Giving back potential HOF items

[Runscott]

We've discussed giving back significant game-used items to players, but quite frankly - many players could care less. And out of those that care a little, they might very well give the item to the HOF.

Given that I think the MLB HOF is a blight on the sport I love, I doubt I would give anything back;e.g.-player's career 3000th hit baseball - if I thought it might end up there.

Thoughts?

[Sean1125]

I think you go to the games for the chance to catch that pop fly... If it so happens to be a future HoF's 3,000th hit then you have hit a lottery within a lottery.

IMO people should keep those kinds of pieces themselves.

[esd10]

I wouldn't give it back and I would tell them they can win it at the auction if they really wanted it.

[packs]

For a long time I dreamed of finding something that the HOF would want to display with my name next to it as the donor. But after finding out how little the HOF actually cares about it's items, I'd never give anything to them.

[djson1]

I can understand a player wanting a milestone ball back. But I've always been shocked by how little that player or organization will exchange with the individual. I've heard of just a signed ball, a pair of tix (if even that!), and a chance to meet the player backstage in exchange for the ball back. We're talking about guys who earn more money than most of us will ever see in our lifetimes and they only offer weak exchanges like that?! I think a big fat check should be more than fair.

[packs]

I agree. The team or player should pay market price for the item. I don't know what compels people to give players anything. That guy won't even write his name down for you 9 times out of 10.