Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

[mbrieve]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

here's an example of Curtis Grandersons 2006 world series hat...photo of him wearing hat was taken in May of 2006...photos of just hat are his world series home hat...same hat!! So yes, players did have patch put on regular season hat if they wanted...

Another photo of that hat:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1005/mlb.curtis.granderson.pictures/content.12.html

[tigerdale]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

here's an example of Curtis Grandersons 2006 world series hat...photo of him wearing hat was taken in May of 2006...photos of just hat are his world series home hat...same hat!! So yes, players did have patch put on regular season hat if they wanted...

[xpress34]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

As promised, here's the pics of my two hats for reference...

1st, the 2001 GU Pujols hat w/ ROY inscription... notice the staining inside the bill from use and the sweatband, but no running of the #5:






And here is the Holliday GU 2007 WS Hat - only used for 3 games, but shows lots of sweat 'equity' on the sweatband, etc:






Hope this helps...

- Chris

[steelpenguin]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

To echo Jeff’s sentiments, I don’t want to rain on anybody’s parade, but there is reason to doubt that this cap was worn by Pujols in the 2006 World Series.

As Jeff noted, there have been two previously offered caps (both home caps) that were alleged to have been worn by Albert in the 2006 World Series. I own one of them.

I make no definitive claim regarding whether my (or any other cap) was or was not worn by Albert. The only thing I can state with certainty is that both of the previously offered caps feature the World Series patch and both were signed by Albert.

The cap I own includes a Letter of Provenance from Albert’s cousin Wilfredo Pujols stating it was worn by Albert during the 2006 World Series. An additional document shows Wil holding the Game 3 and 4 signed home caps (see below; mine is the cap on the left).

I was told Albert did not know which cap came from Game 3 and which from Game 4, but that he retained his cap from Game 5. I have reviewed the DVDs and the patch placement on the cap I own appears to match the cap worn in Game 4.

Over the years, numerous items have entered the hobby with claims of having been given by Albert to Wil. Some items were, but many more clearly were not. Based on the photograph of Wil and his signatures on the LOP and accompanying document (as corroborated by his signed instructional league card), I can state with certainty that the previously offered caps did, in fact, originate with Wilfredo Pujols.

Of course, this in and of itself does not prove the caps were worn by Albert. But having collected Albert Pujols game used items since 2001, I can tell you it is exceptionally rare for an item to come directly from Albert (as opposed to the Cardinals clubhouse for example) without having been signed first. Presumably he does this for the same reason as Mark McGwire -- to ensure the authenticity of items attributed to him. I would be stunned to see any game worn World Series item come from Albert without a signature.

Again, I offer this information not to deflate anyone’s hopes, but to add additional perspective. If I can answer any questions or provide more information please feel free to contact me directly. Regards.

Rick Lucas
rickjlucas@gmail.com

Thanks for the post. That's very good info to have. I'd love to see some more pictures of the hat that you have; inside and under the bill just to see what it looks like. If you get a chance, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[rj_lucas]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

To echo Jeff’s sentiments, I don’t want to rain on anybody’s parade, but there is reason to doubt that this cap was worn by Pujols in the 2006 World Series.

As Jeff noted, there have been two previously offered caps (both home caps) that were alleged to have been worn by Albert in the 2006 World Series. I own one of them.

I make no definitive claim regarding whether my (or any other cap) was or was not worn by Albert. The only thing I can state with certainty is that both of the previously offered caps feature the World Series patch and both were signed by Albert.

The cap I own includes a Letter of Provenance from Albert’s cousin Wilfredo Pujols stating it was worn by Albert during the 2006 World Series. An additional document shows Wil holding the Game 3 and 4 signed home caps (see below; mine is the cap on the left).

I was told Albert did not know which cap came from Game 3 and which from Game 4, but that he retained his cap from Game 5. I have reviewed the DVDs and the patch placement on the cap I own appears to match the cap worn in Game 4.

Over the years, numerous items have entered the hobby with claims of having been given by Albert to Wil. Some items were, but many more clearly were not. Based on the photograph of Wil and his signatures on the LOP and accompanying document (as corroborated by his signed instructional league card), I can state with certainty that the previously offered caps did, in fact, originate with Wilfredo Pujols.

