Albert Pujols Signed Baseball?
We are not Albert Pujols experts, but we are pretty sure he rarely, if ever, signs baseballs in gold. Check out the COA in this auction, it looks pretty impressive -- with matching holograms. They also use the MLB logo and a few other trademarks on the COA.
This ball is supposed to be from a limited edition of only 5 signed.
We can't tell if this signature is real or not, but just a note -- anyone can get matching holograms these days. Holograms cost around 19 cents a set and can be serial numbered to say whatever you want. Remember, holograms are only valuable when they come from a reputable company. The auction doesn't mention who issued the holograms.
161 Comments:
that's a mighty impressive looking coa, however, the roddick tennis ball offered by the seller has the same styled coa, which leads me to believe he makes them himself. how about the manning/ dungy signed balls?
it seems like as soon as we get rid of a seller, one pops right up. it's a never ending cycle
Guys, I am a Pujols COLLECTOR - as if you didn't know by now. When I saw the Title in my search, I must admit I got a little excited, until I saw the gold sig - in Sharpie marker. No reputable company would have an athlete sign a baseball with a Sharpie - especially one as "rare" as this one. The endorsements on the COA will open him up to trademark issues...but as is the trend of major sports businesses, they will probably ignore it. All it takes is a trip to Quick Opinion to have it removed. There are two more Pujols baseballs out the right now from another seller. One is a Mounted Memories ball and the other is a 2001 Topps Reserve
ball. The seller said that there was no serial number on the Topps hologram...which means it is from a card (some sigs and bat pieces have number-less stickers to authenticate them) I have a couple Topps baseballs from 2001 and both are serial numbered.
The Mounted Memories ball is curiously missing a COA...it was "misplaced". The picture of the hologram is blurry, but I can still see that it has been tampered with. It was probably pulled from a lesser player's ball and added to the "Pujols" ball. I will post the item numbers in a second. You are right,J-Man - they are like cockroaches in a Chinese Restaraunt...they keep on coming back.
Here are the item numbers:
300076143998
300076149222
I sent the Topps ball to PSA - if they reject it, it will not be there tomorrow.
Hey, Bigtruck, I printed the pages of that Albert Pujols Topps baseball and faxed them to Topps in New York.....Chris W
so when i woke up this morning, i decided i need an alex rodriguez autograph in my collection. i've tried to get one for the past 2 years but it always fails. the first result that came up oon ebay was this interesting item 230085583311. it's signed by arod and jeter. it comes with a COA AND the seller claims it is "100% authentic" if you look at the sellers other items "way2united" you can see they deal mainly with items signed by 2 star athletes. look how many dan marino and peyton manning's they have, as well as muhommed ali. there is no doubt that everything in his inventory is fake. i played dumb and asked him a question about the arod/ jeter item. i'll post when i get a response.
Your Request for Item "Albert Pujols "signed" baseball. Seller says that the
hologram has no number on it - I have several ", Ebay Item No. "300076143998",
opinion was rendered at "2/1/2007 6:31:12 AM" and the result was:
Response: "Likely Not Genuine"
Here are the details of your Request:
Comments:
Request ID: 40092
Request By: 02/02/2007
LIKE THERE WAS ANY DOUBT. Thanks Chris.
The seller of that forged 2001 Topps Albert Pujols baseball is seller "727robertt." That fake autograph item was removed by Ebay, but again the question is "Why didn't Ebay remove that seller's other forged items including another fake Pujols autographed baseball?" Ebay does that all the time. "Quick Opinion" proved that seller "dqbean252" is selling forged autograph items but they only remove the one David Wright and allow that seller's other fake David Wright autograph items to run to duration. That is why Ebay is 50% of the problem, they allow it to continue even after we prove that a particular seller is selling all forgeries....Chris W.
Here's another seller that is selling a few Derek Jeter forgeries: "Maddox280524" They have a forged Derek Jeter autographed bat, photo and batting helmet. Here are more Derek Jeter fakes I found on Ebay today so far: 160080793325, 250079988592, 320076512843, 270084991730....Chris W.
I WOULDNT WORRY ABOUT THE MOUNTED MEMORIES PUJOLS BALL.REALLY ALL THAT MATTERS IS THE HOLOGRAM WHICH CANNOT BE REMOVED UNLESS YOU WORK AT C.S.I. MIAMI.ITS PRETTY EASY TO LOSE A LITTLE COA CARD.IVE BOUGHT INTO SIGNING WITH MOUNTED MEMORIES BEFORE AND A LOT OF TIMES THEY WOULDNT EVEN ISSUE COAS FOR MY PIECES ONLY THE HOLOGRAM
jeter_sucks"
Another major seller of forged autograph items is seller "mattrhodes.com" That is his actual seller ID on Ebay. He was one of the first I caught back in 2005 and obviously Ebay has allowed him back on. Shame on Ebay. I caught this guy today because I noticed a forged Albert Pujols baseball he is selling....Chris W.
