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Willie Mays / Say Hey Authentication

In recent months I've notice a spike in the number of Willie Mays signed balls available on eBay and was curious if anyone had any thoughts about their authenticity?

I've linked a few sample auctions (some live, some ended) which are representative of what I've seen on the market.

All of them have a Say Hey sticker and while some are being sold by long-standing, reputable sellers I've also seen a number of relatively new sellers selling them in quantity, which was sort of a red flag for me. I've also heard PSA and JSA aren't passing them, though I haven't been able to confirm this first hand.

I've been kicking around the idea of upgrading my ball to one with a HOF inscription but have been hesitant to pull the trigger due to my lingering questions about the authenticity.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

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Permalink Reply by Randy on April 2, 2016 at 12:13pm

I don't particularly like them and have heard the same things you have about the "Say Hey" holograms. However, Willie is in his eighties and his autograph may have just gotten very sloppy. He rarely signs at shows anymore so finding quantities of his autograph balls would be difficult unless they are indeed legitimate and come from him. Looks like they were signed with roller pens which is unusual for baseballs as well. Although I would stay away from them, they may well be authentic.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on April 2, 2016 at 12:29pm

There seems to be some debate on the subject of the Sey Hey holograms. Some are obviously good, but many of them have been called into question. It would not be the first time the hologram of a reputable company has been counterfeited. Given the sheer volume of these newer looking thin blue marker signatures with inscriptions, I would personally avoid them.

I know you wanted an inscription, but, you can find older style no-doubt ballpoint signatures with JSA or PSA certs for $100-$125. I would recommend going in that direction.

This one is currently listed on ebay for $125 or make an offer with JSA. MUCH nicer looking signature on a William White ball. I have no affiliation with this item or seller... just pointing out options.

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Permalink Reply by TradeGeek on April 8, 2016 at 2:19pm

I posted a while back about this Mays bat with a Say Hey hologram. Consensus was that it wasn't any good. A friend of mine purchased the bat at a charity auction.

Allot of legit dealers have the balls with the hologram. But, I don't think you can consider the hologram a guarantee of any kind. Not that there are not allot of authentic examples with the hologram.

Steve is correct. Mays has signed allot. The balls aren't rare and if your patient I'm sure you find one with an inscription for a good price from JSA or PSA. I have actually been following some of the seller's on Amazon. Prices aren't as good as Ebay in general, but Amazon's return policy is fantastic regardless who the seller is. If there is an issue you get a near instant refund and return label. I'd just keep my eye out.

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