For most folks, a treasure hunt at Goodwill is akin to a game of thrift roulette—one plays for fun, expecting perhaps a quirky teapot or a vintage t-shirt at best. But for Christopher Kidney from Flemingsburg, Kentucky, his recent visit was less thrift store rummage and more unexpected jackpot. In a twist of fate that could rival a plot from a feel-good sports movie, Kidney strolled out of Goodwill with a rare haul of autographed baseball memorabilia worth much more than he shelled out.
The crown jewel of his find? A baseball signed by none other than the legendary Yogi Berra, a Hall of Famer and a cornerstone of baseball’s storied past with the New York Yankees. It’s a find that would have even the most seasoned collectors tingling with envy. But that wasn’t the only glittering item in his newfound collection. Kidney also discovered signed cards from esteemed baseball players like CC Sabathia, Don Mattingly, and Chuck Knoblauch, not to forget a Super Bowl XLII card inked by Plaxico Burress.
Christopher Kidney, however, isn’t just playing a game of hope and illusion; his collector’s instincts and keen eye for memorabilia led him to recognize the authenticity based on card brandings. “When I saw the names on the cards, I could tell they were real based on the brand,” Kidney shared with Newsweek. And he was on the money, quite literally. After verifying the finds with some assistance from fellow collectors, Kidney sold the treasure trove privately for over $500—a remarkable flip given his modest investment.
Christopher’s odyssey through the aisles of Goodwill is more than just a stroke of luck. It’s a nod to the rich tapestry of baseball history, embodied by none other than Yogi Berra. Known as much for his comic, philosophical quotes—affectionately coined “Yogi-isms”—as his World Series record (a staggering ten titles, no less), Berra remains a beloved icon. Discovering a signed baseball from such a figure sitting nonchalantly on a thrift shop shelf is not just luck; it’s the sort of serendipity every collector dreams of.
As is often the case with finds of this magnitude, Kidney took to the internet to share the excitement of his fortunate discovery. Posting on Reddit’s memorabilia threads under the caption: “Incredible, still shaking,” Kidney’s post resonated immediately, earning over 1,500 upvotes and nearly as many expressions of admiration and incredulity. The online community responded with positivity and humor, typified by one commenter’s wry observation: “Thank goodness your Goodwill doesn’t have an in-store Googler pricing these near eBay comps.” Another quipped about the envy the find would spark among Kidney’s fellow collectors.
What’s more, this isn’t even Kidney’s first coup in the arena of thrift store discovery. What could possibly follow a Yogi Berra baseball? How about a signed 1949 book by Honus Wagner, another towering figure in baseball lore. And he picked it up for an astonishing $1.59. Kidney’s claim captures the awe and disbelief: “For $1.59, I found one of the greatest baseball players’ signatures ever! I’m in shock,” he exclaimed. It seemed as though fate, perhaps guided by the spirit of his grandfather who worked alongside baseball teams like the Reds and Cardinals, had led him to uncover this treasure.
For Kidney, these finds aren’t purely about a financial windfall, nor is the thrill just in capturing a piece of sports legend. It’s a journey shared with loved ones, with acknowledgment and gratitude for those who stand by him, namely his treasured family and closest friends. “It’s very important to me that I give credit to my family—my beloved wife Ashley—and my best friends Brad and Christopher Davisson,” Kidney expressed warmly.
The heart of Kidney’s pursuit lies in connection, joy, and the unpredictable allure of the hunt. His story is a gentle reminder to us all that the extraordinary can emerge amid the mundane. So next time you’re at Goodwill, look twice; that dusty baseball might just be a hidden diamond, or at the very least, a playful nod to the magic lurking in everyday places. Sometimes, all that separates an ordinary outing from an extraordinary find is a bit of curiosity, a dash of trust, and just a smidge of magic.
