Ripken- 2131 Balls- which are real?

jonnyrock

I thought I had heard that one of the umps from the Ripken 2131 game had put out some "game-used balls" that really weren't game used.
Is this accurate? and if so, how do you tell?
for example take a look at this one: Ripken Ball

jrinck

The problem is that no matter if there is a sure-fire way to tell, the whole lot of them are tainted, at least in my eyes. It's not as if some random scammer was selling the fakes as legit, but it was from one of the actual umpires from the game. That's about the worst breach of trust for a situation like this.

It's the same situation with Ted Williams autographs--once the allegations came out that they could really be John Henry's autograph. Even worst is that, even if some Ted Williams autos are legit, how many were signed under pressure from his deathbed? I don't want one of those.

DirtyHarry

I have frequented the shop at Camden Yards a number of times and it is very reputable. They sell authentic memorabilia. In the listing, the buyer states that the ball was purchased there. If you are interested in buying, I would ask him for a scan of the receipt. You could then call the shop and attempt to verify. They may have records, or may have placed an identifier on the ball. Just a suggestion.

Your concern is well founded. The special "#8" balls used in the game are plentiful. I bought 2 cases of them and still have them.