What to do with an old signed baseball?

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dave holl

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Back when I was born, in 1943, my father gave me a baseball he had signed by 11 members of the '43 Cleveland Indians team, including Lou Boudreau, and 10 others. The box has long ago disappeared, but the ball has rested peacefully for years in a drawer, and more recently in a plastic sealed display.

My question to you, my learned friends, from whom I have gleaned much knowledge and foolishness, is............who would I contact to obtain an honest perspective as to its worth and importance to a collector? Does anyone know of a trusted person to give such advice?

It has some sentimental value but, depending on its $$ value, I guess I could part with it.

I realize there are many buyers of sports memorabilia of various ilk, and am aware of the phrase, "Its value is whatever people are willing to pay".

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Dave
 
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You could go to a Dealer in Sports Memorabilia and then double what they say it's worth.
 
I run a retirement home for old signed baseballs. I don’t charge anything for this service. Just mail the baseball to me and I will take care of it for you, and you will no longer have to worry about what to do with it.
 
Have it professionally graded.
Online Sports Cards Price Guide Subscription
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) & PSA/DNA Authentication Services

Both of these companies grade autographed baseballs. Their websites are a little overwhelming so I would call them.

This is the one and only way you will know if the signatures are authentic. I would also check the other names on the ball. Autographs from at least two other players on that team are extremely rare.

Depending on the cost, I would have the ball encapsulated.
 
dave holl said:
Back when I was born, in 1943, my father gave me a baseball he had signed by 11 members of the '43 Cleveland Indians team, including Lou Boudreau, and 10 others. The box has long ago disappeared, but the ball has rested peacefully for years in a drawer, and more recently in a plastic sealed display.

My question to you, my learned friends, from whom I have gleaned much knowledge and foolishness, is............who would I contact to obtain an honest perspective as to its worth and importance to a collector? Does anyone know of a trusted person to give such advice?

It has some sentimental value but, depending on its $$ value, I guess I could part with it.

I realize there are many buyers of sports memorabilia of various ilk, and am aware of the phrase, "Its value is whatever people are willing to pay".

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Dave
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Put it on "Loan" with The Heritage Park at Progressive Field, the home of the Indians Hall of Fame and other exhibits honoring the franchise's rich history. If it is authentic and in good condition, they will probably display it in their museum for a set time and if someone is interested in acquiring it for their own, they will contact you to see if you are willing to sell it!
My son has a signed baseball from the '82 World Series Champion St.Louis Cardinals by the catcher, Darrell Porter, who was the MVP. It is on loan with the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, and is on display in their HOF Museum.

mb
 
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Thank you for your diverse perspectives on what to do with the baseball. I am hesitant to send it anywhere, but, the solution that appeals the most is to put it on loan in the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame, if they want it. That was a good idea Martybee.
Dave
 
I also have a nice signed team ball, the St. Louis 1946 World Series team, absolutely authentic - my cousin was on the team. For years I have debated whether to sell it or not, or whether it's even worth the expense of a professional grading assessment. Is there anyplace that does consignment sales of sports memorabilia, and what's their percentage charge? I also have a great many pre-WWI baseball cards I'd almost like to sell the same way. Unfortunately, most of them are not in high condition, sort of average or less, including one Honus Wagner, but not the cigarette card - it's some candy card.
 
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I have no input other than my first glove was a Lou Bodreau. Thanks for the memories.
 
dave holl said:
Back when I was born, in 1943, my father gave me a baseball he had signed by 11 members of the '43 Cleveland Indians team, including Lou Boudreau, and 10 others. The box has long ago disappeared, but the ball has rested peacefully for years in a drawer, and more recently in a plastic sealed display.

My question to you, my learned friends, from whom I have gleaned much knowledge and foolishness, is............who would I contact to obtain an honest perspective as to its worth and importance to a collector? Does anyone know of a trusted person to give such advice?

It has some sentimental value but, depending on its $$ value, I guess I could part with it.

I realize there are many buyers of sports memorabilia of various ilk, and am aware of the phrase, "Its value is whatever people are willing to pay".

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Dave
Click to expand...

Pawn Stars . . .
 
I know nothing about the value of the ball. About 25 years ago a guy stopped into the store where I worked one evening trying to sell a baseball signed by all the members of the 69 Mets. It looked real, but I didn't have any cash in those days. My boss offered him $150 for it. Said that was all the cash he had on him. The guy was desperate for some cash and sold it for that. I told my boss it was probably fake, but he was sure it was real.

It was.

He had it appraised. At that time it was worth $900. Probably around $3000 today.
 
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