Bonds' Record #70 Ball Sells for $60,000

Oct 11 2007 4:04PM

Beckett Elite magazine is reporting that Premier Auctions, LLC recently sold Barry Bonds' #70 Home Run Ball from his record-breaking 2001 season for $60,000 to long-time baseball collector Steven Myland, of Phoenix, Ariz.

This ball was previously sold in Cleveland at a live auction to Dan Wulkan of Memory Lane Inc. for just $14,400 after previously selling for $60,000. The sale of this ball reaffirms the value and historical significance of Bonds memorabilia and returns this baseball to a level befitting its historical connotation according to Walter Cerini, a partner with Premier Auctions.

"Our understanding from the parties involved is that this ball simply slipped through the cracks at the auction in Cleveland and Mr. Wulkan was able to purchase this item well below market value," said Kevin Haake, Beckett Elite editor. "There is no doubt the Barry Bonds collectibles are volatile but to see such a dramatic drop was an anomaly. The current value of that ball has been realized and I would predict that as collectors gain a more global view of Bonds' accomplishments who knows where the ultimate value will land."

In 2001, Bonds broke the single-season home run record with 73, and his 70th home run tied the previous record set by Mark McGwire in 1998. It was authenticated by a numbered stamp and hologram by Major League Baseball.

"It was a pleasure to help find this ball a deserving home" says Premier Auctions partner Matthew Palermo. Premier Auctions, LLC is based out of Scottsdale, Ariz., and conducts sports, historical, presidential, and entertainment memorabilia auctions every other month. Premier's current memorabilia auction www.paollc.com closes Thursday, October, 18.