Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

Of those $20 home run ball purchases I mentioned earlier in the thread, the best was a fairly early (c.1996) Sammy Sosa dinger at Wrigley Field. A semi-homeless guy ran it down on Waveland Avenue, and a bleacher fan called down to offer him $5 for it. I was in the adjacent family section, and shouted down an offer of $20, and made the purchase through the left field gate of the ballpark.

Dave M.
Chicago area

[xpress34]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

Suicide -

I agree with you that getting the Inscription is ALWAYS worth it... unfortunately, all three players you used as examples are well know for their bizarre behavior, bad attitudes, etc...

I have 4 GU Items that I had signed in person and Inscribed (except for one) by the players and each one was very easy going...

The 1st one is one of my prized possessions in my Matt Holliday Collection - Matt's GU 2007 WS Hat... Matt knows me pretty well and when I presented the hat to him with the LOA from the Rockies, he said he was happy that I had the hat since he knows how much of his stuff I collect and inscribed it 1st WS 2007 Game Used!!!

The 2nd one is a Set Smith GU WS Hat (maybe the one he was wearing just before putting on his batting helmet to be the last out of the 2007 WS)... I took it to ST in 2008 with the LOA from the Rox and Seth started laughing and checking the hat out (along with Joe Koshansky) and then asked me how in the hell I obtained his GU WS Hat. I told him I bought it directly from the Rockies DugOut store and he said he alwasy wondered what happened to their stuff the last game of the season! He then signed and inscibed it Game Used.

3rd is a Garrett Atkins 2004 Hat w/ the Flag patch which means it is from Labor Day weekend when Garrett was recalled from the minors after their season ended in August. I took it to ST this year with the Rox LOA... as Garrett was going to the Locker Room, a few guys were calling for him and he was ignoring them - I mentioned I had a GU Hat, he turned around, came over, looked at it and the LOA, signed it - no inscription - never said a word, signed a crad for the guy to my L and signed a ball for the guy to my R and then left. He's a very interesting player - doesn't say much and is very aloof about signing in general.

Finally, my most recent - a GU Batting Glove from Dexter Fowler... I asked Dex on Opening Day and finally one day out back of Coors Field, he pulls over and throws a glove to me (he said he has to find the mate in his truck)... the next day, he stopped to sign for some guys and I had him sign the glove and asked him to inscribe it... he started laughing about the GU inscription and I told him it was going in the collection. He was like 'cool' and signed and inscribed it...

Every player is different and unique, that is for sure...

- Chris

[suicide_squeeze]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

If you had the game ticket and proof you bought the ball (check?) that would be reasonable evidence of authenticity, as who would pay $60 for ball at the ball park that was not game used?

With all due respect, I don't know of any fan who would be crazy enough to accept a "check" for a home run ball they had just caught or run down... for obvious reasons.

The only way you are going to separate a fan from a baseball piece like that is too stick cold hard cash in the form of $100.00 bills in his face.

There is no instant gratification in a "check". What guarantee would the fan who gave up the ball even have that the check would clear? Why would he want to place himself in the position of having to track down a bum who gave him a bogus check for a home run ball he could have kept?

Just too many "issues" with the scenario.

Just a word of advice to anyone going to a game in search of a homerun ball......bring a wad of cash, or forget it.

[suicide_squeeze]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

suicide,

in your case, wouldnt it be worth it to pay that extra to get a nice insciption on your hr ball. you have already paid so much. why not have photo proof to show manny what you have. seems ashame to only have his signature on it.

what do you think?

Joel........Pro's and con's on the issue....

If you go meet someone of Manny's stature, walk up to him and say "Hey Manny! Nice to meet you! I have three of your home-run balls here I'd like you to sign"....Then pull out the pictures, all of the supporting paperwork, ticket stubs....

All of a sudden, they find themselves overwhelmed with becoming put in a position of having to make an on-the-spot decision of whether or not this pile you just dumped in their lap is authentic. There is severe risk in that, because if they cop an attitude (like Barry Bonds does in this circumstance), he may flat out refuse to sign the item with the inscription. Or, he may ask for a bunch more money because of what it is... which to me would be worth it.

But in rare cases, the player may refuse to sign it at all. In that case, you're screwed....even though you know it's real, and you have all the supporting proof. What you have to do is talk to people in line ahead of you that have already had him sign something....get a "feel" of what kind of a mood he's in, etc. Sometimes, it's all about catching the player on a "good day".

I have had a tough go with Willie Mays on a home run bat of his I own, one that came with a lettle (on Giants stationary no less, signed by Willie Mays attesting to the bat's use to hit the identified home run!) but after three attempts, and well over $2,500.00 cash offered to him, I got him to sign (on one occasion) the bat, and a separate occasion to inscribe it! I believe it's the only documented home run bat of Willie's in the hobby.
But that's another story...and man, it was a nerve-racking battle. But in the end, Willie knew the whole time where the bat came from, what it was......he was just holding out for the "cash".

