot (and added Cal later):

[coxfan]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Prices depend on how much a person values an item personally, plus what his/her budget priorities are. I wouldn't take any amount for my most prized g-u items. I've been a baseball fan for 54 years (since age 8), and I know I might never have another shot at a comparable artifact. That fact can be worth more than money.

[AWA85]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

71buc..... the ball was coated in varnish? I have never heard of that, is it holding together well or have you noticed any fading?

[71buc]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Its either varnish or shellac. He wasn't a collector. I asked ihim why he did this. He indicated that he thought that it would protect the ball from fading. It looks the same now as when I bought twenty years ago. I have seen older autographed balls treated in the same fashion. It's not a practice I would ever recommend or engage in myself but other than giving the ball a glossy finish it does not appear to have damaged the ball.

[lakeerie92]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

It is a semi record. The Braves franchise record was set by Tommy Holmes of the Boston Braves in 1945 at 37 games. Maybe you can still get hit #38.

[yankees506]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Funny thing, ive wanted to share this story, earlier this year on 4/29 i was at yankee stadum when robinson cano hit a home run down the right field line, i thought about going up to the young lady who caught the ball to offer her some cash but really did'nt think she would sell it. Now later on in the game i want to beat traffic home so im leaving a bit early but cano is set to bat so i decide to go down the right field line just in case he where to pop another...... sure enough bang! i see the ball bounce off a chair 10 rows down and hit a guy in the mouth, security and the medical staff came to make sure he was ok, once they cleared him, i said "hey $200 for that ball" he talked with his wife and i now own robinson cano's #124th career hr. I took a picture with him for proof and the tv broadcast shows him celibrating with ball in hand! So id say when you have the chance to buy something that means history and a lot to you, go for it!

[sox83cubs84]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Back in 2009, I was bankrolled by a home run ball collector and offered $500 for a Jim Thome. The guy hesitated, despite having nearly every fan around him tell him to sell the ball. I was thisclose when White Sox security showed up, said Thome wanted the ball, and told the fan he could meet Thome. The way the guy lit up when he heard he'd meet the slugger, once he heard that, I don't think he would have taken $5,000 for the ball.

Dave Miedema

[yanks12025]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Earlier this year I offered $180 for a Teixeira Home-run ball. But the kids father said they would rather keep the ball. I bet the ball is gone by now, they probably played with it and all.

[hdavid_27]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Any luck with the Uggla Homerun tonight?

[freddiefreeman5]

Re: What would you pay for a historic ball?

Maybe the some of the fans who caught the balls that some of you wanted were just as happy with it as you would have been.
Some of those baseballs may be the only game used item they have but it may be as valuable or more to them than it would be to you.
Value is more than money to some people. Memories associated with an object can mean more than any amount of money.

Just a thought.