Avid baseball collectors and enthusiasts are anxiously awaiting the upcoming Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago. With an extensive collection of over 570 lots, this auction promises to be a treasure trove of autographed baseballs. From legendary players like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig to trailblazers like Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, this auction showcases the best of the best in baseball history.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, is thrilled by the remarkable depth of the collection. He describes it as one of the most exciting and comprehensive collections the auction house has ever presented. Collectors can expect to find an impressive variety of autographed baseballs, including rare signatures from baseball Hall of Famers.
One of the standout pieces in the auction is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees. This ball holds particular significance as it represents Babe Ruth’s final year with the team. Alongside Ruth’s signature, it also features the autographs of his famed teammate Lou Gehrig, as well as other Hall of Famers like Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri. To prove authenticity, the ball comes with authentication letters from PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, ensuring its provenance.
Another noteworthy item is a baseball signed during the deadball era. This unique ball bears the signatures of Cy Young, the renowned pitcher, and Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis, the first baseball commissioner. What makes this ball truly extraordinary are the signatures of Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw, adding a rare touch to this collector’s gem. Accompanying it is a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services, further solidifying its value.
The auction also includes other remarkable pieces, such as a high-grade 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed ball. This ball carries the signatures of the players who brought the Dodgers their first World Series title in Brooklyn. Furthermore, a 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series championship ball is up for grabs, a remarkable memento for fans of the Braves’ historic victory. Collectors will also find a 1972 National League All-Star team ball signed by luminaries like Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron, celebrating the best in the league that year.
For those with a zest for history, the auction features signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics. These baseballs showcase the autographs of iconic players like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove, taking collectors back to a bygone era in the sport.
The Having a Ball timed online auction is currently open for bids on Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The lots will close sequentially starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. To ensure fair participation, if a bid is placed in the final minute before a lot is set to close, the auction features an extended bidding process. This means the bidding period is extended by five minutes, giving all interested parties an equal opportunity to bid, without affecting the closing times of other lots.
Collectors and baseball aficionados alike are eagerly awaiting Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction. With its impressive collection of autographed baseballs, this auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. Whether you’re a fan of the legendary Babe Ruth or a follower of the groundbreaking Jackie Robinson, there’s something for everyone in this extraordinary collection. So, get ready to step up to the plate and swing for the fences at Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction!
