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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Steve</b><p>FGN,<br /><br />I of course would love to see Coach's Corner barred from SCD. There are also other corrupt people (even gasp card dealers) too but the publishers of SCD are not exactly soliciting my input and that is a shame but as a business, SCD is still useful to me as a marketing avenue. Just as there are dealers who set up at shows who are crooked, it is very rare to find a promoter who will throw them out...
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Ken Eccles</b><p>Hi Steve, it's been a while since Bev and I met you in KC,We tusted you then and still do today. As to Shelly and the rest,Great Job coming out with this topic as to collecting. As to the Press? You might try the guy known as the "Give Me A Break" John S--, he helped us in many ways back 1980s on a few cases. Thanks again,Leon for your site. Ken Eccles KCMO
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Chuck Tapia</b><p><br />"other than disrupting message boards, as you obviously don't collect cards (I doubt you even collect autographs, and if you do, you certainly aren't very good at it)."<br /><br />You are the one that started whining about this not being the place for this discussion. You disrupted this awsome dialogue. You have started the wedge here by calling me out by my complete name while you hide behind yours. Just not right when EVERYONE on this posting was told several times to use their real name. I might be a troll, but you are and arrogant Pie Hole, who thinks you know everything. Trying to protect your card territory while refusing to get along with people who come along. You are probably the biggest "Richard" I have ever encoountered in any board room. POST your name wise A or e-mail me direct if you have anything further. I also don't appreciate the Racial comment about "CASA de TAPIA" are you insinuating something there bub, behind your PC monniker. Post your name, e-mail me directly or shut the F up. <br /><br />Love,<br /><br />The Troll. <br /><br /><br />"Hi Chuck<br /><br />I was just making sure you are Chuck T. It’s for everyone’s protection. Carry on and take care….<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />leon"<br /><br />Leon-Here was your E-mail to me, incase anyone thought I was serious. I'm sorry that a new user would have to defend himself in this kind of forum. I think it's pretty pathetic that you allow this Pie Hole to shoot his mouth full of cream at the board, disrupt a beautiful thread on a relevant topic, use racially sensitive comments about my surname and let him keep posting while not sharing with everyone who he is.<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Time for you two guys to stop fighting and let us get back to business.<br />Here are two baseballs. One of them is of a signature of Clark Griffith on a GO GO SOX baseball. The problem with that is that it was produced five years after Griffith died. The other one is of Lefty Grove in the same ink and the same hand writing. The problem with that ball is that he signed left handed and this is from some one signing right handed. These items where taken down from EBAY and the seller said that the coa's came from non other than Morales. If he has a problem with that statement then please reply.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203706680.JPG"> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203706643.JPG">
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>A couple of quick thoughts.....In your post above you said:<br /><br />"By the way, I was not singled out by anyone. Leon wanted to check my e-mail address you dufus. He said I could verbally slap you around as much as I'd like because he doesn't like you and thinks you are a pompous A, which I tend to agree. Stay on the topic, get off the pot, leave your name or get the h off this thread that is hurting your cards and your pride so much. Who really cares?"<br /><br /><br />I am not sure why you lied on this board about what my email said but you did out and out lie...no smiley face, no "just kidding" comment. Thanks for posting my response email to you which is exactly what I said. Where did it say I didn't like PC or anything of that nature? <br /><br />Secondly, as I have said all along I will give out contact info for folks on the board with respect to this kind of thread. If you want PC's contact info and name all you have to do is email me. I will give it to you. Please refrain from saying I said something in the future when I didn't say it......Not anything personal here...take care
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>PC</b><p>Not worth it.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Stop this crap. This thread is more important than two children fighting with each other. Take it to another thread.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>The card manufacturers and hobbyists were worried that children were not becoming collectors, and that they were being lost to the hobby.<br />They should have no fear, the children are here.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Martin Neal</b><p>Listen guys. The first one that stops will wins.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Aaron Patton</b><p>...anyone receive their March 7 issue of SCD today?<br /><br />Full page CC bio (page 24) [in line with SCDs 2008 Show & Auction Guide].<br /><br />"...we don't travel the country pursuing signatures as much"<br />(i.e. we've got a big back-room, and a ton of ink)<br /><br />Where do these Rube Waddell cuts come from? Trees?<br /><br />Holy smokes...how do they sleep at night?<br /><br /><br />[Edit: Spelling]
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Scott Mt. Joy</b><p>I just wanted to comment that I have been following this thread from the start and I have learned more in it than in any other. I am mainly a vintage card collector but I do buy auto's from time to time and this thread scares me to death. It bothers me to think how much fake stuff I have bought in the past and how much this will definatly affect my future buying habbits. I plan to buy a Clemente auto down the road and this has given me tons to consider when I do. I really hope something positive comes out from all this. <br /><br />Thanks Leon for letting this thread run and in the main forum.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Glad to see that the kids are stopping the fighting.<br />--
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Ricky Y</b><p>I think it can be considered a valid topic because fake autographs have appeared on baseball cards both modern and vintage and I know some folks here collect autographed cards.<br /><br />Ricky Y
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Here are some delightful items from Coaches Corner, presented for your enjoyment.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203708073.JPG"><br><br> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203708092.JPG"><br><br> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203708129.JPG">
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>The Ruth on the silver certificate looks really bogus.<br /><br />Say, haven't you guys resolved this issue by now? Just curious.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Josh Siegel</b><p>Isn't defacing a US dollar with a fradulent signature a major no-no????
