Rickey Henderson
MLB Hall of Fame Left Fielder · Baseball - MLB
Oakland Athletics / New York Yankees
Era
Modern Era - circa 1990s-2010s
Item Type
Autographed Football
Condition
Good. The signature is bold with high contrast, though the item surface shows slight indentation and minor particulate spotting.
Rarity
Common; Rickey is a prolific signer, though a cross-sport item like a football is less common than a baseball.
Overall Assessment
A genuine example of a Rickey Henderson shorthand signature on a non-traditional item, ideal for Oakland A's fans or cross-sport collectors.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on fluid movement and known shorthand strokes (confidence: 85%)
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand containing an identifiable 'R' with a sweeping loop and a condensed 'H' surname scrawl.
Signature Characteristics
Fast execution with no hesitation; the loop of the 'R' is high and wide, transitioning into a wavy line that represents 'ickey'.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a synthetic white-paneled football.
Item Description
A white-paneled souvenir football. The visible text at the top mentions 'Tennessee', suggesting a collegiate-themed souvenir item.
Estimated Value
$50 - $100 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard 'shorthand' signatures provided by Henderson during public signings from 1995 to the present.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, aggressive hook on the 'R' and the rapid, rising exit stroke on the far right of the signature.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink exhibits natural bleeding consistent with felt-tip on synthetic material.
Provenance Notes
Trace if the item was signed at a Multi-Sport FanFest or Charity Golf event where NFL and MLB stars often appear together.
Historical Context
Rickey Henderson is the MLB all-time leader in stolen bases and runs scored, widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter in history.
Market Trends
Stable; Henderson autographs remain a staple for Hall of Fame collectors, with slight premiums for 'MLB' records inscriptions.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate; as a living Hall of Famer with a high supply of autographs, value growth is typically steady but slow.
Similar Autographs
Lou Brock, Tim Raines, or other members of the 3,000 Hit Club.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic football cube to prevent the white panels from yellowing or the marker from fading.
Interesting Facts
Rickey often referred to himself in the third person and was known for a distinct, high-energy signing style.