The electrifying atmosphere of Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Catalog sale captivated the attention of sports enthusiasts and collectors alike, as iconic baseball memorabilia took center stage and shattered records with staggering sales figures.
The showstopper of the auction was the jaw-dropping sale of a 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey, which commanded over $2 million. Made of flannel material, this historic jersey was authenticated through meticulous photo matching, confirming that it was worn by Walter Johnson during a significant game—the debut of baseball legend Babe Ruth in a New York Yankees uniform. Previously owned by Johnson’s teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, this priceless piece of baseball history had been carefully preserved by Erickson’s family in Jamestown, New York, before entering the collecting world in the early 2000s. The jersey’s previous sale in June 2006 saw it change hands for $352,000, highlighting its exponential increase in value over the years.
Following closely in the footsteps of this remarkable sale was a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey worn by the legendary Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, which fetched an impressive $1.8 million. This jersey holds a special place in the hearts of baseball fans and collectors as a truly iconic piece of memorabilia that encapsulates Koufax’s early career.
Among the other notable sales at the auction were the following historic jerseys: Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP seasons of 1936-1939, sold for $87,000; a St. Louis Cardinals jersey worn by Stan Musial during his 1943 MVP season, which garnered $180,147; Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from the 1954 season, sold for $102,000; and a Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his record-setting 57-home run season in 1969, realizing $99,000.
The auction also featured coveted memorabilia such as a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat from the early 1920s, which fetched an impressive $630,000. This hefty bat, weighing 40.7 ounces and measuring 34 1/2 inches, is believed to have been wielded by Cobb during the final season he achieved a batting average over .400. Additionally, a Mickey Mantle bat dating back to 1953, gifted to a fan in Oklahoma before the 1954 season, raked in $324,000. A game-used Hank Aaron glove, confirmed via photomatching to 1973 and previously owned by a Milwaukee Brewers executive, fetched a substantial $210,000, showcasing the burgeoning interest in fielder’s gloves among collectors.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, expressed his delight at the auction’s success, emphasizing the robust performance of game-worn items, particularly fielder’s gloves, which are witnessing a surge in popularity among collectors. The three-day extravaganza attracted a staggering 3,650 bidders from around the globe, generating over $21 million in sales with nearly all lots finding new homes.
Moreover, the auction saw a flurry of record-breaking card sales, including a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5, which set a new benchmark for its grade at an astounding $564,000. A complete 1952 Topps master set, featuring a PSA 6 Mantle, fetched $264,000, while a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card soared to a record $63,000. A George Brett rookie card, one of only 11 Gem Mint 10s registered by PSA, commanded $150,000, further underscoring the fervent interest in trading cards among collectors.
The auction also showcased valuable unopened material, with a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box closing at $372,000, and a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set fetching $198,000. Additionally, a 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack graded PSA 7 claimed $138,000, while a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card graded PSA 8 fetched $186,000.
This historic auction not only illuminated the profound passion and investment that enthusiasts have for sports memorabilia but also highlighted the cultural and financial significance of these rare collectibles.
