Regarding the 2004 Astros Roger Clemens jersey in Vintage Authentics auction, the winning bidder is going to be notified regarding the concerns network54 members and Chris Boyd have had regarding the jersey.
I have checked Getty images and no photos could be found of Clemens wearing that style of numbers on game days. This matches the research already completed by Chris Boyd.
It has been rumored that this jersey was issued for Clemens to wear on his off days. Since he would not be on the mound, the color variations of the numbers were not a concern. Clemens jerseys were in high demand so many were made for him to wear. Research did show that Clemens favored a bullpen jacket on his offdays so photos of him wearing his jerseys are covered.
The fact that Clemens did wear this styled jersey have not been able to be verified. Therefore, these facts will be made available to the winning bidder via email and a letter forwarded to the winner from MEARS via Vintage Authentics.
Vintage Authentics co-CEO Steve Jensen has assured me that an immediate and full refund will be issued if the winning bidder so chooses.
What a shocker that Getty Images can't support your claims in finding an image of Clemens wearing an Astros jersey with incorrect tackle twill. Your statement, "It has been rumored that this jersey was issued for Clemens to wear on his off days" is completely ridiculous! First, where is this rumor circulating, as I have NEVER heard this? Second, can you actually issue a letter of authenticity based on the fact on a jersey not being worn in a game, or as most collectors refer to as “game worn”? Does it read “bench worn” or "bullpen worn”? Third, your statement, “The fact that Clemens did wear this styled jersey have not been able to be verified” has me in stitches! No photo match, no card of him wearing this, no proof from any dealer/collector and you have the nerve to surface this?
I would not be so quick to refund the winning bidders money from this. Although it does appear that this jersey is fake, word has it that Getty Images is posting a photo of Clemens shaking hands on March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) during spring training with Cal Ripken Jr . Clemens wearing what appears to be this jersey in question and Ripken wearing his green St. Patrick’s jersey. In the background, Babe Ruth showing Arod a few slugging techniques. As they say, a picture is word a thousand letters of authenticity!
Keep those rock solid letters coming, Troy. I need to change the lining in my bird cage this afternoon.
I am sorry for providing bad information in my previous post. The upcoming Getty Image with Clemens and Ripken shaking hands actually shows Manny Ramirez in the background showing AROD hitting techniques, not Ruth. What is interesting, however, is that you can clearly see the Russell tagging on Manny's Indians jersey and a large X on the tag! Troy, as noted earlier, a photo is indeed worth a thousand letters of authenticity!
Troy - - - - - your n*ts must be the size of watermelons - - - - - basically, you are saying that Bushing and you authenticated this jersey based on a supposed rumor that he wore these fake jerseys on nongame days. Do I have it right? This is one of the most incredible posts yet. Even Dave G. is going to have a tough time defending you guys on this one, though I'm sure he'll try.
Network54 brought it to my attention that there was a discrepancy with this jersey. We issued the original letter as a game worn pitching day jersey. The fact that the color of the numbers did not match was brought to my attention via this post. After being notified, I began additional research. With help of this forum, it was obvious that this could not have been work during his pitching days. As I was inquiring about the jersey, it was rumored that he wore it on his off day. Like my previous post stated, the rumor could not be verified. Therefore, we are contacting the high bidder to arrange a refund.
This will not happen in the future. We have implimented procedures to insure it doesn't. Before any Letter of Opinion is issued, we check jerseys versus our database. If we do not have an image of that style of jersey filed, we check versus Getty Images.
The Roger Clemens jersey was inspected in late fall of 2004. Since then, we have added 12,900 images to the database, improved our methods, and use Getty Images and like services.
As Dave Grob stated, we strive to be perfect, but mistakes will happen. But, when they do, we will ALWAYS stand behind them.
I appreciate the explanation. Not sure I was clear with my question- I'll rephrase- at the time the jersey was originally inspected, what was used to determine it was an authentic game jersey?
I understand that you will use a database and getty in all MEARS work in the future, what was used with this specific SCDA examination?
Matt and Dan - - - - - sorry, but there were no worksheets until January of 2005 - - - - - so there is no written evidence of the process by which this fake jersey was deemed real. Could you re-ask the question using a jersey that was authenticated after January, 2005? Thank you for your flexibility.
