Player asking how game used item was received

[xpress34]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

I've had a few incidents with Rockies players... the 1st was when I 1st met Matt Holliday... I had purchased his 1st MLB jersey (Spring 2000) on eBay with the Rockies LOA and when Matt got called up in 2004, I held the jersey out at Coors Field as the players were coming out to warm up...

Matt saw it, did a double take, and then said he would be back after warming up... he came over and asked, 'Where the hell did you get this?' while smiling and laughing. I told him , 'Conneticut. From eBay.'. He said he never thought he would see that jersey again (he was #84 - yes, that far down the pecking order in 2000) and gladly signed it for me. In fact, that jersey is what made Matt and easy auto for me every time I see him (he signed 6 items for me last year at ST at Phx Muni Stad and called me down personally to sign his GU 2006 ASG jersey and 2007 Authe ASG jersey last year at Coors Field when here with the Cardinals). After signing the 2000 ST jersey, he used to wave and yell out ,'Go 84!' on his way out of Coors Field when he'd see me out back. I also have his GU 2007 WS Hat (w/ Rox LOA) and when I showed up with it, he chuckled and said something to the effect of 'I won't even ask...'

Another one that was funny was Seth Smith and his GU 2007 WS Hat. I took it to ST with me in 2008 and had the LOA with me and caught his at Field 5 at Hi Corbett. He looked the hat over and the LOA and verified it as his, and then asked how I obtained it. I told him (and Joe Koshansky who was standing there checking it out) that I purchase it from the Rockies Dug Out Store in downtown Denver around Christmas. He and Joe both commented that they had always wondered what happened to their stuff when the staff cleared out their lockers!

- Chris

[xpress34]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

P.S.

I'll update this after I get back from this year's ST Sabbatical (Mar 18th - 29th) when I get Giambi's GU Jersey and Pants signed.

- Chris

[godwulf]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Last month, at Fan Fest, I had Matt Williams sign the two Mobile BayBears manager's jerseys of his that I bought from the team, and he was very surprised to see them again. I told him that they were usually hanging up on my "Matty Wall", and Jay Bell, who was sitting next to Matt, said, "I have a Matty Wall" and Matt said, "No you don't!" and they continued on in that vein for the whole time I was at the table. Two of the nicest guys in Baseball, and also pretty funny when they get together.

[sportscentury]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Why should anyone care what they think? They are getting paid lots of money, if they really want it they could easily pay for it.

Seriously?? I guess you've never had anything stolen from you, or missed something that over time has come to have significant sentimental value. And not all players are swimming in dough. A lot of non-star and older, retired players struggle financially. Finally, who is to say that they are even provided the opportunity to buy their items back?

[Yankwood]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

I know I told this story on here before but I'll tell it again...I had the very "classy" Graig Nettles (whom I loved as a player) ask me at an autograph show, in front of children, regarding a cracked game used bat "Where the f--- did you steal this from?"....I told him "from a freind of mine in Detroit", to which he responded "Yeah, and how the f--- did he steal it from the stadium?"...I told him I wasn't sure but it was cracked anyway and that he had been retired for over a year anyway ( this was in 1990) , so what did it matter? I told him he didn't have to sign it if he didn't want to but he grabbed it and signed it like he was pissed anyway...I took the bat home and sold it the next day...

[LastingsMilledge85]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Seriously?? I guess you've never had anything stolen from you, or missed something that over time has come to have significant sentimental value. And not all players are swimming in dough. A lot of non-star and older, retired players struggle financially. Finally, who is to say that they are even provided the opportunity to buy their items back?

I was referring to current players.

[allstarsplus]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

I was referring to current players.

A current player who is about 20 to 23 years (not named Strasburg) is making about $400,000. For baseball players, that isn't a lot of money. To you LM85, that is a lot of money.

Yes, they can become agitated about certain pieces of lumber.

