How to start an auto'ed ball collection?

BobS

Hey fella's.

My office just recently relocated and low and behold I now have a room (and door) to myself.

So......I'd like to add a little personal touch in here and thought auto'ed baseballs would be nice to look at, and may strike up a conversation or two when clients are visiting. I thought about adding a case and some of my nicer cards but I prefer to have those at home.

So........what is the best way to get started? Just doing a search on ebay for PSA DNA baseball returns hundreds of authenticated balls. From Honus to guys I've never heard of. Any suggestions? Start with the $50 "commons" (i.e Pete). HOF'ers?, players from my childhood (late 70's, early 80's)?. I have no idea what I'm doing and need some help.

ToppsCo1lector

One way I get them is auto requests through the mail. There are some shipping boxes that a baseball fits perfect inside of. I write a note, and send them extra stamps to cover shipping. Warren Spahn returned mine in less than 2 weeks auto'd.

tennesseebanker

Bob, I just recently started collecting the Psa Dna slabbed balls. I think they look great in the holder and If I ever wanted to sell them thier shouldnt be a problem.
I also do the same search as you on E-bay, and yes it returns hundreds of entries. You may want to break it down to certain players you are looking for. For example "pete rose ball psa dna"
As far as who to buy, I would say just buy who you like or liked best.

RyanFan34

I just started one myself and all the balls that I have are signed in person. I have a few that are third party authenticated but a few are not. I don't plan on selling then so to me it does not matter. the reason that I chose this route is to have the memories of when the ball was signed. I have gotten most of then from local card shows and appearances. I have pictures of me with most all the ones that I have met and that is the stories that I tell when showing off my collection. This is just my personal reasonings. I have also thought about going through the mail but I am still not sure that I want to take the chance on a $20 baseball to go un-returned or lost in the mail, as I do not have the money to take that many chances. It all depends on your personal preference.

BobS

Great replies. I think I'll stick to PSA DNA balls for now just for peace of mind and in case I ever need to sell. Is their service really $35? I've seen that in some of the auctions.

DaBigHurt

Their authentication fees depend on the signature. Some autographs like Babe Ruth cost $150 to authenticate while other lesser figures are only $20.

If you're going to buy a signed baseball and are not familiar with the signatures, stick with PSA/DNA, James Spence (JSA), UDA, Steiner and Global Authentication (GAI). You might have to pay a bit more, but I've seen way too many forgeries on Ebay and at shows and stores to ever advise anyone to buy "raw" autographed baseballs.

onlyanumber

If you want to have some fun getting the signatures, take a week off during spring training. Go to Florida. Avoid Orlando (Braves) and Tampa (D'Rays/Yankees). Go to Kissimmee (Astros) Port St Lucie (Mets), Winter Haven (Indians), Lakeland (Tigers), and Sarasota (Reds). Those towns have little to do and it is a gold mine in autograph opportunities. Players are much more willing to sign--even the big names. I met virtually everyone on the Mets back in 2004 and walked away from a game with 18 signed balls. Same with the Tigers last year. I went to Winter Haven last year one day in the AM and met countless Indians at Cypress Gardens in the parking lot.

Believe me, it's great to talk about a baseball you got signed by a David Wright or a Grady Sizemore before they became bigger names.

Stone193

Hi Bob

Obviously you know where to buy them - ebay is good - also - e.g. Steiner runs specials from time to time. I noticed a big sale in SCD this week.
They can be pricey - that's why I like ebay.

I agree with Tennessee - the PSA/DNA slabbed balls are nice - as long the ball is placed properly in the container.

Now "what" to collect.

An HOF SS ball collection would be sweet AND expensive - but would be fun.

On some ya may have to compromise - I bought a ball with KiKi Cuyler on it - I can't afford a SS ball.

Do you have a favorite team - and did they go to or win a WS? E.g. I'm a Braves fan - they won the WS in 1995 - I would consider getting the auto SS balls of the entire starting lineup and winning pitchers for that year.

Just a consideration - all the 3000 hit auto balls would be cool also - I have a GU ball signed by Brett from his 3000th hit game e.g.

- not the prettiest auto I must confess.

500 HR club - get the SS balls instead of a multi-signed ball.

Just some ideas and Good Luck!
mike