ALSO YOU CAN TELL A LOT ABOUT A SELLER BY WHAT ELSE HE IS SELLING.LOOKS LIKE FOR HE ACTUALLY IS SELLING OFF HIS COLLECTION.LOOKS LIKE HE HAS A GOOD MIX OF SUPERSTARS WITH GOOD LOOKING SIG,S HOWEVER HIS JOE MONTANA NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LOOKS LIKE AMITEUR NIGHT
I know this is pretty off topic but I've been reading people's comments on here over the last week or two and it seems that a lot of the posters here really know their stuff. Well, Im looking at starting my own collection but am a little hesitant to buy anything off of ebay. I've been watching a few things on Ebay from a seller named Sportslot. He also has a website at http://www.sportslot.com/servlet/StoreFront. I was wandering what some of your opinions were of this seller. Most his stuff is PSA/DNA authenticated and have a hologram with a number on it that you can check on psadna.com. If an item is authenticated by PSA/DNA, how good of a guarantee is that? Im really looking for some advice before I buy something. I'd hate to waste my money on something fake. Thanks to everyone in advance.
i think ebay needs a task force. people who actually investigate complaints. also, when an item gets taken down, they need to investigate what else the seller has. it's like if somebody gets arrested for dealing crack, if ebay were the police, they would take the crack, let them walk, and not search their house or car. if somebody gets an auction taken down because PSA says it's "likely not genuine" that should raise a red flag to ebay that says "this seller has 5 more pujols balls, 10 jeters and 50 peyton mannings, this should be checked out" but nope, ebay doesn't care as they get their listing fees and their final value fees.
chris that was a great find with "Maddox280524"... you know a seller just doesn't care when they have 3 jeter signed items where all 3 signatures look different. the one on the picture is probably the funniest i have seen (up there with the pjuice" ball. also, check out the COA Maddox280524 has for the jeter helmet.. they actually spelled JETER wrong on it, and crossed it out and rewrote it. why not just use another piece of paper? i swear some of these people get an idea to make some extra money. they do NO RESEARCH WHATSOEVER and make themselves look like fools to people who know what theyre talking about. this is completely rediculous.
You hit it right on the nose, J-Man. Ebay only cares about their fees and commissions. They'll remove the "Likely Not Genuine" auction but they refuse to remove the other 50 auctions that contain all forged autograph items. Ebay may have been inncent following "Operation Bullpen," but in the court of sincere collectors they are "Guilty.".......Chris W.
The Mounted Memories ball is a fake...there is a bad photo of the hologram - probably damaged or not genuine at all. ESM was part of the same signing (there was only one with AP) ESM is selling thier stock on eBay, and you can judge the differences in the autographs yourself. Get back to me JS.
You know better.
I just wanted to comment for the collector who was looking at seller "sportslot." From what I see their autograph items are quite authentic. He shows the PSA/DNA sticker and he gives a close up of the item in their photos.....Chris W.
I see that seller "2004senod2004" just put up over 100 auctions that contain all fake autographs....Chris W.
after looking at the mounted albert ball it does look a little funny.hologram looks a little out of place.im not a expert with this guy but the "a"just looks a little funny for me,too funny to be getting paid for.i would like to know where he got the ball from.i think its pretty clear hes selling off some items from his collection he bought eslewhere
he could of bought it from ELITE SPORTS
that would not shock me at all
jeter_sucks"
..meaning that Elite would pawn off forged goods? I know that there are questions about their game used Jeter items..have they had problems with autographs too?
And also, I agree that his is getting rid of his collection. However, if you sell something that is fake (I told him and forwarded the PSA opinion) you are still in the wrong. I feel bad for people who have been ripped off, but chalk it up to inexperience and keep it as a reminder of the dishonest people in the world.
Hey J-man - what did you do with your Fansindastands stuff? Just curious.
What makes you suspect the auctions from 2004senod2004? The signatures look authentic. I am interestd in the Vince Young mini helmet. Are you sure they are fake? Please tell me why you think so, then I can make a deciosion. Thanks Bob
Hey Rob - I came across "senod" earlier in the year when I was looking for a Jim Edmonds mini helmet for a friend. He has Scott Rolen and Edmonds items that are VERY suspect. They look nothing like the signaures I have recieved in-person or from reputable companies...he sells at least 2 Edmonds and Rolen items every week, and the logistics of that are impossible unless there is a private signing that he is involved in - NOT. Try a PSA quick opinion and see what happens.
bigtruck, to answer you about what i have done with my fansindastands merchandise...
the jeter "signed" ball i bought is expected to be a big hit at the family picnic this summer for the baseball game. i figure using it would be a good use for it.
the barry bonds "signed" helmet is stashed away. i guess it could maybe one day be potential evidence? i don't know. but i have no use for it. maybe some cousins could wear it playing baseball to protect their heads from a derek jeter signed ball. what an all-star picnic it will be!
bob, please look at senod's items again. partucularly this chase utley signed helmet 300077223339. in case you didn't know, utley's number is 26. that looks like a 16. the utley ball looks like it has 21 written on it. i have an in person utley ball that the 26 strongly resembles a 26. also look at senod's arod ball. alex rodriguez's signature looks somewhat like that, but not quite like that one. just looking at those 3 items i can say he sells fakes. sorry.
For the commenter who asked why we thought Ebay Seller "2004senod2004" was selling fake autograph items. First, I have submitted a few of his autograph items to "Quick Opinion" and they have all failed. Secondly, he sells the same fake autograph items every time he submits his 100 or so auctions. Third, the autographs that I am familiar with, that he sells, are not close to the actual autographs of the athletes. His Alex Rodriguez is an obvious forgery. If you look close enough at his autograph items they are extremely shaky. And finally, why don't you ask him how he is able to acquire (in person as he states in his auctions) the same autograph helmets of Brian Urlacher, Carlos Beltran, Alex Rodriguez, David Wright, David Ortiz, etc., week after week. He even has a fake David Letterman autographed baseball up for bid. Ask him, go ahead. If you think that Vince Young autographed helmet is real then by all means bid on it. And you'll be joining the millions of other collectors who own forgeries of their favorite athlete.....Chris W.
