On a regular day in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, Christopher Kidney embarked on what most would consider a routine trip to Goodwill. Typically, such visits are aimed at finding used clothing, second-hand books, or perhaps a quirky mug. Yet on this particular day, Kidney struck gold, uncovering treasures that would make any baseball enthusiast envious.
Spending a mere $20, Kidney, a fervent collector, walked away with a plethora of autographed baseball memorabilia. Among the prized items were signed cards from baseball icons such as CC Sabathia, Don Mattingly, and Chuck Knoblauch. Adding a twist to the ensemble was a Super Bowl XLII card signed by Plaxico Burress, which sprinkled a bit of football history into the mix. But the pièce de résistance was unequivocally a baseball graced with the signature of none other than Yogi Berra, the legendary catcher etching an indelible mark in the annals of baseball history.
“When I saw the names on the cards, I could tell they were real,” Kidney enthusiastically relayed to Newsweek, his discerning eye catching the brand’s genuine essence. Far from mere wishful thinking, his hunch was validated with a little help from his enthusiastic collecting community. After meticulous authentication, Kidney capitalized on his find by selling the collection privately, netting a handsome profit of over $500.
Now, Kidney didn’t just stumble upon some memorabilia; he found a deserving nod to Yogi Berra, a man whose “Yogi-isms” and illustrious career as one of baseball’s greatest catchers endear him to fans even today. Berra’s impressive record of 10 World Series wins with the Yankees is as enduring as the signatures Kidney now proudly possesses. To find a Yogi Berra signed ball just lounging unappreciated on a thrift store shelf? That’s not just serendipity—it’s nothing short of miraculous for any aficionado of America’s pastime.
Kidney didn’t keep this little adventure to himself. Known for actively participating in Reddit’s memorabilia threads, he took to the platform to share his story, captioning his post with the words, “Incredible, still shaking.” His enthusiasm resonated across the digital sphere, quickly amassing over 1,500 upvotes and prompting a cascade of comments. Fellow collectors and sports devotees alike were in awe. One jester quipped about the luck of eluding Goodwill’s in-house “Googler,” someone who might have priced the items accurately against eBay standards, thus foreclosing Kidney’s windfall opportunity. Another observer joyfully expressed simultaneous happiness and jealousy—emotions anyone outside looking in would certainly appreciate.
Remarkably, Kidney’s run of luck at Goodwill didn’t start or end with this haul. Earlier in the month, he scored a book signed in 1949 by the illustrious Honus Wagner, another lofty icon in baseball lore, for the sacrosanct sum of $1.59. “For $1.59, I found one of the greatest baseball players’ signatures ever! I’m in shock,” he gleefully detailed, attributing the blessed discovery to a touch of divine intervention through his late grandfather, who had worked with teams like the Reds and Cardinals.
Amidst what could easily descend into a narrative solely about monetary gain, Kidney fervently maintains that the venture is deeply personal. “It’s very important to me that I give credit to my family—my beloved wife Ashley—and my best friends Brad and Christopher Davisson,” he heartily affirmed. More than mere physical items, it is the communal passion, the familial bonds forged through shared interests, and the sheer exhilaration of the unexpected discovery that truly enrich Kidney.
For a baseball history enthusiast with a nose for thrift store treasure, Kidney’s experience serves as a sterling testament to keeping one’s eyes peeled. For others who visit thrift stores in search of something special or peculiar, it acts as an indelible reminder that hidden gems aren’t always created—they’re often just waiting to be found beside dusty cookbooks and retired blazers, adorned with a history that beckons to be rediscovered.
