Hank Aaron HR Bat: Mastro and a tale of slippery provenance

[encinorick]

I've had a similiar experience in the past regarding Mastro. A couple of years ago I bought a Babe Ruth "game used bat" from Mastro.

The description stated explicitly that it was "game used and or a coach's bat used by the Great Bambino during the latter part of his career." The description also suggested that the bat was might "light" for the Bambno and it's length was also much shorter than any other Ruth bat, but that those oddities could be explained for this reason or that. Anyway, according to Doug and Mastro, "this bat was used, in the hands of, the Great Bambino."

And, according to the the description, it came with 2 (not 1, but 2) LOA's from Mears and PSA/DNA.

So I bought it. For good money, I might add.

And the Mear's LOA gave it a 4.5 and the PSA/DNA (Taube) said it was a bat from the late 1940's, sometime after Ruth died, I think. Anyway, both LOA's were inherently inconsistent and there was nothing in either LOA that even hinted that the bat was a "Ruth game used or a coach's bat."

In other words, the description by Mastro was complete fiction.

I asked for and got my money back from Doug, which was a good thing, but he wrote some pretty nasty things to me in his email and cut me off from bidding on future Mastro auctions, which is also a good thing given my experience with them.

As a lawyer, I'd advise y'all to be careful about descriptions from Mastro. Chicago is a funny place, where right might be right, but isn't necessarily right, and wrong, well, wrong is also is in how you define the term.

[trsent]

I've had a similiar experience in the past regarding Mastro. A couple of years ago I bought a Babe Ruth "game used bat" from Mastro.

The description stated explicitly that it was "game used and or a coach's bat used by the Great Bambino during the latter part of his career." The description also suggested that the bat was might "light" for the Bambno and it's length was also much shorter than any other Ruth bat, but that those oddities could be explained for this reason or that. Anyway, according to Doug and Mastro, "this bat was used, in the hands of, the Great Bambino."

And, according to the the description, it came with 2 (not 1, but 2) LOA's from Mears and PSA/DNA.

So I bought it. For good money, I might add.

And the Mear's LOA gave it a 4.5 and the PSA/DNA (Taube) said it was a bat from the late 1940's, sometime after Ruth died, I think. Anyway, both LOA's were inherently inconsistent and there was nothing in either LOA that even hinted that the bat was a "Ruth game used or a coach's bat."

In other words, the description by Mastro was complete fiction.

I asked for and got my money back from Doug, which was a good thing, but he wrote some pretty nasty things to me in his email and cut me off from bidding on future Mastro auctions, which is also a good thing given my experience with them.

As a lawyer, I'd advise y'all to be careful about descriptions from Mastro. Chicago is a funny place, where right might be right, but isn't necessarily right, and wrong, well, wrong is also is in how you define the term.

Thanks for sharing your experience - That is quite a story you tell. I would think that auction houses would not blame the customer for not asking to see the LOAs in advance, which is what I am sure he told you, but stand behind their merchandise if the description is deceptive as it appears is was in your case.

[dallen]

These inquiries were pointed out to me indirectly so I thought I would post a response.

First and foremost if anyone on this forum ever has a question don't hesitate to contact me. As you can imagine with over 250 game used items in this auction we are quite busy but I would like to be responsive to each an every question. It is easiest to reach me via email at dallen@mastroauctions.com.

Here are my responses...

#1 If anyone one the GU forum wants to bid I will waive the $75 registration fee just drop "GU Forum See Doug" in the comment field and you will not be charged.

#2 The details surrounding the Hank Aaron bat were never pointed out to me until John Taube sent me an email today. This will be addressed tomorrow and an appropriate modification will be made to the lot.

#3 It is true that last year we sold a Babe Ruth Coaches bat for around $5,000 which by the way was a pretty fair price. The LOAs properly disclosed it as a Late era Ruth Coaches bat. When the buyer pointed out the description to me through his first contact which was a formal legal letter I reviewed the description and agreed it was overreaching and immediately offered a refund. The rest played out in a series of emails I attached below. You be the judge. Please note I exchanged the "***" in his most recent response as I did not think it was appropriate to post this in its entirety.

Sincerely,
Doug Allen

-----Original Message-----
From: rnealww@aol.com <rnealww@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:17 PM
To: dallen@mastroauctions.com <dallen@mastroauctions.com>
Subject: Re: Thanks, Doug

Yeah sure, I guess you guys in Chicago have different set of standards. Oh,
by the way, f*** you, too. My best, Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: dallen@mastroauctions.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 11:18 PM
To: rnealww@aol.com
Subject: Re: Thanks, Doug

Rich,

After your outrageous response last month I in fact turned your account off. After your apology I fully intended to turn it back on for bidding so you and your son can find some other great Brooklyn and Ruth pieces. I totally forgot and am sorry. I would have expected you to send an email but now you are going off and being aggressive again.

I guess it would be best for all involved for you to park your money somewhere else.

BTW tell your friends how you purchased a bat years ago, expressed concern and immediately got a refund. I personally believe we treated you with the utmost in professionalism.

Regards,
Doug
From: rnealww@aol.com [mailto:rnealww@aol.com]
Sent: Wed 10/22/2008 8:36 PM
To: Doug Allen
Subject: Re: Thanks, Doug


Doug: A friend mentioned he received his Mastro catalogue and was bidding on some items I might be interested in acquiring. Funny thing, I didn't receive one and when I went to the website, I was denied access. It seems my account has been canceled. I guess I'm on "double secret probation."

Class act, Doug. Real class. And to think all I wanted to do is spend some money at Mastronet.

No problem. I'll find other places to park my money. Good luck with the recession, and I'll be sure to tell all my collector friends about my pleasant experience with Mastronet.

