Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>James Gallo</b><p>Ok Guys I need help with this one.<br /><br />It is slightly off topic as this is not an early ball and is from the 1990s likely but I can't figure it out and you guys have been great with iding stuff in the past.<br /><br />Here is what I know.<br /><br />Ball is a William White NL ball.<br /><br />The inscription reads:<br /><br />"To Max Best of Luck........<br /><br />There is a name and either a year or a jersey number but I can't make either out for sure.<br /><br />Here are a couple of pictures.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.thetoyheaven.com/images/items/ball1.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.thetoyheaven.com/images/items/ball.jpg"><br /><br />Beyond what you see I don't know much. I got this ball with a few other signed Phillies balls from the early 1990s era. The owner did go to a game of the 1993 World Series in Philly.<br /><br />Any help iding this would be great as it has bothered me for a number of years.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />James G<br><br>Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>Todd Schultz</b><p>Mike Piazza?

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>Jon Canfield</b><p>Except the number looks like #71 - Piazza wore 31?

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>Jodi Birkholm</b><p>It's a very VERY early Piazza, likely a pre-rookie example. The ball itself was manufactured in 1991 (due to the Costa Rica stamping), and had to have been signed no later than that year. Vintage Piazza sigs where you can read every letter aren't the easiest to locate.

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>I actually think it does read "# 31"...if you look really closely it looks like the top part of the "3" barely got ink, but it's there.

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>James Gallo</b><p>I did think of Piazza however there seems to be too many loops before the Z's which really throws it off. Also what happened to the K in Mike? It looks more like a Mel then a Mike which again through me off.<br /><br />Jodi how sure are you this is Piazza? Do you have something that you have seen or have compared it to? <br /><br />I am assuming that if it is Piazza and so early it may actually be worth something <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />James G<br /><br />Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>Jodi Birkholm</b><p>I am 100% certain.<br /><br />I have seen several like this.

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>DJ</b><p>It is in fact Mike Piazza's signature. As far as it's value goes, personalized in this manner, even if it is early...$50 probably.<br /><br />DJ

Autographed Mystery Ball
 

Posted By: <b>James Gallo</b><p>You guys rock.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Mystery solved.<br /><br />James G<br><br>Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.