THE BASEMALL | The Mystery of Baseball

In baseball, it can be said that many of the greats took their chances. Pete Rose bet on baseball — and history finally came around to become more forgiving. Well, perhaps this has suddenly increased your appetite for a greater risk, even if just a little bit.

Fast forward to today, as a baseball fan, and a new BASEMALL shopper, a fair chance exists that you have come face-to-face with your own baseball-induced adversity.

Plaques. Frames. Teams. Cities. Cards. Memorabilia for Home. Memorabilia for Dad. Explore my Childhood Favorite. Expand my Horizons. Be Loyal. Find a Solid Cheat Team. National League. American League. Historic Legends. Today's Champions. Rookies. Retirements.

Here is the bottom line: You did not sign up for all of this. Worse yet, resources are often sparse to help you cope with this Midsummer Meltdown — which was largely predictable, because they do it to us every damn year. Reality check: this is largely a problem of our own making. Then again, boys will be boys, and men will be men. Quite simply, "It is what it is."

Millions of Americans — and truly, millions more throughout the world — suffer from an addiction to not only baseball, but also find themselves simultaneously addicted to the cycle of a codependent relationship with the same team that has failed them every single year.

Despite the best efforts of President Barack Obama, most mental health plans do not include Baseball Therapy.

That is why BASEMALL Commissioner ADAM I. ECOM strongly recommends his line of BASEMALL MYSTERIES.

If you find yourself confused by your newfound openness to such a MYSTERIOUS transaction, do not panic. First, relax. Second, simply shift your thinking into the MYSTERIOUS MINDSET.

That shift, if successful, includes consideration of the following:

Treat each BASEMALL Mystery as a one-of-a-kind experience. Few are the same. No guarantees. Cards, jerseys, collectibles — sometimes you will not know what is inside until you open it. That's the whole point.

AGAIN: Please read carefully: All Mystery purchases are final. There are no guarantees on specific items, players, teams, or value. Each MYSTERY is different.

Some mystery packages promise a particular player, but not a particular card or version of memorabilia. Others offer any one player from a larger list. Others are team-centric — meaning you're guaranteed one of 10 Mets, or any one from a larger list of Phillies.

It is critical that you be flexible. Try to have a little fun with it and simply enjoy the surprise. Just like mystery dinners, cruises, or novels — they are not for everybody. Though they are getting traction, and the vast majority of mystery shoppers end up engaging in several more throughout the year.

THE BASEMALL is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with, licensed by, or endorsed by any professional sports team, league, organization, or player. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Most items include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) — see individual listings for details.