The grand stage of Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Catalog sale set the tone for a historic gathering of collectors and enthusiasts, all eager to partake in the frenzy surrounding iconic sports memorabilia. The event saw a multitude of significant sales, with legendary jerseys and bats stealing the spotlight and fetching jaw-dropping prices.
Topping the charts was a 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey, a masterpiece of flannel fabric that commanded a staggering sum of just over $2 million. This prized artifact, meticulously authenticated through photo matching, was proven to have graced the legendary pitcher during a historic match—the debut of none other than Babe Ruth as a New York Yankees player. With a provenance tracing back to Johnson’s teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, this jersey had been safeguarded by the Erickson family in Jamestown, New York, before entering the realm of collecting in the early 2000s. A star at a previous auction in 2006, where it changed hands for $352,000, its value has only soared since.
Following closely in the auction’s upper echelons was a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey donned by Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, fetching an impressive $1.8 million. This piece stands as a beacon of baseball history, capturing the essence of one of the sport’s most revered figures in his early days.
Among the noteworthy sales was Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP seasons during 1936-1939, securing $87,000, and a St. Louis Cardinals jersey worn by Stan Musial during his 1943 MVP campaign, which garnered $180,147. Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from the 1954 season found a new owner for $102,000, while a Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his record 57-home run season in 1969 realized $99,000, adding to the allure of the auction’s offerings.
Not to be overshadowed, the auction also shone a spotlight on memorabilia like a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat from the early 1920s, swinging its way to an impressive $630,000. This hefty bat, with a weight of 40.7 ounces and measuring 34 1/2 inches, is believed to have been wielded by Cobb during his final season hitting over .400—a piece marking an iconic era in baseball history.
Additionally, a Mickey Mantle bat from 1953, gifted to a fan in Oklahoma before the 1954 season, fetched a notable $324,000. A Hank Aaron glove, photomatched to 1973 and formerly in the possession of a Milwaukee Brewers executive, commanded $210,000, reflecting the growing interest in authentic game-used fielder’s gloves among collectors.
Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, lauded the auction’s success, emphasizing the robust performance of game-worn items, particularly fielder’s gloves, in a market driven by passionate collectors. The event drew a global audience of 3,650 bidders over three days, achieving over $21 million in sales, with nearly every item finding a new home.
Furthermore, the auction saw several card sales breaking records, with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5 setting a new benchmark at $564,000. A complete 1952 Topps master set, featuring a PSA 6 Mantle, fetched $264,000, while a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card notched a record sale of $63,000. A George Brett rookie card in Gem Mint 10 condition, a rarity with only 11 such cards recognized by PSA, commanded $150,000, further solidifying the allure of vintage baseball cards.
The auction also featured high-value unopened material, including a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box that closed at $372,000 and a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set, which brought in $198,000. A 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack graded PSA 7 realized $138,000, while a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card graded PSA 8 fetched $186,000, underscoring the enduring appeal of pristine vintage collectibles.
In essence, the Heritage Sports Auction not only celebrated the passion and investment surrounding sports memorabilia but also shed light on the rich historical significance and immense financial value encapsulated within these rare and coveted artifacts.
