Nathaniel "Nate" Schierholtz
MLB Outfielder and World Series Champion · Baseball - MLB
Fresno Grizzlies (San Francisco Giants Triple-A Affiliate)
Era
Early career - circa 2007-2008
Item Type
Signed Baseball
Condition
Good to Very Good; the signature shows slight fading (toning) and the ball has some surface dirt and minor scuffing consistent with age.
Rarity
Common; Schierholtz was a consistent signer during his tenure with the Giants and their minor league affiliates. High supply of similar items in Northern California.
Overall Assessment
An authentic example of a steady MLB contributor's early-career autograph. Ideal for a San Francisco Giants or Fresno Grizzlies completionist.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; the signature exhibits the fluid, rapid motion characteristic of a professional player signing during a Triple-A stint. Confidence is high given the context of the Fresno Grizzlies era which aligns with his use of jersey #19.
Signature Style
Stylized cursive featuring a prominent 'N' followed by a looped 'S' and shortened last name, including a clear '#19' inscription.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid flow with no hesitation; the 'N' is sharp and upright, the 'S' is larger and more rounded, and the '19' is written with a consistent slant.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on a synthetic or low-grade leather baseball. The ink shows natural absorption into the surface fibers.
Item Description
An unofficial, non-Major League baseball (stamped 'CHINA BLBA4') with red stitching, typical of souvenir balls used for practice or fan autographs at minor league stadiums.
Estimated Value
$15.00 - $30.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified examples of his early-career signature before it became slightly more rushed/shorthand during his peak MLB years.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive loop in the 'S' and the specific way he crosses the 't' in Schierholtz, which often blends into the end of the name. The inclusion of #19 is a key marker for his Fresno/Early Giants era.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA; however, the cost of certification ($20+) may equal or exceed the market value of the ball.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the 'bleeding' of the ink is consistent with ballpoint on a budget-grade baseball surface.
Provenance Notes
The 'Fresno Grizzlies early 2000s' context provided by the owner strongly supports the era when Schierholtz was a top prospect for the Giants (specifically 2007 in Fresno).
Historical Context
Signed during his ascent to the Big Leagues; Schierholtz was a key 'homegrown' talent for the San Francisco Giants during their transition into a championship dynasty.
Market Trends
Stable; Schierholtz is a 'fan favorite' for SF Giants collectors due to his 2010 World Series contribution, but values remain modest.
Investment Potential
Low; primarily a sentimental or team-specific collectible rather than a financial investment.
Similar Autographs
Autographs of 2010-era Giants players like Travis Ishikawa, Pat Burrell, or Cody Ross.
Display & Preservation
Place in a UV-protected acrylic cube. Avoid direct sunlight which will cause the blue ballpoint ink to fade rapidly on this type of surface.
Interesting Facts
Schierholtz was known for having one of the strongest outfield arms in baseball during his peak, often referred to by fans as 'Nate the Great'.
Notes
Fresno grizzlies early 2000s