Jeter wears panties under his game pants-that's the rumor!
June 15 2005, 3:16 PM
Regarding an earlier post on how this jersey was believed to be authentic, Troy has already provided his source in an earlier post-it was "rumored" that Clemens wore this type of jersey with incorrect tackle twill. How can one ask for much moe than this from an individual writing letters of opinion on $9,000 jerseys?
Troy, maybe you can provide some additional insight for the Forum members. Likewise, you noted in another response that you are buying back this shirt. That's just grand! Are you actually writing a check to the winning bidder? What about the endless shirts that are tucked away and do not re-surface into the hobby until the year 2015? Little chance MEARS will be around, and as such, is the poor sap with a bogus shirt and a completely worthless letter SOL?
If you are looking for me to try to explain or defend the opinion that was offered in this case or the process that was used to arrive at that opinion, I won't be as there is none and I as much told Troy that last night.
What is worth defending is what was done with this and the Manny Rameriz jersey.
1. Listen to what people are saying.
2. Respond quickly and openly.
3. Re-look the informtion or process used to form the opinion.
4. If wrong, ensure the collector is not out any money. This is much greater than just refunding the fee for the opinion (probably around $175-$200), but rather eating the whole thing ($9000.00). This sort of policy forces one of two things..get better about what you are doing or get ready to go broke.
Showing collectors how good you are about making things right is not something any organization should go out of its way to pat itself on the back over. It is done because something was not done the right way the first time. No business can base its success on how good they are when something goes wrong, but many can attribute their failure to it.
"G.V.. If you are looking for me to try to explain or defend the opinion that was offered in this case or the process that was used to arrive at that opinion, I won't be as there is none and I as much told Troy that last night."
Now that I will agree with as you are correct, it can not be defended (not legitimately, anyway).
I would think that something else we can agree on is what should be considered an acceptable level of responsibility...If the reason that individuals or organiations are in business is to offer opinions that drive or influence bidding or purchase decision, they should accept the responsibility (and I mean in a financial sense) for being wrong..
I would ask the members of this forum to canvas the other individuals or organizations that offer the same services and ask what their position is?
In addition, take some time to look through the administrative instructions in the front of just about any auction cataloge and you will probably find the same three words..ALL SALES FINAL...that may infact be the position of the auction house, but if we where retained by them..what we "sold" was a service invloving an opinion, and as you can see "ALL SALES FINAL" is not our policy.
I have a few things to day on this issue! First, not sure how my "research" got put into this. I actually haven't done any research on red, white, or grey jerseys from 2004. I do have the following information for Clemens 2004 Jerseys:
Home Pinstripe - 7 (Includes All-Star issued jersey), 4 used in season "0062", 1 exclusively in 1st Inning of 2004 All-Star game "0062" , 2 "6200" tagged Size 52 that were worn on non-pitching days
Road Grey - 6 (3 worn exclusively for Roger Clemens Foundation, these 3 Size 50) "0062"
Home White - 2 "0062"
Red Alternate Home - 4 "0062"
Red Alternate Road - 2 "0062"
Note that the only "6200" jerseys were 2, yes I said TWO, Home Pinstripes intended for non pitching use!!!
This is information provided to me by my Astros sources. As part of the above information, my goal was to document the Home Pinstripes jerseys. I have matched the above information with over 200 photos from the 2004 Home games when pinstripes were worn. From photo matching, I discovered 5 jerseys were worn including the All-Star jersey. I was unable to document the 2 "bench" jerseys due to the lack of photos on the bench or the use of a jacket over the jersey.
In addition to photo matching, I wanted to locate the 5 jerseys to further prove the information. Here is what I know of 7 Home Pinstripes and their current location"
1. Home Pinstripe, No tail tags, Unknown size - "Baseball As America" Exhbit at the Museum of Fne Arts Houston (Exhibit started Late May, 2005)
2. Home Pinstripe, No tail tags, Unknown size - Roger Clemens Cy Young #7 Exhibit located in Outfield Concourse of Minute Maid Park. Exhibit also features 2004 Glove, Pants, Cleats, bat, batting glove, hat, undershirt, sliding shorts, and socks.