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>I hope anyone who advertises in SCD is asking for lower ad rates due to the decrease in circulation. I also will not be renewing my subscription and I go back to the "Trader Speaks" days. It was a great magazine at one time, but I can't support this anymore. They need to bring back Bob Lemke who is a great hobby guy and turn this into a great mag again. I'm sure Bob doesn't want to be part of what is going on there now.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p>Wow! Thats gotta be the largest Lefty Grove sig I've ever seen! lol, You can see that from a mile away!<br /><br />Back to business. I've got questions for Richard,Shelly or anyone else on the board.<br /><br />1. in your estimation, what percentage of legit Ruth sigs exist that were signed with just "Sincerely", and not personalized?<br /><br />2. What is the likelyhood that Nap Lajoie would sign a 3x5 in 1950 with a ballpoint pen?<br /><br />3. Was it ever revealed as to who was buying all those fake autographs for UDA after They stopped using K.Keating?<br /><br /> * I'm always looking for this type of info so as to better myself in collecting. Thanks.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>1. in your estimation, what percentage of legit Ruth sigs exist that were signed with just "Sincerely", and not personalized? <br />ans - Ruth certainly favored personalizing, I would guestimate MAYBE 25-30%, but that is only a guess, others might disagree.<br /><br />2. What is the likelyhood that Nap Lajoie would sign a 3x5 in 1950 with a ballpoint pen? <br />ans - Ballpoint pens were around in 1950 but they had not been around for very long. He had a window of opportunity to sign with ballpoint, but not a big window. He liked to sign and date his autograph.<br /><br />3. Was it ever revealed as to who was buying all those fake autographs for UDA after They stopped using K.Keating?<br />ans - As far as I know they did not stop using Kevin Keating, they just started to buy from other dealers also. I don't know the name(s) of the people involved in buying for UD. I do know that Shelly exposed a UD card that sold for $85,000 with four autographs on it, two that were fake.<br />--<br /><br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p>Thanks Richard,<br /><br /> I have hundreds of questions like those and I could talk for hours on end about players and autographs,but I try not to ask too much of dealers like yourself and Keating because I know it's your business. I asked Ron K. about those UDA cards about 6 mo.s before shelly broke the story on that 85k one. He said he had seen some fake cobbs out there, but didnt offer much info beyond that. I got the impression that he just didnt care much for the sig. chase cards.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>J - Richard did not mention to you that he and I also found a number of other cards that had bogus autographs on them, from UD and other companies.<br />They are illustrated on Richard's website at <br /><br />www.richardsimonsports.com/hofauto2.htm<br /><br />Pretty amazing that this company could do such a thing.<br />Upper Deck never conceded that they had bad autographs but they hired an authenticator after this crap was exposed.<br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>*
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>What does it mean if this thread makes it to 666?<br />JimB
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p>Who's the authenticator UDA is using now?<br /><br /> I coulda sworn I read a statement by Keating that led me to believe that UDA stopped buying his stuff because they found someone to sell to them at a cheaper price.<br /><br />I have seen those cards on Richard's site, they are pathetic.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Aaron Patton</b><p><br /><br />...received an email yesterday stating UDA and Hunt Auctions just signed a deal.<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Spence is doing it know. It is really funny that UDA would not admit that the Ruth and Johnson in the $85,000 card where forged. They said whom do you think is right UDA or a felon. The problem was that Richard, Spence, PSA and three others also found them to be forged as well. Under pressure from many people they where forced to hire some one from outside.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Correct me if I am wrong, but this is my understanding of what happened: UD started buying autographs from Keating. When they discovered the "bargains" on ebay and lower prices from others, they said why are we paying such high prices when we can buy cheaper.<br />The result of that thinking led to the crap autographs illustrated on my website. <br />As far as I know they now buy from several dealers/auctions.<br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>anthony</b><p>bump to get rid of 666 replies...
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>John</b><p>I was guided here by another Forum and must say that I am impressed with it all. A few general comments as a former autograph collector who has turned his attention to saving up a little money to buy some older baseball and hockey cards.<br /><br />First off, this is not a petty rant and we are not small minded people. How are we small minded? These words used by Ted Taylor about a quarter of the way up in this message board. I saw your Hughie Jennings authenticated single signed ball in Coach's Corner SA that fetched a mighty, whopping $222, instead of $8,000 to $10,000 -guesstimate- that it would have if sold through Mastro, REA, CS or Lelands. <br /><br />Second, as a person who likes to believe he has a collection full of Detroit heroes -Wings and Tigers- I believe I make good choices. I have all the respect in the world for Steve at Clean Sweep Auctions and have purchased a few pieces from him that I know are authentic. <br /><br />But the bothersome thing here is that you and the good sellers of the autograph world who still advertise through SCD have the power to do something. Ever heard of...us or them? How you don't see that by doing nothing is basically the same as saying that this is all okay with you. I'm not here to rip on you Steve, just making an observation. You are one of the good guys. For sure and I look forward to your next auction.<br /><br />I have little power. All I did was cancel my subscription and that did little. It seems. I did pass this message board to a couple of people -reporters- who may find some interest in all of this. Keep up the good work and I shall return with stupid, newbie questions about cards.<br /><br />Regards,<br />John<br />Go Red Wings!
