Mill Creek Sports
The Novelty of Celebrity-Autographed Baseballs
When we think of autographed baseballs, images of legendary pitchers and home run hitters often come to mind. However, the world of autographed memorabilia extends far beyond the realm of professional sports. Baseballs signed by celebrities, musicians, actors, and other non-baseball players hold a unique and fascinating value that often surprises collectors and enthusiasts. 
I found this to be the case recently as I was amazed to learn that a baseball signed by Frank Sinatra, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Hubert Humphrey sold for $10,800 a month ago.
Curiosity had me at that point so I did a quick Ebay search for "celebrity signed baseball" and saw baseballs signed by Seth Rogan, Tom Hanks, Ice Spice, Jimmy Carter, and...well, okay, baseball players are celebrities so I had to dig a bit. Tried again with "hollywood signed baseball" and right on the first page, BOOM, Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood, Kiefer Sutherland, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, the list goes on!  
The Allure of the Unexpected
What is it about a baseball signed by a famous actor or a renowned musician that makes it so appealing?
It's the unexpected connection between two seemingly disparate worlds. A baseball, a symbol of America's pastime, becomes a canvas for a different kind of artistry and fame. This crossover creates a sense of novelty and intrigue, making these autographed items highly sought after.
The Crossover Novelty Isn’t Limited to Baseballs
Movie props and such can seem pretty random, yet still have an appeal when signed. Michael J. Fox has signed guitars since his Marty McFly character played them in Back to the Future (MCS items signed by Michael J. Fox). Similarly, William Shatner once signed a Priceline.com stock certificate as a spokesperson for their brand (MCS items signed by William Shatner).
The novelty is limited in those cases however, as the items do connect with the signer on some level. Autographs on truly random items typically occur when a fan has an unexpected encounter with a celebrity and has to quickly find something with a signable surface.
Who can forget the autographed sword Brennan shared with Dale in one of my favorite movies, Step Brothers? “Why do you have Randy Jackson’s autograph on a martial arts weapon?” “Because I bumped into him and all I had on me was this samurai sword and you’re not gonna not get Randy Jackson’s autograph, right?” “I would’ve done the exact same thing.”
Well, it seems that Randy has embraced the crossover and signed a few swords. Unfortunately, I’m not seeing any for sale on Ebay though. Bummer.
Why Baseballs?
While autographs have been collected for quite some time on books, photos, and even simple sheets of paper, few items have carved out a place in American culture as being perfect for autographs quite like baseballs.
Their smooth, rounded surface offers a relatively clean canvas, while the white leather and red stitching create a visually appealing backdrop for signatures. It may well be nostalgia that sets them apart most of all however. 
For as long as we can remember, kids have lined up at America’s ballparks with baseball and pen in hand, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet their favorite player and score an autograph. With near daily local games and fairly easy access to players, baseball and autographs grew to become the perfect match - ultimately driving the baseball to become a true icon of autographs.
So when a fan wants a novelty item signed by a celebrity, a baseball seems the obvious choice.
I'm guessing that many signed baseballs are also products of celebrities throwing out first pitches at MLB games.
Factors Influencing Value
Several factors contribute to the value of a celebrity-autographed baseball:
Rarity: The fewer signatures available, the higher the value. Signatures from celebrities who rarely sign autographs are particularly prized. Consider that Beatles Drummer Ringo Starr famously announced in 2008 that he would no longer be signing autographs, so if a collector happened to score a signed baseball from him, it would inevitably fetch a pretty penny (I may or may not have just seen one listed on Ebay for $6K!).
Authenticity: Provenance and certificates of authenticity are crucial. Collectors want to be sure that the signature is genuine and the authenticator is reputable. Baseballs that come into our Mill Creek Sports collection without a COA or from a lesser-known authentication company are ultimately certified through Beckett Authentication before they're added to our inventory.
Condition: The condition of the baseball itself, as well as the signature, plays a significant role. A pristine ball with a clear, bold signature will be worth more.
Celebrity Status: The fame and popularity of the signer greatly influence value. Signatures from iconic figures or those who have passed away often command higher prices.
Context: The story behind the signature can add value. For example, a baseball signed at a charity event or a special occasion might be more valuable than one signed at a random encounter.
Building a Unique Collection
Collecting celebrity-autographed baseballs allows enthusiasts to build a unique and diverse collection. It's a way to celebrate a wide range of interests, from sports and entertainment to music and culture. These baseballs become conversation starters and treasured keepsakes, reflecting the collector's individual passions and memories.
Let's take a look at some celebrity-signed baseballs that add a bit of color to their owner's collection.
