What are the tax implications of Mark Ecko's donation to the Hall of Fame? He paid $750,000 for the ball. If he would immediately donate it to the Hall of Fame (a 501(c)3 organization), he would receive a tax deduction of $750,000 (saving him potentially over $250,000 in taxes).

But, by branding the ball, you could argue that he has significantly decreased it's value (there is a smaller market of collectors who would want the branded version of the ball than the pristine one).

So, the IRS should intervene to demand an independent appraisal of the branded ball, and allow him the significantly smaller tax deduction.

Rather than costing him $500,000 (net), his "stunt" could cost him $100,000 or so more.

(BTW - doesn't it seem ridiculous that the federal government is loosing $200,000 in this transaction?)