Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Catalog sale was a showstopper, attracting enthusiastic bidders and securing staggering sales, with legendary jerseys and bats stealing the spotlight.
A standout piece was the 1920 Washington Senators jersey worn by Walter Johnson, which commanded a jaw-dropping $2 million. The jersey, meticulously authenticated through photo matching, was worn by Johnson during a momentous game featuring Babe Ruth’s debut with the New York Yankees. Originating from Johnson’s teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, the jersey had been treasured by the Erickson family in Jamestown, New York, before entering the collecting realm in the early 2000s. Surpassing its previous sale in 2006 at $352,000, this jersey set a new benchmark.
Following closely behind was the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey worn by rookie sensation Sandy Koufax, fetching an impressive $1.8 million. This iconic piece of baseball history ranks among the most coveted memorabilia sold in recent memory.
Additional remarkable sales included Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his dominant MVP seasons in the late 1930s, fetching $87,000, and a St. Louis Cardinals jersey donned by Stan Musial during his 1943 MVP campaign, selling for $180,147. Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from the 1954 season secured $102,000, while a Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his record-breaking 1969 season realized $99,000.
Moreover, the auction showcased coveted memorabilia like a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat from the 1920s, which fetched an impressive $630,000. The bat, likely used by Cobb during his stellar .400 hitting season, remains a prized relic for baseball enthusiasts. A Mickey Mantle bat from 1953 presented to an Oklahoma fan before the 1954 season commanded $324,000, while a Hank Aaron glove photomatched to 1973 and previously owned by a Milwaukee Brewers executive sold for $210,000, highlighting the growing interest in game-used fielder’s gloves.
Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, celebrated the auction’s triumph, emphasizing the strong demand for game-worn items, especially fielder’s gloves, among collectors. The three-day event drew a global audience of 3,650 bidders and raked in over $21 million in sales with nearly every item finding a new home.
Noteworthy card sales also stole the spotlight, with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5 setting a new record at $564,000. A complete 1952 Topps master set, including a PSA 6 Mantle, fetched $264,000, while a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card sold for a record $63,000. A George Brett rookie card in Gem Mint 10 condition realized $150,000, adding to the fervor of card collectors.
The auction also featured high-value unopened items, including a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box that closed at an impressive $372,000 and a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set, which 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.
This auction not only showcased the enduring passion and investment in sports memorabilia but also underscored the historical significance and financial value of these prized collectibles. With record-breaking sales and avid collectors vying for these iconic pieces, the Heritage Sports Auction proved to be a resounding success in the world of sports memorabilia.