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>John - keep on passing the message. The more the word gets out, the better the hobby can become.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Here's a beauty<br /><a href="http://www.myccsa.com/Lot.aspx?LotID=76661" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.myccsa.com/Lot.aspx?LotID=76661</a><br /><br />Morales has been promoted to "highly qualified" according to this ad. I hear he is also in line for the grand exalted 33rd level poobah of fake autograph authentication. I wouldn't trust him to authenticate my own signature if I signed it in front of him, and the joint chiefs of staff.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Mark Steinberg</b><p>Here is my favorite from the current CC Auction (authenticated by Morales...) <br /><br />Check out the snow-white ball and fresh ink. Not to mention, perhaps the worst Foxx imitation signature to be featured in quite some time...<br /><br /><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/perezfan/75593.jpg">
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>The Masters flag is still on the CC auction site.<br /><br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>zman7</b><p>Richard, perhaps you or someone else who has ties to the media should just focus their attention on that flag. Anyone can boast of their accomplishments and bad mouth the other guy and play the "he said, she said" about who's right and wrong. When we all see bad stuff and try to call it out, we end up having to defend ourselves. We will forever be questioned "how do you know". Collectors seem to trust the bad guys more than the ones trying to help. It seems that doesn't work, as everyone believes that their guy is the best and everyone else doesn't know anything, other than Joanne who I believe must have daily thoughts of Rainbows, Butterflies, and Unicorns to give CC the benefit of the doubt and the what ifs. You can't see that Masters flag for anything other than it is, supposedly signed by a guy who died 6 months before the flag was available. I would think, that posed with that question from the media, CC would have to give some sort of explaination.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I e-mailed the webmaster at masters.org. The web site has no real e-mail addresses listed, but that one has at least a chance of reaching a real person. I remember that the Masters organization was successful in having a green jacket withdrawn in a catalog auction, and that was a real jacket. I hope they don't react well to someone putting not only forged signatures on one of their items, but a dead member's as well.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>*</b><p>*
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Good idea DD. I went to the Master website and there was no contact info.<br />And certain media has been made aware of this thread.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Shelly,<br /><br />Have you been in contact with Michael Gibbins from the Babe Ruth Museum? Stevens is making a living off their name, in addition to the fact that people who trust him to authenticate his in-person items, may be the same people buying all the crap from CC.<br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>*</b><p>*
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I did manage to find a real e-mail address for someone at The Masters and sent them the info anyway.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>How about contacting Michael O'Keeffe? Unless anyone strongly objects, as there are many on here that have less than a high opinion of him, I can't think of anyone more likely to run with this than him.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>I would hope and think that the Masters might be willing to take some action against forgeries on their flag. Let us hope for the best.<br />And Z you had said "Collectors seem to trust the bad guys more than the ones trying to help". In my experience except for a very, very few isolated individuals with their own agenda, that has not been true.<br />--<br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>"It seems that doesn't work, as everyone believes that their guy is the best and everyone else doesn't know anything, other than Joanne who I believe must have daily thoughts of Rainbows, Butterflies, and Unicorns to give CC the benefit of the doubt and the what ifs."<br /><br /><br />Hmm. Don't believe I have daily thoughts of Rainbows and Butterflies, and I can't recall ever thinking about Unicorns, really. It could be that I was applying some thought and consideration to various possibilities rather than just jumping onto the jam-pile without thinking. But whatever you say, z, what with you knowing me so well and all.<br /><br />Know what? For a lot of people that have never been on this board before, it seems like there is an awful lot of rudeness going on. As Dan B so eloquently stated about 8,000 posts ago, this thread is being hosted (yes, hosted - what a perfect word, with all of the civility it implies) by a forum that has been around a long time. And yet posters who have never spent 5 seconds here have done everything from demand and insist on the right to have this thread to outright name calling.<br /><br />I guess that in being told I must think of light little insubstantial fru-fru things each day, I didn't come out so bad. Still, it does seem like the most basic common courtesies would be in order. <br /><br />One would think it would not even have to be mentioned, but here we are.<br /><br />Joann
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>I think that for the most part, considering the number of posts here, the thread has been fairly civil.<br />Two children did have a squabble earlier, but after they were politely asked to stop, they did stop. Aside from that name calling there has been little here that has not been on message. And Joann, I don't think of you as thinking about rainbows, butterflies and unicorns, not that there is anything wrong with that <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>.<br />---<br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Steve</b><p>Wow this thread has some serious legs.<br /><br />Steve<br /><br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>This is certainly the longest thread ever on Net54 VBCF.....Also, I have asked Zman7 to edit out almost all of his editorials since he doesn't want to be known publicly to the board....It's only the rules and is for everyone's safety.....regards