On Dec. 7th, 2020 a ball signed by Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe went on the block at Sotheby's estimated at $300,000-$400,000, but didn't sell. Granted, Joe was a ballplayer so this probably shouldn't count for this article, but the inclusion of Marilyn's signature is what truly elevates this ball in value. As big as Joe was, Marilyn's fame was even greater. Her signature gives the ball a deeper story as it remembers their brief nine-month marriage in which her fame was something he had difficulty embracing.
Here's a crazy one. Reddit user tankerdab shared a ball signed by Terrance Howard sharing, "He threw out the first pitch and signed backwards which I'd not seen anyone do on a ball before."
Chevy Chase has been known to sign a little bit of everything. In addition to baseballs, Mill Creek Sports has Chevy's autograph on everything from jerseys to Christmas Vacation-themed mini-helmets (yes, those are a thing).
Currently on Ebay I found one particular ball that I can't help but find amusing. Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication Services is a regular on the hit show Pawn Stars and a friend of ours. He performs authentication services here in our store as well. He signed a baseball with the inscription "#DREAMCRUSHER." 
This article wouldn't be complete if we didn't mention perhaps the greatest collection on the topic. Collector Randy Kaplan has amassed over 500 baseballs signed by world leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, and the Pope!
How Much Do Celebrity-Signed Baseballs Go For?
Let's take a quick peek at some of the recent celebrity-autographed baseball sales on Ebay:
Bill Clinton, $355 (JSA, Mar. 24), $349 (HA, Jan. 11), $112.50 (TSA, Apr. 3)
Both Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush, $8,999 (JSA, Jan. 25)
George W. Bush, $2,999.99 (PSA, Jan. 24)
Madonna, $265 (TSA, Mar. 22)
Michael Jackson, $5,000 (POC, Jan. 19)
Carol Burnett, $199.99 (PSA, Feb. 10)
Michael Jordan, $2,499 (JSA, Feb. 19), $3,749.96 (UDA, Mar. 1), $1,703.91 (UDA, Mar. 13)
Dennis Quaid, $249 (JSA, Jan. 24)
Bo Derek, $129.95 (JSA, Feb. 4)
Henry Winkler, $99 (JSA, Apr. 3)
Eddie Vedder, $610 (BAS, Mar. 14), $750 (JSA, Mar. 31), $500 (BAS, Jan. 31)
Spike Lee, $179.99 (BAS, Mar. 20)
Dawn Wells, $88 (BAS, Mar. 14)
Larry David, $399 (JSA, Feb. 26)
Ray Liotta, $449.99 (JSA, Mar. 27)
Jason Sudeikis, $99.95 (JSA, Jan. 12)
Of course, baseball is such a fabric of our culture that you can almost find a tie-in to anyone. For example, Madonna starred in League of their Own, Dennis Quaid in The Rookie, Ray Liotta in Field of Dreams, George W. Bush played at Yale, and Michael Jordan, well, okay, technically he did briefly play professional baseball.
Maybe that's why I'm drawn to Dawn Wells' ball. I have no idea how Mary Anne from Gilligan's Island is connected to the game, so that just adds to its novelty. Unfortunately, the dirty ball and poor pen leave a bit to be desired, otherwise it surely would've draw five or six figures. Okay, maybe not.
What's in Our Personal Collections?
Looking to our staff here at Mill Creek Sports, Patrick has some great ones in his PC including Bill Murray. Former Sonics Guard Gary Payton (aka "The Glove") signed a Gold Glove baseball. Plus, he has various announcers including Harry Caray inscribed with "Holy Cow!" and Dave Niehaus inscribed with "Get out the mustard and rye bread grandma, it's grand salami time!"
 
In my personal collection, I was excited to recently add a ball signed by Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Corbin Bernsen. Okay, okay, that's the cast of the baseball movie Major League, but still, they're actors (grab one yourself here). Another fun conversation piece in my PC is a ball signed by former Seahawks quarterback and my favorite radio personality/football analyst Brock Huard inscribed with "Go Hawks!"
...And therein lies the key to all of this: "fun conversation piece." While the investment potential of a celebrity-signed baseball is always worth considering, it's the dialogue it drives that surely appeals to most collectors.
Now, does anyone have $249.99 I can borrow? This might be the most beautiful autograph ever listed on Ebay and it's mildly affordable, largely due to the Academy snubbing her following her impeccable performance in Starship Troopers. Did they not see her incredible acting range as she was overcome with pure terror during the alien brain sucking scene!?! 
Nevermind. My wife said no. 
