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Weird balls



  Worst condition

It's extremely odd for such an ugly ball to remain in use, even during batting practice. This one came from Shea Stadium in 1992.
     
  Torn stitches

I'm not sure if a player defaced it, or if it simply hit something and ripped. Either way—and like all the other balls here—it was like this when I caught it.
     
  Gash #1

Damaged balls are worthless to autograph collectors, but I love them.
     
  Gash #2

My guess is that this ball flew into a section of empty seats and hit the edge of a concrete step. How else could this have happened?
     
  Bat imprints

Occasionally the bat meets the ball just right and leaves an impression of the words that are branded onto the barrel. If you look at the top left ball in a mirror, you can see the replica of Derek Jeter's signature and a portion of "NEW YORK YANKEES" underneath.
     
  Weird pattern

Random markings are fairly common, but few cover such a large portion of the ball.
     
  Smudges

The balls on the left are smudged with pine tar. I'm not sure about the others.
     
  Smeared logo #1

This must be the product of a foul tip...
     
  Smeared logo #2

...so why doesn't it happen more often?
     
  Stains

The ball on the lower left had been sitting in a puddle at Veterans Stadium before it was tossed to me. I can't explain the others.
     
  Small logo

Not a big deal but still worth noting: "CUSHIONED CORK CENTER" is slightly smaller here than usual.
     
  Mis-stamped #1

High.
     
  Mis-stamped #2

Seasick.
     
 

Arizona Fall League?!

It's pretty weird to snag a minor league ball at a major league game. Mets pitcher Aaron Sele (who belonged in the minors) tossed it to me during batting practice at Shea Stadium on May 14, 2007.

     
  Pacific Coast League?!

More minor league weirdness: the Tigers were using these balls during batting practice at the Red Sox home opener on April 8, 2008.