In the whirlwind world of card collecting, sometimes the most precious riches are tucked away in the most unassuming of places. A quintessential example of this emerged recently from a dusty attic in Northeast Ohio. Here, an unremarkable old cigar box turned Indiana Jones-style treasure chest held a time capsule of one of baseball’s most storied figures. The result? A sensational auction that turned heads and enchanted baseball aficionados around the globe.
This serendipitous find was unearthed by a pair of Ohio siblings, who prefer their identities remain low-key, as they embarked on the bittersweet task of sorting through their late parents’ belongings. Amidst the trinkets and memorabilia sprawled a collection of vintage baseball cards that even the savviest collector would envy. Among these treasure troves were cards of the Sultan of Swat himself — Babe Ruth. The thrill of their discovery translates to a formidable haul of cold hard cash, as these slices of Americana went under the hammer in an online auction hosted by Stark County’s Kiko Auctions.
As highlighted by auctioneer Jack Kiko, the family had a gut feeling that these cards could hold some value, and it turns out that was a safe bet. While the siblings might have initially perceived these pieces of cardboard as just another relic of the past, the auction proved otherwise, kicking off with eager anticipation on May 28 and wrapping up on June 2. In total, 623 lots were offered, dominated largely by the vintage baseball card collection. However, the true headliner was the set from 1933 Goudey Big League Gum, a giant in the field of collectibles.
To the uninitiated, the 1933 Goudey set represents a landmark in the hobby. These cards not only burst into the market with their vivid player depictions but also added an irresistible allure by including a stick of gum in every pack. This innovation arguably set them apart, garnering unparalleled popularity among fans, historians, and shrine-builders of the sport. The draw is not only the artwork but also the pantheon of Hall of Famers portrayed, cementing the set as a staple in any avid collector’s assembly.
By the auction’s conclusion, the frenzied paddles of virtual bidders skyrocketed the sales to an impressive $120,699. Toss in the internet premium of 10% and a 6.5% sales tax, the final total jumped to over $140,000—enough to make those dusty cards shine like polished diamonds. Among the most sought-after prizes was a captivating 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card, distinguished by its bold red backdrop, which alone claimed $8,000. In sum, five Ruth cards from the cache clinched a commanding $35,250 before processing fees and the like.
Intriguingly, none of these gems had undergone professional grading, a fact that adds a layer of risk and exhilaration to the transaction. To collectors, this kind of gamble possesses an allure all its own—seeking to unearth gems hidden in the guise of seemingly regular relics. The allure is in the gamble—the possibility, however slim, of discovering an exceptional piece hidden in plain sight.
The sale of these cards isn’t just about the money; it serves as a delightful reminder of the allure of Americana and nostalgia. These cards, once cherished by someone living the American dream, now take on a new life and continue to play the part of storytellers—transcending time and space from a forgotten Ohio attic into a digital realm where they connect with baseball enthusiasts everywhere.
As the digital gavel dropped, the final bids marked not just a monetary exchange but a celebration of the enduring spirit of baseball—proving that the charm of America’s national pastime, combined with a healthy dose of nostalgia, can still knock one out of the park. This extraordinary tale from a humble attic unfolds as a testament to the magic that lingers in cherished keepsakes, heralding them from obscurity to history, all while reminding us of the timeless joy of discovery.