Mariano Rivera
MLB Hall of Fame Pitcher · Baseball - MLB
New York Yankees
Era
Modern Era - circa 2010s to present
Item Type
Official MLB Baseball
Condition
Excellent; signature is bold with minimal bleeding; ball shows minor yellowing
Rarity
Moderate; a prolific signer but high demand persists
Overall Assessment
A classic, high-quality example of a legendary Yankee's signature on a premium item
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic with high confidence level
Signature Style
Stylized script with full name and jersey number inscription (#42)
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion, distinctive looped 'M', sharp angle on the 'R', and consistent pressure
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a leather surface
Item Description
Rawlings Official Major League Baseball with signature on the sweet spot
Estimated Value
$150 - $250 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with thousands of Steiner Sports witnessed examples and MLB authenticated sessions
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive looping 'M' and the specific flow of the '42' inscription
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA, JSA, or Steiner Sports
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; flow and stroke speed appear natural
Provenance Notes
Look for a Steiner Sports hologram or MLB Authentication sticker for maximum value
Historical Context
Signed by the all-time saves leader and first unanimous Hall of Fame inductee
Market Trends
Stable; as the first unanimous Hall of Famer, his market is very solid
Investment Potential
Excellent long-term hold; a blue-chip autograph in the sports world
Similar Autographs
Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada (Core Four)
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected cube away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
Interesting Facts
He was the last player to wear the number 42 full-time after it was retired across MLB