jake33
03-25-2011, 09:44 AM
Ok, I am obviously a huge Tampa Bay Rays fan and try to do a ton of homework before any purchase...
Sometimes, when i got into MLB.com's authentication look up, I will go up and down numbers close to the serial number I have. just to see what else is out there that is authenticated. When items are authenticated, the hologram sticker comes right off a sheet or roll almost in numberical order. So, seeing what is out there is not too hard...
I am also a huge Eric Hinske fan & collector, so Hinske-Rays game used items are like gold to me.
Now, let me say I really like the MLB authentication system. Although it is VERY FLAWED, it does help out a lot (more than hurt in many cases). However, I wish I could get some items I got in person authenticated, as I am sure people out there may doubt authenticity of items that can be easily faked, like hats, balls, batting gloves, cleats....
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Ok, so I am looking at getting a WS game used ball used by EH....
The authentication number for the Hinske Foul Ball from the 08 world series is (believe me this won't be cheap)
LH 172252
With that at-bat, I went to view the video of the at-bat last night.
The at-bat lasted 3 total pitches.
Pitch #1 was fouled off and it looks like the ball was flipped over to the side of the field where I assume it went for authentication.
The next pitch was a strike (not fouled off). That ball was then thrown back to the pitcher, Brad Lidge. Lidge then pitched the next pitch which was a swinging strike.
Here is the odd thing:
MLB authentication number LH 172251 reads the exact same thing in the MLB database as LH 172251. Foul ball by Hinske from Lidge
He only fouled off 1 pitch, so there is no way 2 balls could be authenticated reading the same thing. Maybe when the ball was authenticated originally, there was a problem with the first hologram sticker and it was removed for a new one? Just makes me wonder exactly how that particular ball I want to buy was used in the series and which is correct.
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I am also in the process of writing a game used collecting book. Not that I really looking at making money on it, but I have been working on parts of this for 5 years. If I had this ball and mention it in the book and someone claims to have the same ball but with a different authentication number, my credibility could be completely shot.
Sometimes, when i got into MLB.com's authentication look up, I will go up and down numbers close to the serial number I have. just to see what else is out there that is authenticated. When items are authenticated, the hologram sticker comes right off a sheet or roll almost in numberical order. So, seeing what is out there is not too hard...
I am also a huge Eric Hinske fan & collector, so Hinske-Rays game used items are like gold to me.
Now, let me say I really like the MLB authentication system. Although it is VERY FLAWED, it does help out a lot (more than hurt in many cases). However, I wish I could get some items I got in person authenticated, as I am sure people out there may doubt authenticity of items that can be easily faked, like hats, balls, batting gloves, cleats....
---
Ok, so I am looking at getting a WS game used ball used by EH....
The authentication number for the Hinske Foul Ball from the 08 world series is (believe me this won't be cheap)
LH 172252
With that at-bat, I went to view the video of the at-bat last night.
The at-bat lasted 3 total pitches.
Pitch #1 was fouled off and it looks like the ball was flipped over to the side of the field where I assume it went for authentication.
The next pitch was a strike (not fouled off). That ball was then thrown back to the pitcher, Brad Lidge. Lidge then pitched the next pitch which was a swinging strike.
Here is the odd thing:
MLB authentication number LH 172251 reads the exact same thing in the MLB database as LH 172251. Foul ball by Hinske from Lidge
He only fouled off 1 pitch, so there is no way 2 balls could be authenticated reading the same thing. Maybe when the ball was authenticated originally, there was a problem with the first hologram sticker and it was removed for a new one? Just makes me wonder exactly how that particular ball I want to buy was used in the series and which is correct.
---
I am also in the process of writing a game used collecting book. Not that I really looking at making money on it, but I have been working on parts of this for 5 years. If I had this ball and mention it in the book and someone claims to have the same ball but with a different authentication number, my credibility could be completely shot.