If an item on ebay comes with a PSA/DNA certification and shows pictures of the sticker with a certification # on the item and a matching 3x5 Certification card, is that reliable enough to make a pucrchase? An example of what Im talking about is ebay auction item #180078281688. Thanks for you opinions.
you have nothing to worry about on that psa ball
caposauctions is a very class act.he is in the top 10 of high volume memorabilia sellers one ebay
all of his items are either psa,tristar or upper deck.
he even goes the extra step on a guy like montana with 3 triple authenticty.
however hes good but in the future dont allways think a psa or gai sticker means its real.those arent tamper proof and a 5 yearold could remove one a restick it on a fake
here is an interesting barry bonds find..180081224115. i think they scribbled the signature onto the card. here is another 160081137234. i don't believe i have ever seen barry's signature look like that. what's everyone else think?
i also found a seller with a very suspicious steve carlton ball, and a michael jordan baseball that looks like a mess. he also has ted williams, mickey mantle, and hank aaron. quite a HOFer collection, huh? his ID is "bestpawnmn"
j-man if you have a question about any barry bonds signature email the auction to
isitreal@barrybonds.com
thats his marketing firm and there very pro active on ebay.if its not real it will get kicked off
jeter_sucks"
J-MAN I SENT OVER THAT SECOND BONDS TO THE MARKETING FIRM
160081137234
THE FIRST ONE LOOKED KINDA NICE.IT LOOKS A LITTLE MORE LEGIT THEN THE OTHER SIGNED CARDS BECAUSE ITS ON A NICE GAMEUSED CARD.IF I WAS GOING TO ATTEND A FUCNTION WHERE BONDS WOULD BE AT I WOULD PROBALY PICK MY BEST BONDS CARD TO HAVE SIGNED.ONLY PROBLEM IS SELLER DOESNT MAKE ANY CLAIM OF WHERE IT CAME FROM.IF YOU WERE JUST A COLLECTOR WOULDNT YOU FEEL KINDA PROUD TO ACCOUNE THBAT YOU MET BARRY AND HE SIGNED A CARD FOR YOU
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO THINK ABOUT THAT CARD
JETER_SUCKS"
Hey guys check out Ebay Item Number 160081205878. It is a fake team-signed football of the Chicago Bears from our friend seller "ans_autographs." This item, of course, failed "Quick Opinion" as I knew it would so it probably won't be on the auction site long as Ebay will be removing it soon. We all know seller "ans_autographs" to have sold hundreds of fake autograph items on Ebay. Our numerous complaints to Ebay have been ignored. With the Bears and Colts in the Super Bowl you will be seeing many forged team-signed and individual items from both teams.....Chris W.
hey jeter_sucks, thanks for the info on barry's marketing firm. hopefully they will care enough to make some attempt to do something about it, and not say that they are not the ebay police.
the signed game used card does look pretty legit, but every signature i have seen of barry, the "B" in Bonds has a more pronounced loop than the "B" he signs in Barry. also, the "s" at the end of Bonds is usually very unique, as the one on the card looks very much like a normal cursive "s". we'll have to wait and see what they say. i e-mailed them as well before i saw that you did.
Whats the deal with this bat? Cardinals team signed... 100% fake (in my humble opinion). But it has a COA (or at least a sticker) from Global GAI. My guess is he took it from another item and put it on this cheat junk... not so cheap, someone paid 1 G for it. Let me know your thoughts. -J
Do you have an item number for the Cards team signed bat?
320078434659 -J
Does anybody have any opinions of realsports_memorabilia? A lot of his stuff is authenticated by Tristar or GAI. I'm watching one of his Tristar auctions and wanted some opinions before I bid.
jeter_sucks, i just got a response from barry's people.. they said the game used card was a fake autograph, and the second one is "probably real from the late 80's"
if it's a late 80's signature, it must be an early 90's as well, because it is on a 93 stadium club
Hey guys - I just checked out the Cardinals team signed bat that sold for $1500. I kinda feel sorry for the guy who bought it - because GAI is supposed to be at the top of their industry.
This bat is 100% fake. I have said it many times in this forum that the GAI team signed items are bogus. The person who signs those COA's (initials JP) is passing these through the system...and I see them all the time. Sometimes they are on black bats with silver paint pen, sometimes they are jerseys. If yu look at this item, all of the sigs slant in the same direction...which is funny becasue some of the guys (Jim Edmonds) is left handed. Jim never signs that way...the E in Edmonds is complete...not a slant down. And has anyone seen a Pujols P as pointy as that one???
I have plenty of Cardinals examples in my collection and I have watched them sign various items at team functions and in person at games. I know for a fact that certain dealers in STL have "contacts" with certain people that are loose with certification...I am sure it goes on with other companies, but it is far more prevalant at GAI.
I have sent them emails to get their opinion (I have them if you would like to see them) and I never got a response. I feel that I could do a far better job of authenticating my own purchases than to trust GAI. I have a feeling that there is going to be trouble for them in the future - and everyone who has an item (other than from a witnessed privae signing) is going to lose significant value on their investment with GAI sticker attached. Again I have PROOF of this. If anyone from GAI wishes to respond, I would love to hear it..so far you have ignored me, and the evidence keeps on piling up....
has anyone here seen any of "rjmautographs" items? i was looking at this brian westbrook signed mini helmet 170076823642 and i checked out their other items, and they have plenty of star athletes for low buy it now prices. including a johnny damon signed 8x10 for $15. now i'm not sure, but i think for $15 you wouldn't be able to touch a damon steiner auto'd 8x10. take a look and let me know the verdict. thanks
J-Man -
OK, I looked at rjmautographs.
I looked at two items that I am very familiar with - Peyton Manning and Greg Maddux. He has a Manning helmet for sale right now at $66...looks fake based on Mannings current signing habits...placement. Someone else might have a different opinion.
