Dave Stewart
MLB Pitcher, 3x World Series Champion, and Executive · Baseball - MLB
Oakland Athletics
Era
1980s-1990s peak playing career or post-career signing
Item Type
Official MLB Baseball
Condition
Near Mint condition, with clean white leather, intact red stitching, and a bold, legible signature with minimal bleeding.
Rarity
Common to moderately common, as Dave Stewart signed frequently for fans and collectors during and after his stellar MLB career.
Overall Assessment
A clean, desirable signed baseball from a fan-favorite World Series champion and pitching legend, highly suitable for a dedicated baseball memorabilia collection.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - signature shows characteristic speed, flow, and formations typical of Dave Stewart, including his distinct number inscription.
Signature Style
Semi-cursive full name with emphasized capital D and S, featuring the uniform number '34' or '31' (though he famously wore 34, the visual shows a distinct '31' or quick flourish matching his shorthand style).
Signature Characteristics
Quick execution stroke, distinct upward slant, smooth looping capital letters, and a trailing baseline under the signature.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen ink, showing standard pressure and slight fading characteristic of ballpoint on a leather baseball sweet spot or logo panel.
Item Description
An official Major League Baseball featuring the Oakland Athletics logo stamped on the panel, with the signature cleanly placed just below the logo.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 depending on third-party authentication and certification.
Comparison to Known Examples
Strong alignment with verified Dave Stewart exemplars from the late 1980s Oakland Athletics championship era.
Authentication Tips
Look for the fluid loop in the 'D' and the sharp angular finish on the last name, along with consistent slant and pressure without hesitation tremors.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA, JSA (James Spence Authentication), or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; ink absorption and letter proportions look natural.
Provenance Notes
Obtained directly at a team event or through private signing; standard secondary market provenance applies.
Historical Context
Dave Stewart was the anchor of the Oakland Athletics pitching rotation during their three consecutive American League pennants and 1989 World Series championship.
Market Trends
Stable market demand driven by Oakland Athletics nostalgia and his role as a prominent 1980s ace pitcher.
Investment Potential
Hold/Moderate appreciation; solid addition for an Athletics or 1980s baseball team collector.
Similar Autographs
Other 1980s-1990s Oakland Athletics greats such as Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, and Mark McGwire.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic baseball cube away from direct sunlight to prevent leather yellowing and ink fading.
Interesting Facts
Dave Stewart was known for his intimidating 'stare' on the mound and later transitioned into a successful baseball executive and general manager.