pujols game used bat

[justinlm24]

Can anyone offer any opinions on this pujols gamer listed on hollywood collectibles website? I am looking for a pujols, but want to ensure I buy a legit piece. I've heard Rich is a stand up guy but have never dealt with him personally. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/albert-pujols-2009-game-used-marucci-p-11821.html

[gorilla777]

I saw that bat around the holidays and something seemed off - even though it is the right model.
I contacted Jeff at Bird Bats and he pointed out the huge difference in the look and pattern of the pine tar on that bat. On that bat it is caked-on, black colored pine tar on the entire handle versus the thinner coat of reddish color pine tar pattern he typically has - he had various pics on the exact bat to show the difference.
Bottom line - bat was used by someone else

Ben

[Birdbats]

Just look at the pine tar on these three 2009 game-used bats. Note the color of the tar and where it is. Should be all you need to know.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/birdbats/Bats/2009gamers.jpg

[justinlm24]

that was my original opinion as well....just wanted someone to conclude that as well. Thanks!!!

[bigtruck260]

This is a dilemma that I have been faced with MANY times over the years – and it doesn’t matter what the product is: autographs, bats, jerseys – ANYTHING…

When you have a dealer who is considered by many to be trustworthy and honest – and something like this comes up, what do you do? Email the seller? Tell nobody? It just seems that every time I decide to email the seller or post something in the forum about something that is less than perfect, I get a nasty email from the seller telling me that I don’t know s*it – and that I am setting myself up for litigation, etc. It happened a few times with guys that are lauded in this forum for being great sellers.

I would seriously be interested in what Rich himself has to say about this bat after being presented with this ‘evidence’. He obviously thinks highly of this item or the price would be lower. Do you think he will simply ‘pull the product’ and thank us for pointing out that the bat is not what it seems? If he’s the guy he claims to be in his catalogs, he most certainly will change the description of the item –or a least take it down to have it examined by an expert. By expert, I mean the person who has shown us photographic proof in this thread. There is only one ‘expert’ when it comes to Pujols game used bats, and knowing Jeff (Hi Jeff) – it’s doubtful he’d even call himself an expert.

Just sayin’.

[justinlm24]

I appreciate all the input....there is one last pujols gamer I wanted opinions on. It looks legit, but looks can always be decieving when it comes to pujols bats.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320469327602&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[CampWest]

I do not challenge the assertion or the conclusion, I would just caution to avoid putting 100% faith in any picture. Be aware that image quality, specifically white balance, lighting, saturation, contrast, brightness, color tone/temperature, etc, can all slightly affect the perceived colors in a photograph.

To that point, I'd illustrate that the bat in the middle, the color of the barrel labeling, (name & model) appears to be a darker more redder/copper shade than the top or bottom bat. Even the silver paint pen has a different appearance. My point being that this could indicate a difference in camera settings, lighting, etc.

I caution that personal inspection or a photo using a different camera in different lighting could yield a different opinion on the color and thickness of the pinetar.

I have seen pictures of bats on ebay, where the red channel is highlighted to give a blonde bat a pink appearance to draw more interest as a mother's day bat.

Anyhow, I do not have any personal conclusions on the validity of these bats, I just know a little about photography and I cannot rule out the color differences being caused by variable camera settings.



Just look at the pine tar on these three 2009 game-used bats. Note the color of the tar and where it is. Should be all you need to know.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/birdbats/Bats/2009gamers.jpg

[shoremen44]

I would seriously be interested in what Rich himself has to say about this bat after being presented with this ‘evidence’. He obviously thinks highly of this item or the price would be lower. Do you think he will simply ‘pull the product’ and thank us for pointing out that the bat is not what it seems? If he’s the guy he claims to be in his catalogs, he most certainly will change the description of the item –or a least take it down to have it examined by an expert.

I contacted Rich... now remember all I did was trade emails, so not sure who I was talking to... but the response I got was the price is a good price and it was a bat used by Pujols...

I guess they thought I was trying to cheat them

[bigtruck260]

I contacted Rich... now remember all I did was trade emails, so not sure who I was talking to... but the response I got was the price is a good price and it was a bat used by Pujols...

I guess they thought I was trying to cheat them

Thanks Bert.