The Maddux auto looks suprisingly good - although the photo of him signing shows him with a ball in his hand an not an 8x10.
I would do a quick opinion on it just to be sure - Wish I had a more scientific answer, but that is what so many folks are here for - someone want to help out our buddy J-Man?
BTW, loved the comments about the Jeter and Bonds forged items. Had me rolling last night.
Tip -
Pay attention to the photos of athletes signing in COA's. Make sure it is the item in question as I mentioned above. Fansidastands used the same photos over and over again...and people bought it continually.
Hey bigtruck! I contacted the buyer of the Cardinals signed bat and told him what you said and to read the comments in this blog concerning the bat. He thanked me for my concern but was convinced the bat was authentic since it was authenticated by GAI who in his opinion is the best authenticator in the business. I suggested he contact you for you opinion since you are probably the premier Cardinal signature expert these days. Maybe you can change his mind. Bobw
Just talked to Justin Priddy at GAI, 949-366-9500, said 2006 Cardinals Autographed bat is real deal. If anyone tries to remove GAI sticker it will crumble. Call him if you have questions.
Justin is either:
A. A liar
B. In bed with the seller
C. A moron who should be completely discredited as an authenticator of autographs and fired from GAI.
Any thoughts?
Again, I am not an expert - but I have ALOT of experience with Cardinals signatures. I could care less what Priddy Says - I know for a FACT that I have seen items that he has his name attached to that are fakes. The bat in question has several signatures that are not genuine - and that is my OPINION. And I will say this again - Eventually an athlete is going to be confronted with an item that has been processed by GAI and they are going to deny it was signed by them.
AND Priddy is not the premier authenticator in the business. I know many serious collectors and dealers that will not touch GAI. If you read far enough back in this blog you will discover that.
GAI has a witnessing program for signing - that is legit...but the 2006 Cardinals stuff is VERY questionable. GO to Pujolsfamilyfoundation.com and read the autograph headline.
VP Todd Perry says that Albert does not sign jerseys and bats. He also said that he is aware of Albert signing on two pieces of 06 World series team items...and Albert has one of them. So if you don't trust me, trust the source - Albert himself.
In other words, bigtruck260 says all Pujols signed items and Cardinal signed articles are fake. Do not trust Steiner, PSA, GAI,JSA, Pujols Foundation, or Tri-Star. Only trust bigtruck260. He knows it all!
This site is worthless. You do not trust any authenticator because you believe Every authentification hologram has been tampered with and placed on a fake item. The whole autograph business is a fake and trust no one even if you saw the person sign it.
The last two comments were clearly posted by a complete fool. If you would read this blog you might learn something. We have never said all items are fake or all authentication comapnies are frauds. We just point out when they make mistakes, and they do. Get a life, learn to read, and then maybe you can post something of value on this blog. -J
Right - the person who wrote that probably has a hard time with reading comprehension.
If you would look at the rest of the posts, I said that I know the difference between a fake Albert Pujols signature and a real one - as well as many other CARDINALS PLAYERS.
I have also said that I use JSA and sometimes PSA if the item is high-dollar and I need to have it insured. I shy away from GAI because I have seem questionable items. I HAVE ALSO SEEN PLENTY OF REAL ITEMS TOO. Everyone makes mistakes, but certain companies seem to make them more frequently.
I practice what I preach guys. Look at my eBay profile
(Bigtruck260) There are plenty of sigs I purchased without anyone's sticker on it. You will even find a GAI item in there if you want to waste your time.
As far as PFF - It is a reliable site - and I bet dealers of fakes want thier customers to stay away from it...You are not the first or last person to knock me or anyone else who posts here. I know who you are, and I think its funny that you chose to waste your appearance here...BTW, not sure why you're so mad...you made a grand. Second guessing yourself?
I was the seller of the 2006 Cardinals autographed bat. I have read the comments above and have also read the comments on the other questionable items. It would be different if I listed questionable items with bogus COA's to have said the things you said (bigtruck,) but I have impeccable feedback and only sell authenticated autographs with COA's or LOA's from GAI, PSA, or JSA that can be verified at their website or by contacting them. It would be different if it was a COA from Batter-UpCollectibles. Even if it is a PSA Quick Opinion that I list, I always sell my items with at least that. I've sold over 10 Babe Ruth autographed items with LOA's from PSA, JSA, and GAI. I always offer a 100% money back guarantee. I accept PayPal. And the last time I checked, GAI is an Ebay approved authenticator. BigTruck260 is not. If you want to slam someone's auction or question their motives, stick to the Sam's Club COA's. Use your expert opinion when you are looking at bogus items. Not legitimate sellers.
Okay, I've read enough. My turn. Let's acknowledge one thing here, and that is that I would rather have Bigtruck authentic any St. Louis Cardinals autograph than GAI. My disdain for GAI is widely known because 95% of the Derek Jeter GAI Authenticated autographs that I have seen were obvious fakes. I've been questioning their authentication practices for years, especially when it comes to Derek Jeter autograph items. I first began to question GAI two years when a seller on Ebay (from here in NJ) was selling a ton of fake Derek Jeter, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle autograph items. They were obvious forgeries. I complained to Ebay feverishly and submitted approximately ten of that seller's autograph items to "Quick Opinion" and every one of them came back as "Likely Not Genuine." Ebay then suspended that seller. Well that seller then sent his items to GAI for authentication and GAI authenticated all of those Jeter's, Mantle's and Joe D's that failed "Quick Opinion." That's when my disdain for GAI began, when I saw all the garbage they were authenticating. The Pujols Family Foundation will tell you that Mr. Pujols does not sign bats and jerseys, whether they are individually or team-signed items. And yet during and following the 2006 World Series there were a ton of forged team-signed St. Louis Cardinals found on Ebay that all included Mr. Pujols' autograph. Some of those were GAI authenticated that were highly suspicious and I relayed my suspicions to Bigtruck (who happens to be the biggest Cardinals collector that I've ever known). Bigtruck confirmed my findings and told me they were fake. I'd like to know how these collectors, who are from all over the country, manage to acquire a St. Louis Cardinals team-signed bat or jersey. That Cardinals team-signed bat is nothing but a scribbly mess and Mr. Pujols never would have signed that bat. What really amuses me about that auction is the seller inserting into the title description "GAI=PSA." Nothing could be further from the truth.....Chris W.
i haven't yet getten a chance to read everything that happened in here today, but i wanted to say... what a shame this is 160081177298. read the description. look who issued the COA.
