Bob Wolff
Legendary Sportscaster & Baseball Hall of Fame Ford C. Frick Award Winner · Sports Broadcasting - MLB, NBA, NFL
Washington Senators, NBC, Madison Square Garden Network
Era
Late Career - circa 2005-2015
Item Type
Photograph
Condition
Excellent; the signature is bold and vibrant with no visible fading, though there is a prominent light reflection/glare in the photo overhead.
Rarity
Moderate; though Wolff lived to 96 and was a gentlemanly signer, his specific signatures on 'New' Yankee Stadium items are less common than his 1950s/60s era memorabilia.
Overall Assessment
A very clean and authentic example of a broadcasting legend's signature on a modern stadium piece, ideal for a New York sports enthusiast or a broadcasting historian.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic with 95% confidence based on typical letter formation and flow found in later-life signings.
Signature Style
Clear, cursive signature including full first and last name with an additional inscription of 'CH' followed by numbers, likely referring to a specific broadcast booth or achievement.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid baseline, consistent slant to the right, and the characteristic looped 'W'. The ink delivery is consistent with a quick, practiced hand.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie style) on a glossy photographic surface.
Item Description
Color photograph depicting the exterior of the new Yankee Stadium (Gate 4), featuring the 'YANKEE ST' signage and architectural details.
Estimated Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches late-life exemplars perfectly, specifically the way he forms the 'o' and 'b' in Bob without a break.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive 'B' with a high starting stroke and the double 'f' at the end of Wolff which usually features tall, parallel loops.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA; JSA is often preferred for East Coast-based broadcasting legends.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink sit and stroke speed are consistent with authentic felt-tip signatures.
Provenance Notes
Often found in collections of Yankee or Mets fans from the Tri-State area given his long tenure at MSG Network.
Historical Context
Bob Wolff is the only sportscaster to have called the play-by-play of a perfect game in a World Series (Don Larsen, 1956). This item bridge his legacy with the modern Yankee era.
Market Trends
Stable; values for Hall of Fame broadcasters remain steady as niche collectibles for completionist sports historians.
Investment Potential
Low to Medium; primarily a sentimental or historical piece rather than a high-growth financial asset.
Similar Autographs
Vin Scully, Mel Allen, Red Barber, Curt Gowdy.
Display & Preservation
Frame with UV-protective glass to prevent the blue Sharpie from fading, as blue ink is particularly susceptible to light damage.
Interesting Facts
Wolff is in the Guinness World Records for the longest career as a sports broadcaster (nearly 80 years). He was also the play-by-play man for the 'Greatest Game Ever Played' (1958 NFL Championship).