Will Clark and members of the San Francisco Giants
Will Clark (6x All-Star, NLCS MVP), Tracy Jones, and others · Baseball - MLB
San Francisco Giants
Era
Circa 1987-1988
Item Type
Multi-signed baseball
Condition
Fair to Good; significant yellowing of the leather, fading of ink, and general surface wear. Grade: 4/10.
Rarity
Common; multi-signed team balls from this era were produced in high volumes at stadiums and fan events.
Overall Assessment
A genuine 1980s San Francisco Giants souvenir ball. Excellent for a personal collection or as a gift for a Giants fan, but limited commercial upside due to condition and lack of premium HOF names.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; signature flow and styles match known clubhouse-signed or fan-obtained multi-signed balls from the late 80s Giants.
Signature Style
Cursive, rapid ink flow, varied handstyles. Will Clark exhibits his characteristic 'Will Clark' with a looping 'W' and long 'k' tail.
Signature Characteristics
Will Clark's signature shows high-velocity loops; Tracy Jones features a distinct 'T' and 'J' spacing characteristic of his late 80s hand.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (Sharpie-style) on a leather-covered baseball.
Item Description
A souvenir baseball featuring several signatures including Will Clark, Tracy Jones, and potentially others like Robby Thompson or Jose Uribe.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with 1987-1988 San Francisco Giants team-signed items found in major auction archives.
Authentication Tips
Check for 'clubhouse' signatures where one person signs for others; look for speed of stroke and pressure consistency across different names.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA
Red Flags
The overlapping ink and fading suggesting poor storage; check for potential stamped/printed signatures common on 'souvenir' balls.
Provenance Notes
Establishing if this was signed in-person at Candlestick Park would marginally help but authentication matters more for value.
Historical Context
Reflects the resurgence of the Giants in the late 80s leading up to their 1989 World Series appearance.
Market Trends
Stable; Will Clark remains a cult favorite for Giants fans, though multi-signed balls without a 'key' Hall of Famer (like Mays) have a ceiling.
Investment Potential
Low; more of a nostalgic piece for a specific team fan than a high-growth investment asset.
Similar Autographs
Roger Clark, Kevin Mitchell, Matt Williams signed items.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic cube; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the felt-tip ink.
Interesting Facts
Will Clark was known as 'The Thrill' and was notorious for having a very consistent, fluid signature during his peak years.