I just found your site and have a couple of questions. I was wanting to buy a Pujols signed Jersey and espauctions has one for sale. It has a picture of Albert signing a Jersey and Albert signing a bat but they say on this site he does not. Are the pictures of Albert real?
So Chris W., look on ebay for Pujols authenticated cards and you will see that Pujols signature changes in each one. And I have seen that Cardinals bat auction and I have to say, if it is authenticated by GAI, I would pay money for it. If bigtruck says it is fake, then maybe he should work for PSA or GAI. And GAI has always been just as good as PSA to me when it comes to autographs. There prices are better which is why I choose to send to them and not to PSA. I can only go with the experts, and if GAI says it is real, who are you to say it is not?
Let this fool waste his money on a GAI item... since he knows better of course. He probally believes everything he reads as well... not always safe. I wish he was the who bought the bat. I would sit back and smile. -J
GAI...PSA...JSA...Steiner...UDA...guess what those have in common chrisw? THEY ARE ALL APPROVED EBAY AUTHENTICATORS! And, for your information, the Cardinals bat was signed for one of the LA Dodger bat boys. I purchased the bat, had it authenticated, and then sold it. Bigtruck260 will tell you that it is his OPINION. But his OPINION is only that. There is no bigtruck260Quick Opinion I can send items to, nor would I until he, like the AUTHENTICATORS, is LICENSED AND CERTIFIED. GAI is PSA is JSA to me. Are you saying you would scoff at a GAI authenticated Babe Ruth ball? I think not.
I forgot to put in the Ebay item #280009035866 on my last post for th Pujols signed Jersey from espauctions. I thought he did not sign Jerseys, but this shows he does. Is this real?
The Elite signing is from several years ago, and notice the price tag on it and the bats they sell. They are authentic - And the rarity is reflected in the price. ESP also has a photo of Albert during the signing and the signature is readable and CLEARLY AUTHENTIC. Most of the items from that signing also have a MLB authentication sticker.
To the gentleman from Batter Up Collectibles: Hey bud, I sent you a thoughtful email - I never slammed you, just the compnay that authenticated that bat you were selling. I have no doubt that you are honest, and reliable. I know of many local guys who have been duped. Your integrity was never in question...as a matter of fact, I would buy from you if I saw something I liked. For the record, You appear to be on the up and up regardless of the GAI=PSA listing which is against Ebay rules.
The issue I have with that bat is that everyone has been selling them as recent items...as opposed to the ESP auction that took place with ROLEN and EDMONDS several years ago...as a matter of fact, both those guys still sign for them occasionally.
The 2006 World Series items are questionable because of what Albert has stated in press releases and through his website. Batter Up - OK, GAI has to look at a book of exemplars to compare signatures of players through the years. I can look at certain items in passing and tell immediately that they are fake or at least questionable. If that is the case, then I feel that I am comparable to the "experts" at GAI. Again, if an item is real you do not need a sticker, because a true collector will know the difference.
PSA, JSA and GAI were created to help average collectors discern from the real an the fake - they were also created to help dealers make more money...and they were created to MAKE MONEY. If they rejected everything they would not get return buisness.
And finally, I gave an OPINION on the bat you were selling. I didn't have to look at Albert or Edmonds or Rolen...I looked at the So Taguchi sig - that's all I needed. I wonder if the guys at GAI could tell the difference without digging through a binder of signatures from the 1996 ORIX Blue Wave.
What else?
And I would scoff at at GAI Ruth Baseball.
batter-upcollectibles, thats a nice story, but just that... story. maybe you wanted to say that the bat boy signed the bat. funny thing is, even if this was signed for him... your telling me he was carying around a generic NON GAME MODEL bat you buy at a store... since he is a BAT BOY with access to hundreds of real bats, why the heck would he get a cheap generic rawlings bat signed? If you are going to make up stories, get your facts straight. Come on now... nice try. -J
but bigtruck, your e-mail was indeed thoughtful and I don't condone the other comments here that are questionable, because I do believe you are doing it for the right reason. but even you would have to admit that Taguchi's autograph could change over time...just like that of michael jordan and now of lebron james in only 3 short years. 2 more things: 1. when i said it was a 2006 World Series signed bat, i was not implying that it was signed after or during the world series. it was not, it was signed during the season. but, it was signed by the eventual world champs. 2. i checked out the Pujols Family Foundation site and Albert Pujols is indeed a great guy...i only have one grievance. i did not see anywhere that he does not sign bats and jerseys, but there is a Pujols autographed bat available on the site
Thanks for the feedback. I am a new collector and you guys got me confused. You say he does not sign Jerseys and bats but you say he did for ESP. Also, Pujols has signed bats for sale on his Foundation site. So he does sign bats and jerseys. Right?
anonymous J
I can't do any more than give the gai certification number and the website and offer a 100 percent money back guarantee on ALL my items. as far as your comments, you don't know me, I don't know you, so I would appreciate if you kept your comments to yourself. what is your ebay ID and your feedback? You don't have to buy my items, I'm 100 fine with that, but at least I always guarantee what your buying.
