Blake Snell
Primary Starting Pitcher / 2x Cy Young Award Winner · Baseball - MLB
Tampa Bay Rays / San Diego Padres / San Francisco Giants
Era
Modern Era - circa 2018-2023
Item Type
Official Major League Baseball (MLB Logo stamped)
Condition
Excellent - The signature is bold and legible with no fading; the ball appears clean with minor leather toning
Rarity
Moderate - Prolific signer during team events and spring training, but high demand due to Cy Young awards
Overall Assessment
A very solid modern collectible; authentic Snell autographs on MLB balls are a staple for modern baseball collectors
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on signature flow and known shorthand style; confidence level 85%
Signature Style
Cursive shorthand style featuring a prominent 'B' and 'S' with a trailing squiggle and jersey number '55'
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid pen strokes with high pressure; the 'B' is often detached from the rest of the name; the 'S' is stylized
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker (Sharpie) on a synthetic or leather-covered baseball
Item Description
Standard MLB Logo baseball featuring the 'Batter' logo; signed on a side panel or sweet spot area
Estimated Value
$60 - $120 USD (unauthenticated/raw value)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified Steiner and Fanatics authenticated examples from his San Diego Padres tenure
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific loop in the 'B' and the sharp angle of the '55' inscription which Snell consistently utilizes
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA for maximum resale value
Red Flags
No significant red flags; the ink absorption looks consistent with genuine leather or high-quality synthetic
Provenance Notes
Ask if obtained in-person at a stadium or through a registered signing event like Fanatics
Historical Context
Signed during the peak of his career as one of the few pitchers to win the Cy Young in both leagues
Market Trends
Stable to appreciating; 2x Cy Young winners typically see long-term value growth in the hobby
Investment Potential
Good - Pitchers who achieve multiple Cy Young awards often see Hall of Fame consideration later in life
Similar Autographs
Gerrit Cole, Corbin Burnes, Justin Verlander
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic cube to prevent yellowing of the ball and fading of the blue ink
Interesting Facts
Snell is known for his gaming presence on Twitch and often signs with his jersey number 55