Maribyrnong Police search for owner of Scott Dawes’ signed baseball

Police are hoping for a home run ending to the search for the owner of a mysterious baseball signed by a Victorian superstar.

Police are looking for the mystery owner of a signed baseball. Picture: Supplied

A signed baseball has sparked a chase of out left field as Maribyrnong police try to reunite an owner with a prized piece of sporting memorabilia.

The mystery ball was uncovered in the Epping Plaza shopping centre last year as part of a search for a stolen car which went missing from Commercial Rd in Footscray.

Police found the ball, and other stolen goods, when they located the car but no owner has claimed the ball almost 12 months later.

So far it has been a swing and a miss for police as they search for the mystery owner.

“It’s hard to tell how much the ball is worth in monetary terms, however, it probably has significant sentimental or personal value to someone,” Acting detective Senior Sergeant Megan O’Sullivan said.

“We haven’t had any luck connecting the ball to existing crime reports, so it may be that the theft was previously unreported or the owner may not have realised it’s been lost.

“Hopefully someone is able to provide us with some information and we can ensure the ball gets back to its owner.”

The ball – which appears to be match-used – has been signed by several players including Australian international Scott Dawes.

The Baseball Victoria life member represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and was a stalwart of the ABL in the 1990s.

Anyone who recognises the ball or believes it may be their property is urged to contact Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit on 8398 9822 or email [e-mail].