Multiple Signers (Team Signed Baseball)
Professional Baseball Players · Baseball - MLB
Major League Baseball Team (American League)
Era
1970s-1980s (Lee MacPhail American League Presidency)
Item Type
Official American League Baseball
Condition
Good to Very Good; noticeable toning, fading of signatures, and typical age-related discoloration of the leather.
Rarity
Common for team-signed baseballs of the era, though value heavily depends on the presence of Hall of Famers.
Overall Assessment
A classic vintage team-signed American League baseball requiring detailed roster attribution to determine exact collector value.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication due to multi-signature nature and fading.
Signature Style
Various standard player autographs in ballpoint pen across the sweet spot and side panels.
Signature Characteristics
Varies by signer; typical hurried athletic shorthand signatures found on team balls.
Ink & Medium
Blue and black ballpoint pen on leather
Item Description
Rawlings Official American League baseball featuring the stamp of League President Lee MacPhail, covered with multiple player signatures.
Estimated Value
50 to 300 USD depending on the specific roster and star players present
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with typical clubhouse or team-issued baseballs from the MacPhail era.
Authentication Tips
Examine individual signatures under magnification for natural ink flow, consistent pressure, and correct era-appropriate player ballpoint signatures.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA
Red Flags
Fading makes certain signatures difficult to read; potential clubhouse versions or stamped facsimiles need to be ruled out.
Provenance Notes
Look for accompanying documentation, family descent stories, or team photos from the corresponding season.
Historical Context
Lee MacPhail served as American League President from 1974 to 1983, placing this ball firmly in that era of baseball history.
Market Trends
Stable market for vintage team balls, with premiums paid for specific championship years or heavy Hall of Fame rosters.
Investment Potential
Moderate long-term hold; primarily valued for nostalgic or historical team significance rather than rapid appreciation.
Similar Autographs
Other multi-signed MLB baseballs from the 1970s and 1980s
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic baseball cube away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity.
Interesting Facts
Team-signed balls from this era were frequently obtained at spring training or through stadium club connections.