I've been in this hobby for a long time. Long enough to remember the crazy-high prices O.J. Simpson stuff was getting after his Bronco ride. Long enough to remember countless highs in the collectible world after someone dies. I don't understand that either. But the prices Barack Obama-signed balls are getting in the current Mastro auction, which ends tonight and tomorrow, are absolutely insane.

Three different signed balls are in the auction. There's a PSA 9.5 (autograph grade is a 9), which ends tonight that is selling for $2,400 (without the juice). There are two ending tomorrow night, with one being a 9.5 and one being a 9, which are selling for $1,700 and $1,600. How is this possible.

I realize he's probably about to win the election and become the first African-American president. I realize he's young and, even if he doesn't win this election, he'll probably become president at some point. But what are these people thinking who are paying this much for an Obama ball?

I recenly picked up a Richard Nixon single-signed ball for $750. Who do you think is tougher to find on a ball? When Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and George Bush Sr. all go for anywhere from $200-$300, why is Obama at $2,000? You could almost buy a Ronald Reagan-signed ball for that. Or a John F. Kennedy signed letter. How about a Walter Johnson-signed check. Anyone wanna explain this one to me?