Heritage Auctions’ recent Spring Sports Catalog sale made waves in the sports memorabilia world, as iconic jerseys and rare collectibles fetched millions, setting new auction records and attracting the attention of sports enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The star of the event was a 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey, which sold for just over $2 million. This historic flannel jersey was authenticated through photo matching, confirming that it was worn by Johnson during a game that marked Babe Ruth’s debut with the New York Yankees. Previously owned by Johnson’s teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, the jersey had been carefully preserved by Erickson’s family for decades before entering the collecting hobby in the early 2000s. Its previous sale in 2006 saw it go for $352,000, showcasing its exponential growth in value over the years.
Close behind in top sales was a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey worn by the legendary Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, which fetched an impressive $1.8 million. This jersey holds significant historical value in the realm of baseball memorabilia, making it a prized possession for any serious collector.
Among other notable sales was Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP seasons in the late 1930s, which sold for $87,000. A St. Louis Cardinals jersey worn by Stan Musial during his 1943 MVP season commanded $180,147, while Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey from the 1954 season garnered $102,000. Additionally, a Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his prolific 1969 season fetched $99,000, rounding out the impressive lineup of sold jerseys.
The auction also featured coveted memorabilia such as a Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat from the early 1920s, which sold for $630,000. This heavyweight bat, believed to have been used by Cobb during a standout season, continues to hold immense historical value. A Mickey Mantle bat from 1953, gifted to a fan in Oklahoma before the 1954 season, fetched $324,000, while a Hank Aaron glove, dated to 1973 and previously owned by a Milwaukee Brewers executive, was sold for $210,000, reflecting the growing interest in game-used fielder’s gloves among collectors.
Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, expressed satisfaction with the auction’s success, particularly noting the robust performance of game-worn items like fielder’s gloves. With 3,650 bidders from around the globe participating over three days, the event achieved over $21 million in sales, with nearly every item finding a new home.
Several cards also made headlines during the auction, with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5 setting a new record for its grade at $564,000. A complete 1952 Topps master set, featuring a PSA 6 Mantle, fetched $264,000, while a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card sold for a record $63,000. A George Brett rookie card, one of only 11 Gem Mint 10s registered by PSA, realized $150,000, further solidifying the enduring appeal of vintage sports cards.
In addition to cards, high-value unopened material also drew considerable interest, with a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box selling for $372,000 and a PSA 9 graded Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from the same set bringing in $198,000. A 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack graded PSA 7 went for $138,000, while a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card graded PSA 8 fetched $186,000, rounding out the diverse range of items on offer.
The Heritage Sports Auction not only showcased the passion and investment in sports memorabilia but also highlighted the historical significance and financial value of these rare collectibles, cementing their status as coveted pieces of sports history.