So....to anyone who is made of money, if you really want that one fine piece to add to your collection.....the old addage "everyone has their price" is usually true. Just be prepared to anty-up, because these guys can really catch you off guard if you are presenting them with a piece that has value. They usually know this, and they make you pay! But getting the player, if you can, to add the inscription Joel??.....is priceless. In the end, it's ALWAYS worth it, because you've just added another wonderful piece to this hobby we all love.

[joelsabi]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

If you had the game ticket and proof you bought the ball (check?) that would be reasonable evidence of authenticity, as who would pay $60 for ball at the ball park that was not game used?

what does everything think of a check as evidence. put some type of notation on the check and keep the cancelled check as evidence. dont think it can stand alone but its better than paying with cash. on the other hand, who is going to take a check at ballpark from a complete stranger. you may stop payment so cash would seem to be choice in this situation.

[joelsabi]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

This is a great thread,as i have a story.My brother was proberly the biggest paul moltor fan.And when molitor was with the blue jays and he would come play in minnesota,my brother would go see him play.And he always wanted to get a home run ball hit from him.It was his dream,so he always made sure he had extra money with him when he saw moltior play as he said,"i'll pay anything for the ball he hits".Well one game when i was with him, his dream came true,as molitor hit a home run.And my brother took off from our seats by the jays dugout.And my other brother was asking,"where you going,jason?".And i told him (as i knew as soon as mollly hit it),"he is going to buy that baseball from whoever caught it".So i went with him and we tracked down where it landed, as he kept asking where it went etc.And he was able to track down the guy who caught it and offered the guy $300 for it,and the guy said no to it.I could'nt believe it when my brother came back and said that.My brother always thought $200 would be good enough to buy it, and i added $100 just to make sure he would be able to get it,as i thought that is a offer anyone would take.Wow, i could'nt believe it when he came back up to me empty handed.And he had the saddest look i had ever seen on his face,he was so depressed,and it took away from the fun of the game,as he just wanted to leave at that point.I was so upset i almost went down there and yelled at the guy for upsetting my brother.i was able to talk him into staying for the game.We got back to our seats and my other brother said,"wheres the ball?",and i said, "the guy turned him down so that his dog could chew up and play with the ball when the guy got home,he passed on $300 for a chew toy for his dog,or for the ball to end up under his couch or laying in his garage somewhere",and that cheered up my brother as he laughed.But to this day,even though that was many years ago,if i mention him that game to him,man,he still gets mad about it

great story. its always nice to able to have a memory that ribs a brother. i bet the other guy is regretting not taking that $300 now.

[David]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

If you had the game ticket and proof you bought the ball (check?) that would be reasonable evidence of authenticity, as who would pay $60 for ball at the ball park that was not game used?

[jobathenut]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

This is a great thread,as i have a story.My brother was proberly the biggest paul moltor fan.And when molitor was with the blue jays and he would come play in minnesota,my brother would go see him play.And he always wanted to get a home run ball hit from him.It was his dream,so he always made sure he had extra money with him when he saw moltior play as he said,"i'll pay anything for the ball he hits".Well one game when i was with him, his dream came true,as molitor hit a home run.And my brother took off from our seats by the jays dugout.And my other brother was asking,"where you going,jason?".And i told him (as i knew as soon as mollly hit it),"he is going to buy that baseball from whoever caught it".So i went with him and we tracked down where it landed, as he kept asking where it went etc.And he was able to track down the guy who caught it and offered the guy $300 for it,and the guy said no to it.I could'nt believe it when my brother came back and said that.My brother always thought $200 would be good enough to buy it, and i added $100 just to make sure he would be able to get it,as i thought that is a offer anyone would take.Wow, i could'nt believe it when he came back up to me empty handed.And he had the saddest look i had ever seen on his face,he was so depressed,and it took away from the fun of the game,as he just wanted to leave at that point.I was so upset i almost went down there and yelled at the guy for upsetting my brother.i was able to talk him into staying for the game.We got back to our seats and my other brother said,"wheres the ball?",and i said, "the guy turned him down so that his dog could chew up and play with the ball when the guy got home,he passed on $300 for a chew toy for his dog,or for the ball to end up under his couch or laying in his garage somewhere",and that cheered up my brother as he laughed.But to this day,even though that was many years ago,if i mention him that game to him,man,he still gets mad about it

What is the most money you have seen a person offer for a foul ball or hr baseball in the stands? Just curious. How much and who hit it. Was the offer accepted or not.

[joelsabi]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

- ask for much more to sign it, because they know they can get it;

- outright refuise to sign it, if they have an attitude about their perceived belief "How do I know that's what you claim it is?"

suicide,

in your case, wouldnt it be worth it to pay that extra to get a nice insciption on your hr ball. you have already paid so much. why not have photo proof to show manny what you have. seems ashame to only have his signature on it.

what do you think?

