Tommy Lasorda (Principal) and members of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Hall of Fame Manager, 2x World Series Champion · Baseball - MLB
Los Angeles Dodgers
Era
Retirement era - circa 1997-2015
Item Type
Multi-signed Baseball
Condition
Excellent; signatures are vibrant with minimal fading, the ball shows slight yellowing but no major scuffing.
Rarity
Common; Lasorda was a prolific signer at promotional events and fan fests during his retirement years.
Overall Assessment
An authentic, high-quality multi-signed souvenir ball featuring one of the most beloved figures in baseball history.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (specifically for the Lasorda and Sax signatures visible)
Signature Style
Full name cursives; Lasorda's features his iconic large 'L' loop and sharp 'T'. Steve Sax is visible nearby.
Signature Characteristics
Rapid, fluid strokes with high pressure. Lasorda's signature shows a consistent upward slant and a characteristic 'a' that resembles a loop.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker (likely Sharpie) on a white synthetic or leather-covered baseball.
Item Description
A non-official souvenir baseball signed by Tommy Lasorda, Steve Sax, and other retired Dodgers associates. It features a specific 'Foundation' or 'Reunion' logo partially visible on the bottom panel.
Estimated Value
$100 - $175 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Very consistent with Lasorda's signing habits from the late 90s through the mid-2000s charity events.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, fluid transition between the 'L' and 'a' in Lasorda; check for the 'shaking' often seen in older secretarial forgeries which is absent here.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink saturation and speed suggest natural hand-signed movement.
Provenance Notes
Likely acquired at a fantasy camp, charity golf tournament, or Dodgers Old-Timers event.
Historical Context
Lasorda is a legendary figure who managed the Dodgers for 20 seasons, becoming an ambassador for the sport.
Market Trends
Stable; Lasorda autographs remain the cornerstone of Dodgers collections but supply is high.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate; primarily a sentimental or collection-filler piece rather than a high-growth asset.
Similar Autographs
Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Walter Alston
Display & Preservation
Hold in a UV-protected acrylic cube and store in a cool, dark place to prevent the blue ink from fading.
Interesting Facts
Lasorda was known to sign almost anything for fans and often included 'Dodgers' or 'HOF 97' inscriptions, though not present here.