Rick Wise
MLB All-Star Pitcher · Baseball - MLB
Philadelphia Phillies / St. Louis Cardinals / Boston Red Sox
Era
Modern Era - Likely signed post-retirement (2000s-2010s)
Item Type
Signed Baseball
Condition
Very Good. The signature is clear with minimal fading. The ball shows some slight yellowing/toning consistent with age.
Rarity
Common. Rick Wise is a prolific and gracious signer at shows and via mail.
Overall Assessment
A solid, authentic example of a notable 1970s pitcher. Excellent for a Phillies or Red Sox team collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic. The signature displays natural flow and consistent letter forms identical to known Rick Wise exemplars.
Signature Style
Full name with a distinct cursive flow. Most notable is the looped 'W' in Wise and the sharp 'k' in Rick. No inscriptions are present.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion with no hesitation marks. High-loop 'R', distinctive 'k', and a very circular, loopy 'W'.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on an ungraded leather baseball.
Item Description
A standard white leather baseball, likely a souvenir or Official League ball, enclosed in a clear plastic display cube.
Estimated Value
$20.00 - $40.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches retired-era exemplars perfectly. Modern signatures are slightly more relaxed than his 1970s game-used era signatures.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific teardrop loop on the 'W' and the way the 'e' in Wise often trails off into a flat line.
Certification Recommendation
JSA or PSA/DNA (though the cost of certification may exceed the item's market value).
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink saturation and flow are consistent with natural hand-signed movement.
Provenance Notes
Likely acquired at a memorabilia show or through a private signing session. No formal paperwork visible.
Historical Context
Rick Wise is best known for throwing a no-hitter and hitting two home runs in the same game (1971), a feat that remains legendary.
Market Trends
Stable. Wise is a favorite among '70s baseball collectors but his market value remains accessible.
Investment Potential
Low. This is a leisure collector piece rather than a high-yield investment.
Similar Autographs
Jim Palmer, Steve Carlton, Luis Tiant.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected cube away from direct sunlight to prevent the leather from further toning.
Interesting Facts
Wise was the pitcher the Phillies traded to get Hall of Famer Steve Carlton.