Hubert 'Geese' Ausbie, Curly Neal, and Joyous Miller
Harlem Globetrotters Legends · Basketball - Entertainment/Exhibition
Harlem Globetrotters
Era
Circa 1990s - 2000s (Retirement/Alumni Era)
Item Type
Adjustable Baseball-style Cap
Condition
Good to Very Good. The signatures show slight bleeding into the fabric fibers (common for canvas). The hat is clean but shows some minor shelf wear.
Rarity
Common. These athletes were prolific signers at games and charity events for decades.
Overall Assessment
An authentic, charming piece of basketball history featuring three recognizable names from the world's most famous exhibition team.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on fluid, high-speed strokes consistent with long-time show-basketball signers. High confidence for Geese Ausbie and Curly Neal.
Signature Style
Stylized and practiced. Geese Ausbie includes his '24' number; Curly Neal uses his characteristic underlined 'Curly' with circular flourishes.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, rhythmic flow; consistent pen pressure; looped 'l's and 'e's in Miller; sharp 'A' and '24' in Ausbie; circular 'C' and straight-line underline in Neal.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker on white canvas/twill fabric.
Item Description
White cotton/twill adjustable hat with a leather strap and gold-tone buckle. Typically sold as souvenir merchandise at Globetrotters events.
Estimated Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
The 'Curly' signature matches thousands of verified examples from his tenure. The 'Geese' signature is typical of his later-life, more compact style.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'G' in Geese that resembles a cursive 'J' and the fluid underline of 'Curly' that often wraps back toward the start of the name.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink migration (wicking) into the fabric suggests a natural application by hand rather than a stamp or autopen.
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained at a post-game 'Meet the Legends' event or a youth basketball camp.
Historical Context
These signers represent the 'Golden Era' of the Harlem Globetrotters, who were instrumental in breaking racial barriers in basketball and spreading the sport globally.
Market Trends
Stable. There is a consistent secondary market for Globetrotters memorabilia, though prices remain modest due to the high volume of signed items in existence.
Investment Potential
Low. Best as a sentimental or historical display piece rather than a financial investment.
Similar Autographs
Meadowlark Lemon, Wilt Chamberlain (Globetrotters era), Marques Haynes.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent blue ink fading. Store in a UV-protected acrylic hat cube.
Interesting Facts
Curly Neal played over 6,000 games for the Globetrotters; Geese Ausbie was known as the 'Clown Prince' of the team after Meadowlark Lemon's departure.