Schmidt - Is it a real signature? Or: He signs so much, does it really matter...

[Deertick]

I believe it is an early 80's example. Is it a Feeney?

[joed25]

Originally Posted by Deertick

I believe it is an early 80's example. Is it a Feeney?

Not a Feeney. Its not a Major League baseball.

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by joed25

Not a Feeney. Its not a Major League baseball.

DOH! Didn't see the forest for the trees.

[bigwinnerx]

Ha yeah, it's....we'll say it's a great gift to give an 8 year old before he turns 34 and wonders about it's authenticity.

[Mr. Zipper]

I am not familiar enough with Schmidt's signature variations over the years to comment on it, but this strikes me...

You've had this ball since 1988. At that time he was not a HOFer, a relatively low value autograph, and probably a low risk for forgery. Doubtful any skilled forger was doing single signed Schmidt balls in 1988 or before.

There is the possibility of a clubhouse signature, but I'd be surprised if this was a malicious forgery.

[shelly]

mike-schmidt-signature-3.jpgAttachment 95675 early sig.

[kengoldin]

Originally Posted by shelly

Attachment 95551 Early sig.

Of course Shelly is correct
this is part of a promotion that was done in the early 80s i believe with a number of Phillies players.
Steve Carlton Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa and I believe Pete Rose all signed a number of these baseballs. They were marketing in the philadelphia and south jersey area. I know, as a teenager I owned the full set

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by shelly

Attachment 95551 Early sig.

Where's the smilie?

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

I am not familiar enough with Schmidt's signature variations over the years to comment on it, but this strikes me...

You've had this ball since 1988. At that time he was not a HOFer, a relatively low value autograph, and probably a low risk for forgery. Doubtful any skilled forger was doing single signed Schmidt balls in 1988 or before.

There is the possibility of a clubhouse signature, but I'd be surprised if this was a malicious forgery.

Steve, he had his 500th in 1987 and he retired in 1989! He was a stone-cold lock.
There were forgeries of his when I started collecting (again) in '81, and a TON by the time I was a dealer in '85. But that WAS in Philly area, so maybe it was just concentrated.

[Mr. Zipper]

Wow... Thanks for the info. How much was it selling for back in those days?