Rickey Henderson
MLB Hall of Fame Left Fielder · Baseball - MLB
Oakland Athletics
Era
Modern Era - Circa late 1990s to early 2000s
Item Type
Autograph Football
Condition
Fair to Poor - significant fading of ink and surfaced dirt on the panel
Rarity
Common; Henderson was a prolific signer
Overall Assessment
An authentic but poorly preserved signature of a baseball icon on an unusual medium.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic
Signature Style
Stylized scrawl with number 35 inscription
Signature Characteristics
Flowing cursive with large initial loops and a trailing horizontal flourish
Ink & Medium
Black or blue marker on white synthetic leather ball panel
Item Description
White-panel autograph football, typically used for multi-signature collections
Estimated Value
$20 - $45
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with Henderson's rushed stadium-signed style
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive looping R and the specific way he writes the 35
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA
Red Flags
No significant red flags other than heavy fading
Provenance Notes
Look for info on when Henderson may have signed non-baseball items
Historical Context
The 'Man of Steal', MLB's all-time leader in stolen bases and runs
Market Trends
Stable; Henderson is a top-tier legend but signatures are plentiful
Investment Potential
Low due to condition issues and item type mismatch
Similar Autographs
Lou Brock, Tim Raines, or other base-stealing legends
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading; use a UV-protected case
Interesting Facts
Henderson was known to refer to himself in the third person while signing