Ken Griffey Jr., Mark Portugal, Scott Radinsky, Bob Wells, Rickey Henderson
MLB Multi-Signed Team Ball featuring Hall of Famers and All-Stars · Baseball - MLB
Seattle Mariners
Era
Mid-to-Late 1990s (Circa 1996-1998)
Item Type
Multi-signed baseball
Condition
Good to Very Good. The ball shows some yellowing (toning) and the ink has faded slightly but remain legible. Stitching is intact and bright red.
Rarity
Moderate. Team balls from this era are relatively common, but having both Griffey and Henderson on the same panel is highly desirable for Mariners collectors.
Overall Assessment
A very attractive mid-90s Mariners team ball featuring two of the greatest players in the history of the sport. It is a classic piece of baseball history ideal for a Seattle fan or HOF collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; 85% confidence. The pen flow and letter formations for Griffey Jr. and Henderson are consistent with period-correct club-house or in-person signatures from the mid-90s.
Signature Style
Cursive scripts with varying degrees of legibility; Ken Griffey Jr. shows his typical 'K' flourish; Rickey Henderson features his looping 'R' and 'H'. Mark Portugal and Scott Radinsky signatures are standard for the era.
Signature Characteristics
Natural pen pressure with variation in line thickness; absence of 'shaky' lines associated with forgeries. The '34' inscription next to the middle signature is a common player identifier.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen on what appears to be an official or souvenir leather-grained baseball. Some signatures show slight bleeding/toning into the leather.
Item Description
A white leather baseball featuring multiple signatures from the Seattle Mariners roster, likely obtained during a single season or spring training event.
Estimated Value
$150 - $350 USD depending on the authentication of the primary Hall of Famers (Griffey and Henderson).
Comparison to Known Examples
Griffey's signature matches the 'hurried' version often signed during his peak Mariners years. Henderson's signature exhibits his consistent vertical slant.
Authentication Tips
Check the 'G' in Griffey for the break between letters and the loop in Henderson's 'y'. Look for 'sheen' in the ballpoint ink to ensure it isn't a stamped souvenir ball.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. They are the industry leaders for multi-signed baseballs.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; however, signatures on the 'sweet spot' (not shown) usually determine the primary value of the ball.
Provenance Notes
Look for documentation regarding which stadium or year this was acquired. Seattle/Kingdome provenance would support the 1996/97 Mariners roster.
Historical Context
This ball captures the Mariners' 'Golden Era' when the roster featured multiple future Hall of Famers and became a cultural phenomenon in the Pacific Northwest.
Market Trends
Stable. Ken Griffey Jr. memorabilia is currently in high demand due to his iconic status, while Rickey Henderson items remain blue-chip investments for HOF collectors.
Investment Potential
Good. Hall of Fame multi-signed balls generally appreciate over time as the supply of high-grade examples from 25+ years ago diminishes.
Similar Autographs
Alex Rodriguez, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, or other members of the mid-90s 'Refuse to Lose' Mariners.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic cube. Avoid direct sunlight which will cause the blue ballpoint ink to fade into the leather (ghosting).
Interesting Facts
Rickey Henderson was the MLB all-time stolen base leader by the time he joined the Mariners; Ken Griffey Jr. was the face of baseball during the 90s.