Four extraordinary private collections of fresh-to-the-hobby vintage sports memorabilia will prove, once again, that Heritage Auctions is the premier source for prime, one-of-a-kind sports material when the company holds its’Platinum Sports Auction at the Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion in New York onFeb. 20, 2016. The grandson of Andy Leonard – a member of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings ball club, the team widely considered to be the first professional baseball club – has consigned an extraordinary archive of baseball contracts and other paperwork dating back to the sport’s infancy, while Green Bay Packers legend Jerry Kramer supplies an array of game-worn uniforms, contracts and awards, including both his jersey and his Championship ring from Super Bowl I.
Fresh Hobby Vintage Sports Memorabilia At Heritage Sports February Platinum Night
The family of New York Yankees fan favorite Bobby Murcer has consigned Murcer’s keepsakes of a life’s service to the Majors, with Championship rings, game used gear and much more, while father and son Bill and Dave Christian offer their personal treasures from Olympic Ice Hockey Gold Medal heroics in 1960 and the glorious 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” respectively.
Two legendary members of the New York Yankees pantheon lend star power to several highlight lots from the balance of the auction:
Fresh Hobby Vintage Sports Memorabilia At Heritage Sports February Platinum Night
Lou Gehrig’s Triple Crown season of 1934 is recalled with both the signed player’s contract that secured the services of the Iron Horse for that glorious campaign and The Sporting News’ trophy recognizing Gehrig as Most Valuable Player of the American League. The “Luckiest Man” is likewise celebrated with a pair of pinstriped uniform pants worn as he guided the New York Yankees to victory in the 1936 World Series.
The earliest days of the career of Mickey Mantle are documented in this New York Platinum Night event, beginning with the 1949 contract that the 17-year old slugger signed the day of his high school graduation to legalize scouting by the Yankees. It’s the first contract Mantle ever signed.
Fresh Hobby Vintage Sports Memorabilia At Heritage Sports February Platinum Night
Also on offer is the earliest known payroll check from Mantle’s service to the franchise, and an array of 1952 Topps cards, the most important cardboard of the post-war era. Iconic sports artist LeRoy Neiman is represented with no fewer than eight original works, further securing Heritage’s status as the leading venue for his creations. Subjects include such residents of the athletic pantheon as Mickey Mantle, Bobby Orr, Muhammad Ali, Joe DiMaggio and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Fresh Hobby Vintage Sports Memorabilia At Heritage Sports February Platinum Night
Further highlights include, but are not limited to: 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente #164 PSA Mint 9: Estimate $200,000+; 1933 Babe Ruth Signed Last Will and Testament: Estimate $150,000+; 1903 World Series Game Three Program (Boston Americans): Estimate $100,000+; 1920 Babe Ruth Game Used Bat, PSA/DNA GU 9: Estimate $100,000+; 1927 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball: Estimate $80,000+….
