Signature Baseballs|Autographed baseballs » admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com Baseballs autographed by past and present baseball teams, players Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:04:30 +0000 en hourly 1 Mel Ott Autographs a Good Buy? http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/auction-prove-mel-ott-autographs-are-highly-sought-after http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/auction-prove-mel-ott-autographs-are-highly-sought-after#comments Sun, 18 Dec 2011 03:44:47 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8285 He died in 1958 at the age of 49 and well before the era when there was immense demand for Hall of Famer autographs after their playing days.  Single singed Mel Ott ballMel Ott signed a lot of them over time, but not nearly enough to satisfy the current demand.  Mel Ott autographs are among the most sought after in the baseball memorabilia world and the results of Lelands December 2011 auction are proof of that.  A single-signed Mel Ott baseball sold for $25,849.65.

The auction also proves Ott was willing to not only sign autograph requests, but send them back to fans--even something that wouldn't fit in an envelope!  Included with the baseball is the return address portion of the parcel in which Ott sent this ball back to the fan who asked for it, as well as a letter of authenticity from James Spence Authentication.

The ball isn't marked, but was signed on the sweet spot in black ink, "Mel Ott".  A coat of shellac was applied long ago, which isn't always the best course of action, but in this case, the ball survived to an extent that was most attractive to the winning bidder.  The auction company graded it "very good".

In the same auction, a 1931 Lou Gehrig autographed baseball, purportedly from a game in 1931 in which he hit his 24th home run of the season (maybe this exact ball), sold for $21,400.  The official American League Baseball was signed on the side panel with steel-tip fountain pen by Gehrig. On the opposite panel is written, “New York 14, Red Sox 4, 37th Home Run, Scoring Babe Ruth, Sunday August 30, 1931.” The game was played at Braves Field and Gehrig went 4-6 with four RBI. The ball was discovered in a New England estate sale many years ago and came with an LOA from a respected hobbyist who obtained it directly from the person who found it in the sale.

While Gehrig autographs are also extremely rare and desirable, a high-grade single-signed Ott ball is very desirable, more even than the team balls he signed as a member of the Giants. The good news is you can actually find other types of authentic Ott autographs for under $1,0000, making his autograph somewhat undervalued we think. Click here to see them on eBay.

]]> http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/auction-prove-mel-ott-autographs-are-highly-sought-after/feed 0 Babe Ruth Facts http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/babe-ruth-facts http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/babe-ruth-facts#comments Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:29:37 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8270 He's still number one on the list of collectors and Babe Ruth autographed baseballs continue to climb in value. Sometimes, though, the larger than life image can overshadow why a player became great in the first place.   It’s time to take a look at some Babe Ruth facts to learn a little more about the legend that sports fans and collectors simply can’t get enough of.

Ruth was a guy who routinely hit balls over 400 feet for home runs in an era where that simply didn't happen that often. His "called shot" during the 1932 World Series is still recognized as one of the longest hit balls in Wrigley Field. His drive in 1915 with the Boston Red Sox went 470 feet in St. Louis according to The Baseball Almanac. There were reports that Ruth hit some baseballs 600 feet during his fabled career. Perhaps that's a testimony to the kind of story-telling you get when a guy crushes the ball with so much force. With no real statistics being kept in that era, who could doubt how far Ruth was punishing baseballs during his time?

He still to this day is also one of the most successful players ever to make the transition from pitcher to full time hitter. People often forget the fact that Ruth was also an outstanding pitcher early in his career. He compiled a fabulous 94-46 record with an impressive 2.28 ERA.

What seemed to get overlooked by the media in his era was his world outside of baseball. It's since been well documented that Ruth liked to indulge in many departments away from his sports life. He was blunt when he spoke. He didn't miss out on many "fun" opportunities and he certainly had his share of "booze" and women.

In fact, his antics and lifestyle off the field often paint an interesting picture of a guy who lived life to the fullest.

What would you expect from a guy who said he was once chased off a baseball field by alligators at Huggins-Stengel Field in St. Petersburg, Florida? According to the story, Ruth was once playing right field at the old ball park-which just happened to be near a lake. When Ruth suddenly left his position, his manager asked what was going on. Ruth replied with, "I ain't going out there anymore. There's an alligator."

Much like baseball players today, Babe didn't start off making a killing financially in the big leagues. He had to establish himself as a great player before doors began to open. His initial contract with the Baltimore Orioles was for a reported $100 dollars a month. He'd eventually get sold to the Boston Red Sox where his salary increased because of his play on the field. Little did the Orioles know that they were giving away one of the most storied baseball players ever.

