How Much Is A Signed Jackie Robinson Baseball Worth?

A Jackie Robinson baseball autographed by the legend himself is worth quite a lot. But how much is it worth, exactly?

Introduction

Signed Jackie Robinson baseballs are some of the most highly prized pieces of sports memorabilia. Given Robinson’s significant place in history as the first African American to play Major League Baseball, as well as his great skill as a player, these signed balls can be worth a great deal of money. The value of a signed Jackie Robinson baseball will depend on a number of factors, such as the condition of the ball, the quality of the signature, and whether or not it is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. In general, however, a signed Jackie Robinson baseball can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

The History of Jackie Robinson and His Baseball Career

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He was the youngest of five children. His father abandoned the family shortly after Jackie was born, and his mother later remarried. Jackie’s steppingfather Albert worked hard to support the family, but times were tough and money was tight. The family lived in a mostly black section of Pasadena, California, called “The Bottoms.”

Robinson excelled in sports at an early age and played on several Amateur Athletic Union basketball teams as a teenager. He also ran track and played football and baseball while attending John Muir High School. After graduating from high school in 1935, Robinson enrolled at Pasadena Junior College (PJC). There he continued to excel in sports, winning awards for his accomplishments in track and field.

Robinson’s older brother Mack served as an influence during Jackie’s younger years. Mack had been a star athlete at PJC before going on to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. Mack encouraged Jackie to attend PJC so that he could follow in his footsteps and eventually compete in the Olympics himself.

Robinson’s time at PJC came to an end in 1938 when he was suspended for participating in an off-campus demonstration against racial discrimination at a local restaurant. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to the all-black college of Leland Stanford Junior University (now Stanford University). He left Stanford after one semester when he realized that he could not afford the tuition.

In 1939, Robinson began playing semi-professional baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League (NAL). He played for the Monarchs until 1942 when he enlisted in the United States Army following the outbreak of World War II. Robinson served honorably for two years before being honorably discharged in 1944.

After his discharge from the Army, Robinson returned to playing baseball with the Monarchs. In 1945, he married Rachel Isum with whom he would have three children: Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David. That same year, Robinson was signed by Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers organization to play professional baseball with their International League farm team—the Montreal Royals—making him the first African American playeraffiliated with a Major League Baseball team since 1888.

Robinson made his debut with the Royals on April 18, 1946—just days after a meeting between Rickey and Jackie where Rickey told Jackie that he had chosen him because of his character and not just his talent as a ballplayer. With Montreal, Robinson ledthe league in batting average and stolen bases en route to being named Rookie ofthe Year—the first black player so honored

The Value of a Signed Jackie Robinson Baseball

A Jackie Robinson signed baseball can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on a number of factors. The most important factor is the condition of the ball, followed by the type of autograph ( handwritten, stamped, or on a label) and the age of the ball.

Balls that are in mint condition and have been authenticated by a reputable source are typically worth the most. Those that are in poor condition or have not been authenticated can be worth much less. In general, balls with handwritten signatures are worth more than stamped or labeled autographs, and older balls are usually worth more than newer ones.

If you think you have a Jackie Robinson signed baseball that might be valuable, your best course of action is to take it to a professional appraiser for an evaluation.

Factors That Affect the Value of a Signed Jackie Robinson Baseball

The value of a signed Jackie Robinson baseball can vary depending on a number of factors, including the condition of the ball, the type of signature, and the rarity of the item. In general, however, a signed Jackie Robinson baseball is worth between $200 and $5,000.

One of the most important factors that affects the value of a signed Jackie Robinson baseball is the condition of the ball. A ball that is in mint condition, with no signs of wear or tear, will be worth more than a ball that is well-used. The type of signature also affects the value of the ball. A signature that has been autographed by Jackie Robinson himself will be worth more than a signature that has been autographed by someone else.

Finally, the rarity of the item also affects its value. A signed Jackie Robinson baseball that is one of a kind will be worth more than a signed Jackie Robinson baseball that is mass-produced.

Where to Find a Signed Jackie Robinson Baseball

When it comes to Jackie Robinson, there are a few things that stand out. He was the first African American player in Major League Baseball. He broke the color barrier in baseball, and he did it with class and dignity. He was a six-time All-Star, the 1947 Rookie of the Year, and the 1955 World Series MVP. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. And, he had his number 42 retired by every MLB team. Jackie Robinson is a baseball legend, and his autograph is highly sought after by collectors.

If you’re looking for a signed Jackie Robinson baseball, your best bet is to find a dealer or auction house that specializes in sports memorabilia. There are also a few online retailers that sell Jackie Robinson memorabilia, but you’ll want to make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Here are a few places to start your search:

-Dealers and auction houses specializing in sports memorabilia: These are probably your best bet for finding a signed Jackie Robinson baseball. Some of the top dealers and auction houses include Heritage Auctions, Lelands,SCP Auctions, Steiner Sports, and Todd Mueller Autographs.

-Online retailers: There are a few online retailers that sell sports memorabilia, including signed Jackie Robinson items. Again, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Some options include Collectible Supplies, Fanatics Authentic, MLB Shop, and Sports Memorbilia

Conclusion

A Jackie Robinson signed baseball could be worth anywhere from $200 to $4,000. The value depends on the condition of the ball, the signature, and whether it has been authenticated by a reputable company. If you have a Jackie Robinson signed baseball, it’s important to get it appraised by a professional to ensure you are getting the most accurate value.