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I contacted Phil Mushnick of the NY Post. He has written about these issues before, as well as coming down hard on Don West and others.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Yes I have contacted Michael O'Keeffe and he is investigatng the Florida lawsuit against Caizzo and he is reviewing this thread.<br />I have also talked to Mr Gibbins at the Babe Ruth museum. I don't think he is very happy at the claims made about the guys at STAT being the authenticator for the museum when all they do is authenticate in person signings. I could train a monkey to do the same thing. Monkey see the autograph, monkey authenticate the autograph.<br />I have also sent a link to this thread to Keith Olberman and sent him copies of some CC autographs. I don't know if he collects autographs but I bet he would be interested in this.<br />This thread has legs guys and gal and its moving forward.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Mr. Morales has been busy.<br /><br /><a href="http://moralesforensics.com/news.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://moralesforensics.com/news.htm</a><br /><br />Shelly, Rich and Bill in particular will love what he has written.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>DD - look at the update date on that web page, July 21, 2007. It is old news to us. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Rich,<br />I saw that the home page had been recently updated. I thought the material was new as it is fitting to this thread.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>As Shelly knows, above and beyond the press, there is a lot going on. But good poker players never show their cards. <br /><br />Those of you who are concerned about the vast sums of money being extracted from the pockets of innocent, naive victims should notify any press contacts you have, be they sports or news-related, and let them know about this thread. In all my many contacts with the press, I've always found them to be very thorough and exacting...and fair.<br /><br />Also, don't hesitate to put links in your emails to other sites, good and bad, which have been mentioned in this thread. Readers of your emails won't have the time to plow through the 600+ postings above. I've given a few good mail and email addresses above. A nice word for Leon wouldn't hurt, either!<br /><br />Yes, this thread has legs, and hopefully will keep up a good head of steam until the issue is settled, one way or another. <br /><br /><br />(Editted for bad spelng)
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>I for one would like to thank Leon for allowing this OT thread to remain here on this board.<br />THANKS LEON !<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>Richard, you are a true gentleman <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> <br /><br />Let's carry on with this important (and enlightening) thread.<br /><br />Thx,<br /><br />J
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Christopher Rizzo</b><p>I know i am new to this site, but i have extensive knowledge of anything having to do with the Augusta National G.C. aka Masters!! I worked there for almost 7 years!! Anyone with any questions, i would be more than happy to take time to anwser! The problem with A.G.N.C is it's a private club, anything having to do with a Masters flag, more than likely they are not going to get involved unless the flag was counterfeited! I can tell you one thing for sure, as i have been to every tournament since 1988, and that autographs are alot harder to get nowadays especially the top players! I would work hand and hand with them during Masters or if they played as guest of member and alot of them just will not sign unless you are a kid during practice rounds!
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>It seems that we have left out our good friends from STAT. I think its time that SCD takes a look at this company for what they really are. I know that when Rocky was with the SCD he stated that any company working for Coaches Corner as authenticator had to be qualified. <br />Well lets look at the Boys from STAT. This is a company that by telling half truths made people believe that authenticated for the Babe Ruth Museum. They also have on there web site a company called Kronbear Sports Promotions, Again all they do is in person authenticating. Know I am going to show you where they try to prove that they actually know something.<br /><br />Stevens-Taylor AuthenticationTeam (STAT) STAT Authentic LLC<br />Offering:<br /><br />Authentication<br />Appraisals<br />Verification<br />Celebrity Appearances & Event Coordination<br />Procurement of Memorabilia<br />Expert Witness Testimony<br />Insurance and Legal Consulting<br />Marketing & Public Relations<br />Collection Liquidation<br /><br />"Let us do the legwork for you"<br /><br />Finally! A full-service hobby organization<br /><br />Do you want someone to verify and authenticate an autograph?<br /><br /><br />Let me ask the two of you this question.<br /><br />When did you become expert witness? What state are qualified in and when did you last testify.<br /><br />What Insurance company in there right mind would let you appraise anything?<br /><br />When did you become Legal Consultants. I am sure many lawyers on here would love to know.<br /><br />Now comes my favorite part.<br /><br />Jeff Stevens and Ted Taylor and the team at STAT do all that ….and a whole lot more.<br /><br />Why not trust all your hobby and authentication needs to two men who have lived and breathed the hobby for decades?<br /><br />They'll give you an honest opinion and certification based on a lot of years of working in the hobby's trenches. Both Jeff and Ted bring sterling hobby reputations and are well known in hobby circles for their many accomplishments.