Does the Ball Matter?

[BrandonG]

As a vintage ball collector, I absolutely HATE seeing people get living players signed on baseballs from their playing era (1980's-1990's Bobby Brown, Budig, White, Coleman baseballs excluded). Babe Ruth didn't play in 1948 yet his signature is on, what at the time, was a modern Harridge ball. And it doesn't play a factor in the autograph value. Lance, hearing that story about the Frick ball makes me cringe, that ball was more valuable without the Mays auto on it, and becoming more and more scarce whereas Mays auto's are a dime a dozen.

A little off topic but when I see forgeries on real rare vintage baseballs it makes me want to punch someone, I almost want to start collecting them up and removing the forgery to salvage the ball!

(I like baseballs)

[TyrusRCobb]

Gentlemen, thanks for all of the great advice. So, shoot for vintage balls with vintage autos when money allows or get the auto on a new OMLB. Do not purchase a vintage ball and have the player sign it.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by BrandonG

, hearing that story about the Frick ball makes me cringe, that ball was more valuable without the Mays auto on it, and becoming more and more scarce whereas Mays auto's are a dime a dozen.D

Can you imagine... The guy probably asked for a ballpoint signature and Mays intentionally used a fat blue Sharpie on a Frick ball...