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How to Keep an Autograph From Fading on a Baseball

According to Keyman Collectibles, a baseball autographed by Ty Cobb could sell for $5,000 to $8,000, as of 2010. A ball signed by Alex Rodriguez could sell for $250 or $400. Of course, balls signed by these and other baseball legends are worth nothing if the signature fades or becomes illegible. Preserving an autograph on a baseball starts by choosing the type of ball and the type of pen used to sign the ball. Proper display of the ball helps keep the signatures crisp and clear.

Things You'll Need

Clean, official MLB baseball
High-quality ink pen (no markers)
UV-protected baseball display case

Instructions

- 1
  Clean your hands and the ball with a non-abrasive cleanser. Thoroughly dry the ball with a clean cloth.
- 2
  Ask the baseball player to sign the ball in the “sweet spot” (the narrow space between the lines on the ball) with a high-quality ink pen. Avoid using permanent markers; they tend to fade over time. Ink pens last longer.
- 3
  Place the ball into a baseball display case that has UV-protected glass. Keep the ball out of direct sunlight. Avoid handling the ball. Keep the ball in a room with moderate humidity and temperature (avoid extremes in heat and cold).

Collecting Memorabilia