The virtual gavel came down on the Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction, leaving sports memorabilia enthusiasts buzzing with excitement over the remarkable sales that unfolded. The auction featured a treasure trove of iconic items, each with its own story and significance, captivating collectors and investors alike.
Leading the charge were two titans of baseball history: Roberto Clemente and Ted Williams. A 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey stole the show, commanding a jaw-dropping price of $256,714. This vest-style road flannel, bearing the marks of Clemente’s heroics during a standout year, earned a prestigious grade from SGC, cementing its status as a top-tier collectible.
Not to be outdone, a Ted Williams jersey from his stellar 1942 season fetched an impressive $191,563. A unique piece, this jersey was a precious gift to a loyal Fenway Park fan and had been expertly altered for a better fit, making it the sole surviving jersey from Williams’ remarkable campaign in 1942 – a truly extraordinary find for avid collectors. Adding to the Williams allure was a warm-up jacket from the 1940s, which commanded a price of $40,920, further enhancing the auction’s prestige.
In a nod to baseball royalty, a baseball bearing the autographs of Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner captured the hearts of bidders, ultimately selling for $102,694. This cherished family heirloom also featured the signatures of Al Simmons and George Earnshaw, adding layers of historical significance to an already prized possession. Additionally, a 1920s signed photo of Ruth alongside Lou Gehrig fetched $131,066, while a 1949 Jackie Robinson card with a PSA grade of 9 autograph found a new home for $85,772, underscoring the enduring appeal of these baseball legends.
Shifting gears to the realm of basketball, a standout item in the auction lineup was a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card. Graded an 8 by PSA, this rare gem ignited a frenzy of bidding wars, culminating in a staggering sale price of $232,847, marking a significant milestone in the auction market for PMG Championship cards.
Not to be forgotten were the unopened sports memorabilia lots that attracted their share of attention, including a 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box and a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, alongside a 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy, which found a new owner for $165,479, adding a touch of equestrian flair to the auction lineup.
Rounding out the auction were the coveted game-worn items, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and memorabilia from legends like Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas commanding significant interest and impressive bids, further solidifying the Winter Classic Auction as a must-see event for sports memorabilia aficionados.
All in all, the Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction was a resounding success, serving up a tantalizing array of sports memorabilia that captivated bidders and spectators alike, setting new records and cementing its status as a premier destination for the discerning collector.