Of course, this in and of itself does not prove the caps were worn by Albert. But having collected Albert Pujols game used items since 2001, I can tell you it is exceptionally rare for an item to come directly from Albert (as opposed to the Cardinals clubhouse for example) without having been signed first. Presumably he does this for the same reason as Mark McGwire -- to ensure the authenticity of items attributed to him. I would be stunned to see any game worn World Series item come from Albert without a signature.

Again, I offer this information not to deflate anyone’s hopes, but to add additional perspective. If I can answer any questions or provide more information please feel free to contact me directly. Regards.

Rick Lucas
rickjlucas@gmail.com

[xpress34]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

Just my .02 here...

I own Matt Holliday's 2007 GU WS Hat (Purple Brim - they wore the all black for one game) and Matt has verified it as his hat (has Rockies LOA) and signed and inscribed it for me. He also said he only wore the one Purple Brim hat for the three games they wore them and it shows LOTS of use... like Matt and Albert, I keep my head shaved and I can tell you that with just normal wear - not working up a sweat - my hats can get game used looking quickly as a shaved head sweat more inside the hat than when I grow out my hair.

As far as the 5, I have a GU Rookie hat of Pujols (signed and inscribed ROY '01) that I will post pictures of later for you to compare.

As far as the WS patch, I'm not sure what year they changed, but by 2006 (at least on AS Game hat), they had gone to the new style patches that appear 'built into the hat' rather than sewn on. I'll post pictures of examples of those later as well.

Best of luck on your acquisition!

- Chris

[STLHAMMER32]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

I hope so as well. Hence why I am trying to get it directly into HIS hands to find out. I've been around too many years. I don't even trust PSA on this kinda stuff. I've worked in pro sports as well, so I understand that end of it too. I guess that's why I want to get it directly to him to find out if this is indeed "IT" or it's just a nice hat to cut the grass in? With an item like this, I'm kinda glad that it ended in my hands because either it's gonna be authenticated without question or it won't ever see the light of day again and this item will never re-enter the hobby in some bizarre way for somebody else to try and figure it out.

But, I agree ... I know how things like this would either be kept or whatever. The seller did say that he purchased this from a person "close to Albert" and they did not want to disclose themselves due to "embarrassment" of some kind. Again, having a background working in sports makes me think that perhaps Pujols should be the one to look at this hat, because if he gave this to somebody he trusted and they in-turn sold it, then why? For all I know, worst case scenario it’s stolen or something? I’ve heard plenty of stories working in sports of employees going rogue and cashing out when given the chance when nobody is looking. Or then again, if Pujols gave this to a friend and they have fallen on hard times then maybe it’s a good thing he learns that too? Whatever the case, if this is real, the story behind it should be known and not hidden forever. I just hope that this is not one of those "the clubbie misplaced it" stories and it was sold in the down-low. That kinda thing has happened before.

I hope that this thing is indeed real. I think so far that there is enough coincidental evidence that it could be real. Now if it is, we need the story on it and I’ll probably ask him to sign it. If it belongs to him in some way, it’s his. So whatever the outcome in this thing, I’ll do the right thing and move on. If it’s a fake, then we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. But again, and with all due respect to PSA and their fine services aside, to me with an item like this there is only way to find out and that’s to head up to St. Louis and say hello to #5 himself and find out direct.

I am glad that I have a direct contact with the Cardinals staff and I am working to arrange a time that I can drive up there once I get this thing into my hands. In the meantime, I’ll be searching for any photo and video evidence that can substantiate this in order to further authenticate it. To me this process is the only way to authenticate something as rare as this. If it’s legit, the player himself needs to say that it’s authentic and there needs to be photo or video someplace showing some kinda exact match. How could one play in a World Series without having some kinda photo or video showing some good evidence?

At least I have this in perspective. At least I’m not one of those sending it off to PSA hoping somebody there thinks it looks nice and puts a sticker on it. I’ve produced memorabilia for more than one of the teams that I’ve worked for in the past and I personally believe that authentication should be a bit more stringent than just placing a hologram on something. Unless PSA does what I am trying to do here with virtually every item (esp the high end stuff) then it’s not enough in my opinion.

