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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.  Mel 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.
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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.
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Posted by: admin in Articles
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.
 The “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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Posted by: admin in Articles
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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Posted by: admin in Articles
Three of the most extensive and carefully curated collections of rare autographed baseballs in the hobby are going on the auction block this spring.
Heritage Auctions will sell the balls in individual lots.
The company calls the roster of Hall of Fame signers “the widest assortment of such signatures on baseballs ever offered in a single auction”. It does read like a who’s who of Cooperstown rarities: G.C. Alexander, Hack Wilson, Mel Ott, Chick Hafey, Chuck Klein, Heinie Manush, Ernie Lombardi, Clark Griffith, George Weiss and Sam Rice, among the many.
Some signed baseballs being offered are comparatively more common but provide something extra, as is the case with Roberto Clemente, who has written “Last Game at Forbes Field.” Napoleon “Larry” Lajoie remarks “Greatest Thrill Home run with bases full.”
 Autographed Babe Ruth baseballs, autographed Jimmie Foxx baseballs and autographed Ty Cobb baseballs are also in the auction, all of which are high grade and expected to fetch five figures or more.
“This is an auction that no autograph collector will be able ignore,” said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Collectibles at Heritage. “The rarity and condition throughout is astonishing. I think it’s safe to say you’ll never see another offering like it.”
While the auction will likely draw well-heeled bidders, many bargain priced autographed baseballs from some of the above can be found on eBay. Just make sure you’re buying ball that have been properly authenticated.
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A lot of us like to think that baseball players owe us something or that they should give autographs to us fans at every moment. After all if there were no fans there would be no baseball players, or at least they would not make the amounts of money they do. We are the ones that go to the games, buy clothes, buy food and drinks during the games, etc. But, just because we fans make the sport of pro baseball such a big money enterprise doesn't mean that they owe us anything. Spending our money and time on baseball is a personal choice. Yet it's important to respect players, managers and coaches when requesting their autographs.
We have to remember that baseball players are human just like us and we must treat them like we'd treat a friend or neighbor, even if we don't always get it back quite as fully. You cannot get mad and curse out a player for not signing your baseball, because you really don’t know the reason why they are denying you. Like I said, they are humans and they also have bad days, you never know what could be going on in their lives at that particular time when you ask for an autograph. They could be suffering from a loss in the family, have a physical ailment, be going through a divorce, or something even more simple like being in a hurry to go pick up their children at school. On the field, they have pre-game duties that must come first.
My advice to you is that you respect baseball players just like you would respect any other person you care about. Sometimes players notice the fact that you are respecting them, and seeing that, can get them to sign one of your baseballs. And, if that is not the case, if they do not sign your ball, just move on. The point is to keep the fun in collecting baseballs!
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Posted by: admin in Articles, tags: autographed baseball collection, autographs, baseball, Bengie Molina, collecting, Esmil Rogers, Giants, Kurt Suzuki, memorabilia, Pablo Sandoval
by Greg Johnson
As collectors, we usually become excited when we look at our collection and we remember the story that goes with each item. We usually have specific items that we are proud of, for different reasons. I always am interested in hearing what other people’s collections look like, even if their collection is barely getting started. If you are a new collector or a veteran you know what I am talking about. There is an excitement to hearing the stories about certain baseballs that that were added to your stash.
I must say that the first autographed baseball I ever received will never be forgotten, not only because it was my first, but because Bengie Molina picked me out when there were thousands of people in line. I also have a Tim Lincecum ball which I won’t forget because he was pretty humble about it and he hung up his phone just to come sign. Edgar Renteria reminds me of how many times it took me to get his autograph but also of how durable he has been, playing for many years and being the MVP for the 2010 World Series. My favorite player of all, Buster Posey signed a ball for me. I have been following him since he was drafted by the Giants, and I was lucky enough to get his autograph, another humble and nice person who deserves Rookie of the Year in my opinion.
Matt Cain is another nice person that I was able to get, and one of my favorite players out there. He took the time to sign after doing a bullpen session. Pablo Sandoval also signed one of my baseballs, and he also picked me out of a big crowd waiting for autographs. Although I must say, I was with my girlfriend and I think he signed it more for her than for me! Baseball players are known for stuff like that.
If it’s not obvious enough, I am a huge Giants fan and most of my autographed baseballs are from Giants players. I don’t limit myself to just Giants players, though, because I am just a big baseball fanatic. And, when the chance comes, I am always trying to get other players. I happen to have a Carlos Gonzalez signed ball. I really like this guy as a player and I think he will be a great player for years to come. He was nice enough to come all the way from right field, where he was shagging balls, and he signed for me when I was on the left field wall.
A guy you may have never heard about, but probably the nicest guy in baseball that I have met, Esmil Rogers a prospect from the Rockies organization. I can probably say that he is the one baseball player that I have held the longest conversation with; I was probably talking to him for a good 30 minutes. Finally, I also have a Kurt Suzuki signed bat. I am really proud of that piece of memorabilia. I always wanted a game-used bat and Kurt was nice enough to make it happen for me.
You have heard a little bit about my small, but yet memorable collection. I would like to hear your stories about you collection. Feel free to leave comments and share your stories with the rest of us.
