Davey Lopes, captain of Los Angeles Dodgers and honorary chairman of S CA NKF, signed baseball

Description:
This item is a vintage Los Angeles Dodgers baseball, personally autographed by Davey Lopes, who was the team captain in 1978 and served as the honorary chairman of the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California. The baseball features a personal inscription to Paul Seville, a child recognized as the "Poster Boy" for the National Kidney Foundation in 1978.

Notable Features:

1. Autograph & Inscription: The inscription reads: “To Paul, a fine young man. Best of Luck, Davey Lopes.” This adds a unique, personal touch that enhances its historical significance.
2. Team Logo: The ball includes the Los Angeles Dodgers emblem, indicative of its origin during that era.
3. Goodrich Mark: A stamp referencing "Goodrich" and "Japan" indicates the ball’s manufacturing origin, common for collectible balls of the period.
4. Condition: The ball is in excellent condition for its age, with the autograph still legible and clear, suggesting proper storage over the decades.

Historical Context:
The ball’s history is deeply tied to a charitable event in 1978 when Lopes was an active advocate for kidney disease awareness. The photos provided corroborate this event and add provenance to the item, depicting Lopes handing the autographed ball to young Paul during a ceremony at Dodger Stadium.

This personal connection between Davey Lopes, a respected figure in Dodgers history, and a noteworthy charity event makes this baseball a rare and meaningful piece of memorabilia.

Value Assessment:
The value of a signed baseball can vary greatly depending on factors such as:

• Provenance: The historical documentation, including photos and newsletters, significantly boosts its value by authenticating the story.
• Condition: The ball's pristine state is a key factor in determining its worth.
• Market Trends: Signed memorabilia from iconic baseball figures, particularly those tied to significant events, is sought after by collectors.

Estimated Value:

Given its unique inscription, historical significance, and excellent condition, the baseball could be valued in the range of $300 to $600 on the collector’s market. However, with the inclusion of the accompanying photographs and documents, it could attract even higher bids in niche auctions focused on sports or charity memorabilia.

Recommendation:
To accurately determine the ball’s current market value, I recommend obtaining a professional appraisal from a reputable sports memorabilia expert or auction house. They can verify the signature, assess its condition in person, and provide a more precise valuation based on current market trends.

Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need assistance connecting with appraisal services. This is a wonderful piece of sports and charitable history, and it should be preserved with care!