I'd like to clarify one thing and that is, from what I understand (and Bigtruck knows about this much better than I do), Mr. Pujols stopped signing bats and jerseys a couple of years ago after his concern for all the forgeries of his autograph on Ebay. That signed jersey was probably from a few years ago. And we've all heard the stories about how some sellers "acquired" their autograph items. The "batboy" story is a common one, although it may be true, but here's my problem with that autographed bat. Every autograph was done with the same amount of "pen pressure." And what's with the "Rawlings Big Stick?" Why would they sign that instead of a bat right from the clubhouse? Bat boys don't bring bats from home. And would I scoff at a GAI Authenticated Babe Ruth baseball. I also see where the buyers of many "Fansindastands" items are now being resold on Ebay. Anything with a COA from seller "Fansindastands" is a fake. I see also where Ebay continues to allow sellers like Dqbean252, Prestigesigs, Pjuice1757, Zeke43098, 2004senod2004, and Fenway620 to continue selling their fakes. Seller "Sportsgraphs1" is now "Unregistered" on Ebay......Chris W.
Sorry batter didn’t mean to point out something critical that proves your story false. Look, maybe you honestly thought the bat was real, but do you think we are honestly ALL wrong? I think not. GAI is a business, and what I love most is their “only pay the full amount if the item passes deal”… so you think they are going to say, nope, the bat is fake, that will be 10 bucks. Or, looks to be authentic, that’s $150. Think about it. -J
Speaking of GAI and Babe Ruth, here is a new auction that just went up. What do you think? 110088863958. Looks funny to me, probably smells like Purina too. -J
The bat is a Big Stick Professional Model, just like the big leaguers use. Personally, I don't know why that type bat was signed, but I know I would not feel comfortable asking Mr. Pujols or anyone else for a bat and to have them sign it. I did speak to Paul Brannon who played for the Mariner's San Bernardino minor league affiliate in the early 90's and he said that generic bats were common in the clubhouse for those who were just called up, those who did not have bat contracts, etc...
Again, I'm not sure why this particular model bat was signed. I do know a Pujols autographed and game used bat was recently sold by either Sotheby's or Heritage that was not sold by his Foundation because it was authenticated by PSA.
I would like to again apologize to bigtruck. From what I understand and have read, you do offer valid opinions on auctions, but I think you are wrong here.
Chris W...I have absolutely no idea why you claim all the autographs have the same slant and pen pressure. Having had the bat and examined it myself prior to sending it to GAI, I can tell you that is not the case. Maybe it was the picture angles, or just the pictures themselves, but that is not the case.
Please note!!
A follow up to the GAI comment I made, I hope everyone knows what GAI is doing... They attract customers by advertising to only charge 10 dollars if an item does not pass (PSA charges the full amount pass or fail). By doing this, it’s very attractive for customers, but do you think GAI is honestly going to make 100% legitimate decisions doing so. Just like the bat, $10 if they fail it, $150 if they pass it. Either way, it’s their opinion and that’s it, my bet is they pass it, and 9 out of 10 other fakes they see. -J
"Global Authentication is the only authentication company offering
a $10 dollar review fee for any autographed item.
* If the submitted item does not pass, you will only be charged $10 dollars."
Batter UP and everyone else...I am going to put this issue to rest here with this - straight from the PujolsFamily Foundation webstite:
http://pujolsfamilyfoundation.com/news65.htm
Please note: Albert does not sign jerseys or bats for the public. If there is a bat or jersey for sale, without documentation from the St. Louis Cardinals or the Pujols Family Foundation, I would be very wary. If the description says something like: "I got this bat signed at the team hotel when Albert came to town…" chances are the item is fake. The Foundation's memorabilia store is the only place I currently know where you can buy an authentic autographed Pujols bat.
2006 World Series Team signed memorabilia: There are very, very few authentically team signed World Series items in existence. I have only seen two (and they both belonged to Albert), and I have yet to see a legitimate WS team signed item on EBay.
And Batter-Up - again, no knock against you, but Taguchi's sig has not changed since 2002. I have sigs from 2002 AND this year on different items. The Japanese characters beloe the sig are very hard to duplicate. If you want, email me and I will show you an authentic one from 2006.
You guys have to remember...I am a Cards collector so I am looking on eBay all the time. I know what is real and what is not. I have heard and seen a thousand stories about how things were acquired. If you want to see a real Pujols ball without a hologram or authentication, check out 260083287502 - that guy has 3 of them .
And Taguchi
250052708130
Does this help?
I also caught that GAI Authenticated Babe Ruth autographed baseball. Very questionable. There is something not quite right about that autograph......Chris W.
Nah J - probably not an Alpo ball. It looks like a good old Ruth Sig. I'd have someone look at it first, but I would guess that it is real - and if it is, it's a great bold sig...but the Marino family was pretty good, so ya never know. Good call.
Now that (Ebay Item Number 260083287502) is a true Albert Pujols autograph. The Albert Pujols on that bat from Ebay Item Number 320078434659 is simply not Albert's autograph. Just think, someone paid $1,000.00 for that.....Chris W.
Batter Up - straight from your listng:
Why is this bat so rare? Albert Pujols new autograph contracts with certain companies now limit him to signing certain items unless under their supervision (and you will never see another bat signed by the entire 2006 World Series Champions!) Cardinal and Pujols fans take note, this is a must have!
Obviously you were doing your homework about the rarity of Pujols sigs on bats...not all of us are gullible. And I see "2006 WS Cardinals signed bats" at least once every few days....they are not rare, and they are not real.
