What would you trade for ...

[godwulf]

Re: What would you trade for ...

At Chase Field, whenever a Diamondbacks player hits a home run, a team rep comes and offers the fan in possession of it the opportunity to have it signed by the player. It's not mandatory, of course, just a service they offer. For a ball that a player might want back, of course, a different process would go into effect.

When it comes to a ball that would be really historic and potentially worth a lot of money - like a player's 500th HR - I would think teams and players would understand that even an ardent fan is rarely going to be moved by offers of an autographed ball, bat and jersey. If they tossed in a batting helmet, spikes and a fielding glove, you're still talking about a nice little collection of GU items vs. a potential five- or six-figure payday. I mean, Hell, I'm as big a fan of my team as I know, but speaking frankly and honestly, I am not going to try proving it to anybody by handing back a chance to pay off my mortgage. (My wife would kill me, for one thing. I'm serious, she's Scots-Irish, and would do it.)

On the other hand, I'd give back just about any other kind of ball for a handshake with the player.

[slambam]

Re: What would you trade for ...

Depends who it is, how much I like or dislike them. Honestly, I'd ask for the moon if I were to catch Pujols' 500 HR, and it would have to be cash since that's what he left St Louis for (yes, I am bitter). And it's not like it cost me anything to get, so I'd rather let it sit in a safe deposit box for years than give it to him for chump change or equipment. If it was somebody I respect like Miguel Cabrera, Chipper Jones, Ryan Howard I'd be much more lenient in giving it back.

[gnishiyama]

Re: What would you trade for ...

If the player can't take five minutes out of his day to meet the fan and talk to him, and requires that a team rep, as part of his job, does it all for him, screw him - he can live without that particular souvenir.

+1000

[Skizzick]

Re: What would you trade for ...

Remember the guy that caught Jeter's 3000th last year, he got a pretty good deal in the end, but waaay short of the $1 million they said the ball would fetch at auction. Honestly, if it were me and I caught a huge milestone, I'd want to meet the player, demand cash (50% of market value), GU equipment, and guaranteed tickets to the team's next World Series. If not, I'd walk out the door. It only dawns upon a few people that the player on the receiving end of that deal doesn't give two s#!ts about the fan who makes about .0001% of their salary. If you really want the ball, pay up or shut up, I say.

[tella27]

Re: What would you trade for ...

Remember the guy that caught Jeter's 3000th last year, he got a pretty good deal in the end, but waaay short of the $1 million they said the ball would fetch at auction. Honestly, if it were me and I caught a huge milestone, I'd want to meet the player, demand cash (50% of market value), GU equipment, and guaranteed tickets to the team's next World Series. If not, I'd walk out the door. It only dawns upon a few people that the player on the receiving end of that deal doesn't give two s#!ts about the fan who makes about .0001% of their salary. If you really want the ball, pay up or shut up, I say.

What happens if its a Cubs player? You would be waiting along time for these tickets.. But I guess the Cubs trade away anyone good long before they get close to HOF numbers these days.