As the 2011 State Farm Home Run Derby kicks off in Phoenix on Monday, many will be looking out for the special edition “gold ball” that has been created as a collaboration between Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., Gold Sport Collectibles and Major League Baseball Properties.
This is not just a gimmick piece. The gold baseball that has been crafted by Rawlings and Gold Sport Collectibles is an authentic, though expensive, baseball. It features a leather panel that has been infused with 24-carat gold leather. As the Derby kicks off, the gold ball will be pitched to each participant at the final.
This may not be the first ever gold baseball. Rawlings and Gold Sport Collectibles have gone down that route earlier. However, 2011 will mark the first time that a 24-carat gold leather baseball will be the official gold ball for the Derby. As things stand, every time a player hits the gold ball for a home run, $18,000 will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Major League Baseball and the State Farm will be donating this money.
Mike Thompson, Senior VP of Rawlings, said that the firm believed that the gold ball would be desired by baseball memorabilia collectors from around the world. He added that fans in the outfield would “scramble” to catch the gold ball during the Derby. Stefano Ongaro, Senior VP of Gold Sport Collectibles, agreed. He said that the gold ball would make it a “truly exciting experience for fans and players alike”.
This special edition gold ball will be available for purchase on Gold Sport Collectibles’ website and through authorized dealers in US and Canada. Each ball will cost $149.99.
