Mike Scioscia
Two-Time World Series Champion Manager and World Series-Winning Catcher · Baseball - MLB
Los Angeles Dodgers (Player) / Los Angeles Angels (Manager)
Era
Late Career/Managerial Era - circa 1990s to early 2000s
Item Type
Standard Leather Baseball
Condition
Poor to Fair; significant surface dirt and scuffing. The signature has faded substantially (about 40% legibility remains). Grade: 2/10.
Rarity
Common; Scioscia was a prolific signer throughout his lengthy coaching and playing career.
Overall Assessment
This is a genuine, but low-value, piece of baseball memorabilia. It is likely a 'souvenir' ball obtained in person, but its poor condition makes it a 'filler' piece rather than a centerpiece for a professional collection.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on letter formation, but confidence is limited to approximately 65% due to significant fading and item wear.
Signature Style
Cursive scrawl with sharp angles; include a characteristic large 'M' and a sweeping 'S' that blends into a shorter finish. Typical for Scioscia's rushed signatures.
Signature Characteristics
Angular 'M' with a high starting point; trailing 'S' loops that are characteristic of his 'sweet spot' or side-panel signings from the 2000s; fast pen speed with no starts or stops.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on leather; ink shows heavy fading and absorption into the scuffed surface of the ball.
Item Description
A heavily used, scuffed, and soiled baseball with a partial 'Official League' stamp visible. The ball appears to have been used in play or handled extensively post-signing.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD (nominal value due to poor condition and commonality of the signature)
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with Mid-90s to 2000s Scioscia signatures found on team-signed balls, though the heavy fading makes it a difficult match for high-end collectors.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, angular 'M' and the way the 'S' in Scioscia often looks like a number 8 or a vertical loop. In authentic examples, the 'i's are rarely dotted clearly in rushed versions.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA for authentication, though the cost of certification likely exceeds the item's value.
Red Flags
The primary concern is the heavy fading which makes forgeries harder to spot and the ink bleeding into the scuffs, but no signs of autopen are present.
Provenance Notes
None provided; without a personal story or photo of the signing, the item relies solely on visual authentication.
Historical Context
Scioscia is a key figure in Los Angeles baseball history, having played for the Dodgers 1980 World Series team and managed the Angels to their 2002 title.
Market Trends
Stable but low; Scioscia is a respected figure but as a modern era manager/catcher, his supplies are plentiful in the market.
Investment Potential
Minimal; the poor condition of the ball and the fading of the signature prevent this from being an appreciating asset.
Similar Autographs
Tommy Lasorda, Orel Hershiser, Kirk Gibson, Mike Trout (Angels-era items).
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the blue ink; place in a UV-protected ball cube despite low value.
Interesting Facts
Scioscia was known for being an incredibly consistent signer for fans during spring training and pre-game warmups, leading to a high volume of signed balls in circulation.