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Verification - STAT Authentic, an LLC registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, renders a service in expressing our opinion and knowledge, however, STAT Authentic LLC and its partners/employees does not guarantee the accuracy of our opinion expressed regarding any items submitted for authentication. We assume no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage allegedly sustained as a result of any opinion rendered.<br /><br />STAT Authentic LLC is in no way liable for personal loss due to damage alteration or any other reason once this item leaves our possession. Our seal, signatures, registration number and processing date must appear on this certificate for it to be valid. <br /><br />Who are the other people of STAT?<br /><br />You have both been in the trenches. You must have been because you guy sure stink at what your doing.<br /><br />All those years. I want to know how all those years made the two you able to authenticate every signature known to man.<br /><br />Last but not least.After reading there Verification statement. What person in their right mind would want to have anything to do with these two.<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>SC</b><p>STAT and Morales are being critiqued for the lack of teeth behind their gaurantee, i.e. "We are not responsible...only an opinion."<br /><br />Are there any authentication companies out there that WILL gaurantee their work? My understanding, when I was more involved in the industry, was that PSA/DNA (not to pick on them, just what I know) would only refund the authentication fees if an item turned out/was proven to be bad. Getting a check for $150 isn't much comfort if I bought a fake Ruth ball.<br /><br />I can certainly understand an authentication company's hesitation to slap a $25,000 gaurantee on an item for a $150 fee...but this isn't that uncommon in other industries, albeit often at a % of an item's value rather than a flat rate. <br /><br />If they don't have any such gaurantees, the various LOAs are nothing more than opinions, which are built on reputations that are only as good as the person's current standing in the industry.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Re: Ted Taylor and STAT Authentics, I copied the following off theyneedglasses.com:<br /><br />What hat will Ted Taylor wear today?<br /><br />In their March 2, 2007 issue, Sports Collectors Digest published an article titled "Coach's [Corner] auction business thriving 23 years later" under the banner: "2007 Show and Auction Guide".<br /><br />The flattering article also had a photograph of "Coach's public relations director", Mr. Ted Taylor...that's nice...distinguished looking guy...<br /><br />WHAT?!? Ted Taylor?!? I know that name from somewhere...<br /><br />Better do a little looking to refresh my memory! Hmmmm.....<br /><br />We'll start at the Coach's Corner web site. Here he is - well whadayaknow, he gave a testimonial to his own company! That's a little sneaky. Look:<br /><br />"They are my number one choice for buying and consigning."<br /> Ted Taylor -- Former VP of Fleer, Scoreboard, and Hobby Pioneer (visit <a href="http://www.tedtaylor.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.tedtaylor.com/</a>) <br /><br />How about Taylor's site, www.tedtaylor.com? If you look at his "Collector's Corner" column there, you can't help but notice that there's a large, loud link direct to...Coach's Corner Auction. And his column sets forth a whole bunch of prices realized at CC's last auction. <br /><br />Well, isn't that what a "public relations director" is supposed to do? Well, there's just one problem.<br /><br />Ted Taylor is a principle of STAT Authentics. And he's also part of STAT's "authentication team". STAT Authentics "authenticates" a great deal of material for Coach's Corner auctions. <br /><br />I think I'm going to barf...<br /><br />That being said, can somebody please tell us...<br /><br />HOW CAN AN INDEPENDENT AUTHENTICATOR "BUY AND CONSIGN" AT THE SAME AUCTION AT WHICH HE IS EMPLOYED AS AN AUTHENTICATOR, OR FOR THAT MATTER, AT ANY AUCTION?<br /><br />IS IT ETHICAL FOR AN INDEPENDENT AUTHENTICATOR TO PROMOTE ANY AUCTION, ESPECIALLY ONE AT WHICH HE IS ADMITTEDLY "BUYING AND CONSIGNING"?<br /><br />WHY HASN'T MR. TAYLOR MORE PUBLICLY DISCLOSED THE FACT THAT HE IS AN EMPLOYEE OF COACH'S CORNER, AND THEREFORE HAS A VESTED INTEREST IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THAT AUTION HOUSE?<br /><br />IS MR. TAYLOR AN AUCTION HOUSE EMPLOYEE, AN INDEPENDENT AUTHENTICATOR, BOTH..OR NEITHER?<br /><br />Mr. Taylor, I'm sure thousands of card collectors out there are proud of, and thankful for the efforts you have made over your many years in the business to promote this hobby that you and they love so much. Nobody can dispute the contributions you have made. However, you must be aware that your reputation is being destroyed through your involvement in a field in which it is clear you are not qualified to practice. So that your legacy is not further diminished, we urge you to return to the field you know best and leave the authentication of autographs to those with the knowledge and experience to practice it. <br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>SC - <br /><br />You are absolutely correct. Not one authenticator that I know of offers any kind of insurance ("errors and omissions"), which would cost a fortune. You have to depend on authenticators who are the best in their field, and not some of the hacks that have been discussed on this board. Believe it or not, competent authenticators have a very,very low error rate (or they wouldn't be in business!),
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I for one have long stated that authenticators, professional card graders, and anyone else who's opinion regarding authenticity affects the market should no longer be in the business of buying and selling memorabilia. I don't give a hoot if they disclose that they are the consignor of an item that they authenticated, it's simply unacceptable. I know there are differing opinions on this subject.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>700!!!
