Tim Lincecum
3x World Series Champion and 2x NL Cy Young Winner · Baseball - MLB
Fresno Grizzlies / San Francisco Giants
Era
Early career / Minor Leagues - circa 2006-2007
Item Type
Souvenir Baseball
Condition
Good; the gold ink has stayed somewhat vibrant but shows typical leather-grain bleeding; the ball shows minor surface dust
Rarity
Moderate; Lincecum was a prolific signer in the minors and early career but became more selective later
Overall Assessment
A genuine, charming early-career specimen of 'The Freak' from his explosive rise through the Fresno Grizzlies system
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; confidence level: 95%
Signature Style
Stylized 'TL' monogram with a sharp, angular flow and jersey number 21 inscription
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid strokes with no hesitation; sharp angles at the base; '21' inscribed top-center of the flourish
Ink & Medium
Gold metallic paint pen; shows slight absorption/fading common with 'China' brand synthetic leather
Item Description
Non-official 'China EBBE4' stamped synthetic baseball, typical of minor league gift shop or stadium promotional items
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD (Value is limited by the souvenir-grade ball, while an official MLB ball would be $150+)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-speed prospect autographs from 2006-2007, specifically before he switched to jersey #55 in the majors
Authentication Tips
Look for the rapid 'T' stroke that transitions into an 'L' with a high, sharp upward peak and consistent angularity
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA; JSA is preferred for Pacific Coast League-era items
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the placement of the '21' and the gold pen usage are consistent with Fresno-era signings
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained in person at Chukchansi Park in Fresno; a ticket stub or dated photo would solidify the history
Historical Context
Signed during his brief but legendary stint in Fresno where he posted record-breaking strikeout numbers before a rapid MLB ascent
Market Trends
Lincecum autographs remain highly stable due to his 'cult hero' status in San Francisco; demand spikes during Giants reunions
Investment Potential
Moderate hold; as a 2x Cy Young winner, his historical legacy is secure, though synthetic balls appreciate slower than ROMLB
Similar Autographs
Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, or Matt Cain autographs from the same Giants dynasty era
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight as gold ink on synthetic leather is prone to fading; place in a UV-protected cube
Interesting Facts
Lincecum wore #21 in Fresno; the number '21' on this ball is a key identifier of his minor league period as he took #55 with the Giants
Notes
Fresno grizzlies early 2000s