Ruth was only 19 when he started playing in the big leagues with the Boston Red Sox. By the time he was with the New York Yankees, Ruth made more money in 1930 than the President of the United States. When asked about the salary difference, Ruth famously responded, "I know, but I had a better year." These days many baseball players are raking in more bucks than U.S. Presidents. At the time Ruth did it, it was quite unexpected for an athlete to make that much money. That was only telling of just how much Ruth owned the game of baseball during his era.

His personal life outside of baseball was probably considered shaky at best. Did you know that Babe Ruth married a 17 year old cocktail waitress? The name of his first wife was Helen Woodford and the wedding was in October of 1914. A marriage to a 17 year old by a Major League Baseball player might just turns head in this baseball era of today. The marriage ultimately came to a close and the two parted ways before Ruth met his second wife. It's just one of many interesting facts about Ruth that don't often come up in general conversation when talking about the home run king.

Ruth might have indulged but he also liked to give back. It's been well documented that Babe enjoyed charitable giving. According to historians, he hardly ever turned down requests for an autograph or appearances at hospitals for sick kids. He handed out more cash than any other baseball player during his era-perhaps because he made more cash than every other player.

The fun facts about Ruth and his eating habits are also well chronicled. In fact, it's been said that Ruth once downed 12 hot dogs and drank 8 sodas in between a doubleheader. It was abundantly clear he liked to indulge at the plate and at the plate.

If Ruth wasn't eating food, he was creatively using it as part of his baseball arsenal. Ruth reportedly wore a cabbage leaf under his baseball cap to stay cool during the hot summer months.

In retrospect of his brilliant career, baseball historians are apt to talk about his incredible numbers relating to the game. One of the most profound facts looking back is that the Babe only won one Most Valuable Player award. It's hard to imagine that someone who is generally considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time only picked up one such award in 1923. During that season, Ruth batted an amazing .393 on his way to the coveted honor. In 1927 Ruth pounded out 60 home runs and 164 RBI but that was not considered to be good enough to claim MVP honors. He swatted an .849 slugging percentage in 1920. This is from a guy who originally was supposed to be a great pitcher.  Digging for Babe Ruth facts can be a great way to spend a day if you’re a fan.  He was such an icon there is a voluminous amount of information out there even though his career began nearly 100 years ago.  To autograph collectors, he’s still the Sultan of the Signature.

PSA / DNA Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Official American League Baseball Q00739 PSA / DNA Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Official American League Baseball Q00739 Paypal US $19,500.00 2h 46m
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]]> http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/babe-ruth-facts/feed 0 Baseball Signed by Ruth and Gehrig On ’27 Tour Brings Big Bucks http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/baseball-signed-by-ruth-and-gehrig-on-27-tour-brings-big-bucks http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/baseball-signed-by-ruth-and-gehrig-on-27-tour-brings-big-bucks#comments Sun, 22 May 2011 04:20:15 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8265 A baseball signed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig from a barnstorming tour to the west coast after the historic 1927 season was among the top sellers in Memory Lane's recent auction.

Autographed Babe Ruth-Lou Gehrig baseballThe “Bustin’ Babes” and Larrupin’ Lous were in Santa Barbara, California in the fall of 1927 when the ball was obtained by a local man who played on Gehrig’s squad and it stayed in his possession until he died 20 years ago. The ball realized $25,462 including a 19% buyer’s premium.

Darrell Beaver was the shortstop for the Larrupin' Lou's. In Mr. Beaver's possession until his death in 1991, the ball  was willed to the person who consigned it.

While showing its age, the signatures were still relatively bold and the ball presented cleanly.

Quality Ruth-Gehrig signed balls are highly sought after by collectors and with solid provenance, it was clear that a number of bidders wanted to add this one to their collection.

Also included with the baseball signed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig were some photos from the day the ball was acquired showing Ruth and Gehrig with their fellow teammates. The signed baseball came with a full LOA from JSA and a PSA/DNA LOA.

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Babe Ruth AUTOGRAPH 1934 Certificate display PSA JSA Babe Ruth AUTOGRAPH 1934 Certificate display PSA JSA Paypal US $5,400.00 11h 17m
1945 Leister Autograph Game #9A Joe Dimaggio/ Babe Ruth PSA 8 1945 Leister Autograph Game #9A Joe Dimaggio/ Babe Ruth PSA 8 Paypal 2 Bids US $75.00 13h 53m
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Babe Ruth Signed B&W Photo PSA/DNA New York Yankees Legend! Babe Ruth Signed B&W Photo PSA/DNA New York Yankees Legend! Paypal US $4,250.00 2d 4h 36m
]]> http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/baseball-signed-by-ruth-and-gehrig-on-27-tour-brings-big-bucks/feed 1 Kid Nichols Signed Baseball Brings $53,775 http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/kid-nichols-signed-baseball-brings-53775 http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/kid-nichols-signed-baseball-brings-53775#comments Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:11:52 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8257 There is no shortage of bidders when rare or high grade single-signed baseballs hit the market. Even players who lived long lives are in demand by collectors. Case in point...a 1950-era Kid Nichols signed baseball which sold at auction April 22 for $53,775. Nichols, who played around the turn of the 20th century, simply isn't found alone on any autographed balls.

