is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

[camarokids]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

Camaro,

While it is true that with a game issued bat it may have never reached a player's hands, the fact that it was made to the specs and intended for that player is enough connection for me to make the bat important and collectible. Even with a game used bat, it may have never reached the said player's hands either.

But to each his own. I like the clean look of a game issued bat and the fact that they could be cheaper, and less desirable. It means there will be more for me!

Brian,

I am not knocking u for collecting unused bats. If u are happy that is all that matters.

I listed a few ways for you to be more comfortable buying used bats. There are always uncracked bats that usually have less use and still have a nice look that u like. There are a few members here who only collect uncracked bats.

If the writing on the knob is that players uni # you can be pretty confident that they used it. For example, on the Devil Rays, two of the stars were McGriff & Boggs.

Both wrote their uni # in a certain writing. Based on that and use characteristics, you can be pretty certain they used the bat.

Now back to unused. I have a few bats in my collection that were numbered on the ends but not used. I have a Greg Vaughn that is numbered and the knob is taped. Has rack marks. But I cannot find any ball marks. Still I nice bat. Like Dale says about WS bats, you usually only find them in unused condition. Reason the player will keep the used one and give away the other. Players usually get two bats. More recently they receive more bats than that.

I just think you should venture into game used of the players you like. You will be surprised how easy it is to do. Plus you have a great tool to use for help, right here at GUU!

[panthrotc]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

great thread. we all would like to own a game used instead of game issued. But sometimes we cant.

For example, here is a 1998 game ISSUED McGwire Jersey. It signed and inscribed "70HRS98". When did you ever see a Game used mac jersey from 98 that is auto'd have that inscription?? prolly never. But yea i wish it was used, but it is still a rare peice nontheless, and it prolly did hang in his locker but he never wore. We cant buy everything, but sometimes the 2nd place item is better then nothing

[LastingsMilledge85]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

There definitely no "shame" in it because this should be a "fun" hobby. I just think issued jerseys are a waste of money if it's more than an authentic because they really are the same thing. Maybe if alterations are made for that specific player, than there is some leeway with me thinking is worth what is spent. But, it's your dime so who cares how you spend it. Have fun with it, issued or used.

[mbenga28]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

mbenga, the jeter jersey pictured has a world series patch on it.

not anymore, me thinks someone from Steiner peruses the forums.

[coffeebeanjoe]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

No. Why would there be any shame? I have an entire 1990 Joe Montana team issued uniform framed at home. Red Wilson jersey, tan Wilson pants, striped game socks (last year they wore them) and Easton sweat bands. Joe never wore them, but one look and you can tell it's from the team. It has no letter, but since I aquired it in person, I know it's real. It means as much to me as anything in my collection.

[solarlottry]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

No. Why would there be any shame? I have an entire 1990 Joe Montana team issued uniform framed at home. Red Wilson jersey, tan Wilson pants, striped game socks (last year they wore them) and Easton sweat bands. Joe never wore them, but one look and you can tell it's from the team. It has no letter, but since I aquired it in person, I know it's real. It means as much to me as anything in my collection.

coffeebeanjoe- Hi! Ed Cooper (Coop) from SF gave me your email a while back and said that it was OK to email you about questions I had regarding the style and font of 80s 49ers gamers. I tried but it bounced back. Could you please email me at garciajones@yahoo.com. Thanks much.

Coop and I are good friends and he has a GREAT collection of vintage 49ers gamers. He was very complimentary of yours as well. It would be great to be able to get in touch with you to exchange info about what both of our collections are like.

Thanks much
Paul
garciajones@yahoo.com

[island_style]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

I collect items of Onan Masaoka (Dodgers pitcher, 1999-2001) and have some of his game used jerseys. He was traded mid-season to the White Sox organization and added to their 40-man roster, but never made the parent club. I was able to obtain a White Sox game issued road jersey. Although it's not game used the jersey is an important piece in my Masaoka collection.

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

[Shipp_96]

Re: is there any shame owning a game issued instead of game used?

I tend to only buy used, but I agree if I can get a player I love and the only one available from that team is issued, I'm buying it.

I did that with a Bobby Engram Chiefs jersey (bought directly from the team). He only played a handful of games with KC, so it is probably as close as I was going to get. It also has the AFL patch on it, so that was a bonus for me. The sleeves are cuffed the same as they are on his Seahawks game worn jerseys, and it has a custom cut as well (just not as short as his gamers).

I see no shame in that.