Clayton Kershaw
MLB Pitcher, 3x Cy Young Award Winner, World Series Champion · Baseball - MLB
Los Angeles Dodgers
Era
Modern Era (circa 2010s-2020s)
Item Type
Baseball
Condition
Excellent condition. The ball is clean with bright white leather and crisp red stitching. The autograph is bold and fully legible without smudging.
Rarity
Commonly encountered in the market, as Kershaw signs frequently for fans and through team-authorized channels.
Overall Assessment
A clean, aesthetically pleasing modern autograph of a future Hall of Fame pitcher on a practice-style baseball, well worth the modest cost of professional authentication.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic, displaying smooth fluid strokes consistent with known Kershaw exemplars.
Signature Style
Abbreviated signature with prominent initials (CK) and his jersey number (22) underneath, executed in a sweeping, stylized fashion.
Signature Characteristics
Characterized by sweeping, continuous loops forming the initials 'C' and 'K', written with high fluidity, uniform baseline slant, and finished with a clearly delineated number 22.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen ink, evenly applied with consistent pressure and minimal fading.
Item Description
A standard recreational or commemorative baseball featuring green stamped text reading 'SOLID CORK COMPOSITION CORE / GENUINE LEATHER COVER / 5 OZ 9 IN'. Not an official Major League baseball, but a common choice for casual fan autographs.
Estimated Value
50 to 150 USD (depending on third-party authentication and provenance)
Comparison to Known Examples
The proportions, loop angles, and inclusion of the number 22 strongly match authenticated examples of Clayton Kershaw's modern graph.
Authentication Tips
Examine the looping 'C' formations and the distinct underline or trailing stroke connecting into the jersey number 22. Look for natural hand speed rather than hesitation.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA, JSA (James Spence Authentication), or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
Red Flags
The primary concern is the use of a non-official league baseball rather than an official MLB ball, which is common for casual collectibles but requires verification of the signature itself rather than the item.
Provenance Notes
Origin is currently unknown; acquiring a letter of authenticity or photo proof from the signing event significantly adds to future resale value.
Historical Context
Clayton Kershaw is widely regarded as one of the defining starting pitchers of his generation, anchoring the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation for nearly two decades.
Market Trends
Stable demand driven by his status as a future Hall of Famer and long-time franchise player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Investment Potential
Moderate, steady appreciation anticipated upon his eventual induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Similar Autographs
Other elite modern MLB pitchers such as Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Jacob deGrom.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic cube away from direct sunlight to prevent leather yellowing and ink fading.
Interesting Facts
Kershaw's signature evolved from a slightly more legible early career version to a heavily stylized, rapid shorthand version as his fame and autograph volume increased.