Ruth Sig - Real or Not so much?
 

It may well be real, but some day, that heavy shellac will peel off, and will likely take the "sig" along with it. I always stay away from this type, for that reason...

Plus, isn't it kinda ugly? Shouldn't a baseball be a bit closer to white than orange/brown? Just my 2 cents...

"I never had a chance to authenticate it, but I assure you it's real."
Uh. OK.

It must be real as, "he bought it from an old man in New York"

I'd recommend staying away for reasons posted. Too hard to tell from scan and with that much shellacking. Plus the description has a couple red flags. Even if legit you have to worry about the long term stability of that ball....