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>As Shelly said above in reference to STAT:<br />"Let me ask the two of you this question.<br />When did you become expert witness? What state are qualified in and when did you last testify."<br />They are throwing around the term expert witness like its a baseball. <br />I would be very surprised to find out that a judge declared them an expert witness in autographs and I and probably Shelly would apologize to them for questioning this part of their BS, if they only would come on the forum and prove to everyone that they have the qualifications to be declared expert witnesses.<br />--<br /><br /><br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Just another example of padding a resume with something that would be difficult to disprove. They are experts at deceiving people; nothing more. Taylor has worked for Fleer and Scoreboard. Is it a coincidence that both are now out of business? C'mon Ted, that's an insulting remark. Take the bait and get on here.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>I understand that all authenticators say "its their opinion". The difference between a legit authenticator and STAT is percentages. If you look at the CC auction I would be willing to bet that they are 90 percent wrong and that is being nice. If you look at a Mastro auction the authenticators are 90 percent correct and that is the low side. Let Lee at CC do the authenticating, he can see a good item from 14 miles away. Morales and STAT can stop authenticating and count how much money they have cost people. That should keep them busy for many, many months.<br />Barry if you where sent an item that you might see once in your lifetime but now you see it every month as an auction house or an authenticator. Would you not be a wee bit suspicious. This goes on month after month with CC. Josh Gibson autograph pants,balls, and jersey, Chesbro ball, Gehrig jersey,bat,balls, I would think if you had a half a brain you would know something is wrong. So yes it is there opinion but if you have no knowledge of what you are doing and opinion means nothing.<br />Here is the statement from CC in regards to legit authenticators.This is from a question asked in SCD<br /><br />In a not too long ago issue of SCD, (about two weeks ago), an article written about a Coaches Corner Auctions ofSouderton, PA boasted about a $3400 Perez Steel Lloyd Waner sig selling. While reading about Coach's Corner current auction (ended 11/9/7), I noticed that they were auctioning off several more Perez Steele Post Cards. As separate pieces, they offered some of the toughest pieces that collectors could hope to get their hands on, all in one auction. The list includes Ruffing, Coveleski, Greenberg, Alston, Ashburn, Puckett, and 2, count them 2 Waners. I was excited to say the least when I registered on line and posted high bids for each piece. After looking a little more carefully at the pieces, and after the excitement died down a bit, I noticed that none of these elite pieces came with a COA. After contacting Coach's Corner, and asking them about their return policy in the event I had these graded and they came back fake, Kristen informed me of the following:<br /><br /><br />John, we take any returns for authenticity on un-certified items if they are returnd within 21 days after the auction date. Regarding PSA and Jimmy Spence, we are personally not supportive of them as authenticators. We find that they continually reject items that are deemed authentic by other more highly qualified authenticators and they seem to always pass items from other auction companies that they work for, but reject similar items from other auction companies that don't hire them to authenticate their auctions(like Coach's Corner!). That being said, you can use them and return the items within the return period if you like if they fail, but it may be a waste of your time(and money) and ours. Thank you. Kristin Whitten<br />Senior Operations Consultant<br />Coach's Corner Sports Auctions, LLC<br />215-721-9162
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>A point I would like to make about Mr. Morales web page.<br />He says on his web page that - On January 17, 2006 HBO Real Sports aired a story on forgeries in the memorabilia business. Prior to the show I was asked if I would provide opinion based on photos of alleged forgeries. In accord with good business practices and the fact that absent examination of actual items no one can give an informed opinion that can be presented in Court, I declined that invitation. <br />My understanding was that everybody was sent five items and nobody was offered pictures of items. The authenticators were tested with real items. I don't believe they ever were going to use pictures. Yet Morales says they did. The producer of the show, Andrew Bennett, would be happy to back up my statement here and any other statements I make about the HBO show.<br />The main truth is Morales was sent five forged items and he said they were all authentic. Morales was one of two authenticators who could not get one item correctly.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I think this whole thing with CC is shameful and a stain on our hobby, but I think SCD is hanging on by a hair. If they stopped taking advertising revenue from them, that would officially close them down.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>PhilNap</b><p>In one of their recent SCD ads, STAT focused on the liquidation side of their business, boasting 'WE DO LIQUIDATIONS'. Then on Coach's website you can find a testimonial from STAT's own Ted Taylor wherein he states:<br /><br />'They are my number one choice for buying and consigning.'<br /><br />Ok now, a show of hands . . . . Who wants Ted to liquidate their collection through his NUMBER ONE choice for consigning? C'mon now don't be shy. Where else can you hope to realize pennies on the dollar for some of your most prized possessions. I'm sure some of you have a cache of Jack Chesbro and Josh Gibson signatures you are ready to part with.<br /><br />And, if for no other reason, I would love for Ted to come on this forum to show us some of the items in his collection which were purchased from his NUMBER ONE choice for buying. C'mon Ted, show us if you put your money where your mouth is and actually buy any of this garbage that you seem to have such favorable 'opinions' of.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I challenge CC/Morales/STAT to put any of their forged items on eBay and to not mention it is authenticated by anyone. Within hours, they will have at least 5-10 people either e-mailing them or eBay that it is a fake.<br /><br />If they do not want to rely on other authenticators, fine. Let them rely on the people they peddle their garbage to to tell them they are fakes.<br /><br />As long as they have their mailing list, they will always sell fakes. Even if SCD went out of business, they would probably be <br />OK as their overhead is next to nothing. We need to continue this assault on them from all angles until they are out for good.