The Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction set new records in the world of sports memorabilia, boasting remarkable sales that captivated collectors around the globe. One of the standout items was a 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey, which fetched an impressive $256,714. This vest-style road flannel, donned during a notable year for Clemente, received a top-notch grade from SGC, underscoring its superior quality and impeccable preservation.
Not to be outdone, a Ted Williams jersey from his extraordinary 1942 season drew considerable attention, selling for $191,563. This unique piece, presented as a gift to a dedicated Fenway Park enthusiast and customized for a better fit, stands as the sole known jersey from Williams’ 1942 campaign, making it a significant discovery for avid collectors. Furthermore, a Williams warm-up jacket from the 1940s changed hands for $40,920, further adding to the allure of the auction.
One of the most coveted items in the auction was a baseball autographed by legends Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, a cherished heirloom within a family collection, which garnered bids reaching $102,694. This pristine baseball also bore the signatures of Al Simmons and George Earnshaw. Additionally, a 1920s Ruth-Lou Gehrig signed photo and a 1949 Jackie Robinson card with a PSA grade of 9 autograph fetched $131,066 and $85,772, respectively.
A crowning jewel of the auction was the 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card. Graded as an 8 by PSA, this rare card sparked an intense bidding war, culminating in a final sale price of $232,847, marking a significant milestone in the auction market for PMG Championship cards.
The auction also showcased unopened sports memorabilia, such as a 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box and a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, along with a 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy, which commanded a price of $165,479.
Game-worn items were a focal point of the auction, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and memorabilia from notable athletes like Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas attracting substantial interest and commanding high bids. The Winter Classic Auction at Lelands proved to be a treasure trove for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, with iconic pieces fetching staggering prices and igniting fervent bidding wars.
