Justin Mankin
Likely Youth or Amateur Baseball Player / Personal Memento · Baseball - Amateur/Youth or Low-Level College
Unknown local/youth team
Era
Dated February 13, 2014
Item Type
Signed Baseball
Condition
Excellent - The ink is bold and dark with no visible fading. The ball shows little to no scuffing or yellowing.
Rarity
Unique personal item, but not 'rare' in a market-value sense as the signer is not a recognized professional athlete.
Overall Assessment
A charming piece of personal sports history. While it lacks professional pedigree and market value, it serves as a high-quality example of a player-kept milestone memento.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - likely a genuine personal inscription rather than a professional autograph. It appears to be a person signing their own career milestone ball.
Signature Style
Full name printed in casual, block-style handwriting with date and event inscription.
Signature Characteristics
Juvenile or casual block printing; consistent pen pressure; distinct 'M' in the surname; slow, deliberate lettering typical of a non-professional signing an unusual surface.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a synthetic or low-grade leather baseball.
Item Description
A souvenir baseball marked 'CHINA' on the side panel, hand-signed and inscribed 'Justin Mankin 2/13/14 home run'.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD (Sentimental value primarily)
Comparison to Known Examples
There are no professional exemplars for this individual. The handwriting is consistent with high school or collegiate student handwriting.
Authentication Tips
Compare handwriting to school records or personal documents. There are no professional baseball major league records for a 'Justin Mankin' active in 2014.
Certification Recommendation
Not recommended for professional authentication (PSA/JSA) as the cost of the fee would exceed the market value of the ball.
Red Flags
The item is a 'Made in China' baseball, which is rarely used for professional game play or official league collectibles.
Provenance Notes
Likely sourced from a thrift store, estate sale, or basement of the family. Only significant to the player or their family.
Historical Context
Commemorates a home run hit on February 13, 2014, likely during a spring training game for a school or travel team.
Market Trends
Non-professional 'milestone' balls have a very limited market, usually only selling as novelty items or used practice balls.
Investment Potential
None. This is a personal souvenir without commercial upside.
Similar Autographs
Other youth league or high school home run balls found in secondary markets.
Display & Preservation
Keep in the current UV-protected plastic cube to prevent dust and moisture from affecting the marker ink.
Interesting Facts
The date February 13 is very early for most baseball seasons, suggesting it was hit in a warm climate (Florida/Arizona/California) or an indoor facility.