I had a player that I work with exclusively that had the 1st hit off of Randy Johnson on Randy's 300th win game. He cracked the bat and it disappeared. We later found out that a team exec grabbed the bat after it was hologramed. That took a few $100 out of that players pocket.

It matters to these guys. They have to make hay while the sun shines.

[sportscentury]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

I was referring to current players.

My response remains the same. Even the richest of players have every right to be upset if their belongings are wrongfully taken from them. And even the richest of players may not have the opportunity to buy their items back. Even if/when they do, they have every right to be upset if the prices demanded of them for belongings that rightfully should still be in their possession are unfair. A little perspective-taking may be helpful here.

[allstarsplus]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

My response remains the same. Even the richest of players have every right to be upset if their belongings are wrongfully taken from them. And even the richest of players may not have the opportunity to buy their items back. Even if/when they do, they have every right to be upset if the prices demanded of them for belongings that rightfully should still be in their possession are unfair. A little perspective-taking may be helpful here.

I agree with you. It happens more times than you can imagine. Some players won't say anything. Some will give you the look. Some will get agitated. Some just want the history of how you got it.

As a person who represents players for their game used items, I have been waiting for items from my players to hear many times that the stuff disappeared.

So as an extension of that player, it is not great. I have people watching a game and call me and say I want THAT bat used in this game. I send a text message to my player to say please pack it away. I can think of too many times the stuff disappeared.

You don't think the clubhouse guys know the value on this stuff too?

[xpress34]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

A current player who is about 20 to 23 years (not named Strasburg) is making about $400,000. For baseball players, that isn't a lot of money. To you LM85, that is a lot of money.

It matters to these guys. They have to make hay while the sun shines.

Devil's Advocate here (in regards to baseball)... and this has been mentioned before in another thread...

Most players don't pay for (and therefore don't truly OWN) most if ANY of their equipment. Yes, they may pay for their Glove (most are PAID to use a certain glove) and Cleats (many are PAID to wear a certain brand as well).

As far as bats - yes, younger players normally buy their own, but more established players have their bats ordered by and paid for by the team, and unless a player only wears specially tailored uniforms (i.e. Nolan Ryan and his Goodman and Sons unis) they don't pay for their unis either - the team does.

That said, in today's market, the TEAM owns and SELLS the used equipment either on their website or team stores and therefore, most players don't really have an argument when they claim the item was 'stolen' from them. Really? Then go take it up with the team that made you a millionaire.

As far as players not 'making a lot of money'? SCREW THAT. Base salary of $400,000 a year? For an 18,19,20 year old who didn't even go to college? I spent 12 years in the military, have worked for 30+ years and I will NEVER see that kind of money in my lifetime. When they gripe about a couple of hundred they might lose on a GU piece (that they probably have NO REAL CLAIM to anyway - see above) while signing lucrative autograph contracts where they charge you as a fan $40, $50, $100, etc for EACH auto (+ extra for inscriptions) then I have NO sympathy for them and their sense of entitlement.

If a player paid for the equipment themselves, out of pocket, I can see their argument - and with most older players, for items other than their unis and batting helmets, this is probably true. But for the 'new breed' of player that have lucrative contracts that don't cost them a dime for anything needed to play - or they have 'sponsorship' deals where Nike, Adidas, H&B, Rawlings, etc ... not only PAYS them to use the equipment, but supplies it to them at no charge - I don't want to hear how someone stole 'THEIR' stuff - when again, it probably came through channels with their team.

I might be alone here, but the players should kiss the @$$e$ of the fans who pay to watch them and collect their stuff, because without us, they would not be millionaires - or on their way to being millionaires - as the owners would not be paying them what they do without OUR money paying for the tickets and merchandise that pays their salaries, as well as paying for the stadiums that they play in with our tax dollars.

I know this post might sound hypocritical since I collect as well, but anyone that knows me knows that a player's attitude and character towards fans and the public drives who I collect as much as their stats.

Just my .02

- Chris

P.S.