3. Home Pinstripe worn in 1st Inning of 2004 All-Star Game - In possesion of Clemens Family
4. Home Pinstripe - UNKNOWN (I CANT'T FIND IT YET!!!)
5. Home Pinstripe, No tail tags, Extreme Use, Measures to Size 54, Worn during Months of June, July, and August 2004. Also worn in Pre-Game Ceremonies of 2004 All-Star Game, 7th Inning Ceremonies of 2004 All-Star Game, May 5th 2004 Game in which Roger passed Steve Carlton's 4137 Ks - THIS JERSEY IS IN MY POSSESSION and can be seen at http://www.egameused.com/collection.html
6. Home Pinstripe "6200" - I Obtained one of the 2 "6200" jerseys which was sold to a private collector
7. Home Pinstripe "6200" - UNKNOWN (I CANT'T FIND IT YET!!!)
So, there you have it! That is my research! Who is going to pay me $200 for it??? That is what I thought! But I didn't do it because I wanted to be paid for my research on the hobby I enjoy and am passionate about.
So, back to my other points! Second, Not sure how I got in this mix on this red jersey! I did point out to forum members that the jersey was bad. This jersey was never in the Astros clubhouse. I know the two individuals that actually sew by hand every letter and number on the blank jerseys issued to the Astros. This mistake, or mis-color, or whatever you want to call it never happened. I just got off the phone with one of those individuals and was told a "mistake like this would have been found faster than a neddle and a haystack." Sorry for the direct quote but you gotta know this person and their humor.
Finally, Troy where did the jersey come from? I think I know where; I am pretty sure you know where! If you haven't figured out yet, if there is an Astros item out there, I know about it. I spend countless hours driving my wife nuts with my passion for this! This source needs to be stopped.
I know there is a big issue about authentication right now! My concern with authentication can be seen in this very jersey. When I first obtained my Clemens jersey, there was an "authenticator" that told me the jersey was an "obvious" knock off as the front tagging was removed. Next time one of you guys run into Roger, ask him how he likes his jerseys. Every item in this hobby, note I say hobby and not industry or business, is unique in a very special way. There will always be questions about sizing of letters, sizes, use characteristics, whether a player writes his number on the knob of a bat or another players number so it is less likely to be stolen out of the bat rack, or whether a player prefers the tags taken out of a jersey before use because they itch and irriate that player under their sliding shorts. I feel that this authentication business has gotten out of control. I put food on my families table with my normal job not by selling, trading, or buying sports memorabilia. I understand that their our individuals out there that have made their occupation in the sports memorabilia business. I appreciate that! I will never make that my living because I never want to make a decision because of money. For instance, I never want to sell my Clemens jersey because of money or have to authenticate items for $200 each. Not that charging $200 is wrong, but it is just not my choice. What gives someone the right to be an "authenticator" or an expert. People tell me I am the Astros expert, but I learn something new everyday. I used to love offering help to people that called and asked advice on items, but when an "authenticator" calls to get my opinion and then puts my research in a letter to a client and then charges $200, it is a little frustrating.
Sorry, I need to get off my little stool! My point with my detailed research above is that I did that on my own. I feel proud of the item I did research on. If you are in this hobby for the write reason, that would bring joy to you too. Again, I ask: Are autheticators writing letters on items because of the joy of the hobby or because they are trying to make some cash? If it is to help others and make this hobby fun for everyone, then do it for FREE. Find another career, and help all of us that are not experts in your spare time.
I am sure I will make some people mad with this, but this has gotten out of hand. Who cares if Vintage Authentics, or the original consignor of the jersey, or even Troy himself pays the $9000 back. If you make a mistake your "expert" status should go away! In my "real job," if I make a mistake many peoples lives will be at stake. I fortunately have never made a mistake in my job.
Sorry for the long post! Let's have fun!
Thanks,
Chris Boyd
Houston Sports Investments http://www.eGameUsed.com
________________________________________________
Specializing in GU Astros Equipment & Autographs
713-385-1155
ccboyd@houston.rr.com
Please forgive some of my spelling. I hate that when you reread what you wrote before doing a proof. I was blessed with an analytical mind and the worst writing and proofreading skills.
Sorry!
