Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Catalog sale made history as numerous iconic and rare sports collectibles found new homes for eye-watering prices. The event was a magnet for sports enthusiasts and collectors keen to own a piece of history while setting records and milestones in the world of sporting memorabilia.
The headline act of the auction was a 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey that commanded just over $2 million. This flannel jersey bore witness to history as it was worn by Johnson during a game that marked Babe Ruth’s debut as a New York Yankee. With meticulous verification through photo matching, the jersey’s provenance was traced back to Johnson’s teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, before making its way to the auction block. Having resided in Erickson’s family in Jamestown, New York, for years, the jersey’s value soared compared to its last sale in 2006 for $352,000.
Not far behind was a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey worn by Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, a piece that saw fierce bidding before selling for an impressive $1.8 million. This particular jersey holds a special place in baseball history, attracting attention and admiration as one of the most iconic memorabilia items from recent years.
Among the lineup of notable sales was Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP years in 1936-1939, which fetched $87,000. A Stan Musial St. Louis Cardinals jersey from his 1943 MVP season brought in $180,147, while Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from 1954 went for $102,000. Additionally, a Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his legendary 57-home run season in 1969 fetched a cool $99,000, adding to the auction’s impressive sales figures.
Beyond jerseys, the auction also boasted premium memorabilia, including a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat from the early 1920s that hammered at $630,000. This prized bat, weighing 40.7 ounces and measuring 34 1/2 inches, is believed to have been used by Cobb during the season he achieved a batting average of over .400. Another standout piece was a Mickey Mantle bat from 1953 that found a new home for $324,000, presented to a fan in Oklahoma before the 1954 season. A Hank Aaron glove, associated with the 1973 season and previously owned by a Milwaukee Brewers executive, commanded a notable $210,000.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, expressed his delight at the auction’s success and the growing demand for game-worn items, particularly fielder’s gloves, among collectors worldwide. The three-day event drew 3,650 bidders globally, raking in over $21 million in sales with almost every lot finding a buyer. The auction also saw several trading cards shatter previous records, further igniting excitement among bidders and enthusiasts.
A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5 set a new record at $564,000, while a complete 1952 Topps master set, featuring a PSA 6 Mantle, went for $264,000. A 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card sold for a staggering $63,000, with a George Brett rookie card in Gem Mint 10 condition by PSA fetching $150,000, among other remarkable sales.
The auction didn’t just stop at trading cards; unopened material proved to be equally valuable. A 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box closed at $372,000, while a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set fetched $198,000. A 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack graded PSA 7 sold for $138,000, and a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card graded PSA 8 garnered $186,000, further solidifying the market’s interest in these rare and pristine artifacts.
The Heritage Sports Auction not only showcased the fervor and reverence for sports memorabilia but also highlighted the captivating historical narratives and significant financial worth of these cherished collectibles.
