Raleigh-Dell "R.D." Long
Professional Baseball Player / Outfielder · Baseball - Minor League Baseball (MiLB)
Fresno Grizzlies (San Francisco Giants Triple-A Affiliate)
Era
Early 2000s (circa 2002-2003)
Item Type
Souvenir Baseball
Condition
Excellent. The ink is bold with minimal fading or bleeding. The ball remains white without significant yellowing or scuff marks. Grade: 8/10.
Rarity
Relatively rare due to the player's short professional career, but low in demand as he did not reach the Major Leagues.
Overall Assessment
An authentic piece of Fresno Grizzlies team history. While not high in monetary value, it is a well-preserved signature of a professional athlete from a specific era of California baseball.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature shows natural flow, consistent pen pressure, and mirrors the player's identified jersey number (#6) during his tenure with the Fresno Grizzlies.
Signature Style
Cursive script featuring a distinctively large capitalized 'R' with a high loop and a stylized 'L' that blends into a shorthand 'ong'. Includes the jersey number '6' inscribed below the surname.
Signature Characteristics
Fast execution speed with no hesitation marks. Fluency is high, suggesting a practiced hand. The slant is slightly right-leaning with a consistent baseline.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on a synthetic leather baseball surface.
Item Description
A non-official, souvenir-grade baseball marked 'Made in China' in black stamp. It features standard red stitching and white synthetic covers.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with minor league team-signed baseballs from the 2003 Fresno Grizzlies roster.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'loopy' connection between the 'R' and 'a' and the quick, down-slashing stroke of the 'L'. The number 6 is a key identifier for his 2002-2003 Fresno period.
Certification Recommendation
Third-party authentication is not economically viable as the cost of certification (approx. $20-$30) exceeds the market value of the autograph.
Red Flags
No significant red flags. The 'Made in China' stamp indicates a cheaper souvenir ball often used for stadium signings rather than an official league ball.
Provenance Notes
Originating from Fresno Grizzlies early 2000s era matches the player's active roster years and jersey number perfectly.
Historical Context
R.D. Long was a 10th round draft pick for the Yankees who later moved into the Giants system. The early 2000s Grizzlies were a key developmental hub for the San Francisco Giants.',
Market Trends
Stable but niche. Interest is largely limited to Fresno Grizzlies completionist collectors or fans of Pacific Coast League history.
Investment Potential
Low. Primarily a sentimental or regional collectible rather than a financial investment.
Similar Autographs
Other 2002-2003 Fresno Grizzlies such as Jason Ellison, Todd Linden, or Jesse Foppert.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic cube (as shown) to prevent 'toning' or yellowing of the synthetic leather and fading of the marker ink.
Interesting Facts
Long was a standout at the University of Alabama before his professional career. Minor league autographs like this are often 'lost' to history as players fail to reach the MLB, making them unique regional artifacts.
Notes
Fresno grizzlies early 2000s