Andrew -

You know that I respect you - and have even had you look for items for my collection - but I have to say that I think your above statement is BOLD to say the least... especially in this economy.

If $400,000 a year isn't a lot to you, then you my friend are doing WAYYY better than me and I would venture the better part of the members of this board.

Maybe MLB needs to do a Financial Planning training with new players if they can't invest that kind of money wisely and live off of it for some time.

If I made $400,000 just ONCE for a year, I could invest some of it and be debt free and comfortably live off of $30,000 or so a year (below the estimated avg wage). If they just have to have those 10 cars and fancy houses, clothes, etc - then I have no sympathy for them.

Again, my .02

[xpress34]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

...they have every right to be upset if the prices demanded of them for belongings that rightfully should still be in their possession are unfair. A little perspective-taking may be helpful here.

Not an attack, but please see my post immediately preceding this one.

As I stated, without US as fans (buying tix, memorabilia, etc - and paying for the stadiums with our tax dollars), they would not be playing this GAME for the crazy salaries they are receiving.

Therefore, they need to give Joe Schmoe a little bit more respect than assuming that HE 'stole' the item or was somehow involved with the perceived 'theft' of the item and acting like an A$$Hole towards the fan. Do they really think that EVERY fan has access or an 'inside' man that helps them steal away their items?

How's that for perspective-taking?

Again, just one man's .02

- Chris

[LastingsMilledge85]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

These guys ave been given one of the greatest gifts in the world in being able to play a sport that they love at a professional level and so many envy their positions. Barring anything stolen, what's it to them if they have a problem if I have "their" bat. Get over yourself, you are such a blessed athlete ad be greatful for what you have and this is the closest the fans can get with the game. I think it's awesome that players respect this hobby and can recall particular events with that piece. If they have a problem (and it's not stolen) then they can pay at my price.

[sportscentury]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Not an attack, but please see my post immediately preceding this one.

As I stated, without US as fans (buying tix, memorabilia, etc - and paying for the stadiums with our tax dollars), they would not be playing this GAME for the crazy salaries they are receiving.

Therefore, they need to give Joe Schmoe a little bit more respect than assuming that HE 'stole' the item or was somehow involved with the perceived 'theft' of the item and acting like an A$$Hole towards the fan. Do they really think that EVERY fan has access or an 'inside' man that helps them steal away their items?

How's that for perspective-taking?

Again, just one man's .02

- Chris

It's not great. I never said anything about the player assuming that the collector stole the item or even had a clue that it was stolen. Not sure where you got that. If you showed me that you had an item that was stolen from me, I would be upset. I don't know anyone who wouldn't be. But I wouldn't jump the gun and assume that you stole it from me or knew that it was stolen.

While I'm surprised that this is even a matter of debate, this is my last post on the topic.

[xpress34]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

It's not great. I never said anything about the player assuming that the collector stole the item or even had a clue that it was stolen. Not sure where you got that. If you showed me that you had an item that was stolen from me, I would be upset. I don't know anyone who wouldn't be. But I wouldn't jump the gun and assume that you stole it from me or knew that it was stolen.

While I'm surprised that this is even a matter of debate, this is my last post on the topic.

Sports -

After re-reading my wording, I did not mean to imply that YOU said anything about stolen items - but it was brought up earlier in the thread - I was commenting on your statement about items that should 'rightfully still be in their possession' and your comment about a little 'perspective-taking'.

I did take perspective - about the fact that most players don't really 'own' their items, they wouldn't make the money they do without fans, many don't give fans the respect they are due, and many DO accuse collector's of stealing or owning stolen property when the item actually was the TEAM's - NOT the player's - to do with as they pleased.

All apologies for maybe not making my point as clear as I had intended.

All the best -

Chris

[bigtruck260]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Maybe MLB needs to do a Financial Planning training with new players if they can't invest that kind of money wisely and live off of it for some time.

Funny Chris - I did my Master's thesis on this exact topic. BTW - still making less than $400K, but so it 99% of the population