Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction showcased the crème de la crème of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, captivating collectors worldwide and amassing an impressive total of over $7.1 million in sales. The auction kicked off the year with a bang, setting a high standard for the rest of 2025.
Babe Ruth’s presence was felt strongly in the auction room, with three 1933 Goudey cards stealing the spotlight. Graded PSA NM/MT 8, the trio fetched a staggering sum of nearly $700,000. Among them, the #149 card boasting a red background commanded a remarkable $316,736, affirming Ruth’s enduring popularity in the collecting world. An advertising card from the 1920s featuring Ruth and Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, fetched an impressive $95,860 after intense bidding.
Not to be outshone, Joe Jackson’s 1915 Cracker Jack #103 card, graded PSA 7, achieved a new grade record by selling for an astounding $173,794, contributing to a set break that raked in over $850,000 in total sales.
The allure of 1952 Topps cards was undeniable, with three PSA 8 graded cards crossing the six-figure mark. Leading the charge was an Eddie Mathews high-number card, which realized $123,484, joined by Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards that attracted substantial bids.
Mickey Mantle cards maintained their perennial popularity, with a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetching $33,586. A complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring a Mantle back, graded PSA 1, garnered $18,575, while four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from various years collectively brought in close to $50,000. Other notable Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM card selling for $29,012 and a 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5 card fetching $38,879.
In the realm of multi-sport highlights, a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito hockey rookie card, graded PSA 10, thrilled collectors as it soared to a final bid of $72,455. Football enthusiasts also found gems in the auction, such as the 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 card ($31,558) and the 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10 card ($19,018).
Beyond cards, unique memorabilia added an extra layer of excitement to the auction. Standout pieces included a Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s, fetching $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription selling for $20,934, a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also reaching $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s selling for $16,121.
Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction accomplished more than just the exchange of items; it set the benchmark for the year ahead in sports collectibles. With record-breaking sales and a treasure trove of exceptional finds, the anticipation for future auctions is palpable as collectors eagerly await the chance to bring home their piece of sporting history.
