WANTED: Willie Mays to sign my 1960 NL Ball

[mdallen22]

Originally Posted by Duluth Eskimo

Add to that, he would sign it right across the autographs you already have on it with no concern for your collectible or value. He would probably sign over two names on the sweet spot and roll it back towards you.

Would he or has he done things like that in the past? I've heard stories of him purposely smearing his own auto, but I don't have any experience with him.

[MacDice]

I wouldn't even try and add him. His signature has gotten worse and he could care less about any item he signs.

[mdallen22]

Originally Posted by MacDice

I wouldn't even try and add him. His signature has gotten worse and he could care less about any item he signs.

I sent the promoter an email. Oddly enough they had a few people back out as recent as yesterday and it looks like they have a few spots available (this is yet to be confirmed). It seems like an uphill battle, but if this happens what a great addition.

[MGHPro]

I got willie a few weeks back . I don't think he can see much at all .. He had someone hand him the ball, then he would kind of feel for the laces and sign. He signature was better than I expected it to be .. With that being said , I would not risk having him trying to sign that ball.
Matt

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by MGHPro

I got willie a few weeks back . I don't think he can see much at all .. He had someone hand him the ball, then he would kind of feel for the laces and sign. He signature was better than I expected it to be .. With that being said , I would not risk having him trying to sign that ball.
Matt

Hi Matt,

That Mays looks much better than I would have expected. Can I ask why it's signed in sharpie? Did you have a choice, or did his keepers just hand him the sharpie?

Thanks

[vthobby]

to be a naysayer as well but if you send that baseball to Mays, you will get it back and you will NOT be happy. As great a player as he was, he will destroy that baseball. For one, there is no room on the ball for him to sign so he will take it in hand and give a very nice Mays signature and in the process, it will be over about 6 or 7 of the other sigs. You will then wonder where your $350 went and you might wish to then use the ball as a batting practice ball.

Sorry, but I have seen too many items destroyed by players and musicians and celebrities that simply do not care. Willie is one that does not care and in his ill health, you are risking a lot. Sorry, just my 2 cents,

Peace, Mike

PS you would do much better just having him sign a clean baseball like the one shown a few posts ago and just display the 2 baseballs together.

[eastonfalcon19]

I got Willie back in 2009 in Cooperstown during HOF weekend. He was signing at Mickey's place for about $350. I got him on a 500HR poster. Although he signed mine nice, like other people are saying he did ruin some pieces. There was a guy in front of me who had a dozen balls for Mays to sign. Willie started to sign in black sharpie and the guy started arguing with him about using a ball point. Not sure why the guy wanted a dozen balls signed at that price when he looked like he couldn't even afford a pair of shoes is beyond me. Good luck though with your ball.

[Runscott]

Hopefully Shelly will see this thread and can tell the worst Mays 'mangling' story ever. I can promise you - this one will never be topped.

If Shelly doesn't comply, I will tell it

[MikeKam]

Why not just sell this ball, save the $350 and obtain one that isn't stamped? At least then you'd have a nice baseball with a period signature and not needing to worry about paying up.

[MGHPro]

Originally Posted by 7nohitter

Hi Matt,

That Mays looks much better than I would have expected. Can I ask why it's signed in sharpie? Did you have a choice, or did his keepers just hand him the sharpie?

Thanks

No choice - I didn't see him put it down once .
Matt

[Hot Springs Bathers]

I saw him smear a bat signature on purpose and bounce a person a signed ball back in the mid-80's in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was signing along with Musial in a terrible location at the State Fair Grounds with no air conditioning in the Summer. Musial was wearing his sports coat and tie, stood to shake hands with every person and had a smile on his face.

Willie, well let's just say he seemed unhappy. I did get a photo and a ball that day. If my memory serves me right they were $10.00 each.