Chris Boyd
Houston Sports Investments http://www.eGameUsed.com
________________________________________________
Specializing in GU Astros Equipment & Autographs
713-385-1155
ccboyd@houston.rr.com
"Finally, Troy where did the jersey come from? I think I know where; I am pretty sure you know where! If you haven't figured out yet, if there is an Astros item out there, I know about it. I spend countless hours driving my wife nuts with my passion for this! This source needs to be stopped."
Well, Troy? - - - - Can't wait to hear the response to this!
When SCDA was formed in January of 2004, the issue of provenance was discussed among dealers, collectors, and auction houses. Dealers were very hesitant to provide us with their source documentation. So after discussions, our policy was that notarized letters of provenance had to be provided with the items. These items were kept on file internally.
I gave my word on that matter. When the issue of the Clemens jersey came to light, we re evaluated our policy on internal provenance. Although are original intentions were to protect sources, it was also a system that could be abused.
Therefore, I notified all potential SCDA customers due to the policy change. As of January 1, 2005 all documentation was to be made available for anyone requesting it. This jersey was authenticated prior to the policy change and per my word, I will not be releasing the letter publicly. All future letters of provenance will be provided and made available to any interested parties.
The source of the jersey is not the issue with this jersey, we did not identify the numbers as not matching pitching day photos. That is why the refund has been issued.
Yet another spin,Troy. This one is so bad, I'm seeing stars!
You indicate that it is not the source, rather, photos that do not match. Come on! The photos do not match because the person who made this jersey in their basement made an error with the tackle twill lettering. Instead of dodging the issue, how abaout starting to actually name some people (who it appears you know), and try to provide a make-good for the blunders that seem to continue to find you. If yu do not have the spine for this, how about Chris Boyd surfacing the mill that's making all of the crap out there?
In this case, you know the source for this bogus Clemens, and it appears that Chris Boyd and you have spoken/written about it.
As such, why another spin here? just tell the forum who the source is for the bogus jerseys in the hobby? Forget about the Clemens, it appears you are aware of other jerseys also being floated into the hobby by this same source.
Also, you indicate that if you had a photo of the Clemens, a mistake would not happen? How outlandish! You had photos of the Manny Ramirez jersey, but still wrote a letter on this jersey indicating it was legit, correct? Does Getty Photos also have photos of jersey tagging? NO! Once again, shoe off, foot in Troys mouth.
So does that mean that you, bushing and scda wrote the letter of authenticity on this clemens jersey based solely on your perceived strong provenance?
It definitely wasn't based on photo documentation? How did you base your decision?
Just for the record, I have never spoken by phone or e-mail with Troy. Troy claims to keep this information confidential about the source, but he has told others where the jersey originated. Troy, is there a legal issue with releasing the name? If not then I can release it! Plus, how would your source feel if they found out you were spreading their name to others but not everyone. How confidential is that? I find it disturbing you would tell someone but not others. So, lets wrap this up in one statement so we can move on:
Troy, a member of a group of authenticators, that claims to be promoting authentication for the purposes of HELPING and PROTECTING collectors, is intentially hiding a source's name from collectors. This source is selling items on this very forum. So, in effect, Troy is perfectly fine with us collectors buying items from this person. Sounds like Troy and this "source" might have a deal working . . .
I cannot believe a hobby I have been involved in for so long, has turned to this! It is pitiful!
Chris Boyd
Houston Sports Investments http://www.eGameUsed.com
________________________________________________
Specializing in GU Astros Equipment & Autographs
713-385-1155
ccboyd@houston.rr.com
Troy and Chris - - - - - - please provide the source! He is selling on this very forum to forum members?!?! Could this get any more outrageous?!? - - - Please, someone (anyone) do the right thing here!
Troy-please inform us, once and for all, of the source for the bogus Clemens jersey and other jerseys entering the hobby. If you decline, we would appreciate seeing it posted from Chris Boyd.
Troy, first you make serious blunders and write bogus letters. Second, you spin every post and never have the backbone to stand behind anything. Third, your honesty/integrity is once again in question. At least try to save face.
I have a handful of jerseys in my closet that I have serious questions about simply because of the source.. I found out things after the fact and at this point have just taken the hit and they will never be circulated again, regardless if they're legit or not.
If someone is faking jerseys in the hobby why are you protecting them?
If you're going to preach that you want to make this hobby better(by authenticating), then do the right thing, stop the source!
