Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Catalog sale made headlines with its impressive lineup of historic jerseys and memorabilia that fetched millions of dollars. The auction was a grand event that attracted a significant following, with stellar sales of items belonging to baseball legends stealing the show.
Leading the list of top sales was a 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey, which sold for just over $2 million. This flannel jersey was authenticated through photo matching and was confirmed to have been worn by Johnson during a game that marked Babe Ruth’s debut with the New York Yankees. The jersey, originally owned by Johnson’s teammate Eric “Swat” Erickson, had been carefully preserved by Erickson’s family in Jamestown, New York, before entering the collector’s market in the early 2000s. Its previous sale was in June 2006, where it changed hands for $352,000.
Not far behind in terms of top sales was a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey worn by Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, which fetched an impressive $1.8 million. This jersey is considered one of the most iconic pieces of baseball memorabilia sold in recent years.
Other noteworthy sales included Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP seasons of 1936-1939, which sold for $87,000, a St. Louis Cardinals jersey worn by Stan Musial during his 1943 MVP season that fetched $180,147, and Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from the 1954 season that was sold for $102,000. A Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his 1969 record 57-home run season realized $99,000.
The auction also featured significant memorabilia pieces such as a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat from the early 1920s, which commanded $630,000. This bat, believed to have been used by Cobb during his last season hitting over .400, weighed 40.7 ounces and measured 34 1/2 inches. Another highlight was a Mickey Mantle bat from 1953 that was gifted to a fan in Oklahoma before the 1954 season, fetching $324,000. Additionally, a Hank Aaron glove photomatched to 1973 and previously owned by a Milwaukee Brewers executive sold for $210,000, showcasing the rising popularity of game-used fielder’s gloves in the market.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, praised the auction’s success and emphasized the strong performance of game-worn items, particularly fielder’s gloves, which are gaining increased attention from collectors. The three-day event drew 3,650 bidders from around the globe and generated over $21 million in sales, with nearly every lot finding a buyer.
The auction also witnessed several record-breaking sales of cards, including a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5 that set a new record at $564,000. A complete 1952 Topps master set with a PSA 6 Mantle card fetched $264,000, while a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card sold for a record $63,000. Furthermore, a George Brett rookie card in Gem Mint 10 condition realized $150,000.
The event also featured high-value unopened items such as a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box that reached $372,000, a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set that brought in $198,000, a 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack graded PSA 7 that sold for $138,000, and a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card graded PSA 8 that fetched $186,000.
The Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Catalog sale not only showcased the fervent passion and investment in sports memorabilia but also underscored the historical significance and financial value of these rare collectibles. The event was a testament to the enduring allure of iconic sports memorabilia among collectors and enthusiasts.