Ask Babe: More questions for the Babe

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Dear Babe: After a recent trip to Cooperstown, I've decided to start collecting autographed Major League baseballs. My concern is the authentication of the signature. Is there a publication or other source that would be helpful in what to look for before purchasing an autographed baseball? It appears that the best deals are on eBay. -- Robert Lammers, Marietta, Ga.It's only a good deal if the autograph is real. The consensus of the experts who offer advice for this column is that if you're going the eBay route be sure to get certificates of authenticity from respected sources otherwise you could get burned. While third-party opinions -- even from highly recommended sources -- aren't infallible. PSA and James Spence Authenticators (JSA) were two that the experts said were OK. You can also buy from reputable dealers such as Steiner Sports or TriStar Productions. Upper Deck Authenticated is another source collectors are comfortable with.You can also work with auction houses such as Mastro, Sportscards Plus, Leland's, Heritage and Robert Edward Auctions. All offer opinions on values for Da Babe and all have solid reputations within the industry."If the baseballs have PSA or JSA certs, eBay is OK. Any other certs and I would be very cautious,'' said Brian Marren, vice president of acquisitions for www.MastroAuctions.com auctions in Chicago."If an inexperienced collector turns to eBay to start his collection, he should stick with pieces that originated with reputable firms,'' said Mike Breeden, an autograph expert and editor of Tuff Stuff's autograph guide. "I'd buy only pieces that carried a hologram from one of the companies you mention (PSA, JSA) and perhaps a few others. The COA itself in this day and age isn't enough. It should have a hologram from the manufacturer or a reputable third party. The third-party holograms aren't infallible, but sticking with PSA and JSA will certainly dramatically lessen the chances of buying a forgery." Dear Babe: When I owned a catering company, Billy Martin attended a party we catered. He tipped me $10 and I had him sign it. I have it in a collage along with his pictures that I snapped of him at the party along with the articles about his death. please don't tell me it is worth ten dollars! -- Toby Kelley, Riverside, Calif.Well, the dollar has been taking a beating recently, but it is still worth $10 in the U.S., but I know what you mean. There are folks who collect signed money. It might be worth as much as $50 or so, said Mike Heffner, president of www.lelands.com auction house in South Dennis, Mass.Dear Babe: About 12 years ago, I was able to acquire a Mike Richter stick autographed by the entire Rangers hockey team. I understand that this is one of four sticks autographed that day. The stick was autographed on June 14, 1994, during the Stanley Cup Finals (the year the Rangers won The Cup). I have a certificate of authenticity from Collectible Cards, Inc., a Sports Memorabilia Company in New Jersey. -- Rich Miller, Dallas, Ga.Authenticity is the key here. "Assuming the Richter signed stick is real, it is worth around $1,500,'' said Mike Heffner, president of www.lelands.com auction house in South Dennis, Mass. Hefner said he had not heard of the New Jersey firm that issued your COA. That doesn't mean it isn't real, it just means you probably will have to have it authenticated again if you ever try to sell it.BABE NOTE: Collectors chasing cards of this year's crop of NFL rookies will find a six-card set in blaster boxes of Donruss Threads Football at Dick's Sporting Goods. There's one card in each blaster box, featuring the players in their college uniforms. A NFL version will be available later in the year. The inserts include Joe Flacco, Darren McFadden, Matt Ryan, Jonathan Stewart, Rashard Mendenhall and Felix Jones.(Send card questions to Babe Waxpak, PO Box 492397, Redding, CA 96049-2397 or e-mail babewaxpak(at)charter.net. If possible, include card number, year and brand or a photocopy. Please do not send cards. For Babe Waxpak's blog, see www.scrippsnews.com/waxpak. Babe Waxpak is a feature of The Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)