I know this may sound stupid, but how can I accurately attempt to photo match game worn/used equipment I have? I've been looking through various Getty Images pictures and I have found certain jerseys of players that would apply to the criteria I'm looking at (e.g. a 2003 Brett Tomko Cardinals road jersey). How do I go about finding out if the jersey in the picture was the one I own? How do you guys do it? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Tim

Tim,

Great question and one that deserevs far more attention than I will give it in this brief response..There are a number of common problems encountered in "photo matching"..to do it right, it takes time and requires a different approach to thinking.

A couple of points..first, most folks will take the jersey and comppare it to the photo..in fact, you want to do the opposite. The person will usually look at the jersey or bat first and then find are particular nuance in the photo (they stop when they find something that matches). That is backwards and here’s why. The photograph represents that item at a point in time. The jersey or bat itself represents the actual the cumulative life of that item. You should pick out a distinct aspect of the item in the picture and expect to see it on the item. If it was on the shirt at the time of picture, it should still be there (not counting light staining that could have been washed out). In addition, folks need to know how to imagery analysis. I have an entire chapter devoted to this in a collectors guide I am working on.

The aspect invloves gauging size..how do you know the letters, crests, or numbers on your jersey are same size as thos on the one in picture..not "about the same size" but the same size..this goes to distance of the placement of patches from seams, or even sleeve length as well..it can be done and with a good level of precision as well.

I know it seems like I am using this to shamlesly "pimp" my guide project, but I am very excited about the project and what it can provide. I hope to have a publishing decision and anncouncement in the next few weeks. This has been a project I have been working on for a number of years so I hope you can forgive my excitement..

Dave Grob

Tim,

I agree with Dave's point and photo matching is something I try to do with many items in my personal collection. Below is one of my more recnt photo matches. As you can see, the bat was near the end of its time with Beltran as all of the markings match almost 100%. Check it out!





Photo from MLB.com, Dated 8/26/2005 "Beltran Hits 2nd HR of Day vs. Cubs"





Chris Boyd
Houston Sports Investments
________________________________________________
Specializing in GU Astros Equipment & Autographs
713-385-1155
ccboyd@houston.rr.com

Dave, and Chris, thank you for your replies. I'm going to attempt to photo match some of the items in my collection that seem the easiest. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Tim

P.S. - Dave, I look forward to reading your book, good luck with it!