Dave Stewart
Three-time World Series Champion and 1989 World Series MVP · Baseball - MLB
Oakland Athletics
Era
Modern Era - Post-retirement (circa 2010s-2020s)
Item Type
8x10 Glossy Photograph
Condition
Near Mint. The autograph is bold with no smearing or skipping. The photo paper appears crisp with sharp corners and no visible surface scratches, creasing, or UV damage.
Rarity
Common. Dave Stewart is a generous signer through the mail and at paid appearances, making his autograph readily available to collectors.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, authentic example of a core 1980s star. The two-tone ink (blue and red) and biblical inscription make it a more desirable specimen than a standard signature.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (95% confidence). The signature displays the characteristic fluid, vertically-oriented loops and unique stroke intersections consistent with Stewart's later-life signing style, particularly on larger media.
Signature Style
Stylized script with heavy vertical emphasis. The signature features a distinctive looping 'D' and 'S' that blend into a fast, rhythmic scrawl. It includes the biblical inscription 'Josh 1:9' (Joshua 1:9) in red ink.
Signature Characteristics
The signature shows high 'pen speed' with no hesitation marks (tremors). The 'D' starts with a sharp downward stroke, and the 'S' is often a mirror-like loop of the first initial. The baseline is consistent, and the ink flow identifies it as a hand-signed piece rather than an autopen.
Ink & Medium
Blue permanent marker (likely Sharpie) for the name; Red permanent marker for the inscription. The blue ink shows strong saturation with no significant fading; the red ink is vibrant and sits well on the photo glaze.
Item Description
An 8x10 color glossy photograph featuring Dave Stewart in his Oakland Athletics road grey uniform (number 21) in mid-pitch delivery. This is a classic action shot from his peak years in the late 1980s.
Estimated Value
$30.00 - $55.00 USD. Value is bolstered by the religious inscription but limited by the volume of material Stewart has signed throughout his career.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches perfectly with Stewart's known 21st-century signing habits. Earlier career signatures were often more compact; this elongated version is typical of his modern private signing sessions.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'loopy' nature of the letters that lean slightly to the right. Stewart's signature often looks like a series of vertical coils. Forgeries usually fail to capture the speed and natural pressure variations in the rhythmic loops.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett (BAS). For items in this price range, JSA's 'Witness Protection' or basic certification is standard and costs roughly $20.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink sits on top of the 'gloss' correctly, and the flow is natural and rapid.
Provenance Notes
Look for a sticker on the back from a known signing show or a JSA/PSA basic cert card. Many of these were signed during specific '80s A's' reunion shows or via his charitable foundations.
Historical Context
Dave Stewart was the ace of the Oakland A's during their late 80s dominance, winning 20 games in four consecutive seasons (1987–1990). This era represents the peak of 'Moneyball' roots and Oakland's last great dynasty.
Market Trends
Stable. Stewart remains a beloved figure in Oakland sports history. While not a Hall of Fame lock, his status as a big-game pitcher keeps demand steady among A's fans and World Series historians.
Investment Potential
Low as a financial asset. This is a 'collector's piece' meant for personal enjoyment rather than equity growth.
Similar Autographs
Collectors may also look for Dennis Eckersley, Mark McGwire, or Jose Canseco to complete an '89 'Bash Brothers' era A's set.
Display & Preservation
Store in an 8x10 acid-free top-loader or frame with UV-protective glass. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the blue and red markers from fading over time.
Interesting Facts
Stewart frequently includes 'Josh 1:9' on his autographs ('Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous...'). He is famously known for 'The Stare,' a focused, intimidating glare he would fix on batters from the mound.