Carl Crawford
Retired MLB Outfielder, 4-time All-Star, and Gold Glove Winner · Baseball - MLB
Tampa Bay Rays / Boston Red Sox / Los Angeles Dodgers
Era
Active Career - circa 2005-2012
Item Type
Official MLB Baseball
Condition
Good to Very Good; the ball shows moderate toning/yellowing, and the signature exhibits slight fading typical of light exposure.
Rarity
Common; Crawford was a prolific signer during his peak years and through various memorabilia contracts.
Overall Assessment
An authentic mid-tier collectible ideal for a Tampa Bay Rays fan or a specialized baseball collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic with 90% confidence level, appearing consistent with standard era-specific exemplars.
Signature Style
A cursively rendered full name signature featuring a distinct, looped 'C' for both the first and last name, followed by abbreviated middle letterforms.
Signature Characteristics
Even baseline, natural flow with no hesitation marks, and a characteristic tail on the final name letter.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on leather; ink shows natural absorption into the hide without significant bleeding.
Item Description
Rawlings Official Major League Baseball featuring red stitching and standard league stamping.
Estimated Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Closely matches verified 'in-person' examples from the mid-2000s, specifically in the spacing between the 'C' initials.
Authentication Tips
Look for the fluidity in the loops and the specific 'd' finish at the end of the last name. Verify the pressure remains constant without pooling.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA are recommended for basic sports authentication.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the aging of the ink matches the yellowing of the ball leather.
Provenance Notes
Commonly distributed through retail memorabilia outlets or stadium signing sessions; look for a serial number sticker on the back of the ball.
Historical Context
Signed during an era where Crawford was one of the premier base stealers and defensive outfielders in the American League.
Market Trends
Stable but modest; value is highest among Tampa Bay Rays collectors where he is a franchise legend.
Investment Potential
Low; his market has softened since retirement and he is unlikely to reach Hall of Fame status.
Similar Autographs
Collectors may also look for Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, or Rocco Baldelli items to complete a mid-2000s Rays set.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic cube and store in a cool, dark place to prevent further yellowing of the leather.
Interesting Facts
Crawford was a multi-sport star in high school who famously turned down a scholarship to play basketball at UCLA to play baseball.