Sports memorabilia enthusiasts and collectors, get ready to be amazed! Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago is offering a spectacular assortment of autographed baseballs from a single collector. With a vast selection of over 570 lots, this auction is a dream come true for fans of the game.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, expressed his excitement about the collection, calling it one of the most extensive and captivating assortments ever presented by the auction house. This commendation alone serves as a testament to the exceptional quality of the items up for grabs.
One of the highlights that is sure to generate significant interest is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees. This piece holds historical significance as it marks Babe Ruth’s last year with the team. The ball boasts signatures from Ruth himself, his legendary teammate Lou Gehrig, as well as other Hall of Fame players including Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri. With authentication letters from PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, the ball’s provenance is unquestionable.
Another unique gem in the collection is a ball from the deadball era, signed by a diverse group of players including Cy Young and Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis, the first baseball commissioner. This rare ball is further enhanced by the addition of signatures from Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw, making it a truly extraordinary collector’s item. To solidify its authenticity, the ball comes with a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
The auction also features several other notable items, including a high-grade 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed ball. This particular ball is a cherished memento of the Dodgers’ historic victory. Additionally, there is a 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series championship ball, signifying an important milestone in the team’s history. Luminaries such as Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron autographed a 1972 National League All-Star team ball, adding to its desirability. Collectors will also rejoice at the opportunity to acquire signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, featuring legends like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove.
For those eager to bid on these extraordinary items, the Having a Ball timed online auction is currently ongoing on Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The lots will close sequentially starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. To ensure fairness for all interested parties, the auction employs an extended bidding system. If a bid is placed in the final minute before a lot is set to close, the bidding period is extended by five minutes. This process ensures that everyone has an equal chance to participate in the auction without affecting the closing times of other lots.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a seasoned collector, or simply intrigued by the world of sports memorabilia, Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction is an event not to be missed. Explore the incredible selection of autographed baseballs and let the excitement of the bidding war begin!