A treasure trove of autographed baseballs from a single collector is set to captivate enthusiasts at Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago. With an impressive lineup of over 570 lots, this auction promises an unparalleled collection of baseballs adorned with the signatures of some of the greatest players to have graced the game.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, is thrilled about the extraordinary range and quality of the collection, claiming it to be one of the most extensive and exciting offerings the auction house has ever presented.
One of the standout pieces in this collection is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees, notably known as Babe Ruth’s last year with the team. This ball, featuring signatures from Ruth himself, along with his celebrated teammate Lou Gehrig, as well as other Hall of Famers like Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri, comes with authentication letters from both PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, ensuring its provenance.
An intriguing addition to the auction is a unique ball from the deadball era, boasting the signatures of legendary figures such as Cy Young, and the first baseball commissioner, Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis. The ball’s rarity is further enhanced by the signatures of Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw, making it an extraordinary collector’s item, complete with a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
Other noteworthy highlights include a high-grade 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed ball, a 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series championship ball, and a 1972 National League All-Star team ball decorated with the signatures of luminaries like Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron. Collectors will also find signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, featuring legends such as 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 are scheduled to close sequentially, starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. To ensure fair participation for all interested parties, the auction employs an extended bidding system. If a bid is placed within the final minute before a lot’s closing time, the bidding period for that lot is extended by five minutes. This approach ensures that every bidder has an equal opportunity to secure their desired items. It’s important to note that this extended bidding process does not affect the closing times of other lots.
Baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike have a unique opportunity to acquire rare and coveted autographed baseballs from some of the game’s most iconic players. Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction promises to be a thrilling event for anyone passionate about baseball history and memorabilia. So, grab your bidding paddle and get ready to swing for the fences in this exceptional auction!
