Collecting team signed baseballs is a passion shared by many fans and collectors alike. These items represent not just the spirit of the game but also the camaraderie among teammates. While collecting team signed baseballs can be a rewarding hobby, it comes with its fair share of challenges and risks.
The Clubhouse Signature Dilemma: A clubhouse signature is a term used in the baseball collecting community to describe signatures that were not obtained directly from the players, but instead signed by a clubhouse attendant, batboy, or other team personnel. These signatures are often detrimental to the pricing of a fully authentic team-signed baseball. The usual suspects when it comes to having a clubhouse signature are unfortunately the stars of the team or manager. Prime offenders that are commonly seen are Joe DiMaggio on 1940's and 1950's New York Yankees team-signed baseballs and Mickey Mantle on 1950's and 1960's New York Yankees team-signed baseballs. Identifying clubhouse signatures can be tricky so be sure to study up!
Aging and Preservation: Baseballs, like all collectibles, are subject to aging and deterioration. The ink used for signatures can fade or bleed over time, and the condition of the baseball itself may deteriorate. Proper storage and preservation techniques are crucial to maintaining the integrity and value of a team-signed baseball collection. Be sure to keep your baseballs out of direct sunlight and in a non-humid room (no garages or damp basements - we are talking to you, Kansas City!).
Rarity and Scarcity: Finding team-signed baseballs from World Series winning teams or All Star Games are usually more common than you would think. Team signed baseballs were quite common as teams would have players sign for fans, friends, family, and charity events - there are plenty of 1985 Kansas City Royals' team-signed baseballs floating around. In recent years though players have been less keen to sign hundreds of team balls a year for fans and charity. The 2015 Kansas City Royals' team will always be a toughie due to the unfortunate passing of Yordano Ventura in 2017.
Is it worth it to get the baseball authenticated? It depends. Usually no. Team-signed baseballs from non-championship teams can sell for as low as $25 - there just isn't a big demand for the 1997 Kansas City Royals. The price typically runs $125-$175 to get a team baseball authenticated by PSA, JSA, or BAS - so you do the math! It's a mistake we see consistently done by individuals who have inherited items. Now of course if you have a 1927 New York Yankees' team-signed baseball - it would be a great idea to get it authenticated as those can fetch a pretty penny!
Final Thoughts: Collecting team-signed baseballs is a labor of love for many enthusiasts. These cherished mementos provide a tangible connection to the rich history of the game. So, whether you're an experienced collector or just starting, remember to exercise caution, do your research, and savor the joy that comes with owning a piece of baseball history. Happy collecting!
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