Some of these answers are crazy. No photo evidence is thus far your only out. No photographic evidence.. so that's not to say it's bad, we hust can't confirm that it's legit yet. I'll be dead before you find the st. Pats. photo evidence or the Manny russell tags, clemens lettering.. etc.
I have a horribly bad Freddy Garcia jersey.. it's a friggin size 44!? so can I say it's real since there's no photo evidence he ever wore a 44?
"Source never makes an item authentic. It can just add to the chain of ownership."
Perhaps Dave Bushing should listen to this advice - based on his comments that aired on ESPN regarding the botched DiMaggio glove ("f--- the leather, grab the letter"), he has a very different take.
Wow, what an interesting post. I rarely, if ever, get involved in issues like these but I took interest to some of Troy's comments, namely these:
"Network54 brought it to my attention that there was a discrepancy with this jersey. We issued the original letter as a game worn pitching day jersey. The fact that the color of the numbers did not match was brought to my attention via this post. After being notified, I began additional research. With help of this forum, it was obvious that this could not have been work during his pitching days. As I was inquiring about the jersey, it was rumored that he wore it on his off day. Like my previous post stated, the rumor could not be verified. Therefore, we are contacting the high bidder to arrange a refund."
Do you mean to say that you just randomly issue LOAs on very expensive jerseys (if they are in fact authentic which this Clemens is not) without any research whatsoever? Do you really need the members of this forum to tell you whether or not a jersey is real or fake? In my opinion, you guys should have done a lot more research and analysis of these jerseys before issuing an LOA on an item that was obviously bad. The additional research you mentioned should have been done before you issued your LOA. Unfortunately, someone paid $9,000 for a jersey that I could wear around the house. Troy, I'm not trying to single you out because this goes on A LOT in the hobby. I am just wondering what the process is because there an awful lot of bogus jerseys out there with LOAs from the supposed "trustworthy" authenticators. Just felt the need to ask, thanks for your response in advance.
Troy - there are at least 17 of us in this section of the forum at this moment - - - - - just waiting to hear who the source is? - - - - Please, just this once, do the right thing and tell us so that we do not get scammed.
Chris Boyd - - - - please, tell us! You have never been one to hold back information from your collecting peers.
I have just finished speaking with Scot Monette, formerly of ASI Sports. With his permission, I can provide the following information.
The Roger Clemens jersey in question was procurred by the company formerly known as ASI and was included in the fall Vintage Authentics auction. The jersey was included with a letter from Scot stating that he recieved it while serving as a marketing /sports memorabilia agent.
ASI has exclusive contracts with many of the games top athletes and those items are accompanied by player signed LOA's. The Roger Clemens jersey in question was not obtained directly from Clemens nor did Scot's letter imply that. Scot stated the jersey was obtained from a clubhouse source. Scot also assured me that the majority of his items come direct, but in rare occassion, he does purchase game worn items from people associated with major league baseball.
Our services were sought out by both Scot and Vintage Authentics to review this jersey. The main reasoning being it did not come with direct player provenance. Since this was the case, third party authentication was sought to be provided by our company, SCDA.
Dave Bushing and I inspected the jersey. The examination was for size, tagging, correct manufacturer, etc. The numbers were inspected for alterations or tampering. None of that was present. The jersey was not photo matched. That is where the discrepancy occured.
I brought this to Scot attention several months ago. He had been in contact with me to see if his source could provide documentation regarding the incorrect colored numbers. This week he told me that we could not verify this. He did this on my urging in order to satisfy the questions regarding this jersey. He also stated from the beginning he would be willing to refund this money if the jersey could not be documented as to being worn by Clemens, and he stated that he has always stood behind all items sold by him or his company.
We spoke about the concerns of the post. Scot and Vintage did seek out our opinion on the jersey since this jersey did not have first party authentication. They only offered it for auction after our examination deemed the jersey to be real. Scot did not attempt to defraud anyone by including his LOA when we inspected the jersey. That was per my request as backup to provenance for the buyer.
I have since reviewd and made changes to the policy of internally filing letters. I have addressed our policy and now include that provenance with each letter issued and will make any provenance available to interested parties.
Fault of this jersey lies with myself, not ASI, Scot Montette, or Vintage Authentics. The jersey offered to be sold was based on our opinion, and purchased because of our opinion. We will be responsible for that opinion and see to it that the proper refund is issued.
