What is the hobby come to?

[batsballsbases]

Mike,
That is exactly what I was trying to say!

[69Cubfan]

I'm blown away that people will spend their money on such things as this. The seller claims that this is "art", well, so is forgeries. He is going to such great lengths as to toning and shellaching the ball to make it look vintage which is also what a forger would do. In my mind this is a type of forgery even though he claims he is not handwriting the signature. I would only consider it "art" if the "artist" signs his name somewhere on the ball like any other "art" piece. That way you would know right away that this ball is not the real deal. I wonder if there is any type of trademark infringements since he is replicating the ball manufacturer and Ruth's name?These balls will be attempted to be sold someday down the road claiming to be real. And someone will be dumber than the guy that spent $700 for this ball to plunk down even more money because he thinks it is the real deal. If this guy is making this kind of money on these, there will be no stopping him to create hundreds more. What a shame!!!

[GrayGhost]

Another freaking reason for Roach's corner and other crooks to take something like this, and try and pass it off as real. I mean, a potential buyer here. This seller may think he is helping some out, who want a ball but can't afford a REAL RUTH signed ball. In reality, he is just "opening the door to more crap".

But, since I don't trust a lot of people in high end autographs, I wouldn't be suprised if he is in cahoots w someone anyways. Call it negative, but its the way it is.

[jbsports33]

There is good and bad in everything, and this hobby has no exceptions and seeing this can be very frustrating. I just try and look away and just keep on going and take the direction I need to take and not worry about what others are doing.

Jimmy

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by GrayGhost

Another freaking reason for Roach's corner and other crooks to take something like this, and try and pass it off as real. I mean, a potential buyer here. This seller may think he is helping some out, who want a ball but can't afford a REAL RUTH signed ball. In reality, he is just "opening the door to more crap".

But, since I don't trust a lot of people in high end autographs, I wouldn't be suprised if he is in cahoots w someone anyways. Call it negative, but its the way it is.

Scott - your statement of "this seller may think he is helping some out" is a tad of an overstatement,,, I believe his motives here are not to help somebody out, except himself. The motives of buyer and seller here are highly worrisome. The seller must be aware of the fact that somewhere along the way these balls are going to be sold as the real thing. His defense of course will be that he cannot be responsible for what happens after he sells one.
Forged artwork is hanging on the walls of museums, touted as real. I hate to think where this can lead.
And I do like the idea of this guy signing his work, that might help somewhat.

[canjond]

I wonder how easy it is to tell in person that the labels and signature were applied? From the photos, its almost impossible to me.

[Forever Young]

sorry...wrong thread oops

[keithsky]

I don't care how many times the seller puts in his description that it is a replica, 100 times if he wants to protect himself but that type of ball will end up being sold as real. Maybe not now but somewhere down the line. Why else would someone spend 700.00 for a replica? If you have 700.00 to spend on a replica why don't you save up a couple thousand more and by a real one. Judging by the people on Coachs Corner buying that crap apparently they don't know what is real or not, that will be the type of person ending up with a ball like this. Thinking it's real