Tony Reagins
MLB Executive and former General Manager · Baseball - MLB
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Era
Circa 2007-2011 (General Manager Tenure)
Item Type
Baseball
Condition
Good. The signature is clear and bold with minimal fading. The ball itself shows some surface soiling and age-related yellowing/toning, typical of non-UV protected storage.
Rarity
Common for the specific market. While not a prolific signer like a superstar player, his signature as an executive is niche and mostly sought by Angels team collectors.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, clear signature of a notable MLB executive. While it lacks high secondary market value, it is a clean example and an excellent piece for an Angels franchise historian.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic. The signature matches known exemplars of Reagins and aligns with the handwritten note in the background naming him.
Signature Style
Stylized script featuring a prominent, looping 'T' and 'R' that blend into a horizontal stroke, concluding with a sharp, readable 's' or 'ns' flourish.
Signature Characteristics
Strong horizontal flow. The first name is abbreviated into a large loop, while the surname 'Reagins' starts high and tapers off into a flat line finishing with a small dot-like flick.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on a leather-covered baseball. The ink shows natural absorption into the hide without significant bleeding.
Item Description
A standard white baseball with red stitching. Note the 'CHINA' stamp, indicating it is likely a souvenir or practice-grade ball rather than an Official Major League (OMLB) game ball.
Estimated Value
$10 - $25 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with authentic examples of Reagins from his time as the Angels GM, particularly the sharp 's' ending and the connected baseline.
Authentication Tips
Look for the speed of the loop; Reagins' signature is generally fluid. Executive signatures are rarely forged unless on high-value documents, making 'in-person' style balls like this generally reliable.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. Given the low market value, the cost of certification ($20-$30) may exceed the value of the item.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The presence of a handwritten identification note ('Tony Reagins') often indicates a fan-collected in-person autograph.
Provenance Notes
The item appears to be part of a private collection, as indicated by the informal identification on the notebook paper beneath it.
Historical Context
Tony Reagins was the General Manager of the Angels during a successful period (2007-2011), during which they won multiple division titles and signed Albert Pujols.
Market Trends
Stable but low. Front-office signatures generally hold value only for completionist team collectors or if the executive is a Hall of Famer (e.g., Branch Rickey).
Investment Potential
Low. This is a sentimental or commemorative piece rather than a high-growth financial asset.
Similar Autographs
Bill Stoneman, Mike Scioscia, Jerry DiPoto, or other Angels staff members from the late 2000s era.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic cube. Avoid touching the ink with bare fingers as oils can cause the signature to fade over decades.
Interesting Facts
At the time of his promotion, Reagins was one of the few African American General Managers in MLB history, having worked his way up from an internship with the Angels.