What's your process for authenticating bats? Jersey? Caps?

[Sulross]

I'm a novice and rely mainly on reputable third party authenticators when evaluating and adding to my own GU items but I see many of you are adept at authenticating things on your own.

I realize every item is different but I'd appreciate finding out what process you go through and resources you consult for GU items you want to authenticate.

[Sulross]

I'll throw out a few recent examples of items on eBay that I wouldn't buy because there's not enough to make me comfortable that they're authentic. Assuming you were interested in any of these items, what would you do to feel confident they were as advertised?

Bat: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Johnny-Damon...MAAOSwiYFXHBpc

Jersey: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Edgar-R...MAAOSwtnpXpA-g

Cap: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sammy-Sosa-G...cAAOSw3xJXo~rX

[GreatWhite]

I am a novice to the hobby but I definitely wouldn't purchase that jersey that lettering looks horrible

[yanks12025]

I'll throw out a few recent examples of items on eBay that I wouldn't buy because there's not enough to make me comfortable that they're authentic. Assuming you were interested in any of these items, what would you do to feel confident they were as advertised?

Bat: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Johnny-Damon...MAAOSwiYFXHBpc

Jersey: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Edgar-R...MAAOSwtnpXpA-g

Cap: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sammy-Sosa-G...cAAOSw3xJXo~rX

Great thing I saw this thread. That is my Johnny Damon bat. So what do you think is not right about it. It matches his use characteristics and has his 18 on both the knob and barrel end.

[yanks12025]

I'll throw out a few recent examples of items on eBay that I wouldn't buy because there's not enough to make me comfortable that they're authentic. Assuming you were interested in any of these items, what would you do to feel confident they were as advertised?

Bat: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Johnny-Damon...MAAOSwiYFXHBpc

Jersey: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Edgar-R...MAAOSwtnpXpA-g

Cap: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sammy-Sosa-G...cAAOSw3xJXo~rX

Also thank you for following the forum rules and sending me a message about my bat before coming on this forum and saying it couldn't be good because you don't feel comfortable with it.

[Sulross]

Also thank you for following the forum rules and sending me a message about my bat before coming on this forum and saying it couldn't be good because you don't feel comfortable with it.

There's nothing about your bat or any of the other items that makes me say they "couldn't be good" (your words). I used them as examples of items that don't have third party or other reliable authentication, and for that reason, as a novice I wouldn't feel comfortable buying them.

I do stand by my statement that there's not enough to make me feel comfortable the items are authentic, but I thought it was clear that it was based on my own lack of knowledge and not the item itself. That said, it would be nice if eBay sellers generally provided more information supporting their item's authenticity.

[camarokids]

First off, welcome to the forum.

Bats are very easy to verify. A bat is a bat is a bat.
Meaning, bats speak for themselves. I do not rely on COA's for bats. The Damon looks fine.

The bat itself cannot be faked, only the use can be. But certain use characteristics would be very close to impossible to duplicate.

Example, seam impressions, ball ink and leather transfers. To get the impression, someone would need to be able throw the ball hard enough and the person on the other end would have to be able to put a good swing on the ball.

Unless someone works at the factory, chances are the bats made their way to the players.

Educate yourself on what you want to collect. You can always ask members here.

On common players and lower tier stars, chances are no one is going to bother to fake their stuff.

Having collected coins and large size US Notes before. You would always hear, buy the book first.

Learn how to identify gamers. www.birdbats.com has a good section on doing so. John Taube's book is a must have for older Louisville Sluggers.

Usually, the problem I run into is with the uniform number on the ends. I always make sure of what is on the knob before buying. So this doesn't happen too often, cause I check for it.

Occasionally someone will take a gamer to the batting cage and use the bat themselves. Then turn around and sell it. Some may not do this to purposefully fool someone, but some may do thist o add use to a game issued bat. Check for ball marks with dimples.

Feel free to email me any item you're interested in and I will give you my opinion.

My specialty is Devil Rays/Rays bats. I also collect Devil Rays fielding gloves, batting helmets, team signed bats and balls. Plus vintage Braves bats, team signed bats and balls from the 1970's, 80's and nineties.

[Nnunnari]

Make friends in the hobby and ask their opinion on items. Most people enjoy talking bats, jerseys, balls etc. and have no problem helping out fellow collectors for free. We've all been burned over the years, sometimes you have to chalk it up as a learning experience and try to help others avoid the same pitfalls.

[Nnunnari]

Also, I disagree with this statement: "Bats are very easy to verify. A bat is a bat is a bat."
There are a tremendous amount of bogus bats out there. The bats themselves are typically legitimate but used by minor leaguers or batting practice. If you are a novice collector, reach out to people with an experienced eye and have someone show you in person, if possible, what they look for in bats.

[camarokids]

Caps and jerseys are a bit tricky. Cause you can buy the same hat the players wear. You need to be wary, especially when buying a star player. You can check for multiple examples of the said players items, check if the writing is the same, sweat stains etc.

Jerseys are a beast of themselves. Make sure the code on the tags are for gamers and not retail. Once again, do you homework first before buying. Dave Mediema is a great person to ask about jerseys and hats.