Most valuable sports ball

[Forever Young]

All, I had a question posed to me and not sure I know. WhT is the most valuable ball extant in the sports memorabilia world? I would like your opinion on one we know exists and one in theory. Examples.. Immaculate receipttion, Maris 61st . Wilts 100th pt, babes called shot..ect. Please try to be objective as it relates to value vs what you would like to own for whatever reason. Thanks for your help! Ben

[Runscott]

There was an article recently about 'the catch' football - I think it might be the most valuable football that we 'know' exists. In theory, I would say either the first forward pass ball or a ball from the Army-Notre Dame game in 1913 where the forward pass had it's 'coming out' day, Knute Rockne receiving most of the catches.

I don't know about baseball - just too many theoretical balls that would be huge, and I am not sure what really exists.

[smotan_02]

I agree with Scott, but ill be surprised if anything from the 1913 A-ND game exists.

Here is a ball from the "Win one for the Gipper" game. Any footballs go for a higher amount?

http://http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/auction/2004/712.html (http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/auction/2004/712.html)

[GKreindler]

I think for baseball, in addition to anything Ruthian, you've gotta really consider Bobby Thomson's home run ball. Still after all of these years, even if the Giants had 'help' from Herman Franks, it's gotta be the most famous home run in baseball history. Russ Hodges' legendary call doesn't hurt that myth either, if you ask me.

But I think your assessment of Ruth's called shot or Maris' 61st are both great contenders. Maybe the Buckner ball? Fisk's homer? Kirk Gibson's? Maybe those are less desirable because they're modern? Or maybe they have even more appeal because there are still plenty of people alive who actually witnessed those moments?

Dammit, I can't decide.

Graig

[Runscott]

A ball from a deliberately botched play during the 1919 World Series?

[Forever Young]

Thank you for your responses. I wanted to see if someone could come up with something bigger than called shot ball that I didn't think of. I posed the question as a good friend of mine asked me for my thought. I thought I would open to the forum. I have what I need(just me)now thank you... Oh.. I need this. That was my quick attempt to quote steve Martin in "the jerk". Thanks again for your responses gents.

[RichardSimon]

Lelands offered $1,000,000 for the Thomson ball. Got them a lot of publicity (nice move Josh) :) but I am sure they would have paid that for the Thomson ball. Cannot think of another baseball that would sell for that much.

[mcgwirecom]

McGwire's 70th homerun ball sold for over $3 million with the juice.... I know its now worth about $25,000 but it did sell for that much. I believe that was the most ever paid.

I agree with Richard, Thompson's "shot heard round the world" would probably fetch a huge sum if they could authenticate it. There was a show on TV about trying to track it down. I can't remember what channel or what it was called. The consensus was that a nun from upstate New York came back to visit her family in Brooklyn I think. She was a huge baseball fan and managed to make it to the game in the left field seats. They said she ended up with it and had it for a while but they think she just gave it away or to some kids to play with.

[vintagesportscollector]

McGwire's 70th homerun ball sold for over $3 million with the juice.... I know its now worth about $25,000 but it did sell for that much. I believe that was the most ever paid.
.

Is that the biggest bust of all time? Has anyone ever overspent more or wasted more on a single item? I can't immediately think of anything that's been a bigger bust.

[MacDice]

Not that is could ever be proven at the actual ball but what about Ruth's called Home Run?

[almostdone]

I agree with Richard, Thompson's "shot heard round the world" would probably fetch a huge sum if they could authenticate it. There was a show on TV about trying to track it down. I can't remember what channel or what it was called. The consensus was that a nun from upstate New York came back to visit her family in Brooklyn I think. She was a huge baseball fan and managed to make it to the game in the left field seats. They said she ended up with it and had it for a while but they think she just gave it away or to some kids to play with.[/QUOTE]

There is a book about hunting down the Thompson ball and which the above documentary is based on. It is called "Miracle Ball" and us one one my favorite baseball books. Think CSI meets Ken Burnes baseball. I would highly recommend it to any fan.
As far as the conclusion to the ball the nun never revealed the ball to anyone until after her death. Then her worldly possessions, which was kept in a shoe box, was given to her sister. Her sisters sons recall their mom throwing the box into a landfill in California. Talk about the intimate find dumpster diving.

As far as prices realized I think Fisk's ball was just auctioned off in REA last spring. I forget the final price realized.

Drew

[Teamgluck]

While all of the following that y'all mentioned were good answers none of those would be the most expensive the most expensive is…….. The DEATH BALL.

That would be the baseball that Carl Mays pitched that killed Ray Chapman. It is owned by someone I believe is in South Florida.

[Econteachert205]

How about first pitch ball of jackie robinsons first ab?

