Try telling that to former New York Mets stalwart Ed Kranepool who, along with friend Russell C. Friedman and a host of other former players and families of deceased players, has done just that.
Kranepool, an outfielder, first baseman and pinch-hitter extraordinaire with the “Amazin” Mets who smashed 118 home runs during a big league career that began in 1962 and spanned 18 seasons, is trying to hit another one “outta the park” with his new venture – “The Memorabilia Road Show.”
And, unlike Colonel Sanders, Kranepool has decided to let the public in on his company’s secret recipe:
Rare memorabilia consigned by both professional athletes and the families of former professional athletes + certified authentication by the hobby’s leading forensic examiners PSA/DNA and SCD Authentic = a mighty player in the sports memorabilia auction circle.
“We started this company to circumvent that and develop an instant trust: our items come directly from players and their families, no third parties are involved” Kranepool said.
In other words, the opportunity to purchase rare sports-related memorabilia through Kranepool’s Traveling Memorabilia Road Show is as about as an authentic experience as one can get.
The one-of-a-kind relics up for sale are museum quality and, to be quite honest, simply amazing.
From Thurman Munson’s “pilot’s license,” to the earliest cap worn in Brooks Robinson’s tenure with the Orioles, these items come directly from the player’s families and/or the players themselves and authenticated by either PSA/DNA or SCD Authentic, as an added luxury.
“We still provide outside COAs when appropriate, but the buyers will know it truly comes from the players own collection.” Kranepool added.
To take it a step further, every item will also come with an affidavit signed by the consignor attesting to the authenticity of the item. This is especially comforting in light of recent reports of a high forgery rate amongst purportedly authentic signed sports items.
“The collectibles and memorabilia hobby soared so quickly it was relatively easy for forgeries to find their way in.” explained Kranepool.
SCD Authentic’s Troy Kinuen noted that upon inspection, the items offered through The Memorabilia Road Show “earned some of the highest scores our company has ever issued. For example Hank Aaron’s 1955 Game used bat was graded (A-9.5) (Dave) Bushing/Knoll.”
For those who have no idea who Dave Bushing is, allow me to let you in on a little secret: Bushing is the foremost expert on game-used bats in the country, if not the world. He’s written numerous books on the subject, and examined and authenticated some of the most incredible relics ever seen. You know that if the piece has been authenticated by Bushing, it’s real.
Among other one-of-a kind pieces included in the inaugural auction are:
- 1866 Brooklyn Excelsior beautifully inscribed “lemon peel” Trophy Ball dated August 17,1866, and probably used by Hall of Famer Candy Cummings, an early practitioner (if not the inventor) of curve ball pitching. (opening bid $5000)
- Whitey Ford’s 1960 signed home New York Yankees pinstripe jersey (opening bid $5,000)
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A 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team signed baseball from their only World Championship season. (opening bid $5,000)
Munson’s 1979 road jersey, one of the last he ever wore (opening bid $5,000) - Yogi Berra’s 1951 road jersey used early in his career from his first MVP season (opening bid $5,000)
- After examining the list of auction items, I came upon what might be the most interesting piece of history up for bids: Roger Maris’ last car, a 1982 Mercedes 380SEL.
"This is a remarkable piece," said Russell C. Friedman, President of The Memorabilia Road Show, "If a 1961 game worn Roger Maris jersey can go for over $300,000 at auction this past August, imagine what his last car could realize."
Trust me, I’ve thought about it a time or two.
For more information on the inaugural Memorabilia Road Show auction, featuring more than 500 rare and never before seen items, beginning on November 15, 2004, please visit: www.memorabiliaroadshow.net
