Pat Connaughton
NBA Shooting Guard and 2021 NBA Champion · Basketball - NBA
Milwaukee Bucks / Portland Trail Blazers / Notre Dame
Era
Contemporary - Estimated 2015-2020
Item Type
Baseball
Condition
Poor to Fair. The ball shows significant yellowing/toning, surface dirt, and the ink is heavily faded and blurred.
Rarity
Common. Connaughton is a frequent signer at team events and through the mail.
Overall Assessment
A genuine but low-condition example of a modern dual-sport athlete's signature on an appropriate cross-over medium.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic with moderate confidence. The signature matches Connaughton's known rapid-signing style including the specific 'P' swoop and 'C' loop.
Signature Style
Stylized scrawl featuring a prominent uppercase 'P' that flows directly into a large 'C' with a long horizontal tail.
Signature Characteristics
High-velocity strokes, lack of distinct letter form in the surname, and a distinctive 'hook' at the start of the 'P'.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen or felt-tip marker; showing significant fading and absorption into the leather substrate.
Item Description
A standard regulation baseball. While Connaughton is an NBA player, he was a dual-sport star and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, making baseballs a common cross-over item for him.
Estimated Value
$15 - $35 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard 'quick' signatures signed in person, though much more faded than typical high-grade examples.
Authentication Tips
Look for the speed of the trailing 'C' and the absence of a distinct 't' at the end; authentic versions usually show very fluid motion without hesitation.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett (BAS) due to their expertise in modern sports multi-sport crossover items.
Red Flags
Heavy fading makes forensic analysis of pen pressure difficult; however, no signs of slow tracing or autopen are evident.
Provenance Notes
Since this is on a baseball, documenting if it was signed during his time in the Orioles farm system or catching him as a fan at a Bucks game would add interest.
Historical Context
Connaughton is one of the few modern athletes to significantly excel in both MLB and NBA scouting, eventually choosing basketball.
Market Trends
Stable. As a key role player on a championship team, his market remains consistent but low-ceiling.
Investment Potential
Low. As a role player, his value is tied closely to the Milwaukee Bucks' regional market.
Similar Autographs
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct UV light to prevent further fading. Use a UV-protected acrylic cube.
Interesting Facts
He was a 4th round pick for the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 and hit 96mph on his fastball before committing to the NBA.