Pete Rose
MLB All-Time Hits Leader and Player/Manager · Baseball - MLB
Cincinnati Reds
Era
Circa 1988
Item Type
Pass / Credential / Ticket
Condition
Fair to Poor, heavily scuffed with substantial surface wear and an aggressive heavy black marker scribble obscuring the center text
Rarity
Common item type, but the signature quality is severely compromised
Overall Assessment
An interesting historical artifact from the 1988 All-Star Game, but severely compromised as an autograph collectible due to heavy marker scribbling obscuring the signature
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication due to unusual heavy marker application over printed text
Signature Style
Heavily obscured, rushed, or defaced signature scrawl across a pass/ticket surface
Signature Characteristics
Highly erratic, thick, rushed stroke lacking clear legibility of standard letter forms due to heavy black marker obscuration
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker or broad-tip marker
Item Description
A 1988 Cincinnati Reds All-Star Game clubhouse access pass or credential featuring red and white graphics, numbered 00254
Estimated Value
10 to 50 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Difficult to compare directly to standard exemplars because the signature is heavily overwritten and obscured by thick marker strokes
Authentication Tips
Examine the pen pressure and whether the marker stroke matches known Pete Rose habits from the late 1980s, though the heavy scribbling makes forensic analysis extremely difficult
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA
Red Flags
Heavy black marker defacement makes it look more like vandalism or a rushed scribble than a clean, collectible autograph
Provenance Notes
Originates likely from a stadium credential or clubhouse pass used during the 1988 MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati
Historical Context
The 1988 MLB All-Star Game took place at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, a significant event in baseball history occurring shortly before Rose's ban from baseball
Market Trends
Pete Rose autographs remain widely available in the market; however, heavily damaged or obscured pieces hold minimal collector value
Investment Potential
Low investment potential due to the poor condition and obscured nature of the signature
Similar Autographs
Other signed 1988 All-Star Game memorabilia, Cincinnati Reds team-signed items from the late 1980s
Display & Preservation
Store in a rigid plastic holder or top loader away from direct sunlight to prevent further wear to the credential surface
Interesting Facts
Pete Rose is one of the most prolific signers in baseball history, frequently participating in paid signing sessions throughout his later years