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Posted by: admin in Articles
When we think of autographed baseballs, we usually think of signatures of people that are directly related to the sport of baseball. That includes current and former players, coaches, owners, general managers, announcers, etc. Some people may wonder if baseballs signed by entertainers, famous people from other sports or walks of life are worth anything. Are they worth adding to your collection?
If you have seen the pre-game festivities of a baseball game you might notice that a lot of times there are people who throw the “first pitch” of the game. There really is not a limit to who can and does throw these ceremonial pitches as long as the home baseball team is in agreement with it. Sometimes those designated for duty aren't famous at all. Sometimes, however, they are well known.
Now, the real question is, if any of these people sign baseballs, are the baseballs worth anything? Or are they considered a baseball collector’s item? The answer: yes. The more famous of these autographed baseballs usually come from current or former presidents. There are autographed baseballs from presidents being sold on eBay all the time, and some are worth a lot more money than those autographed by actual players. Just recently, the 43rd president threw the first pitch of game 4 of the World Series a long with his father, also a former president, and they both signed the baseball.
If you look on eBay, you will find that a ball signed by a former president is actually worth a good amount of money. Now, imagine how much a ball signed by two former presidents will be worth, let alone the fact that it was thrown during such a famous event like the World Series? With that said, whenever you get a chance to have a ball signed by a well-known person, do not turn it down.
Autographed baseball collectors often specialize in Hall of Famers, team balls or balls signed by players who have achieved milestones. Many, however, collect every kind of signed baseball they can find. Collecting baseballs signed by an ex-president, a Hollywood actor or another sports celebrity is just another day at the office for them...and they're often the most talked about items in a collection.
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Although it can be very fun and satisfying to buy and collect autographed baseballs, if you have received an autograph personally from a baseball player, you know that there is something special that goes with that. I am not saying that buying autographed baseballs is not special, but what I am saying is that there is a bit more of excitement when you get the autograph personally, no one can take that experience from you. I have received a few autographs throughout my experience as a baseball collector and I would like to share my first autograph that I ever received.
It came from a special player that I admire not only as a player but also as a person, Bengie Molina. It happened during a Giants “Fan Fest,” which I was so excited to attend. It was my goal to get his autograph for a while, but I had a hard time getting one in the past. As soon as I arrived to the Fan Fest all my hope turned into disappointment as the line to get his autograph was about as long as the distance from home plate all the way to the center field wall. There was no way that if I stood in line I was going to get his autograph. So then I thought to myself, how could I make myself stand out so that perhaps Bengie can notice me?
I sat right across the booth where he was signing items and kept getting his attention, I kept showing him my Bengie Molina shirt that I was wearing and I would ask if he could sign my baseball. He would point at the line of fans like saying, “Come on, there are thousands of people in line here,” but not in a rude way, matter fact he thought it was funny. Again, here I lost hope and I kind of put my head down giving up and then I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.
It was his assistant.
She said “Bengie wants to sign your ball, want to give it to me so I can hand it to him.” And I am sure you know what happened from there. I must tell you I had the biggest smile at the park and I thanked Bengie, and he made a “fist pump” towards me and waved goodbye. The best thing about it was that as I walked away, everyone in line was looking at me like, “who is this guy how did he get an autograph so easy and we are still standing here? If you plan to be collector I am sure you will get to experience something close to this at one point of your collecting “career" if you already haven’t.
It's those unique experiences that are the most fun and your first autograph is always one you'll remember.
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by Greg Johnson
It would be nice to be able to say that all of us autographed baseball collectors have had nothing but good experiences, but unfortunately that is not the case. As a collector you will find that you will run into bad experiences and these can happen in different ways. If you collect autographed baseballs for a good amount of time you will most likely buy a fake ball, get one of your balls stolen or damaged, and even run into some baseball players who won't treat you very well when you try to get their autographs.
Regardless of what happens, you have to remember that things like this happen and you must move on. My advice is that you do not let things like this get to you and that you move on with a smile. Personally I have not had many bad experiences but I have ran into some players that have been pretty mean about giving autographs.
Jonathan Sanchez, the Puerto Rican pitcher for the San Francisco Giants that threw a no-hitter in 2009, was actually one of my bad experiences more than once. After his no-hitter, Sanchez was a pretty popular person when it came to people trying to get his autograph. The thing was, I think I tried getting his autograph more than 10 times before then and he always ignored me. There were times when it was just the two of us standing next to each other and he still denied me. I even spoke in Spanish to him and asked him for an autograph and twice he said “mañana,” which means tomorrow.
Now I know sometimes players are busy and or have other things going on that keep them from being able to give autographs, but I doubt that was the case for all of the times that I asked. To me, it is a shame when players hesitate so much for just a simple autograph, I think it is something that they owe to the fans, after all, if there were no fans, they would have no jobs!
Although these experiences can really make a fan lose hope, I never have, and you should not either. We have to accept that not everyone in this world is going to be nice about your hobby as an autographed baseball collector, so get out there and work at it. The nice this is that you can build a collection without setting yourself up for disappointment.
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Mel 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.
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