The Find That's There But They Don't Care About It

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Posted By: David Davis

My friend's stepfather's uncle played briefly for an NL team in the 30's. However, the guy was a bit of a packrat and saved autographed balls (1 supposedly with Ruth), cards, possibly some equipment and other items. All of it now resides with his stepdad

I told my friend I'd love to get a look at the stuff, if for no other reason they should have it insured.

He says his stepdad knows it's worth "a lot". I told him he may not know just how much, or maybe it's worthless. There are also environmental and storage issues to consider, how provenance can improve the value, etc. Even family photos could have some appeal.

But no matter when I remind him about it nothing happens. My friend is a bit of a flake, and his stepdad is well off and just doesn't care. It's been about 6 months now since we first talked about it.

Any advice, and any similar tales to share?

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Posted By: Brad L.

I would tell your friend that you hope a "basement gnome" eats his relative's Ruth ball.
Seriously though, it does no good to try and help someone when they don't want to hear it. If the guy is "well-off" and doesn't care about those items, then no amount of advice will change his mind IMO.

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Posted By: David Vargha

I have heard that break-ins sometimes lead people to sell their collections. You may want to pursue other avenues first, however.

DavidVargha@hotmail.com

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Posted By: Jason L

may not be anything there at all.
a fun story, regardless...

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Posted By: Chris

My old substitute mail carrier approximately 6 years ago asked me about all the packages I received. I told him what they were and he proceded to tell me about how he would mow lawns when he was a kid and buy baseball cards from his uncle's store. He said at some point he had so many cards that he bought the cards but didn't open the packs. He says he has about 15 unopened boxes of baseball cards. When asked what he was going to do with them he said leave them to his grandkids. Shortly after he retired never to be seen again, or so I thought. About a year and a half ago I stop into a Chick Fil-A and guess who is there working? The old mail man. Still waiting to leave them to his grandkids. I still go in there hoping someday he will change his mind.