Autograph Anatomy: Pat Burrell
Introduction:
For nine years, Pat Burrell was an important part of the Phillies lineup - mashing 251 home runs, driving in 827 runs and providing leadership that lead to a World's Championship in 2008. From the day he was selected with the team's first pick in the 1998 amateur draft, "Pat the Bat" was a sought after autograph signer. Though Burrell's autograph has been very inconsistent over the years, collectors can still look at some consistent letter formations - like his double "L's" and for the most part, the capital "B" that starts his surname.
Player Autograph:
Below: Autograph samples through Burrell's career. L to R - 2000, 2003, 2007, 2012
- Rookie Signature (1999 - 2000)
Maybe it was a result of signing too many prospects autograph cards - but, signatures from this era in Burrell's career were small and unformed. Most look like a capital, "P" followed by two "L's."
- 2003 - 2007
Finally acknowledging he has a first name, in the mid-'00s we see Burrell's signature starting to mature. At this point he is now includes both initials, though he is only fully writing out his last name.
- 2008 - Current
The World Series signings he did in late '08 seem to be the first time he is making an effort to sign his full name. It should be noted the team signed balls from this season still have a first initial instead of the full "Pat".
Inscriptions:
Price Guide:
- Baseball Card - $5-10
- 8x10 Photo - $30-40
- HOF Plaque Postcard - N/A
- Single-signed Baseball - $20-30
- Signed Bat - $50
Note: Price guide values are derived from recent online autograph sales and are only meant to provide an estimate to collectors