Autographed Baseball (Don Mattingly)
Sports Memorabilia / Signed Baseball • Don Mattingly (New York Yankees first baseman and manager).
Style & Movement
Sports Memorabilia / Autograph Arts.
Medium & Technique
Ballpoint pen ink on leather-covered sphere with synthetic or cotton stitching.
Creation Period
Modern era, likely late 20th to early 21st century (Active years 1982–1995 or later post-retirement).
Dimensions & Format
Standard Major League Baseball size (approx. 9 inches in circumference), three-dimensional sphere.
Subject Description
The signature of Don Mattingly, featuring his characteristic fluid cursive script and the notable inclusion of his jersey number '#23' integrated into the underline.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The autograph is legible with consistent ink coverage, appearing on a relatively clean surface.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD (depending on ball brand and presence of professional authentication).
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120 USD.
Provenance History
Likely acquired via an in-person signing event, fan mail, or a secondary market sports collectible dealer.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the material culture of late 20th-century American sports and the iconography of the New York Yankees 'Captain' era.
Notable Features
Includes the player's number '#23' which increases collectibility; high 'eye appeal' due to the centered script next to the seams.
Condition Issues
Minor fading of ink common with ballpoint pens on leather; slight yellowing or 'toning' of the leather surface due to age and UV exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic display cube. Maintain a stable environment with low humidity to prevent leather spotting and ink bleeding.