George Steinbrenner III
Owner of the New York Yankees · Baseball - MLB / Sports Business
New York Yankees
Era
Circa 1990s - Early 2000s
Item Type
Personal Typed Letter Signed (TLS)
Condition
Excellent. The signature is bold with high contrast against the paper. The paper shows minimal aging and no major creasing through the signature area.
Rarity
Moderate. While Steinbrenner signed many documents, letters between two titan owners of the most valuable sports franchises (Yankees and Cowboys) are extremely rare and highly desirable.
Overall Assessment
This is a premier example of a George Steinbrenner signature. Its informal nature and the high-profile recipient make it a top-tier piece of sports business history. Grade: 9/10.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; confidence level: 95%. The signature exhibits the characteristic fluid, confident motion of Steinbrenner's personal hand, distinguished from more rigid secretarial examples.
Signature Style
Informal 'George' first-name-only signature. This style was common in personal or high-level professional correspondence between peers, featuring a tall, sweeping 'G' that intersects the closing text.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid baseline, high-speed execution, large vertical 'G' loop, and a distinct horizontal trail-off. The pressure is even with slight thickening on downward strokes.
Ink & Medium
Blue fountain pen or felt-tip ink on personal/executive bond stationery. The ink shows natural absorption into the paper fibers without bleeding.
Item Description
A typed letter on executive stationery addressed to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, signed with an informal closing 'Your friend, George'.
Estimated Value
$600 - $1,200 (Note: The association with Jerry Jones significantly elevates the value beyond a standard Steinbrenner signature).
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with known personal correspondence from the mid-to-late Yankees dynasty era. The 'e' and 'o' loops are tightly formed, and the final 'ge' becomes a rapid horizontal line.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'G' loop that typically cuts back through the closing typed line. Avoid examples that appear shaky; Steinbrenner's hand was remarkably quick and decisive.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication) are highly recommended, specifically because they are well-versed in Steinbrenner's various signing levels (Personal vs. Secretary).
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The placement and intersection with the 'Your friend' text are hallmarks of a natural, rapid sign-off.
Provenance Notes
Letters of this nature often originate from the recipient's estate or archives. Documentation from the Dallas Cowboys organization or Jerry Jones' office would maximize value.
Historical Context
Reflects the relationship between two of the most influential and polarizing figures in 20th-century American sports history.
Market Trends
Steinbrenner's value remains strong and appreciating due to his legendary 'The Boss' persona. Crossover items involving other major sports figures like Jerry Jones are currently seeing a price premium.
Investment Potential
High. The unique 'Owner to Owner' association creates a one-of-a-kind museum-quality piece that should appreciate steadily.
Similar Autographs
Jerry Jones, Joe DiMaggio, Billy Martin, and contemporary NFL/MLB owners such as Al Davis or Lamar Hunt.
Display & Preservation
Should be framed with archival UV-protective glass and acid-free mats to prevent the ink from fading and the paper from yellowing.
Interesting Facts
Steinbrenner was known to use secretarial signers for routine fan mail, making verified 'George' only first-name signatures on personal letters far more valuable to collectors.
Notes
George Steinbrenner 3rd signature at the bottom of a letter to Jerry Jones.