<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p><br />OPEN LETTER TO CHRISTOPHER L. MORALES:<br /><br />Mr. Morales, <br /><br />I have now assembled a forum of no less than eight of your peers in the autograph authentication trade, as well as two certified Questioned Document Examiners to meet with you in a public discussion as set forth below:<br /><br />FIFTH REQUEST:<br /><br />Mr. Morales: Your website states, verbatim:<br /><br />QUOTE<br /><br />"An Open Challenge<br /><br />As noted herein, I will meet anyone in a public forum to review and assess my work efforts. Since private communications are often cherry picked to bolster a point of view, at times misdirecting the facts, it is my position that any meetings and communications be conduct in the open. If anyone desires to contact me concerning an open forum, please do not hesitate to call, email or otherwise contact me at anytime".<br /><br />UNQUOTE<br /><br /><br />Mr. Morales, I hereby challenge you to appear, before a group of your peers in the autograph authentication trade and certified Questioned Document Examiners, before the international press, to:<br /><br />a.) Discuss your "forensic" methods of authentication, and your education and qualifications, using exemplars or otherwise;<br /><br />b.) Describe in detail other criteria you used to authenticate the thousands of various autographs for which you have issued certificates;<br /><br />c.) explain your relationships, if any, with the various consignors, auction houses, galleries, etc. for whom you authenticate, and;<br /><br />d.) assess your work efforts, ie: how have your authentications been received in the autograph market, as a whole.<br /><br />If you wish to limit the discussion to your "work efforts" alone, I would expect your peers would still meet with you, depending on the agenda. <br /><br />I will pay your airfare and hotel room expenses for your attendance at such a forum in the New York area, for a meeting within the next 60 days. As stated above, I expect you would be asked to respond to inquiries from your peers, that is, knowledgeable, recognized dealers of the same material which you have authenticated. Should the location not be convenient for you, I'm sure we can arrange a meeting in Falls Church. Mr. Shelly Jaffe has already graciously agreed to attend, as has Mr. Frank Caiazzo.<br /><br />Will you or will you not accept? If not, under what parameters will you accept (your) challenge?<br /><br />B. Panagopulos<br />Alexander Autographs, Inc.<br />860 Canal St.<br />Stamford, CT 06902<br />info@alexautographscom<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>How about a bonfire to burn all our old SCD copies?<br />SCD was the enabler for a long time, I doubt if they are even needed much any more. <br />An e mail was sent to a poster on this thread, suggesting who some of the consignors might be to CC.<br />Since this was an anonymous e mail I will not post the names that were listed.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>1880nonsports</b><p>as this is a REALLY REALLY interesting thread. Barry check post 699 <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Alan Elefson</b><p>Hi-<br /> First of all, I would like to thank the participants of this thread for posting such valuable information and for doing their best to clean up our hobby/business. This thread is incredible!<br /> Second, this weekend I wandered into a shop called Gallery of Legends found within the Miracle Mile shops attached to the Planet Hollywood Casino (formerly the Aladdin) on the Las Vegas strip (I am visiting my parents who live in Vegas). In this shop were two autographed bats supposedly containing the autographs of 1930s Yankees teams (including Ruth and Gehrig) with a prominent sign stating they were "authenticated" by none other than Christopher Morales. As soon as I saw the sign, my thoughts went right to this thread, and I began to get angry thinking someone will purchase these forgeries unknowingly. Beyond the fact that Morales "authenticated" these items, the Ruth on each looked quite bad to me (although I am not an expert). I realize regular hobbyists would never purchase autographs at a store like this (way overpriced in general), but I was concerned for the general public as well.<br /> I immediately spoke with a man behind the counter and told him about Morales and that the Ruths appeared to be fakes. He blew me off (he said I have been doing this since I was 5 years old and I know my autographs - he looked like he was in his late twenties at most). Fruitlessly, I tried explaining the issues with Morales, but again, he blew me off. <br /> I then went to the mall security (the mall and the casino are run by two seperate companies) where I spoke to a security supervisor and I wrote out a formal complaint leaving my name, telephone number and address. The security supervisor said that management will definitely contact me and he thanked me for bringing this possible fraud to their attention. <br /> The shop's website is www.galleryoflegends.net. I urge any one on this forum to report a store selling possibly fraudulent autographs to anyone who will listen. Unfortunately, I am not an autograph expert, but if I receive a response from security I will contact Richard Simon and/or Shelly Jaffe to see if they can help with their expert opinions. I do not know if the mall's management will act on this, but I hope they do. <br /> On a good note, I also visited Field of Dreams on the Strip and spoke with their manager. He uses only good authenticators (Spence, PSA, etc.) and will never touch an item "authenticated" by Morales. He also thanked me for making the complaint as bad autographs adversely affect his business as well. <br /> Please note that it is my opinion that the high dollar autographs found in Gallery of Legends are fakes. I base this on the "authenticator" as well as the look of the autographs. This is only my opinion. I encourage all Net 54 readers to "raise a stink" wherever you see these bad autographs.<br />Thanks,<br />Alan Elefson<br />aelefson@hotmail.com
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Mark Steinberg</b><p>Alan/All:<br /><br />This Gallery Of Legends is the very store (Field of Dreams-type) in the Miracle Mile that I was referring to in my above post on February 6 at 1:52 PM.<br /><br />I did not remember the name of the store when I posted, but that is it without question. ALL of their high-end items were bogus.... really bad fakes, as well. The prices were astronomical... high even by Las Vegas standards. And they must be selling quite a lot, in order to pay that high-priced rent. <br /><br />This Gallery of Legends should be drummed out of business ASAP. It just made me sick to actually see this stuff in person... much worse than seeing it on-line!<br /><br />The nearby Field of Dreams store near Smith & Wollensky was indeed legit, as you state. Thanks for your great post!
