Albert Pujols 2004 Game Used W.S. Jersey????

[gameused]

I saw this Pujols jersey listed on ebay and was wondering if the Cardinals experts could chime in and give their opinion.

I bought a Larry Walker Cardinals bat a few years ago from Jeff Sullivan and the bat was used by pitcher Matt Morris. It is my belief that Jeff doctored the knob and wrote in Walkers number "33". Brian Finch, assistant curator for the Cardinals museum, confirmed this bat was likely doctored and was originally sold at the team store as a Matt Morris game used (Larry Walker) bat. If you are considering bidding on this jersey I would be extremely cautious. A link to the previous discussion about the Walker/Morris bat is below.

Thanks, Bobby

Link to ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ALBERT-PUJOLS-20...QQcmdZViewItem

Link to the Larry Walker bat discussion on the old forum:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/37997...+used+items%21

Photos of the bat in question:

[jimbo]

Setting the authenticator's reputation aside for a moment, if you look at the WS Game 1 and 2 photos from 2004 in GettyImages, the jersey offered in the auction does not match either the jersey seen worn by Pujols in Game 1 or 2 in Boston:

1. The number 5 on the front of the seller's jersey does not align properly in relation to the Cardinals script. Compare the placement of the number 5 on the front of the seller's jersey against the GettyImages photos # 51556626 and 51745652 from both WS Game 1 and 2, respectively. In both WS Game 1 and Game 2 photos, if an imaginary line were drawn along the left edge of the "5", it intersects approximately at the start of the "a". On the seller's jersey, that same imaginary line intersects in the middle of the "a".

2. The number 5 on the back of the seller's jersey does not align properly in relation to the nameplate. Compare the placement of the number 5 on the back of the seller's jersey against either GettyImages photos # 53232032 or 53232033 from WS Game 1. In the WS Game 1 photos, if an imaginary line were drawn along the left edge of the "5", it intersects approximately center between the bottom of the "U" and "J". On the seller's jersey, that same imaginary line intersects at the midpoint of the bottom of the "U".

I was unable to find any WS Game 2 photos clearly showing the back of his jersey in GettyImages, however the fact that the number 5 on the front of the jersey didn't match either Game 1 or Game 2 photos (see 1 above), makes further photo matching a moot point.

I'd say unless the seller can provide further provenance beyond the identified authenticator's LOA/COA, the jersey is questionable.

[bigtruck260]

I have to admit - I was just in discussion with a local dealer two weekends ago about this EXACT bat...and Mr. Sullivan. The dealer was selling something that originated from him...and we started talking. I am still pretty new to collecting bats as a hobby - so hewas never on my radar.

However, I have seen a few items on eBay (Pujols signed GU hats, etc.)
that came with Sullivan COA's.

I am not going to brow beat anyone - especially since I don't know Jeff - only his previous stellar repuation (and then this legacy that we are speaking of...)

However, I would like to point out that there are MANY "experts" and guys with the greatest contacts who decide at some point that they should be making more money as the go-between...and this type of stuff happens.

The more knowledge and experience you have (and solid rep.), the easier it will be for you to scam someone down the road. You may have had 1000 great legit transactions, but the three or four that were doctored or forged will be the ones that haunt you forever.

Doesn't take much in this biz to ruin you as a business person.

Bobby - thanks for posting this, as well as the archived forum page. Very Interesting stuff. Speaking of Jeff - why do I never see him post here? Is it because he is posting under another name or am I just not seeing them?

Dave

[kingjammy24]

i don't know jeff and i don't know where this particular jersey came from but in general, it's very easy for anyone to invent any sort of provenance when there's no hard proof. if i don't have a shred of anything to back up what i say, then what's to stop me from saying i got the jersey from pujols himself or the equipment manager or the ghost of august busch? everyone's got a story. i'd want to see some proof of it.

anyway, there were only 2 games in the '04 WS where the cards wore road jerseys - game 1 and game 2. here they are:



rudy.

[bigtruck260]

Rudy -

Thanks for bumping this topic. I have been watching this jersey and marinating on it since it was posted here...

There is an interesting item in that old forum thread (network 54) that mentioned something about Jeff Sullivan purchasing some Pujols lettering packs.

Now I am really wondering. I passed on a hat that was being offered by someone he sold to in the past...if you do a search, you could probably find the EXACT post I made...it was being offered for $1200 - and I am glad I passed.

Still though, I would like to hear Jeff defend himself.

Dave

[kylehess10]

i don't know jeff and i don't know where this particular jersey came from but in general, it's very easy for anyone to invent any sort of provenance when there's no hard proof. if i don't have a shred of anything to back up what i say, then what's to stop me from saying i got the jersey from pujols himself or the equipment manager or the ghost of august busch? everyone's got a story. i'd want to see some proof of it.

anyway, there were only 2 games in the '04 WS where the cards wore road jerseys - game 1 and game 2. here they are:



rudy.

It appears that the "5" is sewn more to the left in game photos when compared to the jersey in question

[bigtruck260]

Guys -

This auction is way out of control. We need some solid proof that the jersey listed in the eBay auction mentioned is NOT a legit jersey...

So, here it is.

Notice the Matt Morris jersey - the World Series patch is outlined in WHITE.

The Pujols jersey does not have this outline...how can this be explained away?

The bidding has reached $2000 - someone had better take a look at this forum before making a mistake.

Dave

[Jags Fan Dan]

Guys -

This auction is way out of control. We need some solid proof that the jersey listed in the eBay auction mentioned is NOT a legit jersey...

So, here it is.

Notice the Matt Morris jersey - the World Series patch is outlined in WHITE.

The Pujols jersey does not have this outline...how can this be explained away?

The bidding has reached $2000 - someone had better take a look at this forum before making a mistake.

Dave

Yep, this can also be seen on Albert's jersey in the photo in Kyle's post above!

[bigtruck260]

A few more Cardinals jerseys from the 2004 World Series...

[kingjammy24]

i took a look at the offerings on ebay and interestingly enough there were 2 different styles of 2004 WS patches available: the one seen in the getty photos and the one seen on jeff sullivan's jersey. here are two links showing each style:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=280148535675

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=200174065652

here are the two patches:



there are some notable differences besides the obvious white outline.

rudy.