batting helmets

[skipcarayislegend]

They've been my favorite since day one and I really couldn't give you a good reason why. I've just always loved them. I have about 50 now. All ABC, major league, single flap or flapless from the 70s, 80s, 90s to current. I think about 20 or so are photo-matched.

As much as I love collecting helmets, I'll be the first to admit that authenticating them can be extremely difficult. Unlike football lids, batting helmets don't have any parts; just some padding and maybe an interior sticker or two. And until recently many teams weren't consistent in how they marked them; i.e., with exterior numerals, dymo tape, script, etc. Depending on the team, like the Yankees for example, you might've seen five or six or more variations in numeral type alone in the same dugout. You also have to deal with other inconstancies as well. I once owned both of Mark Teixeira's rookie Rangers helmets from '03 and not only were the shell colors different, each also had a different size logo. Both were photo matched, btw. Then you have ones that were made in, say, 1993, but weren't issued until 1998. Happens all the time. I've seen mint helmets from the 80s being sold in the Braves clubhouse store only a year ago. The whole "homework" thing is really a must here.

Like anything else many times you'll get lucky and spot some things that definitely shouldn't be there, like dymo taped names on any Braves helmet or uniform numerals on post 90 Giants helmets, etc. The worst part about collecting them is knowing how easy it is for anyone to fake a helmet. There's virtually nothing special about the helmets themselves or the numbers used to mark them. For that reason alone I've gotten comfortable pursuing the helmets of guys that aren't that special. Maybe 10 of the ones I have would be considered a "star" helmet, but I'm cool with it because I never have to worry about whether what I own is legit or not.

[momen55]

skip;
will you email me pics of you helmets? i would love to see what you have. i posted some of mine in the game used helmets thread. atownmac70@yahoo.com. thanks.

[skipcarayislegend]

skip;
will you email me pics of you helmets? i would love to see what you have. i posted some of mine in the game used helmets thread. atownmac70@yahoo.com. thanks.

Yeah, no problem. E-mail sent.

[shoremen44]

Skip... if you are ever interested in selling or trading any let me know.

bmagladry@jacuzzi.com


thanks

[lnfogel@aol.com]

I own some mets helmets including Tom Seaver and Cleon Jones from the 70's.
Andy

[skyking26]

I am the proud owner of 3 Dave Kingman batting helmets: 71-74 Giants, 81-83 Mets, 87 Firebirds...