Tim Lincecum
3x World Series Champion and 2x NL Cy Young Award Winner · Baseball - MLB
Fresno Grizzlies / San Francisco Giants
Era
Early career - circa 2007
Item Type
Signed Baseball
Condition
Good. The ball shows significant yellowing and some surface scuffing. The signature has slight fading but remains fully legible with bold strokes. Grade: 5/10.
Rarity
Moderate. While Lincecum signed a fair amount during his peak, items with the number '15' from his Triple-A Fresno days are significantly harder to find than '55' items.
Overall Assessment
A genuine piece of 'The Freak's' early career history. Highly desirable for a Fresno Grizzlies completionist or a Giants fan looking for a unique pre-MLB rookie era piece.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature matches Lincecum's early-career professional style, including the specific number '15' he wore with the Fresno Grizzlies in 2007 before switching to '55' in the MLB. Confidence: 85%.
Signature Style
Stylized monogram with legible 'T' and 'L'. Includes a '15' inscription below the baseline. His signature became much more compressed and less legible as his fame grew.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid motion with consistent pressure. No signs of 'stop-and-start' hesitation. The angle of the 'T' is consistent with his natural hand-writing slant.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on a synthetic or low-grade leather baseball. The ink shows natural aging and slight absorption into the surface.
Item Description
Non-official/souvenir baseball 'Made in China' stamp visible. Signed on a side panel rather than the sweet spot. Associated with his brief but dominant minor league stint.
Estimated Value
$50 - $100 USD. Value is tempered by the fact that it is a non-official ball and signed on the side panel, though the '15' inscription adds niche appeal to Grizzlies fans.
Comparison to Known Examples
Very consistent with 2007 Fresno Grizzlies team-signed balls and early 2007-08 rookie era signatures.
Authentication Tips
Look for the characteristic sharp 'T' and the loop of the 'L' that often crosses back through the 'T'. The number '15' should be written with a sharp, downward stroke on the '1'.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. Basic certification would cost approximately $25-$35.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The natural yellowing of the ball matches the age of the ink.
Provenance Notes
Originating from a Grizzlies game in Fresno (roughly 2007) and held in a plastic cube since then. Documentation of the specific game would increase value.
Historical Context
Lincecum was a phenomenon in Fresno, posting a 0.29 ERA over 5 starts in 2007 before being called up to become a cornerstone of the Giants' three championships.
Market Trends
Stable. Lincecum remains a fan favorite in the Bay Area, though he is no longer active. His 'freak' era memorabilia holds a cult-like status among San Francisco Giants collectors.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate. Good for a personal collection or Giants fan, but limited upside due to the ball type and side-panel placement.
Similar Autographs
Matt Cain, Buster Posey, or Barry Zito autographs from the same 2010-2014 Giants dynasty era.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected baseball cube. Avoid direct sunlight as blue ballpoint ink on these types of balls is highly prone to fading and 'browning' over time.
Interesting Facts
Lincecum was known for being a somewhat reclusive signer in his later career. He wore #15 in Fresno because #55 was already taken or not yet assigned to him.
Notes
Fresno grizzlies early 2000s