[suicide_squeeze]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

I am a 500 home run game used collector. After Manny was traded to the Dodgers last year, I was VERY interested in obtaining one of his game used items that was available......um......that would ONLY be a home run ball hit into the seats.

So....I came up with a plan. I pre-typed "Letter of Affidavits" with all the facts of the game (date, teams, location-Dodger Stadium, starting pitchers, etc.) and put the facts of what number Manny's home run would be....if he were to hit it that night/day. OH....and there were lines typed in at the bottom for "witnesses" who I had fill in their contact info. Iron-clad, baby! I also tried to obtain the ticket stub from the fan who caught the ball as part of the agreement to sell me the ball(s). That of course added to the provenance too.

Well, I ended up buying three. In all three cases, I paid OVER $1,000.00 each. The most expensive one was a milestone tying monster, and I actually had to go toe-to-toe with Dodger brass to get my hands on that one. It's a real interesting story, and after I document it in writing, I'll post it here for you all to read. That one, I paid several thousands for, because I had to battle a couple of other "players" who were interested in the very same ball.

But after all, these are well documented, authentic Manny Ramirez home runs. In all three cases, there is a video of the ball going into the seats, and all of the recipients I purchased the balls from can be seen on MLB footage. I took pictures of the balls, the fans who caught them, and the letters of affidavits at the game.

It's very gratifying knowing you have preserved for the ages a few nice pieces of authentic baseball history for future collectors to own....if desired.

At Manny's first signing in Los Angeles, I will be sure to have him sign each ball on the sweetspot.....and I will NOT tell him what they are until after he signs them. I have learned, over the years from attending signings.....when a major player learns you have something special, or valuable of their, they will do one of two things:

- ask for much more to sign it, because they know they can get it;

- outright refuise to sign it, if they have an attitude about their perceived belief "How do I know that's what you claim it is?"

On second thought, I may not even tell him AFTER he signs them.....why stir the pot. It may just make things more difficult for other collectors in the future in regards to his attitude towards these kinds of items.

[cordovacollector]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

Buyer beware though ... as you all know. But usually you can tell by looking at the person. I knew a guy in the stands that was slicker than axle grease and would sell the same home run or foul ball or BP HR to five different people. And he did it a lot of times within a series when a big name was in town.

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

Although I've been turned down many times, as well, I've picked up home runs or foul balls from people for everything from cash ($20 is my standard opening offer) to BP baseballs (anywhere from 2 to 4 for 1) to a beer and a hot dog for a guy and his date (Richie Sexson Indians at Comiskey Park).

As far as jerseys go, a 1987 Robin Yount home Brewers gamer was raffled off on Fan Appreciation Night, old County Stadium, in 1987. The winner was about ten sections down, and I offered him $200 for it. The guy couldn't grab the money fast enough. Problem was, I made the mistake of mentioning it in my old SCD column. At the same event in 1988, several copycats imitated my request, some of whom had more to spend than I did.

Dave M.
Chicago area

[michael47]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

I tried this a few times in the late 70's & early 80's. I was able to buy a few homerun balls at Yankee & Shea Stadium. My favorite was a Reggie Jackson homerun in July 1979 against Oakland. I was about to approach the man who caught the ball who was about 10 rows in front of me when he suddenly turned around, held the ball up in the air & offerred to sell the ball. I offerred $10 but he asked for $20. I started to walk away so he took the $10. I had Reggie sign the ball 12 years later & asked if he remembered the homerun but he did not. I also picked up a Schmidt & Kingman at Shea Stadium along with a few others.

[rj_lucas]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

I was at the games in June, 1996 @ Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City when Cal Ripken Jr. tied & passed Japan's Sachio Kinugasa (sp?) for the all time ironman record of 2215 consecutive games. In the record breaking game, Chris Hoiles hit a foul ball in the seats, which I purchased off the fan who caught it for $50. Fortunately, I knew the agent that Kinugasa was using and actually caught a ride back to the hotel afterwards with him & had him sign it with the "2215" notation on the sweet spot and subsequently had Cal sign it with a "2216" notation. If anyone would care, I could post a picture of it. I know it has to be the only GU ball from that game autographed by both.

whhp72@yahoo.com

Hey IMF, I was also at that game. I had a good telephoto lens, so I have a couple of shots with Ripken and Kinugasa standing together in case you wanted one to display with your ball. If so, shoot me an email and I can upload some high-res scans for you. You've got some great items by the way.

Rick
rickjlucas@gmail.com

[DonTheLegend]

Re: Purchase Foul or HR Ball in the stands

...not for nothing, but the jersey the boy had won was none other than a Lankford (needless to say).