How can you identify the signatures on an autographed baseball?

Answer 1

Oh, dude, identifying Autographs on a Baseball is like detective work for sports fans. You can start by comparing the signatures to known examples online or in authentication guides. Using a magnifying glass can also help you spot any inconsistencies or fake signatures. And hey, if all else fails, just ask the player to sign it again next time you see them!

Answer 2

If the baseball you have is an Official Major League Baseball then you could use the chart I have set up to help date the ball. You just need to identify the league president that appears on the ball. If not I would need more information to help you out.

Answer 3

The only definite way to know an autograph is real is to obtain it yourself. However, if you are looking to prove the authenticity of the autograph to a person who is not capable of determining its authenticity on their own, then you can have a third party autograph authentication company, like PSA or JSA, certify the item. The cost varies depending on the type of item and who signed it.

Answer 4

An autograph that is not authenticated by a creditable company could sell at half the price or less than one that is. Two of the top, and most trusted authenticators are PSA/DNA, and James Spence Authentic (JSA). Collectors will pay more for signatures authenticated by either one.

It may sound odd but in some cases PSA/DNA, and JSA authenticated signatures may sell higher than a Letter of authenticity from an unknown or less trusted authenticator that witnessed the signing even though PSA/DNA, and JSA did not. It's just a matter of collectors trust, and collectors will pay more for it. Check the respective websites Show Schedule to see if they will be in the area that you live. They also do business through the mail.

Before spending money on having the autograph authenticated do your homework. Find signatures on line that have been properly authenticated, and compare them to yours. If you feel comfortable that they are authentic then proceed. For more information read My Newsletter "How Much Is My Autographed baseball?" (Link Below)

Answer 5

With a stamped signature baseball the ink would be too consistent. When you sign your name, you use different angles, and pressure as you sign. This is more evident when signing with sharpie. Some parts of the signature will be darker, or lighter depending on the pressure you put on the pen. With a stamped signature it is usually all the same density, and thickness. When you cross a "T", or at the end of your signature you might tail off as you come off the page. A stamped signature might start, and end with no variation at all.

The best thing to do is find other baseballs with stamped signatures, that have the same players. If the signatureas are exactly the same then you will know for sure.

Answer 6

If you did not witness the signing it is difficult to determine if it is authentic. There are many fakes on the market that could fool even an expert. Compare the signature on line with other signatures that have been properly authenticated. If it is likey then have it professionally done by a company like PSA/DNA. If you are buying this autograph stay away from it if it's not properly authenticated. It's worth the extra money to buy one that is authenticated by a trusted company than to throw your money away on a fake.

Answer 7

The easiest thing to do would be to post a picture of the signed baseball on a baseball collectors forum and hope someone can help you identify the signature. You can also do some detective work, and narrow down the possibilities then research the baseball online looking for images of the same signature.

The origin of the baseball might help figure out what team the player that signed the baseball was on. Trace the baseball as far back as possible to the city of it's origin, or to where you found the baseball. Once you have figured out what city the baseball originated from find the closest Major League team to that city. If the baseball was found in New York for example the possibilities could be both the Mets, and the Yankees but it could also be from the older teams that have left New York like the Dodgers, and the Giants so the age of the baseball might be important as well.

If the baseball that the signature is on is an official Major League baseball check the name of the league president. This will help date the baseball, and might help determine what era the player signature is from. Now with this info try to figure out at least the initials of the player.

Once you have an idea of the players initials take the information for example: initials "BR" Now start your research for a player with the first name starting with "B" the last name starting with "R" from a team playing in the city of New York, signed on a Joe Cronin American League baseball. Taking note that the length of the name is too long to be Babe Ruth, and the baseball was made after Babe Ruth passed away you can rule him out. Bobby Richardson could be a possibility. Do a search on line for players that played for New York teams, list them and start searching for single signed baseballs for each name until you find a matching image.

If you have no luck then the player might be from another team. Baseball-almanac (Link below) has a complete all time list of Major League players from A-Z look for possibilities and start the search again using as many letters in the name as possible. Baseball-Almanac also has team rosters year by year.