Hello - - - - - I'm taking a poll. I'd like to know how many of us are surprised that the jersey came from Scot Monette and Authentic Sports Investments (ASI). - - - - Just wondering. I don't go around quoting Gomer Pyle, but: "Surprise!, Surprise!, Surprise!"
I've lost a lot of respect I had for ASI. Shame, shame, shame. I can guarantee you that any item bearing an ASI COA that I possess in my collection is staying here - I do not trust letting these items out into the hobby to be determined as fakes. Also, I doubt I will ever patronize "ESM" or Authentic Sports, Inc." ever again. What a sad situation.
so you made a quick 200 bucks thinking the jersey was real, all they needed was you to write a letter and boom the deal was working.(working for 9 grand) i think ALL of these jerseys should be re-evaluated and when they find they are not what they seem, RETURNED FOR FULL REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE. THESE AUTHENTICATORS IN QUESTION WILL BE GONE FOR GOOD.
Since I discovered this site several months ago I thank "ecky3" every time I shut down my computer for having a forum like this. Although I haven't reached the point that I will name my first born after you I hope you will take a bow for starting this informative site (insert applause here). I once collected autographs and grew sick and tired of the bogus authentication services that were also selling autographs (conflict of interest). I wonder after reading this thread and several others how some people sleep at night. I guess counting all of that money would make anyone tired. Unfortunately many of us work nine to five and occassionally spend our hard earned money on this hobby. I always had a small "circle of trust" with a few businesses out there. Thanks to this site and many of your insights I'm learning who I can let in.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Clemens in Mastro's current auction? Given the number of items that were obviously consigned by ASI/ESM, I wonder if this came from the same source...
Not sure if it is the way the shirt is positioned in the photo, however, the NOB/#'s seem to be at an odd angle.
Curious to know if it has the 0062 or 6200 washing tag?
Regardless, it has a letter of opinion from Troy and friends, so it must be good! If memory serves correct, didn't the bogus Clemens with the incorrect tackle twill also have a letter from the same folks?
Is the Astros Clemens in the Mastronet auction also from ASI? If so, are you going to re-examine it? Given the evidence, seems like the right thing to do.
Doesn't Clemens have a special clause in his Astros contract that allows him not only to be out-of-uniform on non-pitching days, but also out of the BALLPARK on non-pitching days?
Perhaps Roger wore the jersey while watching his sons play.
Elite Posting...I think they need a new Public Relations firm and maybe change the names again?...............
NOTICE TO PUBLIC
Elite Sports Marketing DOES NOT have any affiliation with Authentic Sports Incorporated (owned and operated by Mr. Brad Wells).
Authentic Sports Incorporated is a company that was started by Mr. Brad Wells after he left Authentic Sports Investments in January
2005, and after Authentic Sports Investments was dissolved. Contrary to Mr. Brad Wells' press release in Sports Collectors Digest,
Authentic Sports Incorporated is not a continuation of Authentic Sports Investments. Elite Sports Marketing is not responsible for
any of Mr. Brad Wells and Authentic Sports Incorporated's actions, promotions, or products sold. We wish Mr. Brad Wells the best
of luck with his new endeavor; however, we do not want the public to be deceived that Authentic Sports Incorporated is a continuation
of the former Authentic Sports Investments.
I'm assuming your post was not a spoof (am I correct in this assumption?). I did not know that Authentic Sports Investments was dissolved. I thought I just saw them on eBay selling some items in their eBay auctions. Did anyone else see this? Is their website gone? This is all news to me. And I've never even heard of Authentic Sports Incorporated (ASI) ... wow, that sure is close in name to Authentic Sports Investments (ASI). Very confusing!
All of these companies should join together and form a new company with the acronym P-U-K-E. This is a different kind of acronym, though, a kind of postmodern acronym if you will. It stands for Vomit/Crap/Garbage/Junk.
Troy - - - - - what is the source of the Clemens jersey in Grey Flannel? We never heard back about this? Is this from ASI (no. 1), too? Or is it from ASI no. 2? ESM? Was this shirt re"evaluated" given the groundbreaking news about the coloring of the Astros jersey lettering? Again, we are waiting for the TRUTH!
