Heritage Auctions’ recent Spring Sports Catalog sale has taken the world of sports memorabilia by storm, showcasing a remarkable collection of historic jerseys, bats, and other memorabilia that fetched millions in bids. The event served as a mecca for sports fans and collectors alike, solidifying its reputation as a key player in the auction industry.
The crown jewel of the auction was a 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey, which commanded an impressive sum of just over $2 million. This flannel jersey, meticulously authenticated through photo matching, was confirmed to have been worn by Johnson during a legendary game – Babe Ruth’s debut with the New York Yankees. Originally belonging to Johnson’s teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, the jersey had been carefully preserved by the Erickson family in Jamestown, New York, before making its way into the hands of avid collectors in the early 2000s. Notably, the last known transaction for this prized jersey was back in June 2006, when it sold for $352,000.
Following closely behind in the list of top sales was a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey donned by the iconic Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, which fetched an impressive $1.8 million. This particular jersey holds a special place in baseball history and is revered as one of the most iconic pieces of memorabilia to have been sold in recent times.
Among the standout sales at the auction were Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP seasons spanning 1936 to 1939, which sold for $87,000, and a St. Louis Cardinals jersey worn by the legendary Stan Musial during his 1943 MVP season, fetching a substantial $180,147. Additionally, Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from the 1954 season was sold for $102,000, while a Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his record-setting 57-home run season in 1969 realized an impressive $99,000.
The auction also featured a range of other notable memorabilia, such as a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat dating back to the early 1920s, which commanded a staggering $630,000. This bat, weighing 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 Mickey Mantle bat from 1953, gifted to a fan in Oklahoma before the 1954 season, fetched an impressive $324,000. Additionally, a Hank Aaron glove, photomatched to 1973 and previously owned by a Milwaukee Brewers executive, sold for $210,000, demonstrating the rising market interest in game-used fielder’s gloves.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, lauded the success of the auction, particularly emphasizing the robust performance of game-worn items like fielder’s gloves, which are increasingly sought after by collectors. The three-day affair drew in a global audience of 3,650 bidders, generating over $21 million in sales with almost every lot finding a new owner.
The auction also saw a number of collectible cards breaking records, including a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5, which set a new benchmark for its grade at a remarkable $564,000. A complete 1952 Topps master set, featuring a PSA 6 Mantle, fetched $264,000, while a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card went under the hammer for a record $63,000. A George Brett rookie card, one of only 11 Gem Mint 10s registered by PSA, realized a noteworthy $150,000.
In addition to cards, high-value unopened material also garnered significant attention. A 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box clinched an impressive $372,000, while a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set brought in $198,000. Furthermore, a 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack graded PSA 7 was sold for $138,000, and a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card graded PSA 8 fetched $186,000.
This record-breaking auction not only highlighted the deep passion and investment in sports memorabilia but also underscored the historical significance and financial value attached to these rare collectibles. It was a testament to the enduring allure of sports history and the enduring legacy of iconic athletes.