How sorry is this?
We wrote the other day about the New York Daily News exclusive on 30 baseballs signed by Pete Rose that turned up in an auction that read, "I'm sorry I bet on baseball" with his autograph.
Then we updated it Tuesday to pass on how Pete figured out a way around that by offering the same autographed balls on his website for $299. Meaning, if you really wanted one, you don't have to get one by bidding up on it.
Now this story takes a step deeper into the muck that is Rose's ongoing bid to clear his name and make good on his gambling habits.
Again on his site, he's offering the same "sorry" balls, only personalized. For $349.
Is this really worth an extra 50 bucks? Maybe if you tell him your name is "Bud" and then mail it to the MLB offices in New York...
Here's the website pitch:
"Get Pete’s now-famous “I’M SORRY I BET ON BASEBALL‿ inscription on a baseball, addressed to you or the recipient name of your choice, with his autograph below it, all guaranteed authentic! Includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Mounted Memories ...
"Here it is – Your personal apology from Pete Rose! Add to your collection, or give as a gift, this custom, truly one of a kind piece of memorabilia straight from the hand of Pete Rose, all-time Major League career hits king. Pete Rose will hand sign a baseball with his now-famous “I’M SORRY I BET ON BASEBALL‿ inscription, addressed to you or the recipient name of your choice. An exclusive signing has been arranged with Pete Rose to make this product available to our customers; therefore, guaranteed dates of delivery on this item are unavailable. Item will ship approx 3 weeks from date of purchase. Note: Recipient Name has a 15 character limit. We reserve the right to deny any personalization request and provide a refund of payment at our discretion.
"Important: In keeping with our standard return policy, no returns or exchanges will be accepted on personalized autographed products. This item cannot be canceled after four days from date of placement."
It doesn't say you can't ask for the name "Bud," does it?
The next step for this punchline will be an opening of "The Simpsons" with Bart at the blackboard writing: "I'm sorry I bet on baseball."