ASI would like to take a quick moment to respond to some recent remarks made within the industry. Even with the recent transition a few months ago from Authentic Sports Investments to Authentic Sports, Inc., ASI has never wavered from its stance on providing you, our customers and friends, with highest quality collectables and customer service available. ASI feels that with the recent transitions, there have been many positive changes which results in overall better product and service. Along with changes internally we have added to our already solid foundation of athletes we have always had. ASI has always and will stand by every product we sell and have sold unconditionally. Although we wish all others in this industry well, our main concern is providing you our customers with only the finest memorabilia offered.
Brad Wells over the last five years has created true relationships with his athletes. Without these relationships, the transition from Authentic Sports Investments to Authentic Sports Inc would not have been possible. ASI also would not have been an industry leader for this many years without the valued relationships through Brad Wells.
It is true we are in no way affiliated with any other company; we are our own private entity. We feel it is clear to see the difference between the two corporations in appearance and in overall product.
Please give us a call or check our website at www.authenticsportsinc.com. We are constantly getting new product everyday. Whether you buy one baseball every couple of years or you are one of our large distributors we value you and you business and always will.
Thank you for your time and have a great weekend.
Brad Wells
President.CEO
Authentic Sports Inc.
(727) 502-0040
Is the "Elite Team" (ESM - whoever this really is) lying or is Brad Wells (ASI no. 2) lying? Someone is LYING. Authentic Sports Incorporated (ASI no. 2) was either the product of Authentic Sports Investments (ASI no. 1), or it was not. They can't both be true statements/press releases as they are in direct conflict with each other (one directly contradicts the other) - - - - - Again, "PUKE" would be a company name that would make things clearest to collectors regarding all of these companies. - - - - And there is not much of a press release needed when PUKE is your company name.
ASI is alive and well on eBay (2004 Pettitte Astros jersey from ASI)
June 18 2005, 10:39 AM
Authentic Sports Investments does apppear to be alive and well (and not dissolved) on eBay, at least. Here is their auction (just listed) for a 2004 Andy Pettitte game worn Asros jersey:
Just to point out- the Pettitte is being sold by ASI Authentic Sports INCOPRPORATED which depending on which confusing press release you read either is or is not affiliated with ASI Authentic Sports INVESTMENTS which used the same motto "The Name Means It's Real"
Here's Elite's press release quote: "we do not want the public to be deceived that Authentic Sports Incorporated is a continuation
of the former Authentic Sports Investments."
Sounds to me like a hell of a coincidence
Time to get your stories straight gentlemen, people might start questioning your items- oh wait too late. The bogus Clemens that sold for $9000 (and had letters from 2 individuals in the greatest authentication service out there even though the style was never once used by the Houston Astros) was ASI- but which one? It doesn't matter. My personal list of individuals who i cannot trust gets longer by the day. And all the spins and explaining in the world and re-examination once someone who actually knows that they are talking about steps forward to say "This is a bogus shirt" won't change a thing. No one is buying it.
Matt, that may be true. But ASI used to be ASI (at least on eBay)
June 18 2005, 11:56 AM
Matt,
Thanks for your note. Notice, though, that asi-auctions is the same eBay seller userid that was used by Authentic Sports INVESTMENTS (ASI) for so long. If it is now the eBay seller userid of Authentic Sports INCORPORTAED (ASI), then it does add credence to Brad Wells' position that Authentic Sports INVESTMENTS actually turned into Authentic Sports INCORPORATED. That is, ASI became ASI. Also, if what you say is true (and I don't doubt you - though I don't know what to believe with all of this craziness), then, at least as eBay is concerned, ASI used to be ASI, as well. Got it? This should certainly clear things up, right?
Reid
P.S. If Authentic Sports INVESTMENTS did become Authentic Sports INCORPORATED, it makes you wonder why the "Elite Team" would go out of their way to submit a public release that Brad Wells is misrepresenting himself and his company and that Authentic Sports INVESTMENTS did NOT become Authentic Sports INCORPORATED.
They ( Brad & Scott ) were once together known ASI. Then they split. Scott Monette ( the guy the Clemens jersey came from ) is now ESM Elite. Brad should have changed the name completely but stuck with ASI. Maybe they should both change the names again?