[mcgwirecom]

How about first pitch ball of jackie robinsons first ab?

One of the big auction houses recently had a ball from that game. It came from the umpire who also had his debut in that game. I'm sure it wasn't the first pitch to Jackie, but who knows?

[Runscott]

Since Ben has what he wants, I'll go a little off-track. When I saw Kearse fire the winning catch football from Sunday's game, into the stands, I wondered what happened to it. Today they told us: a 20-yr old unemployed kid who is heading to jail caught it. He plans to give it back to Kearse.

Regarding "the catch", the SF ball boy gave Clarke "a" ball after the game, and Clarke always assumed he had the correct ball. He did not. The ball boy later sold it. Clarke wasn't all that happy when he found out. Not sure where it is now.

Just thinking aloud here (and I know Ben said not to go in this direction), if I were a Steeler fan I would like to have the ball that Jackie Smith dropped in the Super Bowl.

[mcgwirecom]

While all of the following that y'all mentioned were good answers none of those would be the most expensive the most expensive is…….. The DEATH BALL.

That would be the baseball that Carl Mays pitched that killed Ray Chapman. It is owned by someone I believe is in South Florida.


I think Geppi's had that at one time.

[71buc]

Is that the biggest bust of all time? Has anyone ever overspent more or wasted more on a single item? I can't immediately think of anything that's been a bigger bust.

I am friends with McFarlane's brother in law. I asked him how they felt about this perception. It was explained to me that although he is a huge fan he is a businessman as well. The purchase of the ball resulted in valuable publicity for his company. After the purchase he appeared on many network TV shows which generated free advertising for his business. I am certain that the time he spent on TV being interviewed about the ball was far more valuable to his company than the money spent on the ball. I can only imagine what that amount of network advertising would cost. Ironically people are still talking about the purchase of the ball because it has been devalued by the PED stigma attached to it which of course is continued free publicity. The investment in the ball paid for itself in free advertising and continues to do so.

[vintagesportscollector]

Very interesting. I clearly never thought of it that way. I imagine then that Todd has no regrets, as the purchase was part of a collection that has great notoriety and was the springboard for his toys company and other big business deals. I think Todd also has Sosa's 66 and Bond's 73...among others.

[MVSNYC]

Great points, Mike. Not too many people knew who McFarlane (or his company) was prior to him buying the ball.

PS- I was sitting in the front row at that live auction, back then it was exhilarating, and that ball and auction was all the buzz.

[Scott Garner]

While all of the following that y'all mentioned were good answers none of those would be the most expensive the most expensive is…….. The DEATH BALL.

That would be the baseball that Carl Mays pitched that killed Ray Chapman. It is owned by someone I believe is in South Florida.

Man, I can't even imagine wanting to own that ball at any price, IMHO... :eek:

[mcgwirecom]

I'd buy it Scott LOL!

[Bpm0014]

Why would Bobby Thompsons ball be worth more than Bill Mazeroski's ball?? A serious question; I'm curious?

[RichardSimon]

Great points, Mike. Not too many people knew who McFarlane (or his company) was prior to him buying the ball.

PS- I was sitting in the front row at that live auction, back then it was exhilarating, and that ball and auction was all the buzz.

I was working for Guernseys at that auction. I worked with consignors and cataloged all the items. I spent some time with the owner of the ball.
There was a lot of speculation about how high the ball would go.
I knew the lines of credit that a few people had and I knew it would go for over $1 million.
On auction night I was in charge of the phone bank.
We had a couple of friends of employees who came in for the night to help and I was handing out assignments. A young lady was sitting next to my seat and I gave her the assignment for only one bidder as she appeared to be quite nervous.
I sat next to her, handling six bidders. Guess who wound up talking to Todd :):).
She handled it like a pro.
Todd was bidding against some individuals from a tie making company as the bidding went past $1 million. The tie company sold individually designed ties (designed by athletes) and wanted to put a coupon in one of their tie boxes. The coupon was good for the baseball. But they were hemming and hawing over every bid. Todd just banged out his bids through the young woman on the phone. I knew he would not stop and that he would get the ball.
It was quite a night.

[RichardSimon]

Why would Bobby Thompsons ball be worth more than Bill Mazeroski's ball?? A serious question; I'm curious?

You should ask Lelands. They made the offer for the Thomson ball. I have not heard anyone make an offer for the Maz ball.
I think it would have something to do with the entire 1951 season and the playoff being so dramatic. Not that Maz was not dramatic.

[vthobby]

I think for baseball, in addition to anything Ruthian, you've gotta really consider Bobby Thomson's home run ball. Still after all of these years, even if the Giants had 'help' from Herman Franks, it's gotta be the most famous home run in baseball history. Russ Hodges' legendary call doesn't hurt that myth either, if you ask me.

