Jim Lonborg
MLB Pitcher, American League Cy Young Award Winner · Baseball - MLB
Boston Red Sox
Era
Post-playing career / Vintage collector signing - circa 1980s-1990s
Item Type
Official league baseball
Condition
Very Good condition. The autograph is bold and clear with minimal fading, though the baseball exhibits a small light brown storage stain near the 'J'.
Rarity
Common to moderate rarity; Jim Lonborg is an accessible signer for vintage baseball collectors.
Overall Assessment
A classic, clean signature of a beloved 1960s baseball star, making it a wonderful and affordable addition for a vintage Red Sox collection.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on natural stroke fluidity, appropriate letter proportions, and consistency with known vintage Lonborg exemplars.
Signature Style
Full legible signature with flowing cursive script, featuring distinctive loops on the capital 'J' and 'L' and a prominent downward stroke.
Signature Characteristics
Strong upward trajectory on the initial 'J', fluid connection between first and last name, rhythmic looping of lowercase letters.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen ink showing minor age-appropriate oxidation and good absorption into the leather surface of the baseball.
Item Description
Official cushioned cork center baseball with raised red stitching, showing a small localized toning spot near the beginning of the signature.
Estimated Value
30 to 75 USD depending on authentication certification
Comparison to Known Examples
Exhibits the classic signature formation typical of Lonborg's post-career public appearances and mail-in requests.
Authentication Tips
Look for fluid stroke speed in the capital letters, consistent pressure application, and natural tapering at the end of the last name.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; signature shows natural hesitation-free flow typical of genuine manual signing.
Provenance Notes
Unprovenanced single-item acquisition; collecting history relies entirely on signature stylistic analysis.
Historical Context
Lonborg was the ace pitcher for the 1967 'Impossible Dream' Boston Red Sox team, winning the Cy Young Award that season.
Market Trends
Stable market demand centered primarily around Boston Red Sox team collectors and 1967 Impossible Dream era enthusiasts.
Investment Potential
Stable holding with modest appreciation tied strictly to historical nostalgia and Red Sox team collecting.
Similar Autographs
Other 1967 Boston Red Sox team members such as Rico Petrocelli, George Scott, and Tony Conigliaro.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic baseball cube away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations.
Interesting Facts
After retiring from baseball, Lonborg attended dental school and practiced dentistry in Massachusetts for decades.
Notes
#9