Have a nice day, Richard Weissfeld

[trsent]

These inquiries were pointed out to me indirectly so I thought I would post a response.

First and foremost if anyone on this forum ever has a question don't hesitate to contact me. As you can imagine with over 250 game used items in this auction we are quite busy but I would like to be responsive to each an every question. It is easiest to reach me via email at dallen@mastroauctions.com.

Here are my responses...

#1 If anyone one the GU forum wants to bid I will waive the $75 registration fee just drop "GU Forum See Doug" in the comment field and you will not be charged.

#2 The details surrounding the Hank Aaron bat were never pointed out to me until John Taube sent me an email today. This will be addressed tomorrow and an appropriate modification will be made to the lot.

#3 It is true that last year we sold a Babe Ruth Coaches bat for around $5,000 which by the way was a pretty fair price. The LOAs properly disclosed it as a Late era Ruth Coaches bat. When the buyer pointed out the description to me through his first contact which was a formal legal letter I reviewed the description and agreed it was overreaching and immediately offered a refund. The rest played out in a series of emails I attached below. You be the judge. Please note I exchanged the "***" in his most recent response as I did not think it was appropriate to post this in its entirety.

Sincerely,
Doug Allen

Doug, thanks for posting your side of the story, your discount terms and that you will look into Rudy's concerns.

Welcome to Game Used Universe - Hopefully you will continue to contribute to this great forum!

[encinorick]

Doug: It is charming, as always, to talk with you. I find it interesting that you continue to play the victim here. Funny how a company can sell a purported Babe Ruth bat that isn't and feel victimized.

Justifying your actions by posting "selective" emails doesn't explain the whole story now does it, Doug?

Why not post my original letter to you and the Mastro description of the item (which I included with the letter) and the 2 LOA's (the Mears and PSA/DNA) which you have in your possession?

I dare ya.

Why not tell the whole story Doug?

I double dare ya.

Afterward, collectors should be given an opportunity to ask you how in the world you'd even consider selling this item as described.

How about it Doug?

I triple dare ya.

[dallen]

Following is the write-up from our October of 2006 auction....the buyer was provided both letters from MEARS (grade 4.5) and PSA (Auth Matches factory records) along with the bat. MEARS placed the bat at 1934-44 and PSA at 1944 to 47. Two years after the fact when it presented to me I agreed that the comment highlighted in red below was inappropriate as I would consider this as a Coaches Bat so I quickly offered a full refund of $4,692 plus the BP.

This will be my last post....I couldn't resist the "triple dare" but if anyone has any additional questions feel free to email me at dallen@mastroauctions.com By the way any time I respond to an email feel free to post it on this Board. My reason for not wanting to post is simply a time constraint issue as with three auctions closing in the next three weeks I could never do it justice. I tend to be able to keep up on the email.

Thanks,
Doug

Babe Ruth 1934-1944 H&B Game Used Player/Coaches Bat

With the diamond as his sizable stage, Babe Ruth lured admirers by the millions. Holding a virtual monopoly on the home run, Ruth had it all: adoring fans, endorsement power and perennial team and personal laurels. But as his physical skills waned, Ruth was unable to attain what he longed for perhaps most of all - a managerial position. Flat-out denied consideration by the New York Yankees, Ruth was subsequently dealt to the Boston Braves—and fed a series of misleading (and empty) promises by that team's brass. Presented here is a Hillerich & Bradsby signature model bat wielded (albeit with decidedly less flare) by The Bambino during the latter stages of his playing and coaching career. Measuring 34" and carrying a weight of 32-1/2-oz., this white ash model hails from the 1934-1944 labeling period and is small by Ruth standards. But factory records indicate that Ruth did, indeed, order bats as light as 35 ounces—in particular, for the 1935 U.S. Tour of Japan. While the offered lumber is 2-1/2 ounces shy of Ruth's lightest models, it is entirely possible (and probable) that the bat could have lost two to three ounces during the decades that have elapsed since its turning. Save for one of the worn characters below Ruth's facsimile signature, the barrel stampings and centerbrand remain prominent. The hitting treasure exhibits evidence of heavy use, with ball and surface marks throughout, as well as grain swelling on the hitting surface. Additionally, a 10" handle crack has been repaired by six vintage bat boy nails. Over time, the surface has taken on a rich brown hue—a feature that is evidenced by a 9-1/2" section (near the crack) that was covered by tape and, consequently, has remained decidedly lighter. Also, there are areas of a dark, thick dried substance about the barrel. There are no lengths listed in factory records from 1934 through 1941, only weights. Ruth's final season as a player was 1935. He coached for Brooklyn in 1938. Graded A-4.5 by MEARS. LOAs from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS, John Taube/PSA DNA.

[encinorick]

Nice try, Doug. Half-truths become whole truths because, like before, you refuse to look at all the facts, just the few you like. You only published the Mastro description, why not the rest of the information?

You have my original letter dated September 1, 2008 and the original LOA's, why not show all the documents, not just a select few?

I have the letter here, but, I want you to post it (not me) so you can't accuse me of not posting the same letter I sent to you.
What are you afraid of, Doug?

As I said to you in my letter: "...you had no right whatsoever to make the representations you made in your catalogue regarding the bat.... The Mears and PSA/DNA letters are materially inconsistent and inaccurate... The assertions made in your catalogue regarding the bat were intentionally and deliberately misleading in order to induce a non-expert, like myself, to bid on and purchase this item."

Publish the letter and LOA's, Doug, and let the others see how you take this or that fact from this or that LOA and spin a tale of fiction.

Quadruple dare, Doug.

I know you're listening, let's see the letter and the LOA's.

Oh, by the way, Merry Christmas, to you and your family.