Signed Kid Nichols baseballHeritage Auctions sold the Nichols ball and several others liquidated from a major collection. Among the other baseballs signed was an Eddie Collins single autograph ball that brought $22,705. A Nap Lajoie skyrocketed to $26,290.

Apparently we're not losing many collectors with deep pockets.

A circa-1947 Babe Ruth signed ball sold for $19,120, a price matched by a 1960 era Jimmie Foxx single-signed sphere. Collectors are willing to pay for quality judging by the selling prices of these. And if you happen to know where another Kid Nichols signed baseball might be, you've got a nice windfall waiting for you!

14 BASEBALL HOF MEMBERS SIGNED AL BASEBALL PSA LOA 14 BASEBALL HOF MEMBERS SIGNED AL BASEBALL PSA LOA Paypal US $400.00 53m
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Monte Irvin HOF 73 SIGNED MLB Baseball PSA/DNA GRADED GEM MINT 10 Monte Irvin HOF 73 SIGNED MLB Baseball PSA/DNA GRADED GEM MINT 10 Paypal US $69.00 2h 11m
]]> http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/kid-nichols-signed-baseball-brings-53775/feed 2 Major League Baseballs: Buy the Real Thing http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/major-league-baseballs-buy-the-real-thing http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/major-league-baseballs-buy-the-real-thing#comments Sat, 09 Apr 2011 05:45:45 +0000 admin http://www.signaturebaseballs.com/?p=8247 Have you ever wondered what those official Major League Baseballs are made of or even how much they cost?   For an amazing game that so many love, there really is an amazing history behind the baseball itself. How did one little ball change over the years? And how did this little ball, an important part of history and what some would call an American Dream, actually evolve?  Where can you buy them?  We've got those answers.

The first baseballs ever used were mostly home made. As baseballs became more popular, different companies began making them. The original baseball was built with a rubber core.  But with time, the baseball changed. In the early 1900’s Spalding came along and became the official ball of the major league, but by 1977 Rawlings outdid Spalding and became the official game ball of today.

Today’s major league baseballs are made by Rawlings and are created in Costa Rica. This baseball has a cork core that is surrounded by the cushion which is made up of rubber. The stuffing consists of almost 370 yards of wool yarn that cover the cork and rubber. If you have ever ripped open a baseball you will see different colored thread that shows the different stages that a ball goes through to make the “stuffing”. Finally, the cover of the baseball is wrapped in rubber cement and a cover of stitched white cowhide is added for the final touches. Not many people know that cowhide hasn’t always been used as the skin on baseball. Up until 1973, baseballs were traditionally wrapped in horse hide.

Have you ever counted the stitching on a Major League baseball? Well to be exact, there are 88 inches of red stitching on a major league baseball.  Authentic Major League baseballs once had red and blue stitching. It wasn’t until 1934/35 when balls took on their current appearance with only red stitching.  All balls are hand stitched 216 times.

Today many of us have good luck rituals or different ways we prep prior to the game. The way a player would prep the ball have changed. One ball use to remain in game play for the duration of the game. However, due to the death of a player in 1920 and beliefs that the ball was too dirty for him to see, new balls were added in throughout game play. Balls would be covered in spit, tobacco and dirt to be “ready” for play.

Today special Delaware River rubbing mud is used to prepare the game ball  for play.

What is the cost of an official Major League baseball?  Not bad, actually. It's approximately $72 a dozen or $6 a ball.

Now, what if you are at that game and have the chance for your favorite player to sign that ball for you? How are you going to get that signature to last? Not smear? Not fade or bleed?  The best writing utensil for a baseball is a simple blue pen. Can you believe it? All this information about a baseball and the best way to preserve your favorite players autograph is with a blue Bic Pen!

There's nothing like clear, blue signatures of your favorite players staring up from a collection of snow white Major League Baseballs.  It's a time-honored tradition and perhaps the most pure form of sports collecting there is. Click the links below to easily find authentic baseballs via eBay.

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