The Aspiring Autograph Archaeologist: A Field Guide to Spotting Legit MLB Scribbles
Ah, the thrill of the hunt! You've unearthed a dusty baseball at a flea market, a hidden gem signed by a baseball legend, or maybe your grandma mysteriously produced a ball signed by "Mickey Mantle" (jury's still out on that one). But is it real? Before you break out the champagne and dream of early retirement, let's brush up on your MLB autograph sleuthing skills.
Step 1: The Initial Eyeball Examination
- The Big Leagues of Look: First things first, hold that ball like it's a fragile Fabergé egg. Is the signature bold and clear, or does it resemble a toddler's attempt at writing their name in crayon? A shaky, uneven line might suggest a forgery.
- Location, Location, Location: Where's the autograph perched? Does it seem like it was signed by a contortionist or a giant squid? Signatures that creep into the stitches or sprawl across the sweet spot are red flags. MLB players usually sign on the "prime real estate" – the clean space on the side of the ball.
- The Jersey Number Jumble: Does the jersey number etched next to the signature match the player's known number during their career? A little detective work with a quick Google search can debunk any inconsistencies.
Remember: These are just the first clues. Forgers can be crafty devils, so it's time to delve a little deeper.
Step 2: Embrace Your Inner Sherlock Holmes
- The Interrogation of Ink: What kind of penmanship are we looking at? Does the ink color seem appropriate for the era? Ballpoint pens weren't widely used until the 1950s, so a bright blue ballpoint on a 1920s baseball is a major red flag.
- The Fellowship of the Fanatics: The internet is your friend! Search for known examples of the player's signature. Do the loops and swirls match up? Online forums and collector communities can be a goldmine of information and experienced eyes.
- The Certification Conundrum: Is there a hologram or a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with the autograph? This can be a good sign, but buyer beware! Not all certificates are created equal. Research the authentication company's reputation before getting too excited.
Bold text here for emphasis: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut and don't be afraid to walk away if things feel suspicious.
Step 3: When in Doubt, Call in the Big Guns
- The Authentication A-Team: For truly valuable autographs, consider getting a professional authentication from a reputable company like PSA/DNA or JSA. Their experts have the experience and technology to definitively determine the autograph's legitimacy.
Remember: This is an investment, so factor in the authentication cost when considering the value of the autograph.
Congratulations! By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master MLB autograph detective. Remember, a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting yourself from forgeries and ensuring you score a genuine piece of baseball history. Now, go forth and conquer those flea markets and dusty attics – just maybe avoid grandma's "Mickey Mantle" ball for now...
