Autographed Baseball Bat (Likely Ozzie Smith)
Sports Memorabilia • Attributed to Ozzie Smith (MLB Hall of Fame Shortstop)
Style & Movement
Sports Memorabilia / Contemporary Autograph
Medium & Technique
Black permanent marker (felt-tip pen) ink on a clear-coated wooden support
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (approximately 1980s-2010s)
Dimensions & Format
Cylindrical format; approximately 34 inches in length (standard bat size) with the signature occupying a 3 to 4-inch area
Subject Description
The subject is a cursive signature in black ink applied to the barrel or handle of a wooden baseball bat. The signature displays characteristics of the 'Ozzie' flourish often seen in Ozzie Smith autographed items, though the angle of the photo makes full verification difficult.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the ink appears bold with minimal fading, though the wooden substrate shows some light wear and minor surface scuffing
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (depending on third-party authentication and bat brand)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired at a fan signing event, sportscard show, or stadium appearance
Art Historical Significance
While not 'fine art' in a traditional sense, this object represents late 20th-century American sports culture and the individual legacy of a Hall of Fame athlete within the context of the St. Louis Cardinals history.
Notable Features
The signature features a distinctive looping 'O' and descending flourish common to professional athlete signatures of the 1980s-90s era.
Condition Issues
Visible surface contact marks on the wood; slight smudging at the tail end of the signature; potential UV degradation if previously displayed in direct sunlight
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a UV-protected display case; avoid high humidity to prevent wood warping; do not touch the ink directly to avoid skin oil transfer