The first ever “photo-matched” Dream Team jersey, worn by the great Magic Johnson, is expected to fetch the top price in SCP Auctions’ 2019 Summer Premier Auction, which kicked off earlier Wednesday at SCP Auctions (SCPAuctions.com). In addition, 36 lots from the personal collection of legendary New York Knicks coach Red Holzman are featured in the sale, adding another Hall of Famer to SCP’s long list of notable estate collections as the Southern California auctioneer celebrates its 40th anniversary in the hobby. Two exceptional game-worn jerseys – a 1968 Willie Mays home and a ‘69 Ernie Banks road – will also bring big numbers by the time the auction closes Saturday evening, September 28th.
The 1992 U.S. Men’s Basketball is widely considered the greatest sports team ever assembled as they destroyed each Olympic opponent in Barcelona by an average of 44 points in taking gold. The most captivating “Dream Team” member was Earvin “Magic” Johnson who, after retiring from the NBA months earlier due to HIV, made a triumphant return at the ’92 All-Star Game and ’92 Olympics under much controversy. With his invaluable leadership and patented smile, Magic quieted the critics and won over his USA teammates. The blue USA #15 jersey being offered has been professionally photo-matched to the Quarterfinals vs. Puerto Rico and was more than likely worn multiple games during the Olympic tournament. No other Dream Team player’s jersey on record has been conclusively photo-matched. Early estimates are $150,000 and up.
The 1969 Ernie Banks jersey comes directly from longtime Chicago Cubs executive and former GM “Salty” Saltwell. All-original and photo-matched with a perfect grade from MEARS, the gray road flannel was worn by “Mr. Cub” during his 14th and final All-Star season. Fresh to the market and immaculately preserved, it should clear six figures easily since the last three Banks gamers sold by SCP Auctions averaged $150,000. The ’68 Willie Mays S.F. Giants home jersey is another game-used gem, graded MEARS A9.5 with further documentation from the team’s memorabilia expert. It also has six-figure potential.
Holzman coached the New York Knicks to their first and only two NBA titles in the early 1970s, cementing his legacy in the Big Apple forever. He passed away in 1998 and now the family has decided to part with his prized memorabilia. Most significant is his 1970 World Championship ring, a virtual unicorn in the ring market. In fact, this is the only player-level ring from the Knicks first title team ever to be offered. Red’s Hall of Fame induction ring, nets used in the 1970 and ’73 Finals clinchers, his 1970 NBA Coach of the Year trophy and vintage items from his 1940s and ‘50s playing days are among the listings.
Top trading card lots include three 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantles in varying PSA grades and a super rare SGC graded 1894 Mayo Cut Plug N302 football near set. A PSA Gem Mint 10 Rickey Henderson rookie, a T206 Sherry “Magie” (hobby’s most famous error), a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb PSA VG-EX+ 4.5 with amazing eye appeal, and two 1933 Goudey Babe Ruths in PSA EX 5 round out the key singles. There is also a diverse mix of complete/near sets, from 1951 Parkhurst and ‘53 Topps Baseball to ‘65 Topps Football and ‘86 Fleer Basketball.