A treasure trove of autographed baseballs is set to grace the auction block at Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago. With over 570 lots available, this auction is a haven for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of baseballs autographed by some of the greatest players to step onto the diamond.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, couldn’t contain his excitement for the extensive and thrilling collection. He described it as one of the most impressive and diverse compilations ever brought forward by the auction house.
One standout piece from the auction is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees, a team that holds significant historical value as it was Babe Ruth’s final year with the iconic franchise. This special baseball bears the signatures of Ruth and his esteemed teammate Lou Gehrig, along with other Hall of Famers such as Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri. The ball comes with authentication letters from both PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, ensuring its provenance and authenticity.
Another extraordinary find in this auction is a baseball from the deadball era, signed by legendary figures Cy Young and Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis, who was the first baseball commissioner. This unique ball gains further rarity with the signatures of Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw, making it a truly exceptional collector’s item. The ball is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
Among the additional highlights of this remarkable auction is a high-grade 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed baseball. This ball holds historical significance as it represents the Dodgers’ championship season. The auction also features a 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series championship ball and a 1972 National League All-Star team ball signed by legends such as Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron. Collectors will also find signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, featuring baseball greats like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove.
The Having a Ball timed online auction is currently open for bids via Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The lots will close sequentially, starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. To ensure a fair bidding process, the auction incorporates an extended bidding system. If a bid is placed in the final minute before a lot’s closure, the bidding period for that specific lot is extended by five minutes. This ensures that all interested parties have a fair opportunity to participate, without affecting the closing times of other lots.
In conclusion, Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction presents an exceptional opportunity for sports memorabilia collectors to acquire coveted autographed baseballs from the game’s legendary players. Whether it’s the last signatures of the 1934 New York Yankees, the rare deadball era ball, or the team balls from championship seasons, this auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of baseball history.
