1978-1980 Los Angeles Dodgers (Multi-Signed)
Professional Baseball Team (MLB) · Baseball - MLB
Los Angeles Dodgers
Era
Late 1970s - specifically circa 1978-1980 based on the visible roster signatures.
Item Type
Souvenir Team-Signed Baseball
Condition
Fair to Good. Significant yellowing/toning of the leather. Scuffing and surface wear present. The ink remains dark but shows minor rubbing.
Rarity
Common. Thousands of these facsimile souvenir balls were mass-produced and sold at Dodger Stadium gift shops during the 70s.
Overall Assessment
This is a classic late-1970s Los Angeles Dodgers facsimile souvenir baseball. While it carries great nostalgic value for a fan of the Lasorda era, it is not a hand-signed item.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely to be a souvenir 'stamped' or 'facsimile' ball. Concerns: uniform ink weight across all signatures and lack of natural pen indentations on the leather.
Signature Style
Facsimile style. The signatures appear perfectly spaced and sized to fit the panel without the overlap often found in genuine team-signed baseballs.
Signature Characteristics
Signatures are too uniform. A real team-signed ball features varying pen types, different angles, and varying levels of fading based on how different players held the ball.
Ink & Medium
Black printed ink on a synthetic or lower-grade leather surface. The ink lacks the bleeding or 'velvet' edges of a real ballpoint pen.
Item Description
A standard white baseball featuring printed facsimile signatures of the Los Angeles Dodgers roster players. Identifiable include Garvey, Yeager, and potentially Russell.
Estimated Value
$10.00 - $25.00 USD as a souvenir item.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard Dodger Stadium souvenir balls from the late 70s. The Steve Garvey signature is the most prominent 'tell' for the facsimile sets.
Authentication Tips
Look for 'bridging' in the ink—genuine ballpoint signatures have skips and variations in pressure. These signatures have a flat, uniform appearance characteristic of printing.
Certification Recommendation
Not recommended for third-party authentication as the cost of the fee would exceed the value of the souvenir ball.
Red Flags
The most significant red flag is the 'printed' look of the ink. It sits on top of the grain rather than being absorbed like ink from a live pen.
Provenance Notes
Likely a stadium purchase or a gift. Without a story of being signed in person (which the ink contradicts), it remains a collectible souvenir.
Historical Context
This era represents the 'Long Ball' Dodgers, featuring the legendary infield of Garvey, Lopes, Russell, and Cey, who played together for a record 8.5 years.
Market Trends
Stable but low. Vintage Dodgers memorabilia is popular, but facsimile balls are entry-level items for fans rather than serious autograph collectors.
Investment Potential
Low. This is a nostalgic piece rather than an appreciating asset. Live-signed versions of this ball are the investment-grade alternatives.
Similar Autographs
1977-78 World Series souvenir items, Steve Garvey single-signed balls, Tommy Lasorda signatures.
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further yellowing. A UV-protected cube is recommended even for souvenir balls to maintain condition.
Interesting Facts
The 1970s Dodgers were the first team to have four players hit 30 home runs in a single season (Garvey, Smith, Cey, Baker).