AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a regulation-style baseball housed in a spherical clear plastic display case. The baseball features red stitching and ivory-colored surfacing, consistent with leather or synthetic materials used in professional sports manufacturing. It bears printed markings including the 'Rawlings' logo, 'COSTA RICA' as the production origin, and the text '* OFFICIAL BALL * NATIONAL LEAGUE'. It also displays a printed facsimile signature reading 'William D. White PRES.', which is consistent with the tenure of Bill White as National League President (1989-1994). The appearance of the ball suggests it is a vintage souvenir or game-style ball from this late 20th-century period. Based on the image, the ball appears to be in well-preserved condition with minimal visible yellowing or scuffing, protected by the enclosing case. Because signatures and brand marks on collectibles can be printed reproductions or modern replicas, this identification is based on visible surface markings as seen in the photograph and would require in-person inspection to verify physical details like weight, core materials, or actual signature application.

Based on my visual appraisal of the provided image, I have examined a Rawlings baseball bearing markings for the National League under the tenure of Bill White (1989-1994). Based on what I can see, the item appears to be in excellent aesthetic condition, housed in a protective display case which has likely mitigated surface soiling or UV-related yellowing. The presence of 'COSTA RICA' and the 'William D. White' facsimile signature are consistent with retail or souvenir versions produced during that era. I cannot verify from a photo whether the core materials and weight meet the specifications of a game-used or professional 'on-field' model, nor can I confirm if the markings are modern reproductions designed to mimic vintage aesthetics. My estimate assumes this is a period-accurate souvenir or retail ball. The market for late 20th-century sports memorabilia is robust, though common for items without player-specific hand-signed autographs. If this item were found to be a contemporary replica or an 'in the style of' imitation lacking the specific manufacturing density of the period, the value would likely drop to under $10. To establish a firmer valuation, an in-person physical inspection would be required to verify the stitching depth, leather grain, and manufacturing stamps. Scientific testing of the synthetic or animal-hide components and comparison against known production specimens from the early 1990s would be necessary to support any further claims regarding its origin. Collectors typically seek documented provenance to differentiate such items from high-volume mass-market releases.