Tony Peña (and 1987 St. Louis Cardinals Team)
All-Star Catcher and 1987 NL Champion · Baseball - MLB
St. Louis Cardinals
Era
Circa 1987-1988
Item Type
Multi-signed Team Baseball
Condition
Good. The ball shows significant yellowing/toning. The signatures are legible but have faded/dulled slightly in the blue ink. Overall Grade: 4/10.
Rarity
Common for the era. The 1987 Cardinals were active signers, and this is a standard team-signed souvenir ball rather than a rare single-signed item.
Overall Assessment
A genuine 1987-era souvenir. While condition is average, it is a nice piece of St. Louis history featuring key role players and the 'Whiteyball' core.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on natural ink absorption and letter forms typical of team-signed balls from the 1980s. Confidence level: 85%.
Signature Style
Cursive scripts, typical of active player signing habits. Tony Peña's signature is prominent at the bottom with a large 'P' flourish.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, rhythmic cursive strokes. The upward slant of the baseline reflects a ball being held in one hand and signed with the other in a clubhouse setting.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on an Official League baseball. The ink shows characteristic 'sinking' into the leather surface with minor bleeding/toning.
Item Description
An Official League baseball, most likely a Rawlings ROM or RO-N (National League), featuring signatures from the 1987 Cardinals including Tony Peña, Tom Lawless, Curley Bridges, and Jim Lindeman.
Estimated Value
$50 - $120 USD. As a team-signed ball without Ozzie Smith or Jack Clark easily visible on this panel, value is driven by Whitey Herzog and Tony Peña.
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with 1987-1990 era clubhouse and game signatures for these specific roster players.
Authentication Tips
Check for characteristic 'toning' of the wood-pulp-based leather. Look for the flow of Peña's 'P' which should loop back smoothly without hesitation.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. JSA is highly recommended for vintage team-signed baseballs.
Red Flags
No significant red flags. The uneven ink thickness and natural feathering suggest authentic ballpoint application rather than an autopen (stamp).
Provenance Notes
Look for records of 1987 St. Louis Cardinals spring training or stadium appearances. Documentation from the Busch Stadium era adds modest value.
Historical Context
The 1987 Cardinals won the NL Pennant and took the Twins to 7 games in the World Series. This ball represents the 'Whiteyball' era of speed and defense.
Market Trends
Stable. Mid-80s Cardinals memorabilia remains popular in the St. Louis regional market but has lower national demand than the 1982 roster.
Investment Potential
Low/Stable. This is a sentimental collectible rather than a high-growth investment. Value is unlikely to increase significantly beyond inflation.
Similar Autographs
1987 Cardinals signed photos, Ozzie Smith single-signed balls, or 1985 World Series memorabilia.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic cube. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from high humidity to prevent further yellowing of the leather.
Interesting Facts
Tony Peña was known for his unique sitting-on-one-leg catching style and was a centerpiece of the 1987 trade that sent Andy Van Slyke to Pittsburgh.
Notes
Whitey Herzog signed as well