Mike Conley Jr.
NBA Point Guard and All-Star · Basketball - NBA
Memphis Grizzlies
Era
Late Grizzlies Era (circa 2018)
Item Type
Baseball
Condition
Ex-Mint. The signature is bold with minimal fading. The ball shows some minor surface scuffing but remains white. Overall Grade: 8/10.
Rarity
Moderate. Conley was a generous signer during his years in Memphis, but authentic single-signed items remain desirable for Grizzlies historians.
Overall Assessment
An authentic and bold signature of a Memphis franchise icon. While the medium (baseball) is unconventional for the athlete, the signature quality is excellent. Ideal for a Memphis Grizzlies fan or a 'Grit and Grind' era collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature matches known in-person examples of Conley's 'shorthand' style common during his time in Memphis. Confidence level: High.
Signature Style
Highly stylized shorthand scrawl consisting of a large 'M' looping into a 'C'. Typical of high-volume in-person signing during team events or fan interactions.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid, rapid strokes with heavy pressure at the start of the 'M'. No hesitation marks. The signature exhibits a consistent upward slant consistent with Conley's natural hand.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (likely Sharpie) on a white synthetic or leather-covered baseball.
Item Description
Rawlings official baseball (likely a souvenir or retail version) signed on the sweet spot/side panel. An 'off-sport' item, as Conley is a basketball player.
Estimated Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD. Values for 'off-sport' items (basketball players on baseballs) are generally lower than on jerseys or basketballs, though Conley is a beloved franchise figure in Memphis.
Comparison to Known Examples
Very consistent with 2017-2019 era Mike Conley fan-signed items. Matches the 'loopy' C-tail found on authenticated Grizzlies memorabilia from that same season.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive double-loop flow. The 'M' should lead directly into a large bottom loop for the 'C' without a pen lift. Forgeries of role players are rare; most 'bad' examples are just rushed authentic versions.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA. Estimated cost: $20-$30. Turnaround: 3-5 weeks. Certification would stabilize the price at the higher end of the estimate.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink absorption into the leather/synthetic cover is consistent with a 5-6 year old signature.
Provenance Notes
The user's note of 'signed at a Grizzlies game in 2018' provides excellent context. Retaining a ticket stub from that year would further enhance the item's story.
Historical Context
Conley is the Grizzlies' all-time leader in games played, assists, and steals. This autograph dates to the twilight of the 'Grit and Grind' era in Memphis basketball history.
Market Trends
Stable. Conley's legacy in Memphis as a 'Grit and Grind' era legend ensures a baseline of collector interest regardless of his current team.
Investment Potential
Low. While a great piece for a personal collection, off-sport signed balls (basketball stars on baseballs) rarely appreciate significantly as investment assets.
Similar Autographs
Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen (The Core Four).
Display & Preservation
Recommend a UV-protected acrylic cube. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the black ink from turning brown or fading into the ball's surface.
Interesting Facts
Mike Conley is known as one of the nicest players in the NBA, famously having never received a technical foul for the first 12 years of his career, which makes his autographs widely available as he rarely turns down fans.
Notes
Signed at grizzlies game in 2018 or around that year