Value of Signed Baseballs

Many people collect autographed baseballs.

Getting a major leaguer to sign a baseball is a favorite American pastime at the ballpark. Some people choose to collect autographed baseballs. Others just want to know the value.

Authentication

Signed baseballs that receive authentication through a reliable third-party source, such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA/DNA), have greater value than those that don't.

Player Recognition

While you may value the signature on a baseball because it came from your favorite player, someone else may not hold the player in such high esteem. Because of this, the value of a signed baseball has great subjectivity.

Quality of the Autograph

An autograph scribbled on a baseball with an ink pen may not have as much value as the same player using a black marker and getting a clean, well defined signature.

Supply and Demand

Did you just get through a line where the player signed every baseball he could get his hands on? If the supply greatly outweighs the demand, the value of the signed ball drops precipitously. Alternatively, if the player has passed away, the value is likely to increase as supply is decidedly cut off.

Money vs. Sentimentality

Some people view their signed baseballs as priceless. Cases where sentimentality for the player, or the situation by which the autograph was received, surpasses actual value on the open market can affect the perceived value of the signed baseball.

References

• Autographed Baseball Authenticators

Resources

• Tips for Getting Autographed Baseballs