Look at Taguchi's auto on item
140076384496 authenticated by Mounted Memories
Still think there is no difference? Looks completely different that the auction you posted with a COA from Mack's Memorabilia to me.
bigtruck, thanks for the post. Im not a Babe Ruth expert, it just looked to good to be true...
As for your comment on the Pujols baseball without holograms, with all due respect, do you really think its authentic? It looks ok I guess compaired to others, but when I looked at the guys other auctions (especially the Pujols signed black baseball in Gold, which to me looks like a certain fake) along with all the signed footballs, etc. it makes me question the authenticity of any of the sellers items, including all 3 Pujols baseballs. Just asking... check out his other stuff and let me know your thoughts. -J
Another thing about the guy with the 3 Pujols balls, he also has a photo. Claims they were all signed the same day, do you really think Pujols is going to sign 4 items for one person in the same day? Let me know... guy seems fishy to me. Thanks.
Check Ebay Item Number 320040691715......Chris W.
140076384496
There is no #99 ofter SO in the MM auction, - otherwise, like I said before...the Japanese characters are the same. No Question. That is how you can tell. Sometimes he doesn't sign his name at all...and rarely, he just signs his name and no characters. However, he is very consistent with the way he signs all three versions. The characters on your bat were off, but close. If you want more proof look at the Scott Spezio auto. It has curved letters...Scotty signs his with lighting bolts for an "S".
big truck
I just looked at the Pujols ball you listed AND the sellers other items. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Dean Smith has not signed public autographs since 1983. And so many hand signed in person items? I don't think so.
And I did list the bat as rare, it is rare, it is authentic, and as you state from the Pujols web site, be WARY. That does not mean that 100% of all items out there that are not authenticated by the Pujols Foundation are not real.
And I don't consider a bat boy "the general public."
They are a lot closer to major leaguers every day than you or I.
As for Pujols varying autograph, here are three authenticated items that ALL look different:
160048681038
250080583656
110087611829
All 3 of those are from 2006. And by the way, check out the difference in his A's and P's.
Looks like you should mind your own P's and Q's before you start questioning a legitimate seller with authenticated items.
AEP Milhouse is owned and operated by Chris Mihlfeld - one of Albert's best friends. It is in the KC area about 3 hours from St. Louis. He does have several clinics a year out there.
The balls look legit (the Black and gold one is kinda shaky - I'll admit). Also, the guy is selling a big ass panoramic photo. Think about this...some kid's offers a few kids a hundred buck for thier baseball...maybe two or even three hundo. Check out his selling price. Those are some good full sigs from El Hombre. I'd say I am 90% sure of it (nobody is ever perfect).
The Taguchi autographs are VERY different. The Mounted Memories is real, the Mack's COA is fake.
Man am I ever sorry I made that posting! I just wanted to give the guy that bought the Cardinal signed bat a head's up! Sorry bigtruck, looks like I started a ##$$@@ storm.
But that is the general public he is signing for.
Hey Batter Up - I thought you were done. I was trying to be nice to you...
Alberts sigs do very, but unfortunately none look like the one you had on that bat. EXCEPT for the jerseys that were signed by the same ring that GAI has been authenticating. I'd be upset too if someone questioned my integrity. Every time you post you look more and more desperate.
Pujols Auto JSA LOA - Read 'em and weep:
260081451693
GAI Team signed jersey - LOOK at the Pujols auto on this one....
220073214762
Compare it to the JSA sig I just posted...and the three other balls. Does it look like the JSA one? Is the "P" Pointed like the one on Batter Up's bat?
Batter Up - I mind my P's and A's and your P's and A's don't look right. If I were you , I would complain to your bat boy - but then again, you made a grand and you are upset...so upset that you have spent the night defending yourself. That is called seller's remorse. I have made my point and I am going to bed.
PS - on Big Mack's Taguchi bat...Chris and I PSA Quick Optioned several of his items and they came back good. he is a solid seller of Cardinals stuff. You have no idea what you are talking about.
Look desperate? I'm trying to prove a point...that you are a collector, not an authenticator as evidenced in your postings about Taguchi. I have no idea what you meant about the Pujols listing that just ended. I could care less if you are nice to me or not. My objective is to show to the others reading these posts that you are not the Cardinals afficionado that you claim to be as evidenced in some of the listings that you have just claimed to be real. My bat: GAI
Your ball: Mack's COA
As far as I or anyone else here knows, you could be promoting your own items under a different ebay id.
My ultimate point is what it was from the beginning. Knock your bogus Sam's Club COA's, your fanindestand COA's, or even your Mack's COA's, but leave the Professionally Authenticated items out of your discussions.
You have already proven to me you don't know what your talking about, and you continue to do so by claiming autos like that Taguchi and the Pujols balls are real.
READ EM AND WEEP
By the way bigtruck, love that Jim Edmonds GAI authenticated 8X10 photo you bought.
Ebay item #160056740122
Again -
Feel free to check my profile - I get nothing out of posting here but the satisfaction of helping other people.
I have a very great knowledege of Cardinals memorabilia - I don't need GAI to tell me something is real, I am able to make my own determinations...something you are unable to do because you keep defending your "authenticated" bat.
Anyone who looks at the Pujols sigs I posted will realize what the truth is. I have said this from the beginning...I was never knocking you or your business. However after seeing your reaction tonight and your defensive behavior, I realized that you are like every other seller of fake items...
You could easily have just told me to F--- off, but you didn't. You came in to support GAI, who the majority of posters here know is not a friend of the collector. Are you defending them because they did you a favor? I mean, you witnessed the bat being signed right?