This is pretty much what I thought would happen. Even if confronted with the best info, many sellers will deny until the item is finally sold to someone. Did anyone find any info on the bat other than the photo? The description is an ad for Hollywood Collectibles - but not much else on the $2500 bat they are selling.

I have no doubt that someone from Hollywood checks this board a few times a day. Rich is a good guy by all accounts, I'd just expect more info from a guy of his stature in the business. I'm also not saying it's a bad bat...I just expect more infor for that much money.

[joelsabi]

Thanks Bert.

This is pretty much what I thought would happen. Even if confronted with the best info, many sellers will deny until the item is finally sold to someone. Did anyone find any info on the bat other than the photo? The description is an ad for Hollywood Collectibles - but not much else on the $2500 bat they are selling.

I have no doubt that someone from Hollywood checks this board a few times a day. Rich is a good guy by all accounts, I'd just expect more info from a guy of his stature in the business. I'm also not saying it's a bad bat...I just expect more infor for that much money.

Rich has really fast response everytime i have tried to contact him. I have bought several times from him. he can be reached at altman@hollywoodcollectibles.com

[bigtruck260]

Rich has really fast response everytime i have tried to contact him. I have bought several times from him. he can be reached at altman@hollywoodcollectibles.com

Thanks Joel - I know what you are insinuating...

As stated previously, I have done businesses (and not done business) with them before. Bert has already emailed him, and has noted his response.

I wasn't interested in the item initially anyway - it was the OP. Therefore, no need for me to bother a busy man like Rich with an email. Bert's a better man than me for taking the time.

[joelsabi]

Thanks Joel - I know what you are insinuating...

As stated previously, I have done businesses (and not done business) with them before. Bert has already emailed him, and has noted his response.

I wasn't interested in the item initially anyway - it was the OP. Therefore, no need for me to bother a busy man like Rich with an email. Bert's a better man than me for taking the time.

no in this case i dont see a need to reemail the man. just future reference my friend.

[bigtruck260]

Thanks Joel - I know what you are insinuating...

As stated previously, I have done businesses (and not done business) with them before. Bert has already emailed him, and has noted his response.

I wasn't interested in the item initially anyway - it was the OP. Therefore, no need for me to bother a busy man like Rich with an email. Bert's a better man than me for taking the time.


...and to be completely honest, If a top notch seller cares enough about what I think of his merchandise, then I would expect a better up front description in his online storefront. Just because someone has a contract with the Marlins or Bill Russell - means zero when procuring a $2500 game used bat from him/them.

I've been down this road before with them, and I'm not doing it again. Joel - MY experience (unlike yours) is a little different with this company. They sell a bunch of awesome items, and apparently you like them and they give you a good response (have you ever questioned an item they were selling?) If so, what was it?

Sorry - the more I get into this email, the more I realize that I have lost tolerance for this kind of stuff. I have seen better and more accurate descriptions by misleading sellers on EBay than this - where does it detail game use, use characteristics, cracks/no cracks, knob detail, or style matching? Seriously. Bert emails them, and they say 'good price, and it was used by Pujols'...Ok, Guess I'll take your word for it. You're Rich Altman. Here's $2500 bucks.


Albert Pujols 2009 Game Used Marucci Bat
[ABAT10005]

$2,400.00

http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/catalog/images_tn/albert-pujols-game-used-marucci-bat.jpg (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/catalog/images/albert-pujols-game-used-marucci-bat.jpg)Albert Pujols Game Used Marucci Bat This piece of sports memorabilia comes with a Rich Altman COA.
Contact us Toll Free at 800-844-7735


This memorabilia comes with a certificate of authenticity. The fully certified certificate of authenticity is provided by Hollywood Collectibles (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/) Inc. This memorabilia is backed by hollywoodcollectibles.com Authenticity Guarantee (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/authentication.php). Hollywood Collectibles (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/) is a sports memorabilia store that sells autographed photos (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=autographed+ph otos&x=28&y=10), game used pieces, vintage items, and many more. This is a great time for autographed sports memorabilia (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=autographed+sp orts+memorabilia+&x=15&y=9)collectors to purchase sports memorabilia (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=sports+memorab ilia&&x=19&y=9). To view these items and purchase one of a kind sports memorabilia visit www.hollywoodcollectibles.com (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/). Owner Rich Altman has exclusive deals with legends like Bill Russell (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=bill+russell&&x=0&y=0), and Sam Jones (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=sam+jones&&x=0&y=0) for the past 11 years. Not to mention former exclusives with superstarsDwyane Wade (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=sam+jones&&x=0&y=0), Chris Paul (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=chris+paul&&x=0&y=0), Brandon Roy (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Brandon+roy&&x=0&y=0) and baseball stars like Miguel Cabrera (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Miguel+Cabrera&&x=32&y=8) and Hanley Ramirez (http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Hanley+Ramirez&&x=50&y=9).

