The ball had originally been presented to former Washington Senators’ manager Mickey Vernon during one of JFK’s opening day first pitch tosses between 1961 and ‘63. The family of the late big leaguer consigned the ball and a number of other items to the auction.

The final bid, including a 15% buyer’s premium, was $26,450.

The ball was personalized to Vernon and had faded a bit over the years.

A game bat signed by Joe DiMaggio and presented to Vernon in the early 1950s, sold for $35,650, the top price among the 800+ items sold by the auction house.

A baseball in superior condition, signed by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris brought $15,306 while a ball signed by 13 members of the 1930 Yankees including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, sold for $9200.

While signed baseballs from Kennedy are extremely rare, players like Mantle signed thousands–especially after their playing days ended. Mantle was a regular on the sports card show circuit throughout the mid-1980s to early 90s.

Despite the large number of signed Mickey Mantle baseballs on the market, the demand still outweighs the supply in most cases. Mantle balls are among the most counterfeited, however, so collectors and fans are encouraged to buy only those carrying professional authentication.

Among the items up for bid will be a Hall of Famers Single Signed Baseballs Collection (56) Including Campanella, DiMaggio and Mantle autographed baseballs.

This collection of 56 single signed OAL, ONL, and OML balls each bears either a blue or black ballpoint autograph from a Hall of Fame inductee. The spheres are moderately toned to white examples, with the scriptings averaging “7-9”. Signed baseballs include: Aaron, Campanella, DiMaggio (“HOF 55”), Drysdale, Koufax, Mantle, and Musial. Minimum bid $1,500.

1934 Tour of Japan Vintage Signed Baseball (16 Signatures) Including Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx and Berg. The autographed baseball boasts sixteen black ink “Tour” signatures averaging about “5-8″ in terms of strength and clarity. The ball’s sweet spot is occupied by Babe Ruth (“6″). On other panels are Cascarella (Joe), Frank O’Doul (“7″), Lou Gehrig (“7-8″), Whitehill (Earl), Connie Mack (“7″), Moe Berg (“7″), Rabbit Warstler, Doc Ebling (trainer), John Quinn (umpire), Clint Brown, Eric McNair, Frankie Hayes, Jimmie Foxx (“8″), Lefty Gomez and Earl Averill. Minimum bid $1,000.

1914 New York Giants Team Signed Ball (10 Signatures) Including Mathewson, McGraw and Thorpe. Signature highlights on this unofficial “National League” ball include Christy Mathewson, John McGraw, Jim Thorpe and Chief Myers (signed “J.T. Myers”). All have significant fading, with Mathewson rating “2-3” strength, Myers projecting “2”, and McGraw and Thorpe assessing “1-2”. Most of the other names have faded into obscurity. Finding Mathewson’s signature on a team ball—let alone acquiring the ball—can constitute a lifelong quest for the most ardent collector. Minimum bid $1,000.

Let’s start with the autograph itself.  It’s best to have your baseball signed with a ball-point pen, preferably blue on color.  While Sharpie markers may be popular with collectors of 8×10 autographs, equipment, jerseys or other items, the Sharpie ink will often absorb into the baseball, damaging the quality of the signature over time.   It’s a good idea to buy a regulation National or American League baseball than a cheaper, generic ball from a discount store.  Official NL and AL baseballs can be found at better sporting goods stores or on eBay.  The quality of the baseball will help preserve the quality of the signature.

Be sure your hands are clean when getting the autograph or handling it.  It sounds simple enough and some dirt can be gently removed, but it’s best not to have to worry about it.

Once you have the ball, buying a display case is a small investment that will protect your ball as long as you own it.  There are several different varities; square two-piece acrylic holders and round holders with a plastic or wooden base are two of the most popular.  You can usually find them for under $10.  Make sure it’s a U/V protective case-at least 50%.  It also helps prevent the handling of the baseball by you or your visitors which can damage it.  It’s also a good idea to avoid fluorescent lighting.

If your signatures have already faded or you have a very old baseball with faded signatures, never retrace them to make them stand out.  Even a ball with fading signatures will be worth more than one that’s been traced.

It’s also a good idea to keep your hand-signed baseballs in a temperature-controlled environment.  You don’t have to invest in an elaborate set-up; just keep it in a room where the temperature remains under 75 degrees most of the time, with lower humidity.

You can see some high quality, authenticated  autographed baseballs on eBay