What are your thoughts on GAME USED THEN compared to GAME USED NOW

[eGameUsed]

Re: What are your thoughts on GAME USED THEN compared to GAME USED NOW

I think the sharing of equipment has been going on for years, it just wasn't as obvious. Today, we (us collectors) are looking at every move the guys make to see what the latest trend is. In 2005, Roger Clemens used at least one Craig Biggio bat until his order of H176s came in. Brad Ausmus used Jeff Bagwell bats in late 2004 until he got his own maple B363. To go with my point, I have a 1965 Ron Brand bat with #11 on the knob (could have been Eddie Mathews or a variety of other players from the 1965-68 era).

As far as collecting, the hobby has changed a ton. My first bat was given to me after a game. In the 1980s, the Astros used to throw cracked bats in the dumpster or the Bullpen attendent would cut them up and turn them into lamps. Can you imagine if Stretch Suba would even think of chopping up a Craig Biggio or Roger Clemens bat to turn into a lamp? People would go crazy. Things have changed!

[3arod13]

Re: What are your thoughts on GAME USED THEN compared to GAME USED NOW

What is confusing is the fact that players share equipment. Just because a bat says ALBERT PUJOLS on it does not mean he used it. I see Albert bats with tape being sold as his gamers...I tell the sellers, and they ignore it.

I also see bats that show his type of use...but unless you photo match it, or see it used by the player - you never know what you really have. Player letters are worthless as many of the A-Rod MVP COA's have shown.

Agree. Someone recently on GUU was looking for a photo match for a pair of Manny Ramirez Game Used Batting Gloves. Someone posted a picture of David Ortiz actually using them.

[bigtruck260]

Re: What are your thoughts on GAME USED THEN compared to GAME USED NOW

What is confusing is the fact that players share equipment. Just because a bat says ALBERT PUJOLS on it does not mean he used it. I see Albert bats with tape being sold as his gamers...I tell the sellers, and they ignore it.

I also see bats that show his type of use...but unless you photo match it, or see it used by the player - you never know what you really have. Player letters are worthless as many of the A-Rod MVP COA's have shown.

[3arod13]

Curious about your thoughts on GAME USED THEN compared to GAME USED NOW.

First, I'm concerned with the massive amounts of Game Used stuff. Players are signing with multiple promoters to sell their game used stuff.

Second, I'm concered about it is truly game used. Meaning, many players will use an item for the sole purpose of handing it over to be sold. It is really game used? Is it really something a player would have used because he like it?

Third, to find authentic game used stuff back then is much more difficult and much more rarer than find game used today.

Lastly, the authenticity of today's GAME USED. So difficult today, especially with the massive amounts out there.

Your thoughs?