The 700 home run ball is a coveted collectible for baseball fans, and its worth fluctuates based on its rarity and the player who hit it. It’s not just a baseball; it’s a piece of history that marks a milestone in the game. The 700 home run ball is sure to become more valuable as time passes and only 18 players have reached it so far.
History of the 700 Home Run Club
The 700 home run club is a group of just 18 major league baseball players who have hit at least 700 home runs in their careers. Babe Ruth is the first MLB player to reach the milestone, hitting his 700th home run on August 11, 1929. The most recent member of the club is Albert Pujols, who hit his 700th home run on May 4, 2021. The other members of the 700 home run club are Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Jim Thome, Sammy Sosa, Manny Ramirez, Rafael Palmeiro, Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Harmon Killebrew, Eddie Murray, Gary Sheffield, and Dave Winfield.
Value of 700 Home Run Balls
The value of the 700 home run ball can vary greatly depending on who hit it and its condition. Generally, the more famous the player who hit it and the better the condition, the more valuable the ball. For example, the ball that Barry Bonds hit for his 700th home run sold for $804,129 at an auction in 2012. The ball that Albert Pujols hit for his 700th home run is estimated to be worth around $500,000.
Value of Other Milestone Home Run Balls
The 700 home run ball is not the only milestone home run ball that is highly sought after by collectors. The 500 home run ball is the most common milestone home run ball, with 28 members in the 500 home run club. The ball that Hank Aaron hit for his 500th home run sold for $650,000 in a 2013 auction. The ball that Willie Mays hit for his 600th home run sold for $220,000 in a 2006 auction.
Factors That Impact the Value of a 700 Home Run Ball
There are several factors that impact the value of a 700 home run ball, including the player who hit it, the condition of the ball, and the significance of the milestone. If the player who hit the ball is a Hall of Famer or one of the most famous players in the game, the ball is likely to be more valuable. Additionally, if the ball is in good condition, it will be more desirable to collectors and is therefore likely to be worth more. The significance of the milestone—whether it’s the first 700 home run or the most recent—can also affect the value of the ball.
Rarity of the 700 Home Run Ball
The 700 home run ball is a rare collectible, as only 18 players have ever reached the milestone. This makes the 700 home run ball a unique item that is sure to become more valuable as more time passes and more players reach the milestone.
Authentication of the 700 Home Run Ball
When purchasing a 700 home run ball, it’s important to ensure that the ball is authentic. Most authenticators use a variety of methods to certify the ball’s authenticity, such as examining the signature on the ball, comparing it to other known 700 home run balls, and tracking the provenance of the ball. The authentication process is essential for ensuring that the ball is genuine and that it is worth the price you are paying.
Risks of Buying a 700 Home Run Ball
When buying a 700 home run ball, there are a few risks to consider. First, it’s important to make sure that the ball is authentic, as counterfeit balls can be sold at inflated prices. Additionally, the value of the ball can fluctuate over time, so there is always a risk that the ball may not be worth as much as you originally paid for it. Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of having the ball authenticated, as this can add to the total cost of the purchase.
Where to Buy a 700 Home Run Ball
If you’re looking to purchase a 700 home run ball, there are a few places to consider. First, you can purchase the ball from an auction house, such as Heritage Auctions or SCP Auctions. Additionally, you can purchase the ball from a private collector or on a website such as eBay. It’s important to do your research before purchasing a 700 home run ball, as the price can vary greatly depending on the player who hit it, its condition, and its authenticity.
Conclusion
The 700 home run ball is a coveted collectible for baseball fans, and its worth fluctuates based on its rarity and the player who hit it. The ball that Barry Bonds hit for his 700th home run sold for $804,129 at an auction in 2012, and the ball that Albert Pujols hit for his 700th home run is estimated to be worth around $500,000. When purchasing a 700 home run ball, it’s important to make sure that the ball is authentic and that the cost of having it authenticated is taken into account. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost of having the ball authenticated, as this can add to the total cost of the purchase.