Mastro Lots: HOF Single Signed Balls / Kalamazoo Bats Team Card

[Archive]

Posted By: Tom L. 

There were a few Mastro lots that I was interested in (but was severely outgunned). Which leads me to some follow-on questions . . .

Anyone have an explanation for the Joe Kelley single signed autographed ball price? It went from around 2K late on the last day of the auction to over 17.5K by the time it was over. The Jennings ball went for around 4K the day before. The Kelley signature had even been "enhanced" by someone else after the fact (clearly noted in the description). Is that due to a few HOF autograph collectors, or to the fanatic Baltimore collectors?

And is 10K in line for a nice K-Bats team card? Seemed pretty pricey (esp. after tacking on the juice), but is it possibly the only one in existence? If not, anyone have a guess how many of the Baltimore cards are out there? Thanks.

[Archive]

Posted By: Hankron

Hi Tom,

The price for the Kelley ball seems pricey to me too. Two complimenting points about the ball, beyond that he's a rare signature. Kelley wrote a variety of other things on the ball, which significantly enhances its desirability. In almost all cases, the more writing like this, the more expensive. Due to this embellishment, the ball almost appears as if it's a so-called trophy ball.

I like the story about Kelley, that he was so vain that he kept a pocket mirror in his cap so he could look at himself while he was in the outfield.

[Archive]

Posted By: Tom

the only one in existence. A frequent contributor to the board also has one........