8/04/2006

eBay Bid Buys Barry Bonds Baseball for $220,100

 San Francisco Giants fan Andrew Morbitzer made the most famous, and rewarding trip to the concession stand at AT&T Park. On May 28, 2006 Andrew went to get a few more beers because he couldn't see who would be up next from the bleachers and thought it would be a good time to go. His wife was wondering what was taking him so long. Instead of coming back with the beer Andrew Morbitzer came back with Barry Bonds 714th Home Run Ball. The baseball sold for $220,100 on eBay this week.

 Bonds' 700th Home Run ball, sold in the fall of 2004 went for $804,129. Three years ago, the ball Bonds hit for his single season record-breaking 73rd homer sold for $450,000. Although the 715 baseball only sold for $220,100 Andrew Morbitzer said he was happy.

 Andrew, and his wife decided they will use the auction proceeds to put a down payment on a home in the ultra-expensive Bay area. 10% of the final sale price was donated to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

The 10 day eBay auction was won by a Southern California exotic auto dealer. The 44 year-old Marc Chase had to out bid 8 other eBayer's for a total of 69 bids. The first maximum bid to open the aution on July 24th of $10,000 was surpassed the following day. At the start of finale day of bidding on August 3rd the high bid was for 152,000.00. The closing hours came down to a battle between two bidders. The last bid made about 4 minutes before the end of the auction was won by Marc Chase.