Spalding Ford Frick Ball - Not What It Seems

[vintagebrett]

I wanted to bring attention to an item on eBay that may be a possible fake. I just saw the item this morning and it ends today so I apologize for the quick notice.

The item in question is Spalding National League Ford Frick ball with multi colored seams - http://www.ebay.com/itm/290923716641...84.m1438.l2649

Back on October 28th, 2012 I sold a Spalding Ford Frick baseball with all red seams. If you compare the pictures below, you will find that the scuff marks and dirt on the ball I sold (then with red seams) match perfectly with the ball in question (now with the multi colored stitch seams). To make matters worse, the person that purchased this ball is a board member. Since you cannot view the item in question on eBay because enough time has elapsed, I have enclosed screen shots of the auction from my October eBay invoice - the invoice listing doesn't fit on one screen so there are a few shots. The accounts used to purchase this baseball and the one to sell it are different, however, if you look at name history of the seller (pastimecollectibles), the first name he used is the name of the person on the paypal account that purchased the baseball. To me, this practice is very disturbing and thought the board would be best served to see for themselves. I did email Leon ahead of time to give him a heads up and he was fine with me posting as long as I printed facts and signed my name.

[BrandonG]

Wow, yes I bought that a while back and sold it with a few other poor quality baseballs to a very close FRIEND of mine. I will contact them immediately and take care of this bs!

[Leon]

I hope it all gets worked out. Same rules for me and everyone on the board...and everyone knows the rules. Put your name by it and say pretty much what you want to.....

[perezfan]

Definitely the same ball... very sleazy. Plus, the seller has all Private feedback (another red flag).

I am curious as to how they execute this procedure. Do they just treat every other stitch with some chemical, to dis-color it? Or is it completely re-stitched?

Seems like it would be very cumbersome and time-consuming either way (and hardly worth the approximate $300 profit). Especially given the risk of getting caught.

Despicable practice, either way... I guess fraud in our hobby isn't limited to forged autographs, trimmed cards and Ad Signs from Ohio!

M a r l< S t e l n b e r g

[Mr. Mitt]

Still trying to understand this. Got that Brandon bought the ball in October, but who sold the ball today? Brandon or the "friend"? If the "friend" sold it today, who is it (for future reference)? If Brandon sold it today, that means he sold it to his "friend", along with other balls, and then somehow reacquired it in order to sell it today for a significant profit. Either way, alterations were not caught nor disclosed by any party.

Jerry F!cch!

[khkco4bls]

I collect memorabilia, baseballs , early bats gloves etc. This makes me sick...I am one step out the door from collecting if this is where we are heading. Anyone buying...

[Mr. Mitt]

Originally Posted by BrandonG

Wow, yes I bought that a while back and sold it with a few other poor quality baseballs to a very close FRIEND of mine. I will contact them immediately and take care of this bs!

Here it is, from the beginning.

[horzverti]

Thanks for the post Brett. I can imagine your surprise when you realized that it was the exact same ball you sold.

All I can say is WOW, YUCK and YIKES!

Brandon, I hope that one didn't make the book. Did your friend get back to you yet?

[Mr. Mitt]

19th century, Kevin, write me!

[BrandonG]

I could not get a hold of the seller, they are not calling me back, I think they're starting to realize the significance of the situation, especially with it involving my name. However, I knew the buyer and immediately called them (another member and friend) and told them to cancel the transaction and do not pay for the ball, which has happened now. So for now the ball will not be sold, and I will try to acquire it back to be destroyed. I will also be cutting ties with this individual. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me outside of the forum through my website.

[perezfan]

Good to hear Brandon... absolute right thing to do. Just curious as to how you know the buyer, if you cannot get the seller to call you back?

I'm also still eager to hear if they re-colored the alternating stitches, or just re-stitched the entire ball. Seems like a laborious procedure either way...

[prewarsports]

Crazy, If someone can execute this then I bet I am right when I have been saying for years that MOST of the 19th century Lemon Peel and Belt Style Balls that have surfaced over the last 5 years are fake too!

[horzverti]

Originally Posted by BrandonG

I could not get a hold of the seller, they are not calling me back, I think they're starting to realize the significance of the situation, especially with it involving my name. However, I knew the buyer and immediately called them (another member and friend) and told them to cancel the transaction and do not pay for the ball, which has happened now. So for now the ball will not be sold, and I will try to acquire it back to be destroyed. I will also be cutting ties with this individual. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me outside of the forum through my website.

Unfortunately your name is associated with this mess. Good to hear that you are doing the right thing. Maybe take a few clear photos of this altered ball before destroying it...maybe use it in your book to note that this version of the Frick ball does not exist. Nah, just blow it up and post video of that.

Just curious, how did you find so quickly who the buyer was?? The auction ended only two hours ago.

[BrandonG]

Originally Posted by horzverti

Just curious, how did you find so quickly who the buyer was?? The auction ended only two hours ago.

I didn't know at first, then looked at the feedback score and it was a high and familiar score. The buyer is a friend who buys only vintage baseballs so when I called, first I just asked if it was him, and it was!