Jacob deGrom
Two-time NL Cy Young Award Winner · Baseball - MLB
New York Mets
Era
Peak career period - circa 2018-2022
Item Type
Souvenir baseball
Condition
Excellent - The signature is crisp with no fading; the ball surface is white and clean. The placement is on a side panel rather than the 'sweet spot'.
Rarity
Moderate signer - While he signs regularly, demand for his autograph remains high due to his historic dominance as a pitcher.
Overall Assessment
A strong, authentic-appearing example of a contemporary pitching legend. It is a high-desirability item for a Mets fan or a general baseball enthusiast, though collectors usually prefer the 'Sweet Spot' on an official MLB Rawlings ball for maximum value.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic - The signature displays the correct flow, slant, and loop structures typical of deGrom's rushed but consistent signing style during his Mets tenure.
Signature Style
Stylized monogram/scrawl - Features a prominent 'J' that transitions quickly into the 'd' and 'G' with a heavy horizontal underline flourish that is a hallmark of his signature.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid, rapid motions with consistent pen pressure. The initial 'J' is vertical followed by a compact cluster of letters and a long, straight trailing line.
Ink & Medium
Purple felt-tip marker - Bold stroke with healthy saturation; the ink color is a common variations used by fans at stadiums or community events.
Item Description
An 'Official Size Baseball' retail souvenir ball with red stitching. This is not an Official Major League Baseball (OMLB) but a commonly used alternative for fan signings.
Estimated Value
$100.00 - $175.00 USD (higher if authenticated by JSA or PSA/DNA)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified examples from the 2018-2019 season; specifically the way the bottom of the 'G' loops into the underline.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp horizontal line that often crosses back through the bottom of the letters and the distinctive sharp peak in the middle of the signature.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA - Both provide 'Quick Opinion' services or full certification which would significantly stabilize the resale value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink saturation and stroke speed suggest organic human movement rather than an autopen.
Provenance Notes
Since this is on a non-official ball, evidence of it being signed at a spring training facility or stadium (like a photo or ticket stub) would help document context.
Historical Context
DeGrom is considered one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation; autographs from his Mets era are particularly iconic for New York sports collectors.
Market Trends
Values for deGrom items are stable but currently seeing a slight dip compared to his back-to-back Cy Young years (2018-2019).
Investment Potential
Hold - As a potential future Hall of Famer, his autographs on premium items have high potential; souvenir balls like this represent a steady mid-tier investment.
Similar Autographs
Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Clayton Kershaw autographs are typically sought after by the same caliber of high-end pitching collectors.
Display & Preservation
Recommend a UV-protective acrylic cube. Avoid direct sunlight as felt-tip ink (especially purple) can fade much faster than blue ballpoint ink.
Interesting Facts
DeGrom is known for being relatively accommodating to fans during pre-game warmups but his signature quality often varies based on how quickly he is moving down a line of fans.