Rickey Henderson (Likely)
MLB Hall of Fame Left Fielder, All-Time Stolen Base Leader · Baseball - MLB
New York Mets / Oakland Athletics
Era
Late Career - circa 1999-2000
Item Type
Multi-signed Baseball
Condition
Fair/Poor. The ball shows significant ink bleeding (toning) where the ink spreads into the leather fibers. This reduces the clarity and aesthetic appeal of the signatures.
Rarity
Common. Henderson was a prolific signer throughout his long career and into retirement.
Overall Assessment
A likely authentic but poor-quality example of a Rickey Henderson signature on a multi-signed ball. Best suited for a personal fan collection rather than a high-end investment portfolio.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication. Confidence: Low-Moderate. The signature exhibits some traits of Henderson's abbreviated 'speed' signature, but the ink bleeding and placement make a definitive call difficult without physical inspection.
Signature Style
Abbreviated 'R- B-' style signature with jersey number 24 or 35 inscription. Common for multi-signed team balls where space is limited.
Signature Characteristics
High-velocity strokes with significant ink pooling at start points. The signature shows a natural upward slant.
Ink & Medium
Purple or Dark Blue ballpoint or felt-tip pen on a synthetic or leather baseball surface. High level of 'bleeding' or 'haloing' into the grain of the ball.
Item Description
A 'CUSHIONED CORK CENTER' ROM-NYP (Rawlings Official Minor League - New York-Penn League) baseball. This suggests the ball was signed at a spring training facility or a minor league rehab assignment venue.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 (As a multi-signed ball of indeterminate roster)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches the 'cramped' style Henderson used when signing among a cluster of teammates, though less legible than his solo-signed 'flat' items.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'R' loop and the rapid, jerky motion of the lowercase letters. On Henderson's authentic pieces, the 'H' usually looks like a print/script hybrid.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. JSA is highly recommended for multi-signed baseballs due to their extensive database of team-signed items.
Red Flags
Significant 'bleeding' of the ink suggests the medium (the ball) was either cheap synthetic material or stored in high humidity, which can sometimes be used to hide the 'shake' of a forger.
Provenance Notes
Valuable to know if this was a 1999 or 2000 New York Mets team ball, as both Rickey Henderson and Jose Lima (whose signature appears below) were affiliated with the organization around then.
Historical Context
The presence of Jose Lima (signed 'Jose R. Lima') suggests this ball dates to the late 90s or early 2000s, a period of transition for both the Mets and the players involved.
Market Trends
Rickey Henderson autographs remain stable as a blue-chip Hall of Famer; however, collectors prefer clean, single-signed OML (Official Major League) balls over bleeding multi-signed minor league balls.
Investment Potential
Low. The poor condition of the ink and the use of a non-Major League ball limit the ceiling for appreciation.
Similar Autographs
Tim Raines, Lou Brock, or other members of the 3,000 Hit Club.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected cube and away from all fluorescent light to prevent further ink bleeding and yellowing of the leather.
Interesting Facts
Rickey Henderson famously referred to himself in the third person; collectors often look for more elaborate signatures from his earlier 'Man of Steal' days.