What do you think of this Heritage offering?

[mighty bombjack]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

I can assure you that the people (when I ask questions of people, I usually don't turn around and then print their names in a forum) I asked are all very highly regarded in the hobby and one of them is Shelly, who has posted his thoughts on this ball, in this thread and who at this very moment is trembling at the thought of retribution from Heritage .

I respect that Richard, but it's very easy to say that "experts" agree that something is bad, as Nash is wont to do in his postings. Others are quick to accept that as truth because they have an agenda that needs satisfying. I could easily say that I've spoken to several experts who think this Yankee ball is good. People would ask for names then, no?

[David Atkatz]

Here's a name. I don't know if it's "the best autographed baseball, ever," or "the best 1927 Yankees baseball," but my humble opinion is that the ball is genuine.

[dgo71]

Thanks Wayne and Travis...wow, that's scary. You would think legally the auction house should still have some liability. Ignorance of the law being no excuse for breaking it, and all that. It's disheartening to see big houses essentially using the "we didn't know it was fake" excuse by hiding behind a TPA.

[RichardSimon]

So close and yet so far away. (I live at East 80th Street and the auction is at East 79th Street across the street from Central Park).
I am assuming after this thread I will have to come up with some fake ID to get into this auction .

[David Atkatz]

I will probably go to the preview--I'd like to see some of these pieces. I haven't decided about the auction, yet.

[shelly]

Richard, I am sure David would take you as he guest. Then I am sure we will know if it is authentic or not.
I can dream can't I.

[shelly]

I would be amazed if Heritage did not allow anyone into the auction preview. In fact they would be fools if they did that. Just think about the negative press that they would get.
Why would any auction house not allow anyone in unless they have doubt's of there own. What better way to prove to those who think the ball is not authentic but to let them see it in person. Would anyone of you spend that kind of money on just someone's word. I sure would like to see what I am buying in or send someone that has no interest but to make sure what I am buying is truly what they say it is.

What I Find most amazing is. Heritage has what they call two of the greatest experts in the autograph world. Yet you do not see them saying in there opinion it is authentic. Why do they go outside of there own staff to have this item authenticated? In fact when have you ever seen Gutierrez or Jordan on any of there certs.
Just so you know this is from Mike's site dated Feb 2 2013. No conflict of interest at all.


Mike Gutierrez is a vintage sports autograph and memorabilia specialist with experience dating back to the 1970s. Currently, he works for Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, as a consignments director and is also an autograph authentication consultant for James Spence Authentication (JSA), the leader in sports authentication.
Hey, If I am that person buying that ball that is what I would ask.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by shelly

Richard, I am sure David would take you as he guest. Then I am sure we will know if it is authentic or not.
I can dream can't I.

WTF is wrong with you, Shelly? Are you not happy unless you can get a fight going here?

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by mighty bombjack

I could easily say that I've spoken to several experts who think this Yankee ball is good. People would ask for names then, no?

Have you actually spoken to several experts? If you tell me you did, then I would believe you, but you are not exactly saying that now. You don't have to name the names, just tell us if you have actually talked to people about the ball and if so how many.
This looks like one of those baseballs where we have to say that the people who have been asked just disagree but two of the names of those that have offered negative opinions on the ball are at the very top of this hobby.

[David Atkatz]

What's your own opinion, Richard?

[mighty bombjack]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

Have you actually spoken to several experts? If you tell me you did, then I would believe you, but you are not exactly saying that now. You don't have to name the names, just tell us if you have actually talked to people about the ball and if so how many.
This looks like one of those baseballs where we have to say that the people who have been asked just disagree but two of the names of those that I have discussed the ball with are at the very top of this hobby.

I have not spoken to anybody about this ball, only the back and forth on this board. I agree, all we will be left with on this ball is opinions and opinions of those giving opinions. And there is apparent disagreement on both of those counts.

For me, the authenticity of this particular ball isn't really of interest per se, but the discussion of auction house practices and how authenticity is determined by interested parties is why I'm here.