Heritage Auctions’ recent Spring Sports Catalog sale made waves in the collecting world as legendary jerseys and memorabilia from baseball icons took center stage, commanding millions of dollars in bids.
Topping the charts was a 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey, a flannel relic that went under the hammer for a whopping sum exceeding $2 million. This prized jersey, authenticated through photo matching, was worn by Johnson during a historic game that marked Babe Ruth’s debut with the New York Yankees. Originating from Johnson’s teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, the jersey had been carefully preserved by Erickson’s family in Jamestown, New York, before entering the collecting scene in the early 2000s. The jersey’s value notably surged since its last sale in June 2006 when it changed hands for $352,000.
Following closely in the ranks of high-value sales was a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey donned by Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, fetching a remarkable $1.8 million. This iconic piece of baseball history stands out as a significant addition to any collector’s treasure trove.
Among other notable sales was Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP-winning seasons between 1936-1939, which went for $87,000. A St. Louis Cardinals jersey worn by Stan Musial during his 1943 MVP season fetched $180,147, while Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from the 1954 season was sold for $102,000. A Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his record-setting 57-home run season in 1969 realized $99,000, each adding to the allure of this historic auction.
Memorabilia such as a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat dating back to the early 1920s also caught attention, commanding a staggering $630,000. This bat, weighing 40.7 ounces and measuring 34 1/2 inches, is believed to have been used by Cobb during his illustrious career, particularly during the season he hit over .400.
A Mickey Mantle bat from 1953, presented to a lucky fan in Oklahoma before the 1954 season, stirred bidding wars and finally sold for an impressive $324,000. Additionally, a Hank Aaron glove, photomatched to 1973 and once owned by a Milwaukee Brewers executive, changed hands for $210,000, reflecting the growing market interest in game-used fielder’s gloves.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, lauded the success of the auction, citing the strong demand for game-worn items, especially fielder’s gloves, which are gaining popularity among collectors worldwide.
The three-day event attracted an impressive 3,650 bidders from all corners of the globe, culminating in over $21 million in sales with nearly every lot finding a new owner. The auction set numerous records for sports cards, including a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5 that fetched a record $564,000, and a complete 1952 Topps master set, featuring a PSA 6 Mantle, that sold for $264,000. A 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card set a new benchmark at $63,000, and a rare Gem Mint 10 George Brett rookie card went for $150,000.
Additionally, high-value unopened items stole the spotlight, with a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box going under the hammer at $372,000, and a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set fetching $198,000. A 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack graded PSA 7 sold for $138,000, while a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card graded PSA 8 closed at $186,000.
This auction not only showcased the fervent passion and investment in sports memorabilia but also underscored the historical significance and enduring financial value of these rare and coveted collectibles.
