Weird Looking Cubs Helmets

[skipcareyisfat]

Has anyone seen Cubs logos and uniform numbers like the ones in the following auctions? One apparently has a Cubs COA.

-Jason

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nomar-Garciaparra-Chicago-Cubs-Game-Used-Batting-Helmet_W0QQitemZ8789046887QQcategoryZ50117QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jeromy-Burnitz-Chicago-Cubs-Game-Used-Batting-Helmet_W0QQitemZ8789047188QQcategoryZ50117QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/05-CHICAGO-CUBS-GAME-USED-BASEBALL-HELMET-LOA-FROM-CUBS_W0QQitemZ8788624073QQcategoryZ60597QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

[RobSteinmetz]

These helmets aren't even close. The letter from Hellman probably originally came with another item - no way these helmets were anywhere near the Cubs equipment sale. The "C" on the front is way too large, and the number on the back is also way too large. Not even close. Here are photos of the front and back of a real Cubs game used helmet:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4712/mvc119f8te.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/961/mvc337f0wf.jpg

[skipcareyisfat]

Rob,
That was my feeling too. They're almost comical looking. At least the Nomar isn't a road issue!
Jason

[ryan4fregosi]

My feeling? The "Wood gamer" is a real helmet, albeit one form the 70s/80s, appropriately doctored to draw suckers.

Ironic, since I drop $$ for unaltered 70's stuff...

[RobSteinmetz]

Ryan4Fregosi,

I don't think the seller of the helmets in question offered a Wood helmet for sale. The photos I posted were of two different helmets (first was a Matt Clement home helmet from 2002 or 2003, and second was a Wood road helmet from the same era). The Cubs still use those glued on "C" patches on the front of their helmets. Regardless, the helmets first mentioned in this thread are nothing more than replicas (and BAD replicas at that).

[STLWSB]

Hello, Mr. Steinmetz, I was wondering something, this is somewhat off topic but, you say that the 1st picture is of a Clement helmet, I thought Clement was a right handed batter and this helmet is for a left handed batter. I checked out some photos of Clement as a Cub on Getty images Image 50853097, and Image 50853089

and the only two I saw of him batting were of him using a right handed helmet, also ESPN list him as batting right. Is he a switch hitter or does he bunt from the left or something, just wondering, thanks for any information?

[RobSteinmetz]

Thanks for pointing out what should have been obvious to me (as a lifelong Cubs fan). I made a large team purchase of Cubs game used equipment at the 2004 Cubs Convention, this being one of about 15 helmets I picked up. I can't blame anything more than human error, but I incorrectly identified the above helmet as a Clement gamer, when Matt was/is clearly a right-handed batter. Ugh.

The Cubs carry helmets in inventory for long periods of time, unless there is a major style change (as there was this year). It is my belief that what I thought was a Clement helmet is actually a Matt Stairs helmet (who wore #30 the year before Clement joined the team and batted left-handed). Needless to say, an oversight on my part that shouldn't have happened.

In an effort to rectify this situation in a timely manner, I have contacted the individual who purchased this helmet from me to notify him of my error. The "Clement" helmet in question was recently on eBay with my letter, and I have also contacted the seller to offer a full refund. My apologies to the individual who purchased this item from me in good faith. To err is human, but this simply shouldn't have happened.

Signed,

Captain Obvious

[pietraynor]

It appears most of the Cubs, if not all, are using the new style "air flow" batting helmets. I was at the opener in Cincinnati Monday and noticed.

[STLWSB]

Thanks Rob, you are a stand up guy, I am actually the guy who won this Clement helmet on Ebay last night. As I was looking into the helmet and Clements stats I noticed this discrepancy, that is why I notified you of my findings. The original owner of the helmet, has notified me of you contacting him for a refund. I cant say I'm not sad because I won the helmet so cheap, but I am going to e-mail him and let him know it is fine with me to return it to you.
Thanks
Russell