The Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction set the stage on fire with astounding sales, showcasing legendary sports memorabilia that left collectors in awe. One of the highlights of the auction was a 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey, a vest-style road flannel that commanded a jaw-dropping $256,714. This piece, worn during a standout year for Clemente, was in impeccable condition, receiving a top-notch grade from SGC, affirming its exceptional quality and preservation.
Not to be outshined, a Ted Williams jersey from his remarkable 1942 season stole the spotlight, fetching an impressive $191,563. This unique jersey, gifted to a devoted Fenway Park fan and modified for a better fit, stands as the sole known jersey from Williams’ 1942 campaign, making it a rare gem for collectors. Adding to the allure, a Williams warm-up jacket from the 1940s found a new home for $40,920, contributing to the auction’s magnetism.
A prized possession that garnered significant attention was a baseball autographed by none other than Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, passed down through generations as a cherished family heirloom, reaching bids of up to $102,694. This immaculate piece also bore signatures from Al Simmons and George Earnshaw. Additionally, a 1920s signed photo of Ruth and Lou Gehrig soared to $131,066, while a 1949 Jackie Robinson card with a PSA grade of 9 autograph fetched $85,772, further solidifying its worth among enthusiasts.
Standing out amidst the auction’s array of offerings was a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded an 8 by PSA. This rare find ignited a frenzied bidding war, culminating in a staggering $232,847 sale, marking a significant milestone in the auction market for PMG Championship cards.
The auction also spotlighted unopened sports memorabilia, such as a 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box, a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, and a 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy, which garnered $165,479, captivating aficionados of sports history and collectibles alike.
Game-worn items took center stage, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and memorabilia from sports icons like Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas attracting substantial interest and commanding high bids, further solidifying the auction’s status as a haven for sports memorabilia enthusiasts.
