Well that escalated quickly...

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by sbfinley

So it is not often that a new Tommy Bridges item pops up on the market that I do not own or care to pass on. Then a couple of days ago a decent item popped up on eBay. It was listed as a "Signed Contract", but it's more like a bonus receipt signed by Bridges. However, the item evidently dates to Bridges' time with the Wheeling Stoogies and his minor league material (especially at Wheeling or Evansville) is rare so I wanted it.

So the item started as a 10 day auction starting at $.99. A couple of days pass with no bid. I've been chasing Bridges material for five years and I know the market. I know who is following this auction. In reality it is a $50 item. if certain people see the auction it's a $75-$125 item. If the other Bridges collector I know and I get in a bidding war it's $250 (and that is us texting each other the last day with taunts). Basically it is a cool item, but not mind blowing. Personally, I would have gone higher just because it has been several months since I picked up a cool new Bridges item and I'm going through withdrawals. If I had a bottle of good Scotch in front of me I'd give more.

So I get home tonight and check eBay to only to find that the auction has ended early. My first thought was that one of the other Bridges collectors I know sent an offer through email, but then I noticed the "item relisted" icon and clicked on it.

Merry. Christmas. Me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20s-Vtg-Tomm...item2a2fb61539

Fortunately, I am drinking very bad Scotch right now so I am only partially considering the price. FYI a Babe Ruth signed photo inscribed To my Pal Tommy Bridges hammered at only 2/3 of this clown's price.

Thanks for the rant.

Steven Finley

OUCH!!! People are sure greedy. Yikes!

[thecatspajamas]

Wow, that's just plain mean (of the seller). Not the twist I was expecting at the end of the story, but another example of why I go ahead and throw in that token opening bid on items I am interested in. With no penalties for pulling items early, and often no bids until the last day, too many sellers get cold feet and either pull the item or take somebody's offer before the auction runs its course.

Maybe you could make the seller an offer saying you were going to bid on the auction but it ended, and just pretend you didn't see the ridiculous re-listed price? Bring Tommy back home to Nashville!

[perezfan]

That really stinks, but is not too surprising, given the number of greedy BIN Sellers overtaking ebay these days. I hope you and he can somehow work a resonable compromise.

Unfortunately, you may have to wait it out... until after he experiences a few weeks with no nibbles at that goofy price. Best of luck either way...

Also I am assuming you already have the Tommy Bridges Pinball Game? Only reason I bring it up is that a nice example was at the National, and I couldn't help but marvel at it. Good seller, too. Being an advanced Bridges collector, I would bet you already have it. Just wanted to make you aware

[sbfinley]

Originally Posted by perezfan

That really stinks, but is not too surprising, given the number of greedy BIN Sellers overtaking ebay these days. I hope you and he can somehow work a resonable compromise.

Unfortunately, you may have to wait it out... until after he experiences a few weeks with no nibbles at that goofy price. Best of luck either way...

Also I am assuming you already have the Tommy Bridges Pinball Game? Only reason I bring it up is that a nice example was at the National, and I couldn't help but marvel at it. Good seller, too. Being an advanced Bridges collector, I would bet you already have it. Just wanted to make you aware

If you are referring to this tabletop game, then yes I picked one up a couple of years ago. It is not in working order and the flippers are missing but the colors are bright and vibrant especially in person. It's a great piece and even if I wasn't a Bridges collector its the type of item that would really stand out to me.

[bwild22]

i offered him 100 to soften him up a bit for you haha

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by bwild22

i offered him 100 to soften him up a bit for you haha

That's funny. I offered $150 with the same intent.

[sbfinley]

Both more than I offered.