Babe Ruth ball...

[Geronimo]

Anyone here a baseball nerd?

I have a couple of signed balls from my great grand father. My mother kept them put away forever and going through her stuff (she passed last year) I figured i'd see what they are worth and if I can find someone who could display and appreciate them.

I took them to a local memorabilia store who were able to certify them as authentic. One is a 1935 Tigers world series ball with the whole team and Babe Ruth on it. The other is a 1940 Tigers world series team signed ball.

My great grand father worked at the stadium and would go down and visit the team at times.

The shop said they have an auction that they run and would love to have them in their auction. Suggested that the Ruth ball could get $2Kish... then called me later to suggests that upon further research it would be valued closer to $4K and they would drop their consignment fee from 15% to 10%.

Just wondering if anyone had any advice on this topic.

Thanks in advance.

[Vipergrün]

Watch "The Sand Lot" :--)

[craigster59]

Well, being a fan of "The Sandlot" I would think it would fetch more than $4k. People are finding different avenues to invest these days. Art, cars and memorabilia are some of the biggies.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Vipergrün

Watch "The Sand Lot" :--)

Typing at the same time!

A quick search and it seems that some are in the $16k to $45k range.
Although I've seen where an individual signature can go for more $$$ as opposed to multiple signatures on the same ball.

https://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/babe-ruth/baseballs/a-402435+d-74225566+z-9568-1193011692

[masraum]

I'm not a baseball guy or a memorabilia guy, but I would think that a world series ball signed by the entire team including BR would be $$$. But then maybe the guys that would REALLY car are too old to spend their $$$ now.

[Zeke]

My neighbor has a ball signed by Ruth. The Babe was in Long Beach for some reason, but not playing. We didn't have any major leagues out here on the West Coast then.

The provenance of the ball accounts for variables in value. Since this ball was not even sighed at a ballpark, it's worth less. It's real though, because the neighbor's dad was the one that got the autograph in person. AFAIK, it's rare to find BB's signed with a message such as, "To..." if at all.

That might be a book thing.

[nota]

yankies ball likely would be more valuable
then a very late tigers ball to collectors

[MBAtarga]

Antique Roadshow sports memorabilia appraiser:

https://www.leiladunbar.com/services-2/sports/

[Sooner or later]

Why would Babe Ruth sign a 1935 Detroit World Series ball? Seems strange.

[Geronimo]

My guess is that my great grand father was familiar with the Tigers guys, and got a team ball signed, then ask the Babe to sign it when he was there...

[mattdavis11]

If you don't need the money, I'd hold on to it, and pass it down, just as it was to you.

If I were to guess, a Barry Bonds ball won't be worth squat years from now. A "Henry Hammer'n Hank" ball might be though.

If I had memorabilia like that, I would pass it along to the next generation(s).

[stevej37]

1935 was the year BR retired. Prob at the height of his popularity. Might have been making the rounds.

[flatbutt]

My cousin sold his Mickey Mantle rookie card for $4K+. It depends on who wants it and how badly.

[Ayles]

Sports cards and such have been in the news a bit lately after a 25 year dip in prices. Cards are on the upswing probably bring balls and memorabilia with them.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/baseball/baseball-card-business-booming-with-million-dollar-pricetags-2320671/

https://wbng.com/2021/02/19/collectible-sports-cards-increase-in-value-to-all-time-high-decrease-in-availability-to-original-audience/

I'm in the if you don't need money keep it category.

[Scott Douglas]

I wouldn't trust the appraisal of someone looking to sell the ball and making money off that sale.

I'd keep it and pass it on as my son was a baseball player.

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by Sooner or later

Why would Babe Ruth sign a 1935 Detroit World Series ball? Seems strange.

Price seems awfully low to me. Ruth was prominent at the '35 World series...as he was in te stands and a big part of the "show." He retired that year (but was still Mr. Baseball to the world). He had almost been the Tigers manager that year.

from the '35 Series:

[Geronimo]

I don't need the money, but what's the point of having a several thousand dollar ball in a box in the basement... I don't care about baseball, I could sell it and have it with someone who can appreciate it, while I can buy something I can appreciate. I guess that's the way I look at it.

[javadog]

No idea what it’s worth but go ahead and sell it.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Geronimo

I don't need the money, but what's the point of having a several thousand dollar ball in a box in the basement... I don't care about baseball, I could sell it and have it with someone who can appreciate it, while I can buy something I can appreciate. I guess that's the way I look at it.

Absolutely sell it for a fair price. I don't collect anything.

Quick Sea Story I have written here before:

My Great Uncle knew Joe DiMaggio. I had lunch with Joe D. at his restaurant a few times in the 60's. Each time he gave me a signed baseball.

I ended up playing with all three until they were in tatters. Nobody cared.

Play Ball!

[masraum]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

If you don't need the money, I'd hold on to it, and pass it down, just as it was to you.

If I were to guess, a Barry Bonds ball won't be worth squat years from now. A "Henry Hammer'n Hank" ball might be though.

If I had memorabilia like that, I would pass it along to the next generation(s).

Sadly, often the younger generation doesn't know or care. "What is this stuff, ugh, I'd never have this around my house. We'll just throw it out or give it to Good Will."