Anyway … that’s my take on it. It’s kinda neat to be “on the case” here. It’s a very low risk / high reward scenario I guess. There is just something in my gut that tells me there is something about this hat and some kinda story to it. It’s now my job to find out what that it. Gimme a few weeks here, we’ll get ‘er figured out. STAY TUNED!

Unfortunately I did not receive it directly from the pujols source. It exchanged hands a few times and I was not able to find out any names or anything that could link the hat. What I saw with the hat was consistent use from Albert that I had seen on other hats. It may have had the patch put on a Pujols gamer is what my guess was. To have been used in the World Series is pretty unlikely from what I saw but we will find out!

[steelpenguin]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

I really hate to be the curmudgeon here, but knowing how Albert tends to keep almost all of his game-used stuff, I would be absolutely shocked if his WS cap isn't in his closet. If he did decide to let it go, it surely would have been sold or auctioned through his foundation and would have accompanying documentation. For what it's worth, I saw at least two WS caps allegedly belonging to Albert for sale on Craig's List a year or two ago. Unless this is one of those caps, that would make three Pujols gamers offered that I know of. I hope Albert looks at your hat and says, "That's my gamer!" But, I wouldn't get my hopes up.

I hope so as well. Hence why I am trying to get it directly into HIS hands to find out. I've been around too many years. I don't even trust PSA on this kinda stuff. I've worked in pro sports as well, so I understand that end of it too. I guess that's why I want to get it directly to him to find out if this is indeed "IT" or it's just a nice hat to cut the grass in? With an item like this, I'm kinda glad that it ended in my hands because either it's gonna be authenticated without question or it won't ever see the light of day again and this item will never re-enter the hobby in some bizarre way for somebody else to try and figure it out.

But, I agree ... I know how things like this would either be kept or whatever. The seller did say that he purchased this from a person "close to Albert" and they did not want to disclose themselves due to "embarrassment" of some kind. Again, having a background working in sports makes me think that perhaps Pujols should be the one to look at this hat, because if he gave this to somebody he trusted and they in-turn sold it, then why? For all I know, worst case scenario it’s stolen or something? I’ve heard plenty of stories working in sports of employees going rogue and cashing out when given the chance when nobody is looking. Or then again, if Pujols gave this to a friend and they have fallen on hard times then maybe it’s a good thing he learns that too? Whatever the case, if this is real, the story behind it should be known and not hidden forever. I just hope that this is not one of those "the clubbie misplaced it" stories and it was sold in the down-low. That kinda thing has happened before.

I hope that this thing is indeed real. I think so far that there is enough coincidental evidence that it could be real. Now if it is, we need the story on it and I’ll probably ask him to sign it. If it belongs to him in some way, it’s his. So whatever the outcome in this thing, I’ll do the right thing and move on. If it’s a fake, then we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. But again, and with all due respect to PSA and their fine services aside, to me with an item like this there is only way to find out and that’s to head up to St. Louis and say hello to #5 himself and find out direct.

I am glad that I have a direct contact with the Cardinals staff and I am working to arrange a time that I can drive up there once I get this thing into my hands. In the meantime, I’ll be searching for any photo and video evidence that can substantiate this in order to further authenticate it. To me this process is the only way to authenticate something as rare as this. If it’s legit, the player himself needs to say that it’s authentic and there needs to be photo or video someplace showing some kinda exact match. How could one play in a World Series without having some kinda photo or video showing some good evidence?

At least I have this in perspective. At least I’m not one of those sending it off to PSA hoping somebody there thinks it looks nice and puts a sticker on it. I’ve produced memorabilia for more than one of the teams that I’ve worked for in the past and I personally believe that authentication should be a bit more stringent than just placing a hologram on something. Unless PSA does what I am trying to do here with virtually every item (esp the high end stuff) then it’s not enough in my opinion.

Anyway … that’s my take on it. It’s kinda neat to be “on the case” here. It’s a very low risk / high reward scenario I guess. There is just something in my gut that tells me there is something about this hat and some kinda story to it. It’s now my job to find out what that it. Gimme a few weeks here, we’ll get ‘er figured out. STAY TUNED!

