[BRoberts]

Last night while browsing Heritage Auctions' Sunday night auction, I saw a signed 1963 Topps card of Chicago Cubs infielder and 1962 Rookie of the Year Ken Hubbs. It caught my eye because, as many of you know, Hubbs died in a plane crash in February 1964. I can't imagine there are many autographed cards of him. Anyway, here's the Heritage description:

Signed 1963 Topps Ken Hubbs #15. Ken Hubbs was a professional baseball player who played as a second baseman for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Hubbs was known for his exceptional defensive skills and athleticism. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1962, becoming the first rookie to win a Gold Glove Award. During that season, he set a record for the most consecutive errorless games by a second baseman, showcasing his reliability and skill on the field. Offered is a signed 2nd year card of the Cubs great. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.

The beginning of the description reads like a Wikipedia entry, certainly not something an auction house would write. And what auction house writer wouldn't mention Hubbs' death at age 22 and the rarity of the signed card? I shared the write-up with a hobby friend, and his immediate reaction was "That reads like something generated by AI."

I have no issue with any auction house -- or business, for that matter -- using AI. And I should say in general -- not always -- I think Heritage does things the right way. Lord knows they are successful. But, gee, couldn't an employee at least read the description before making it live? It's not like AI has been around for decades and you always know what you're going to get.

Doesn't an auction house owe a little more effort to consignors to produce complete descriptions about the items they're selling?