Collectors love mysteries, right?  We find something that we can’t immediately identify, and the chase is on.  Researching an item can be a lot of fun, and finding something ‘new’ is exciting.

I’ll occasionally post here about a couple of minor oddities in my collection, baseballs that required some research to identify.

The first installment of Mystery Ball is also my latest acquisition.  It’s a 1997 Official American Association ball.  On the south panel is a logo for the inaugural season of the New Orleans Zephyrs, fresh from their displacement from Denver by the MLB expansion Rockies.

The evidence:

1. The ball is leather, not vinyl
2. It’s stamped as an official American Association regular season ball
3. The logo on the south panel is multi-colored
4. The logo says “Inaugural Season”, but the inaugural game date is stamped beneath it

Balls produced for promotional giveaways are typically vinyl, as are most all team logo balls.  They’re much cheaper to produce and retail for around $5 at the ballpark or online.  When leather balls are produced for promotional giveaways or special events, they are usually limited in number.  In addition, it is extremely rare to find a leather ball with multi-colored stamping.

I suspect this ball was either a very limited promo item, perhaps for season ticket holders, or (judging by the fact that the game date is on it) it was one of an even smaller number made for the ceremonial first pitch.

I’m continuing to research it.  If anyone has any information on this ball, please contact me.  I’ll post an update when I get one.

-Tony Baseballs

A community forum has been added.  It’s rudimentary, but like everything else on this site, it will improve with time.  Drop by and start a conversation!

-Tony Baseballs

I’m in the process of updating most of the photos in the collection section.  I rushed them initially just to get them out there, so I’m going back now and getting the best pics I can.

Also remember, the Information Warehouse is constantly being revised and improved upon as I come across new information.  If you see anything amiss or missing, shoot me a message.  Any and all feedback is welcome!

-Tony

Tom Kayser, president of the Texas League (Double-A) is retiring and Tim Purpura will take over the role in 2017.  Look for new Texas League baseballs next year!

• Ballpark Digest article

Welcome to minorleaguebaseballs.com, your one-stop repository of information on collecting official minor league baseballs.

Here you will find useful information on how to determine the date of your baseballs, including a comprehensive list of league president’s tenures, and a not-so-comprehensive list of manufacturers.  All the research I’ve gathered in over 20 years of collecting can be found here.  Speaking of which, you can also browse my collection by following the menu links.

Although still under construction, all comments are welcome.  I always enjoy talking to others who are interested in this niche of the memorabilia collector’s marketplace.  My focus is primarily on professional leagues, although you will find a few items from and about collegiate summer leagues here and there.  Feel free to email me at admin@minorleaguebaseballs.com.

-Tony Baseballs