[Birdbats]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

I really hate to be the curmudgeon here, but knowing how Albert tends to keep almost all of his game-used stuff, I would be absolutely shocked if his WS cap isn't in his closet. If he did decide to let it go, it surely would have been sold or auctioned through his foundation and would have accompanying documentation. For what it's worth, I saw at least two WS caps allegedly belonging to Albert for sale on Craig's List a year or two ago. Unless this is one of those caps, that would make three Pujols gamers offered that I know of. I hope Albert looks at your hat and says, "That's my gamer!" But, I wouldn't get my hopes up.

[LastingsMilledge85]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

The bend on the brim doesn't match up on the photo, but someone could have altered after. I have a game used regular season cap and I'm sure it was used for many games and it doesn't show much use. I don't think they take regular season caps and so patches on to them for the WS. Last year everyone had brand new caps for the WS because the patch on them is sewn on differently than on a jersey. Joba last WS wore a cap from the 2008 season and it showed tremendous use.

[steelpenguin]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

Don't know much about Pujols/Cardinals items but I owned several Red Sox MLB authenticated hats from the 07 Series and it appeared theay they were regular season hats in which the WS patch was added.
k

Thanks for the heads up on that ... and again you are right. When doing research on this hat, being able to find Sox pics of WS game hats that were plenty dirty gave me some hope and confidence. Based on that alone, I knew that there was a good chance that they still added the patches to the used hats. In my mind, if they did it in 2007, why not 2006?

Anyway, thanks for the post; VERY HELPFUL. The validation on my logic makes me feel better if nothing else. lol

[steelpenguin]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

Here is the example I found of the 5 under the bill. What do your examples look like?

I think it will assist people looking into buying a Pujols hat in the future

I found a few that were listed on various auction sites via google. All of them were the same way with the 5 and 7 1/4 as well. Other clues I looked for was the fabric under the bill in the actual WS photos was indeed the same color as well. I'll have to re-google some of those pics and post them or the links for all to take a peek at. Based on what I was able to find and the clues adding as positive evidence, I gave it a shot. Thanks for the post as it's a most helpful example. Thanks!

PS: This thread at the very least may indeed become the unofficial textbook for Pujols lids. It's going to get interesting I think.

[Fnazxc0114]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

I feel your pain i recently sold something on here really cheap, not because i needed the money but because it didnt fit in my collection. Trsent somehow ended up with it and tried selling the item on ebay. He made 8 bucks on the deal and probably lost money after shipping.

Hey fellas, I sold the hat and now know what the other side of a bargain feels like.Usually I am the one searching for the deals, but the being on the other end isn't the best feeling. Although I think it is a stretch to think it is the World Series hat he wore in the games, it sold for very cheap and have some seller remorse. Ebay lately has been a bargain bin of sorts from some of the deals I've seen.

The main concern that I had was the amount of use. It looks like he has seen more wear than a couple of games so I did not think it was consistent from what I have seen from other WS gamers. I have owned a couple of Pujols game hats and this one matched up well with everyone I had seen or owned. Hats are extremely difficult to authenticate and without knowing the history of the hat it makes it almost impossible but the characteristics all looked right to me. The WS patch is a bit of a mystery to me .As far as I know the players are usually issued World Series hats, I wonder how many and if players put the patches on other hats as well. I couldn't find a photo that gave a real good view of the one he wore in the home games but there is quite a bit of use on the hat which certainly gave me doubt to the possibilty of it being one used on the field for the WS.

To address Sparta's concern, I don't think anyone messed with the ink and changed the number. It looks like the ink has just bled and is lined up with the 5.

Good luck with the match attempts, I will send out the hat so you can examine it. I think its a small chance but if it turns out to be the one actually worn for the World Series I will throw up first and then want see it for myself! Go Cards!

[joelsabi]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

The only reason I placed a bid is because I was able to find examples of Pujols game used hat with the 5 written in the same place and same way under the bill. Based on that, this was worth the shot.

Here is the example I found of the 5 under the bill. What do your examples look like?

I think it will assist people looking into buying a Pujols hat in the future

[kellsox]

Re: Did I just get the PUJOLS steal of the century?

Don't know much about Pujols/Cardinals items but I owned several Red Sox MLB authenticated hats from the 07 Series and it appeared theay they were regular season hats in which the WS patch was added.
k