At a recent Christie’s and Hunt Auctions event, baseball fans and collectors had the rare opportunity to bid on some extraordinary pieces of memorabilia. The auction, which showcased items from the Geddy Lee Collection among others, amassed an impressive $6.8 million in total sales.
The star of the show was a rare 1938 Babe Ruth Brooklyn Dodgers road uniform. This remarkable piece of baseball history fetched an astounding $882,000. The uniform represented a unique era in Ruth’s career, as he finished his playing days with the Dodgers before retiring. Its significance and scarcity made it a highly sought-after item among collectors.
Another standout item was a 1968 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves home jersey. This jersey held special significance as it was worn by Aaron during the game in which he hit his 500th career home run. Its connection to an iconic moment in baseball history drew significant attention from collectors, resulting in a final sale price of $567,000.
The Geddy Lee Collection also brought excitement to the auction floor. One of the most impressive items was a single-signed baseball by President Herbert Hoover. This unique piece of presidential baseball memorabilia far surpassed expectations, selling for an astounding $214,200, well above its estimated value of $25,000. The historical and sentimental value of this item undoubtedly played a role in its final sale price.
Another gem from the Geddy Lee Collection was a Mickey Mantle-signed baseball. What made this particular item stand out was the inscription that Mantle wrote about Brooks Robinson’s play at third base. With a final price of $30,240, this baseball displayed the admiration and respect that the players of that era had for each other.
One of the most interesting and unexpected items at the auction was a photograph from the Gladstone Collection. This photo depicted Civil War soldiers with baseball equipment, offering a fascinating glimpse into the connection between the game of baseball and significant historical events. The winning bid for this extraordinary piece reached $113,400, greatly exceeding its initial estimate of $10,000.
David Hunt, the President of Hunt Auctions, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent such exceptional collections. He acknowledged that the auction results not only demonstrated the robust market for historic baseball memorabilia but also underscored the immense value placed on items from significant private collections.
In conclusion, the Christie’s and Hunt Auctions event showcased the enduring appeal and value of baseball memorabilia. From the rare Babe Ruth Dodgers uniform to the historic Hank Aaron jersey, collectors had the chance to own a piece of baseball history. The impressive sales figures serve as a testament to the passion and devotion of baseball fans and collectors alike.
