Cal Ripken Fake or Real?

[coachdude2]

Saw this on e-bay. Is this an real game ball and autographs? I seem to remember that there was something said about the Al Clark Letter of Authenticity that was in question. It does not have any other documentation with it.
Can anyone help me out on this as I have a 2131 game used autographed ball with a Dan Morrison Letter of authenticity as well as PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CAL-RIPKEN-J...item3cca8da508

[Scott Garner]

You are correct.

Al Clark went to jail for selling these balls as well as supposed game balls to Nolan Ryan's 300th win and Roger Clemens' 1st 20 K game in 1986. Literally dozens of these balls were dumped into the hobby back in the mid-late 90's. It seemed like every auction had 'em...

I hope this helps.

[coachdude2]

thanks Scott!! Why does e-bay allow them to be put up if it has been proven that it is a fake?


www.softballfinds.com

[isaac2004]

On a side note, that Ripken is awfully bad. I have never seen the C so big

[roarfrom34]

while i'm not sure if the actual ball was game used in the record breaking game, the Ripken signature on it is a legit one

[kengoldin]

Cal sig is good
It is possible that the ball was from the game
Dozens were used in that game and I can tell you from personal experience there were multiple groups saving them, the umps, the orioles, and groundskeepers.
Clark rubbed up many balls after having cal sign them, however I would feel a bit more comfortable with all 4 ump sits and a letter NOT from al Clark
However, the value, if real, is about 1/3 of his asking price

EDIT: just saw ball came with AL CLARK letter
I would not touch the Al Clark letter as likely it is a normal ball signed by Ripken then rubbed up after the game

[novakjr]

I'm with Ken on this one. I like Cal sig. Plus, there is still a chance that the ball is real.. Sure the guys started selling unused ones, but you gotta think it was only possible because they'd originally started with legit ones..

[Scott Garner]

I agree with both Ken and David, but why chase anything that Al Clark is involved in? Clark was prosecuted for selling fake items from Ripken's 2131 game.

The guy was a proven crook, and since we'll never really know, spend your money elsewhere. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole, IMHO.

[coachdude2]

I hope that no one bites at that offer!!! I agree with Scott that I would not touch it. I'm just glad that I have one with a letter from Dan Morrison and PSA/DNA

www.baseballfinds.com

[novakjr]

I agree though, I Definitely wouldn't touch it at that price...The umpire signatures are a nice touch, but I wouldn't pay much more than the typical price of a Ripken signed ball.

[coachdude2]

Well it didn't sell last night so now he has it listed as a buy now for $8500.00...unreal. He also has the actual 1984 Olympic torch, and an Ali statue both look suspicious.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261099519728...84.m1438.l2661