Question to all Game Used Collectors

[3arod13]

I have been told that it's is common for many players to write names of friends, familiy members, etc., odd sayings, etc. on their game used equipment. That this is so common, it's just something you overlook and don't consider giving it a second thought.

With that said: Scenario - You are looking to purchase a Game Used Fielding Glove. Looking over the glove, you find a name written on the straps (yes, I'm referring to the Cano glove).

1. Are you not concerned about the name, due to the fact that many players write things on thier equipment, and don't even give it a second thought?

2. Are you concerned about the name, wondering why it's there? And if so, do you question its authenticity of the player using the glove?

3. Are you not even interested in the glove due to the fact another name it written on it, and pass on it?

I'm in a debate over this and am curious about your thoughts as game used collectors.

Regards, Tony

[3arod13]

Here are pics. For me, I just couldn't get past knowing there was another name written on the straps, and no explanation why or who this person was. I did pay to have the glove authenticated prior to selling it.

In the end, I couldn't sell the glove to someone else without ensuring they were aware the glove was authenticatic, game used by Cano, and with the potential buyer being aware of the name on the straps.

[ahuff]

I guess, for me, it would simply require more research. I would certainly check out the location of the writting (is it a typical place you would expect to see something written - i.e. under the bill of a cap, back of the shoes, etc.) If it is, what exactly is written? If it is a name, you would think that would be easily traced back to perhaps a family member or tragedy of a close friend. If it turned out to be some untraceable name, that is when I would begin to question the authenticity. That especially is true with any Latin American player. My reasoning is that I have often read that those players will send their extra quipment back home for their friends to use. That is certainly an awesome gesture, but makes authenticating their equipment a nightmare.

[3arod13]

If it turned out to be some untraceable name, that is when I would begin to question the authenticity. That especially is true with any Latin American player. My reasoning is that I have often read that those players will send their extra quipment back home for their friends to use. That is certainly an awesome gesture, but makes authenticating their equipment a nightmare.

I exhausted all efforts to find out who the name was on the straps. I just couldn't get past not knowing who it was. Or was the glove used by this person after it was stolen from Cano's minor league locker.

In my research, I also was told that those players would send their extra equipment back home for their friends to use. However, this glove was stolen from Cano's locker. Don't know if the name was there prior to or after it was stolen.

[Vintagedeputy]

Not sure about Cano, but Posada uses his pants like a family tree!

[3arod13]

Not sure about Cano, but Posada uses his pants like a family tree!

At least you know what these names represent.

[jwasserman]

Historic Auctions had a great Gooden glove with his father's name marked on it. Given the importance of Doc's dad to him (he pitched his no hitter with his dad in the hospital and dedicated the game to him), made it a really special item. However, I don't think it's something I'd want in my collection. Seems too personal, you know. That said, I wouldn't mind a Zito hat with some of the crazy stuff he writes under the brim.

The fact that your glove was stolen, markings aside, would be enough to put me off it, no matter how much I wanted it. Just doesn't seem right to have it.

[kylehess10]

I only have 2 pieces in my collection that have family inscriptions, and I actually like them and would prefer to have them with the names written. To me, they can help insure the authenticity if you can find background information on the player to figure out which names belong to which family members.

Inscription on my Tony Pena Jr. 2006 Braves hat:




Inscriptions on my Jorge Sosa 2006 Braves hat:

[3arod13]

I guess my question to all is: If you found a game used item of your favorite player, and it had an unidentified name written on it, would you pass on it? Would you question it's authenticity?

[3arod13]

The fact that your glove was stolen, markings aside, would be enough to put me off it, no matter how much I wanted it. Just doesn't seem right to have it.

Undestand. When I bought it, I was unaware it was stolen. It wasn't until the glove was presented to Cano to sign, was when I first found out it was stolen from his locker. If Cano would have asked for the glove back, I would have done so.

Although not right, many items are obtained this way and sold in the hobby.