Years of Baseball Production?
 

I picked up this Rawlings baseball recently, with a confirmed signature of Johnny Bench.

As far as I can determine, this model was started in 1957 to honor the Golden Glove recipients ("The Finest in the Field"). I've found one specimen online signed by the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates.

What I need to know is when Rawling stopped making this model. If they stopped in 1972 or 1973 (for example), then Bench's signature would be from his prime years, making the baseball worth a heck of a lot more than one signed today!

Here it is:

https://i.imgur.com/WHPcN0Q.jpg

Thanks for your help!!

Can you show a photo of the signature? There are people on here that could probably tell you approx time frame it was signed in based on the style of his signature.

Sorry...
 

I don't have a photo of his signature. I sent the baseball off to Beckett to be authenticated, and it is his. It's on its way back to me from Beckett.

It looks like almost all of his signatures, new or old. His hasn't changed like some other folks over the years

The date of the baseball will decide if it's a $50 Bench baseball (the signature is pretty faded, and someone has taken a blue ink pen to the baseball) or a $500 Bench baseball for it being signed in his prime.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but the age of production of the ball has no impact on when it was signed (apart from obviously indicating that it was not signed before the date of production).

Low end kids baseball which was made for about 10 years by Rawlings. Due to the write overs and condition, this baseball with a Bench autograph is worth maybe $35-40 at best.

Thanks!
 

Thanks for your help.

I fully suspected it was a consumer baseball, likely purchased by some kid to take to a game.

So, production from 1957 to approx. 1967, and likely in circulation through the mid-late 1970s. That sound reasonable?

I know the markings take away from the value, but that's not my goal. An old GF from Jr High has been in love with Bench since the mid-70s; even had his picture in her locker! She's getting it for Xmas!

She is going to freak out!