Player asking how game used item was received

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

In my case, the worst was the late Cardinals catcher/coach, Dave Ricketts. I showed him a 1988 Cardinals home jersey ar Wrigley Field in the early 1990s, and he screamed "HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET THAT?". Before I could answer, he added, "never mind, you probably stole the G** D*** thing!". I know Cardinals fans on this board have told me what a great guy and popular person he is among their group...that day, though, he couldn't have been more obnoxious if he was drunk, stoned, and having bladder problms all at the same time!

Dave M.
Chicago area

[DonTheLegend]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

The only one that really stands out for me is Ryan Ludwick.

I was at a signing with Ryan and Skip Schumaker last year...and when I got to Luddy, he looked at my bat REALLY hard. First question was "Is it even cracked?"

I got the bat from Ball Park Heroes, and the crack was really nicely repaired - so good in fact, I had a hard time showing him where the crack was ...

He then looked at the knob and checked the date code on the bottom. That's the first time that ever happened. His comment was "probably a bat that I brought with me when I got called up."

He just kind of smiled while shaking his head - kind of like he was flabberghasted that people would want something that he discarded. He ended up hitting 37 homers that year and driving in 116...

Most of the other guys are either indifferent, happy - or don't realize what it is they are signing.

i remember that pretty vividly Dave.

it was pretty weird at first, almost as if he was pissed about something.

he did seem to look at the damn bat forever. almost as if he was thinking about where and when it could have been used it and how it left the ball park. i was half expecting him to freak out on you.

i thought it was funny to see him go through all that only to end up being courteous and almost thankful.

[skinsfan0521]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Just adding my .02 on this topic...

As some of you may know, I got a full uniform of Chris Snee (NY Giants OL) recently and he had to buy the whole thing from the team. The players have the opportunity to buy the items, but they "belong" to the team unless the player decides to buy them. Chris didn't have to buy the cleats or gloves, but other than that, he had to buy everything (Helmet, Jersey, Pants, Socks, etc.) he 'gave' me. He may have had to buy everything, but I think the cleats and gloves are his anyway.

I will say that Chris is one of the nicer and more generous athletes, but this is how they should all handle these situations: He had to buy these items from the Giants with his own money, so he didn't want to just give them to me for nothing (COMPLETELY understandable). Buuut, instead of having me give him the money, he had me donate the money to the local United Way. To me, that's what all players should be doing with their game used items. Let's be honest, he makes more in one year, than I will make in a lifetime (last year, including signing bonus, he made something like $15mil), so for him to ask me to pay him personally for items seems a bit unnecessary. Instead, he'd rather give back some of his wealth to his childhood community. THAT, is what should be happening with all the proceeds from athletes game used & auto sales.

Again, just my .02, but I think it's a great example that all other athletes should follow.

-Brian

[joelsabi]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Almost all teams sell g/u stuff to the public these days not all of which is hologramed or otherwise identifiable as being from the team. So for a player to assume anything is stolen is crazy. Yes theft does happen but in most cases it is easily preventable. How hard is it to just purchase something with a lock on it to protect stuff that they want to keep?

all the photos of lockers i have seen of professional lockerrooms are of the open type without individual locker doors. it seems like it could be easy for someone with sticky fingers to take something. One thing that is new is the security cameras in the lockerrooms tho. thats how they figured out what happend in the incident below.

http://www.viddler.com/explore/esnews/videos/47/

http://blog.taragana.com/sports/2009/10/23/la-police-say-locker-room-thief-stole-22000-from-israeli-team-during-staples-center-game-40020/

[allstarsplus]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Noone should feel sorry for any professional athlete in a major league. The ones making the least make wages that are well higher than that of the average person and even the above average earner. I feel sorry for the recent college grads who are up to their noses in debt and cannot find jobs and for the guy who worked his tail off for 30 years then got laid off through no fault of his own because of the economy and for those who work hard and are struggling to get by. To question a fan who paid money to obtain your autograph or to watch you play to me is extremely rude and disrespectful. Almost all teams sell g/u stuff to the public these days not all of which is hologramed or otherwise identifiable as being from the team. So for a player to assume anything is stolen is crazy. Yes theft does happen but in most cases it is easily preventable. How hard is it to just purchase something with a lock on it to protect stuff that they want to keep?

I will be the first one not to feel sorry for a guy making $400,000 a year playing sports as his profession, but they should be smart about all their available assets which includes their game used items and many of these guys are protective of their belongings, etc.

ARod is making over $20 mill a year and still cares about this game used items.

I can't begrudge a guy for making his money. Does it piss me off sometimes when they cry poor? Yes. Does it sicken me a few years after they leave sports that they are broke and stiffing everybody in a bankruptcy proceeding? Yes. Do I respect some athletes with poor moral values? NO!

Like you, I feel bad for students with debt and poor job outlooks. I have 5 children, and 1 is in a PhD program and 1 a sophomore in College. It is real tough. Job outlook is bad.

[xpress34]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

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

Dave -

That is funny. I don't have my Master's, and I definitely DON'T make anywhere near $400k (hell, I don't make near $100k!) but I do know how to budget and make ends meet.

Barring any financial disasters (Loss of Job, etc), the wife and I will be debt free except for our house by the end of this year. And all the while, figuring in ways to expand my collection, take vacations, take care of a 16 year old's wants and needs and let the wife shop pretty mush as she wants... and these guys can't manage themselves and $400k?

And your statement about 99% of the population... the other end of the spectrum is that less than 5% of the population control over 90% of it's wealth...

All the best -

Chris

[legaleagle92481]

Re: Player asking how game used item was received

Noone should feel sorry for any professional athlete in a major league. The ones making the least make wages that are well higher than that of the average person and even the above average earner. I feel sorry for the recent college grads who are up to their noses in debt and cannot find jobs and for the guy who worked his tail off for 30 years then got laid off through no fault of his own because of the economy and for those who work hard and are struggling to get by. To question a fan who paid money to obtain your autograph or to watch you play to me is extremely rude and disrespectful. Almost all teams sell g/u stuff to the public these days not all of which is hologramed or otherwise identifiable as being from the team. So for a player to assume anything is stolen is crazy. Yes theft does happen but in most cases it is easily preventable. How hard is it to just purchase something with a lock on it to protect stuff that they want to keep?

[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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[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?

[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.