Question re: toning on UDA baseballs

[mattjc1983]

I've had my eye on both Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle UDA baseballs for years (one of those "I'm in no rush so I'll buy it when it's the right ball at the right price" things) and I am surprised what a high percentage of both have severe splotchy, uneven toning. I've never seen such consistently bad toning issues from any other particular athlete/certifier combination, and I assume I'm not the first to notice this. They all appear to be ROMLBs, but I'm assuming there must be a (now) known issue with UDA balls that were signed by Mantle or Williams during a certain timeframe?

Also, to those who might have a little bit more knowledge on these types of things, if you can find one that still hasn't toned as of 2017, is it reasonable to assume it probably won't?

Thanks in advance, happy collecting


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[packs]

I've noticed my Bobby Brown OMLB tend to tone way more than my other ones. I'm guessing a pretty fair amount, maybe all, of the UDA balls are Bobby Brown's.

[mcgwirecom]

I remember talking to someone about this. I heard they had used improper chemicals to treat the leather for some period of time. I'm not sure of the years though. But basically what you said is correct, if it hasn't gotten blotchy then it will not.

[mattjc1983]

Originally Posted by packs

I've noticed my Bobby Brown OMLB tend to tone way more than my other ones. I'm guessing a pretty fair amount, maybe all, of the UDA balls are Bobby Brown's.

I think you're right, I believe all of them I've seen like this are Bobby Brown. Thanks for the info.


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[Kco]

Originally Posted by mattjc1983

I think you're right, I believe all of them I've seen like this are Bobby Brown. Thanks for the info.


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FWIW, I have UDA balls of Mantle w/No 7 inscription, and Williams on Bobby Brown balls and the Mabtle is Snow White with no toning, and so is the Williams. Both are over 20 years old and still look great. All luck of the draw on the UDA balls whether they are excellent or splotchy

[Kco]

But at this point if they haven't shown any issues yet they likely won't down the road.

[w7imel]

Originally Posted by Kco

But at this point if they haven't shown any issues yet they likely won't down the road.

Yes there was a bad chemical it the hatti balls and like he said the splochyness occured pretty soon after produced. If you find one with no splotches then chances are it will be ok.