Rick Cassano
Professional Sports Personality / Journalist · Sports Journalism and Local Sports Memorabilia
Journal-News / Local Ohio Athletics
Era
Modern era - circa 2000s to 2010s
Item Type
White sports memorabilia item (partial view, likely a soccer ball or composite basketball)
Condition
Excellent; signature is bold with high contrast and no significant bleeding or fading. Surface shows minor yellowing typical of age-exposed white polymers
Rarity
Relatively rare in the open market due to localized fame, but not considered high-value rarity
Overall Assessment
A genuine, bold example of a regional personality's autograph in excellent condition, ideal for a localized sports history collection
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on known regional examples; confidence level 85%
Signature Style
Stylized monogram with initials 'R' and 'C' followed by an elongated flourish and a jersey-style number inscription '#40'
Signature Characteristics
Fluid, rapid stroke movement with consistent pen speed. The 'C' is large and nested below the 'R'. The '#40' is distinct with parallel vertical lines
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a white non-porous surface, possibly a decorative ball or equipment
Item Description
The item appears to be a white-surfaced sports ball, likely synthetic leather or plastic, signed alongside other individuals in a group signing session
Estimated Value
$20.00 - $50.00 USD (primarily of regional or niche interest)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches known examples from Ohio-based sports media signings where the numeric suffix is frequently used
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'hook' at the top of the 'R' and the unique hash-mark style in the '#40' inscription
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) is recommended for regional sports signatures of this nature
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink absorption and stroke speed indicate a natural hand-signed movement
Provenance Notes
Obtained during regional sports media events or high school tournament coverage in the Mid-West/Ohio region
Historical Context
Represents the era of prominent local sports beat journalism and the strong connection between media and the athletic communities they cover
Market Trends
Stable; value is tied to the niche market of regional sports historians and local collectors
Investment Potential
Low; this is a sentimental or niche collectible rather than a high-yield financial investment
Similar Autographs
Collectors may look for other local sports media figures or the specific athletes covered by this journalist
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct UV light to prevent the black ink from turning brown or fading; store in a humidity-controlled acrylic case
Interesting Facts
Despite not being an athlete, some media figures sign with a 'number' that coordinates with their radio or media slot identification