It may sound like another Yankees fire sale, but this one is without a current pennant involved or Brian Cashman on the click. It is a very unique auction, and open to the public exhibition, that was announced by Christie’s this week.
The greatest collection of baseball memorabilia and photography ever offered, called The Golden Age of Baseball, Selections from the National Pastime Museum, will be a two-day auction on October 19-20 in New York.
The sale is the largest collection of baseball items to appear at an international auction house in more than 15 years. Comprised of a remarkable assemblage of game-used bats, letters, contracts, memorabilia and a treasury of vintage baseball photography, the auction spans more than 130 years from the early days of the game through modern day, with items owned and used by icons such as Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Jimmie Foxx, as well as a bat used by Derek Jeter. Letters and contracts from Ty Cobb, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and Cy Young, in addition to notable pieces relating to Jackie Robinson, Mike “King” Kelly, Roberto Clemente and Christy Mathewson are also available. It also has a large assortment of items from the Negro Leagues and the history of Cuban baseball, including Cuban Cigarrillos cards and items signed by Martin Dihigo.
“The collection, one of the most comprehensive and distinguished of its kind, includes extraordinary offerings that chronicle the profound social and cultural significance of America’s National Pastime. This is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to experience and own rare and historical memorabilia, artifacts, and photographs which tell the story of a game that continues to create passion and excitement season after season. We are honored to be presenting this collection to the public and look forward to sharing its treasures in the next months as it tours the United States and in our exhibition galleries in Rockefeller Center in October,” added Laura Paulson, Chairman, Christie’s Americas, in a statement.
For fans of the game who may not be able to afford the prices, they will be able to check the items out in October at Christie’s in Rockefeller Center. Unless things change around here it might be the only fall baseball in New York this year. Regardless, it would be worth the trip.