Felix Hernandez
MLB Pitcher, 2010 AL Cy Young Award Winner, 6x All-Star · Baseball - MLB
Seattle Mariners
Era
Modern Era - Peak Career (circa 2005-2015)
Item Type
Baseball
Condition
Excellent; the ink is vibrant with minimal fading, and the leather surface appears clean with no major scuffing.
Rarity
Common; Hernandez was a regular signer through public appearances and club-authorized sessions.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, authentic-appearing signature from a franchise icon. Strong desirability for Seattle Mariners collectors.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on structural characteristics and flow; confidence level 85%.
Signature Style
Stylized script with a dominant 'F', looping 'H', and characteristic jersey number '34' or '5' flourish at the end.
Signature Characteristics
High-velocity strokes, consistent baseline, and a unique circular wrap-around flourish on the lower tail of the H.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on an official league-style synthetic or leather baseball.
Item Description
White baseball signed on the sweet spot, housed in a plastic cube display case. Adjacent to an Ervin Santana bobblehead.
Estimated Value
$60 - $120 USD (depending on ball brand and presence of JSA/PSA authentication).
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-quality 'sweet spot' exemplars provided at Mariners team stores and fan fests.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'loop-back' on the H and the speed of the finishing stroke which typically angles downward.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett (BAS) are preferred for modern MLB signatures.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink soak is consistent with genuine ballpoint on cowhide.
Provenance Notes
Likely sourced from an in-person stadium signing or a Seattle-area memorabilia show.
Historical Context
Hernandez is the greatest pitcher in Mariners history, known for his 2012 Perfect Game.
Market Trends
Stable; value peaks during his Mariners Hall of Fame ceremonies and recent retirement events.
Investment Potential
Mild; good for a personal collection of pitching greats, but high supply limits massive growth.
Similar Autographs
Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, Randy Johnson (Mariners franchise legends).
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected cube to prevent the blue ballpoint from fading to grey over time.
Interesting Facts
Known as 'King Felix,' he often signed items quickly but maintained high legibility compared to other modern stars.