Former MLB umpire Lew Williams, also known as Lewis Garland Williams III, found himself in hot water after allegedly selling a fraudulent Mike Trout card. This incident spiraled into accusations of a larger Veriswap scam, shaking the sports card community. This story unveils the details of the controversy surrounding Lew Williams umpire, the fallout, and the surprising journey of the Mike Trout card that ignited it all. Read more to uncover the truth.
Key Takeaways
- Former MLB umpire’s card scam highlights online marketplace risks: Lewis Garland Williams III’s deceitful scheme involving a fake Mike Trout card underscores the importance of careful scrutiny when buying and selling online.
- Persistence and platform reporting are crucial for combating fraud: The buyer’s dedication to tracking the card and reporting Williams’s activity to eBay and Veriswap was essential to uncovering the scam.
- Positive outcomes can arise from negative situations: The buyer’s decision to donate proceeds from the re-auctioned card to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital demonstrates the power of turning a negative experience into something positive.
What Happened?
- An MLB umpire sold a worthless card while blaming USPS for its loss.
- The umpire’s questionable actions unfolded in a series of events, revealing a sophisticated scam.
- The umpire attempted to cover up his misdeeds but was eventually exposed by vigilant buyers.
Lew Williams: Umpire’s Alleged Deception
In a bizarre turn of events, Lewis Garland Williams III, a former MLB umpire, orchestrated a deceitful scheme by selling an autographed Mike Trout card for $650, only to ship a worthless Prizm card to the wrong address in a plain white envelope. The intentional act of deception raised eyebrows among collectors, leaving many shocked at the umpire’s audacity.
The Mike Trout Card and Veriswap
The plot thickened a year later when the real Mike Trout card appeared on Veriswap, a platform for buying and selling sports cards. The seller? None other than our umpire, Lewis Garland Williams III. This discovery added another layer of intrigue, raising questions about his motives. It seemed he was trying to profit twice from the same card—once by selling a fake, and again by selling the authentic card he’d supposedly lost.
Shifting Stories and Evasion
When confronted, Williams initially feigned ignorance, denying any connection to the Veriswap account. However, after a police report was filed, his story changed. He claimed he’d found the Trout card at a card show and bought it “fair and square.” Despite the shifting narratives, Williams refused to refund the original buyer’s $650. This disregard for ethical conduct further tarnished his reputation and fueled the controversy. You can read more about the initial sale and the subsequent discovery of the card on Veriswap on Reddit.
Attempted Third Purchase
The saga continued when the owner, frustrated with the lack of resolution, auctioned the Mike Trout card on eBay. Williams, using his wife’s account and his mother’s mailing address, placed the highest bid. Fortunately, the owner, now wise to Williams’s schemes, contacted eBay. Recognizing the attempted fraud, eBay allowed the owner to cancel the bid and relist, thwarting Williams’s attempt to reacquire the card. This final act solidified the narrative of a man caught in a web of his own making. It also highlights the importance of vigilance in online marketplaces.
How Was the Fraud Discovered?
Despite vehemently denying any wrongdoing initially and shifting blame to the postal service, the umpire’s dishonesty was unraveled when the Trout card resurfaced on Veriswap, and he was identified as the seller. This revelation confirmed suspicions that the umpire had orchestrated the scam and was deceiving unsuspecting buyers.
The Unwitting Repurchase
The plot thickened when the supposedly lost Mike Trout card reappeared, not in some dusty attic or forgotten collection, but on Veriswap, an online marketplace for trading cards. And guess who was listed as the seller? None other than Williams himself. This unexpected twist confirmed the suspicions of the original buyer. The buyer, now aware of Williams’ involvement, decided to take matters into his own hands and repurchased the Trout card through Veriswap. This move not only secured the return of the valuable card but also solidified the evidence against Williams, proving he’d possessed the card all along.
Confrontation and Escalation
As the investigation gained momentum, Williams initially tried to deflect responsibility, denying any connection to the Veriswap account. However, the situation escalated when a police report was filed. This legal action prompted Williams to change his story. He then claimed he’d found the Trout card at a show and bought it back “fair and square.” This new version of events only made the situation more complicated. The original buyer remained determined to see justice served. He’d already contacted eBay and cancelled the initial bid, then relisted the card, further complicating Williams’ attempts to cover his tracks.
What’s the Community Saying About Lew Williams?
The community expressed disbelief and disappointment at the umpire’s actions, with one user exclaiming, ‘Wait, Umps are shitbags? BIG IF TRUE.’ The sense of betrayal was palpable among fans, who felt deceived by someone in a position of authority within the sport.
The blog post detailed the shock and betrayal felt by the buyers who fell victim to the umpire’s fraudulent dealings. As the story unfolded, readers were taken on a rollercoaster ride of deception, culminating in the exposure of the umpire’s elaborate scam. The comments from users reflected a mix of astonishment, amusement, and outrage, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the impact it had on the community. The blog post shed light on the darker side of the sports memorabilia industry, reminding readers to exercise caution and vigilance when making purchases in the market.
Who is Lew Williams?
Early Life and Career
Lewis Garland Williams III, born April 28, 1985, in San Jose, California, began his Major League Baseball umpiring career on August 2, 2020, at 35. Details about his early career can be found on Baseball Almanac. While relatively new to the Major League scene, his career took a sharp turn following the fraudulent Mike Trout card incident.
Umpiring Record
Williams officiated 33 games over four seasons (2020-2023). Interestingly, he has no ejections on his record, according to Baseball Almanac. This seemingly clean record makes the allegations against him even more surprising to baseball fans.
The Aftermath and Resolution
Donation to St. Jude
Amid the controversy, a positive outcome emerged. The original buyer of the fake Mike Trout card donated the proceeds from its re-auction on eBay to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This generous act transformed a negative situation into a positive one, as discussed in this Reddit thread. It’s a reminder that even in disappointing circumstances, positive actions can make a difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Lew Williams do?
Williams, a former MLB umpire, sold a fake Mike Trout baseball card for $650. He shipped a worthless card to the buyer, then later tried to resell the real Mike Trout card online. When confronted, he offered conflicting explanations and refused to refund the initial buyer. He even attempted to buy back the real card using his wife’s account.
Why is this such a big deal?
It’s a significant breach of trust. Umpires are expected to uphold integrity and fairness, and Williams’s actions contradict these principles. His elaborate scheme and attempts to cover it up further damaged his reputation and shocked the baseball community. It also highlights the risks involved in online transactions and the importance of vigilance.
Where can I find more details about this story?
Several online platforms have covered this incident. The original story gained traction on Reddit, and you can find detailed discussions and updates there. Sports news outlets and baseball communities have also reported on the events as they unfolded.
What happened to the real Mike Trout card?
The original buyer was able to repurchase the authentic Mike Trout card from Williams via Veriswap. After Williams’s deception was revealed, the buyer successfully re-auctioned the card on eBay and donated the proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
What are the repercussions for Lew Williams?
While the full legal ramifications are still unfolding, the damage to Williams’s reputation is substantial. His actions have eroded public trust and cast a shadow over his umpiring career. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonesty, especially for those in positions of authority.