Lars Nootbaar
MLB Outfielder and Team Japan World Baseball Classic Champion · Baseball - MLB
St. Louis Cardinals
Era
Modern Era - circa 2021-2023
Item Type
Baseball
Condition
Good. The signature is bold and vibrant with no fading. The ball shows significant surface dirt, scuffing, and minor pilling of the leather/synthetic cover, suggesting it may have been used or handled frequently.
Rarity
Lower rarity. Nootbaar is an active player and a frequent, friendly signer for fans at ballparks and spring training.
Overall Assessment
A solid, authentic example of a popular modern player's signature. While the ball itself is lower quality, the signature is crisp and well-placed, making it a great piece for a Cardinals fan or WBC collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature displays the characteristic fluid strokes and the 'L-N' shorthand with jersey number '21' consistent with his fan-facing signing style. Confidence level: High.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand 'L-21-N' or 'L-BN' script. It includes a large vertical 'L' followed by a horizontal dash/stroke and a looped 'N' that incorporates his jersey number 21 at the bottom.
Signature Characteristics
Strong vertical start with the L, a mid-point connector that resembles a 3 or a dash, and a swooping terminal loop containing two vertical ticks representing the '21' jersey number. No pen hesitation is visible.
Ink & Medium
Blue permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on a synthetic or low-grade leather baseball.
Item Description
Generic souvenir or practice-grade baseball marked 'CHINA' on the sweet spot. It is not an Official Major League Baseball (ROMLB), which is common for impromptu fan signings.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD. Value is tempered by the fact that it is signed on a non-official 'China' ball rather than an OMLB.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches very closely to certified examples from 2022-2023 St. Louis Cardinals team-signed balls and Topps autographed cards.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific way the '21' is tucked into the bottom loop of the tail end of the signature. High-speed fluid strokes are key; slow lines indicating tracing are common in forgeries.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA. Given his popularity in Japan and St. Louis, a 'Quick Opinion' from PSA/DNA is also a good budget-friendly first step.
Red Flags
The 'China' stamp on the sweet spot is a 'budget' flag but not a red flag for authenticity, as fans often bring cheaper balls to the park for signatures.
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained in person (IP) at a stadium or spring training facility given the medium (non-official ball).
Historical Context
Nootbaar became a global icon as the first non-Japanese born player to represent Japan in the WBC, helping lead them to a 2023 championship.
Market Trends
Nootbaar's market saw a significant spike following the 2023 World Baseball Classic due to his 'Pepper Grinder' celebration and popularity in Japan; prices have since stabilized.
Investment Potential
Moderate. Depends on his trajectory as a core MLB starter and future international appearances. 'China' balls generally have lower ceiling than OMLBs.
Similar Autographs
Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman, Tommy Edman (fellow young Cardinals core players).
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic cube. Avoid touching the ink directly as oils from skin can degrade the autograph over time.
Interesting Facts
He is known for his 'Pepper Grinder' celebration, which became a national sensation in Japan during their 2023 WBC championship run.