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>DJ</b><p>First off, it's good to catch up after a weekend away...like coming back from a vacation and having to read a stack of old newspapers.<br /><br />A few points above really should shed some light on the issue at hand and that is the refusal of some of the legitimate sellers to take a stand against the problem at hand. Why sellers I BUY from still advertise in this biased rag is beyond me. You could offer me a lifetime supply of free full page ads, a free subscription for my entire State and a bottomless supply of Vitamin Water and I would still wish not to associate with such a periodical. <br /><br />Just think about this fact. Auction companies want to advertise themselves and insure that a little old lady with an attic full of used sporting goods (who was related in someways to a posed sporting gent on an old photo) may in fact have some treasures. You think that little old lady reads Sports Collector's Digest? Who even carries that anymore? <br /><br />Auction houses have to set up at airport hotels and advertise their presence and do shows like the National to talk to the public. Do you think they want to do all this stuff? All this cuts into their bottom line, but they realize it is a necessary part of the business. <br /><br />How does Coach's get Roger Connor signed memorabilia where others don't? Will they be at the big Philly show right in there back yard this week? I'll see. How about a STAT booth? How about Morales and his microscope? They weren't at the National, but Mastro, Lelands, Clean Sweep, Hunt, PSA/DNA and Jimmy Spence were. <br /><br />I came up with a good acronym over the weekend for STAT. STop Authenticating Ted. <br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />DJ<br /><br />
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>CS Bolay</b><p>Hmm, I checked out this Gallery of Legends of site. Didn't have a lot of stuff online, but I did notice one interesting item. Took a peek at the 'Authenticity' link (hotlinked term 'forensic examiners') <br /><br /><a href="http://www.galleryoflegends.net/Authenticity.html" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.galleryoflegends.net/Authenticity.html</a><br /><br />...and was instantly spirited away to the one and only <br /><br /><a href="http://www.frangipaniforensics.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.frangipaniforensics.com/</a><br /><br />~and on the matter of SCD, my subscription ran out last year, partially due to the Coaches Corner issue, but also because of their pathetic 'see no evil' jounalistic/editorial stance towards so many of their big advertisers, incl. PSA/DNA. It is an utterly worthless periodical.<br /><br />I wish I could see SCD in the dock with the Coaches boys someday, but I suppose it may not be legally workable (I'm no lawyer as so many other members seem to be). <br /><br />Back to lurk mode now, carry on...
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>If Gallery of History has all of this terrific material, why don't they picture any of it on their website? And Frangipani as an authenticator? They should at LEAST use Mr. Morales or STAT.
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Bill - Gallery of Legends , not Gallery of History,,, big difference, though not in pricing.<br />-<br />Who is left advertising in SCD on a regular basis ?<br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>I just hung up the phone with the gallery. I asked them if they had any idea where their items came from. The reply was no we don't. we depend on the authenticator to tell us if is authentic or not. No idea where a Babe Ruth bat came from!
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>An eye opening anonymous e mail is being sent to some posters on this thread. It alleges that certain people are suppliers of CC autographs.<br />Since the writer declines to offer any proof I will not print the people he names. If anybody else on this thread gets such an e mail, please forward it to me. I am curious to see how many people will be sent this e mail.<br /><br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss
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Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
Posted By: <b>Mark Evans</b><p>I have an uneasy feeling that I own a bogus Mantle baseball. The ball is a 1981 WS ball and was purchased some years ago before public disclosure of Operation Bullpen from a company in Knoxville, Tennessee called Wall of Fame. This company was implicated in Operation Bullpen but avoided prosecution by cooperating with law enforcement authorities.<br /><br />I don't know how to post a scan. The autograph looks good to my untrained eye but I strongly suspect it is a Greg Marino special. Any thoughts from Board experts -- Richard, Shelly, Barry, others?<br /><br />Finally, assuming autograph is bogus, I would be interested in replacing the ball in my collection. Is there any way to ensure authenticity of a Mantle ball without paying UDA prices ($600+)? Is buying a Bobby Brown ball assurance of authenticity or are some of these Mantle balls forgeries as well? Thanks alot. Mark<br /><br />
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