Collecting Game-used: Something simple from an MLB event we're probably not getting this season

With plenty of chatter about what an MLB season might (or might not) consist of this year -- and nothing yet firm -- it seems like many of the typical traditions and events that we're used to are potentially going out the window.

That's not necessarily a bad thing in some ways -- it will allow MLB to do some dramatic tinkering and some of those it might have wanted to try but couldn't pull it off for a myriad of reasons. But one thing that might not be possible or may have to wait until after the regular season ends is the All-Star Game.

The series of events that are all tied to that event include the prospector must-see Futures Game, an always forgettable (yet oddly watchable) All-Star Celebrity Softball Game and the gem of them all if you ask me ... the Home Run Derby.

And that leads to this month's item, which I was intending to hold until July, but, well, ... you know (cue the Cardi B wail) "Coronavirus!"

Keep reading to see this month's item ...

THE BASICS ...
MLB All-Star Home Run Derby ball (MLB Authenticated): Giancarlo Stanton first-round out, July 11, 2016
Watch it in action: Right here beginning at 23:27 to 28:33 (first round)

The result: 22 home runs, 16 outs ... in the first-round alone ... en route to a home run record and the trophy.

What's Buzz-worthy: I picked this one up via Fanatics awhile back for less than the price of a typical basic Topps hobby box. Why? Since it's a relatively unique piece with the event logo on the ball and it being linked to the winner that year, Giancarlo Stanton, who hit a then-record 61 home runs to win the event. (The set-up and records have changed since then ... and the record-holder last year, Vladdy Jr., didn't even win despite hitting 91 homers.) These balls aren't mudded up like typical gamers, but this one has some definite damage with a scuff and some discoloration (click in the gallery for a closer view) that perhaps might be from a line drive that hit the grass and the warning track at the 28:15 mark and then caromed off the wall and back into the field, thankfully not maiming any of the rovers on the field. My single viewing of the round (link above) showed just 16 outs to go with those 22 homers, making this potentially the ball from his 35th swing from a moonshot-filled day. Interestingly, Fanatics did have a number of the out balls (all gone now) and this turned out to be a little more interesting ball than I had expected. (Their listings use a stock image from whatever they have in inventory so you never know how an item might look.) I can't say I'd need others but this one came from a mighty impressive showing.

>> See all past Collecting Game-used stories from Buzz here

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