[joelsabi]

...and to be completely honest, If a top notch seller cares enough about what I think of his merchandise, then I would expect a better up front description in his online storefront. Just because someone has a contract with the Marlins or Bill Russell - means zero when procuring a $2500 game used bat from him/them.

I've been down this road before with them, and I'm not doing it again. Joel - MY experience (unlike yours) is a little different with this company. They sell a bunch of awesome items, and apparently you like them and they give you a good response (have you ever questioned an item they were selling?) If so, what was it?

Sorry - the more I get into this email, the more I realize that I have lost tolerance for this kind of stuff. I have seen better and more accurate descriptions by misleading sellers on EBay than this - where does it detail game use, use characteristics, cracks/no cracks, knob detail, or style matching? Seriously. Bert emails them, and they say 'good price, and it was used by Pujols'...Ok, Guess I'll take your word for it. You're Rich Altman. Here's $2500 bucks.


Dave,

i have emailed Altman and he has quick response. i agree, the game used descriptions on the website are vague. he is the exclusive dealer i think for alex gordon of the royals and has many game used pieces for him. look at the description on any of the gordon items, including the bat. the gordon bat desciption has as little info as the pujol bat description.

its not like hollywood collectibles is a bat specialist website like john taube or jeff scott where i would expect the bat information to be more detailed on the website as the clientele is very specific. altman is known for autographs more than game used bats and is the supplier of autograph to over a 100 stores across the country. i have bought autograph items from him only. never asked him a game used question. however, i have no doubt he will reply to question on game used items he is selling if emailed to.

regards,

joel

[gorilla777]

$2,500? He moved the price back up too - when I saw it around the holidays it was down at $1,750 or so.

[justinlm24]

I emailed rich last night to obtain more pics of the bat. I got a quick response from his wife. The bat is in houston right now for a show rich is attending. She said she would get me the pics as soon as he returns home. If Iget them I will post them.

Then I was surfing the net last night for other game used pujols bats...I came across this.....
http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-products/carl-yastremski-autographed-louisville-slugger-bat.html
Now this looks like the EXACT picture that is on hollywood collectibles website.....not exactly sure what this means but I'll let other forum members make their own conclusions.

Again I will post any pics that I recieve from mr. altman

[shoremen44]

Here are the pics they are going to send you...

[ironmanfan]

is Pujols known to hit with the trade mark down?....Appears like this bat was used by a LH hitter....

[bigtruck260]

I emailed rich last night to obtain more pics of the bat. I got a quick response from his wife. The bat is in houston right now for a show rich is attending. She said she would get me the pics as soon as he returns home. If Iget them I will post them.

Then I was surfing the net last night for other game used pujols bats...I came across this.....
http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-products/carl-yastremski-autographed-louisville-slugger-bat.html
Now this looks like the EXACT picture that is on hollywood collectibles website.....not exactly sure what this means but I'll let other forum members make their own conclusions.

Again I will post any pics that I recieve from mr. altman

The link you referenced is procuring the bat from Rich if a sale goes thru.
That kind of stuff is all over the place...note the mark-up from the Hollywood site.

No doubt Rich is a great guy, I've heard nothing to the contrary.

This bat however has some flags on it - as Ironmanfan pointed out, there are marks all over the place. I have seen quite a few of Albert's bats up close and the use is pretty concentrated to the right hand - label up hitter's surface. Just an observation.

[Birdbats]

Remember, in 2009, manufacturers were forced to move the center brand on maple bats 90 degrees (supposedly to reduce breaking). Most players are too smart to be tricked... they simply turned the bat 90 degrees when hitting, so most 2009 maple bats will have ball marks on the front and back, not top and bottom. I haven't seen many 2009 Pujols bats, but it doesn't seem (from what I've seen) that he's prone to hitting on the front/face of the bat as much as the back.

[shoremen44]

Like I told Rich... looks like a Matt Holliday used bat