But I think your assessment of Ruth's called shot or Maris' 61st are both great contenders. Maybe the Buckner ball? Fisk's homer? Kirk Gibson's? Maybe those are less desirable because they're modern? Or maybe they have even more appeal because there are still plenty of people alive who actually witnessed those moments?

Dammit, I can't decide.

Graig

For all of you big sports buffs (meaning EVERYONE on here), you MUST read this book:

"Miracle Ball: My Hunt for the Shot Heard 'Round the World" by Biegel & Peter Thomas Fornatale (Author).

INCREDIBLE true mystery surrounding the "Shot heard round the world".

Peace, mike

PS This is my choice for $$$$$ sports ball.

[71buc]

For all of you big sports buffs (meaning EVERYONE on here), you MUST read this book:

"Miracle Ball: My Hunt for the Shot Heard 'Round the World" by Biegel & Peter Thomas Fornatale (Author).

INCREDIBLE true mystery surrounding the "Shot heard round the world".

Peace, mike

PS This is my choice for $$$$$ sports ball.

I completely agree this is a great book. It was made into a documentary as well that is equally entertaining.

[byrone]

Slightly off topic from a "ball" but a hockey puck, from Paul Henderson's game winning goal in the 1972 Canada/Russia hockey series Game 8 would bring a huge amount. Sky's the limit on that one

[sayheykid54]

How about the baseball from Reggie Jackson's legendary light tower shot at Tiger Stadium during the 1971 All-Star game. Probably not the most valuable. But would be a great baseball to own!

[packs]

I wonder what ever happened to the baseball from Willie Mays' "catch". I bet it was just entered back into play. Funny to think about how the next guy could have fouled it off and some kid caught it.

Ruth's 714 home run ball is at the HOF. But I would think if it wasn't, that's the most expensive baseball.

[Scott Garner]

Ruth's 1st HR ball

[CW]

How about Aaron's 715 HR ball? Clearly a $1M+ ball if it were ever discovered and brought to auction. Even Barry Bonds' 756 HR ball sold for $750K, so I think the sky would be the limit for Aaron's.

[Runscott]

I bet Ruth's last HR would go for more than Aaron's 715th. The number 714 is…iconic. Walter Johnson's last strikeout pitch would probably rate pretty high as well. Same for Ty Cobb's last hit.

[ibuysportsephemera]

A couple of deflated footballs from a recent playoff football game?

Just joking.

I would go with Thomson's ball.

Miracle Ball: My Hunt for the Shot Heard 'Round the World" by Biegel & Peter Thomas Fornatale is an excellent read and the documentary is also worth your time.

Jeff

[jbhofmann]

Basketball:

http://ballislife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Wholesale-Michael-font-b-Jordan-b-font-Last-Shot-In-Chicago-Bulls-Final-font-b-Game.jpg

[TimCarrollArt]

I would think the Thompson HR ball would generate enough bidding to top the McGwire mark.

It certainly isn't the most expensive, but I saw where the ball used to give Derek Jeter his final strikeout reached above $1,000 at auction (not sure of the end price).

http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/notes-probstein-profiled-jeters-last-k-ball-auction-best-looking-sets/

He swung and missed at a strike in the dirt.

What I find interesting is that a ball that Jeter never signed, never touched, and whose bat never made contact with topped the $1K mark. I have a garage full of baseballs that match that description perfectly.;)

Tim

[mcgwirecom]

How about Aaron's 715 HR ball? Clearly a $1M+ ball if it were ever discovered and brought to auction. Even Barry Bonds' 756 HR ball sold for $750K, so I think the sky would be the limit for Aaron's.

Aaron's 715 was given back to him after he hit it. Tom House caught it in the bullpen and returned it. I believe it is on display in Atlanta at the stadium.

I think I saw #714 when I was at the Hall of Fame in the late '90's I assume its still there.

Number 755 was also at the 1999 Guernseys Auction. The guy who caught it worked for the Brewers. They were under orders to return all Hanks homerun balls. The guy wanted to give it back to him personally but Hank had already left after the game and the team went on a road trip. The guy was fired for not giving it back so he just kept it. It was only late July so he never thought it would be the final homerun. He had it many years before going to an autograph show and having Hank sign it. I don't think he told him it was his last homerun ball, though. I think the owner had a $750,000 reserve on it. The bidding fell short but they hammered out a deal for $650,000.

PS I was at the auction also. Richard invited me up. was a real hoot watching people bid into the millions. I was sitting next to a dealer I knew who was still bidding over 1 million.