The thing is, you bought a fake because YOU didn't know any better. The fact that GAI processed it is a gift to you - take it, run and never bring it up again. You put GAI on a pedastal and let people rake you over the coals for it. All that has been accomplished is that GAI will be scrutinized by everyone who reads this.
I gave up selling on eBay at the end of last year because I could not compete with the forgeries. SO, I have nothing to offer anyone - and I have no reason to attack anyone.
You sold a bat that was authenticated by an Ebay approved company. So, you did nothing wrong, right?
Oh yeah, since GAI is a professional OPINION, it is open to interpretation. It has been slammed before you were here, and it will be slammed long afterward.
Stick to selling cards.
I told everyone here that I have a GAI item in my profile. Nothing to hide. And I quote:
(Bigtruck260) There are plenty of sigs I purchased without anyone's sticker on it. You will even find a GAI item in there if you want to waste your time.
I made a BIG mistake with that item. I bought it at the last minute for my brother in law - when I got it, it did not look right. I should have looked at the auction harder - BUT I TRUSTED GAI.
I looked at the seller's other items and was ashamed at myself for not giving the item a closer look.
You are just proving my point by pointing that item out Batter's up. That GAI should not be trusted and all of thier items are questionable. Good job, Thanks. You have finally contributed something of substance.
No, not seller's remorse. I feel sorry for all of those that have taken your advice and been led astray. And its nice to know that you are quick opinioning a sellers items that you are obviously promoting. A friend perhaps?
Again: Mack's COA or GAI?
Evidently you thought enough of GAI to buy the Edmond's photo, but you don't feel confident enough to buy the Taguchi autographed bat or hat with the Mack's COA?
Maybe because I'm correct and you are promoting someone else's items?
Defending myself? No. Again--I only sell authenticated items and always offer 100% money back guarantee. Trying to prove my point that you, Chris W, and J have a little scam going here is more like it.
You are only making yourself look like a fool. You should really just stop.
I have purchased from BIG MACK, yes, because I know his stuff is legit. That is why I used him as an example. You must have missed the fact that I have purchased several items from him in my profile. While you were clicking every single entry to see what I sell and buy...it was a waste of time, too, wasn't it? You discovered that I buy a lot of Cardinals stuff and that I know more about it than you - right?
Anyway, Chris, J and I need to get back to sleep so that we can start fresh on our "scam" tomorrow.
And thanks for letting us use you as an example - it has been a while since someone actually defended themselves here. I guess I should tip my hat to you.
Good luck Batter's Up Collectibles. We are beginning to get childish...and we're adults - right? Good night. Dave
Bigtruck,
Your right about one thing...theirs is the professional opinion. Yours is just your opinion.
I'll continue to take the professional opinion and I hope every reader who looks over this wasted night of typing will do the same thing and stay away from your, chris W and J's free advertising for your so called authentic items.
Man,you guys have worn me out with this!I am a strictly a Pujols collector and I have looked at all the auctions you guys posted,and while I normally agree with you BT260,I have to say I have some items I purchased from the Pujols Foundation and tons of Pujols autographed cards that look just like that autograph on the bat.Not trying to start anything,just my opinion.I hate Global,but I think they got this one right.
Just a quick comment to Mr. Batter Upcollectibles. Not once in my writings here, since the beginning, have I ever mentioned my Ebay ID, or anything that I may be selling. If anything, I buy much more than I sell. Bigtruck and I have never promoted ourselves in this blog. We do this because we are sick and tired of the forgeries on the auction sites, mainly Ebay. I've been doing my own personal investigation into the fake memorabilia industry for over two years now. I helped HBO Sports prep their show on the same subject last January and was in New York twice to meet with the producers to describe to them the "bad guys" methods and who they are. We've seen sellers with well over 5,000 positive feedback who sold nothing but forged items. We've caught rings of "bad sellers" who worked together to scam buyers and whose total positive feedback was over 15,000 (they sold over 17,000 forged autograph items). We all know about seller "Americansportscollectibles" who sold over 2,500 fake autographed footballs. I could go on and on. And as much as we discuss particular questionable autographs, we also know that we must place half the blame on Ebay themselves who allow the "bad sellers" to continue to sell. I've always wondered what percentage of Meg's income came directly from the sales of forged autograph items. Ebay must do more to stop the sales of forged autograph items on their auction site.........Chris W.
Chris W
I could not agree more with you on that point. But how many of those items that you claim to be fake come authenticated from GAI?
The truth is I have commented a few times on Derek Jeter GAI authenticated items that were obvious fakes. Like I mentioned in a previous comment about that seller who sold a ton of fake Jeter, Mantle and Joe DiMaggio autograph items, they all failed "Quick Opinion" and Ebay suspended him for a while. Then he took those same autograph items and sent them to GAI and GAI authenticated all of them and he was back on Ebay selling the same fakes that failed "Quick Opinion." And these were not borderline fakes, they were obvious fakes. Now there is a NY Yankees GAI authenticated baseball on Ebay now that includes Derek's autograph and that Jeter autograph is authentic. But Bigtruck and myself have discovered many more obvious fake Jeter GAI authenticated items than we have legitimate ones. And I just don't shoot my mouth off at the hip. I am very meticulous when I look into anything and then write about it. GAI is a prequalified authenticator on Ebay so nothing will happen to GAI authenticated items on Ebay, but we can still voice our opinion on the autograph items that GAI authenticates especially us collectors who are more than familiar with certain athletes......Chris W.
READ THIS!
pretend you came across an unauthenticated ball signed by the 1961 yankees at your elderly neighbors yard sale. would you rather get it authenticated by a company that looks at signatures from all teams and sports on a daily basis, or