Marino is Hot; Palmiero is Not in Vintage Authentics Auction
Historic Wagner Bat Goes for $189,117 In Company’s $1.5 Million Auction
Gehrig Jersey, circa 1933-’34, Brings $253,000
A much heralded, locally-produced Honus Wagner bat, possibly used in the first World Series (1903) and
given to Hillerich & Bradsby to create the company’s first "signature" Louisville Slugger
for Wagner, went for $189,117 in an auction conducted by Vintage Authentics which concluded early Friday
morning (prices include buyer’s premium).
Lou Gehrig’s road jersey from the 1933-34 period, possibly worn when Carl Hubbell fanned him (and four
other Hall of Famers, consecutively) in the ’34 All Star Game, went for $253,000.
The $1.5 million auction, the best ever for the company, provided additional newsworthy items as well. Dan
Marino’s jersey worn in the 1985 Monday Night Football game that broke the Chicago Bears’ unbeaten season,
sold for $25,652, to set a record for modern day NFL jerseys (covering the last 30 years). Marino was installed
last week in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, a game used Rafael Palmiero bat offered as part of a collection of 500 home run and 3,000 hit club
bats, drew only $765, about half of what was anticipated, and reflecting perhaps, the sudden uncertainty of his
Hall of Fame status in baseball.
But the rest of the 500 home run and 3,000 hit club bats were a sensation. Collectively (although they were offered
as separate lots), the game used 500 home run club bats went for $177,588, including $22,371 for Hank Aaron’s 745th
home run bat, $40,745 for Mickey Mantle’s 1961 All Star bat, and $32,753 for a Mel Ott game used bat.
As for the 3,000 hit club, complete save for 19th century player Cap Anson, the total collection went for $72,631.
Shoeless Joe Jackson, a member of neither club, had his Louisville Slugger bat from the 1917-1920 period (which included
the infamous 1919 campaign), going for $46,302, while his barnstorming, post-major league "Black Betsy", used
in the 1921-31 period, went for $13,561.
A Joe DiMaggio road jersey from the 1940s realized $40,745, while a Robert Clemente game used jersey from 1970-71, went
for a very impressive $30,559. The uniform could have been worn during his MVP performance in the ’71 World Series.
Also noteworthy: Herschel Walker’s game used George Bulldogs college helmet went for an amazing $13,637, and his jersey
from the same period, $8,520. A Rogers Hornsby 1928 game used flannel jersey (Boston Braves), brought $30,613 and a
DiMaggio bat from 1946 brought $23,100.
An unexpectedly high price was realized for a baseball signed by the 1977 world champion New York Yankees, $16,602.
The ball included manager Billy Martin, coach Yogi Berra, Thurman Munson, Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Catfish
Hunter, and current N.L. East rival managers Willie Randolph and Bobby Cox, who was a coach on the team.
Vintage Authentics is a sports memorabilia auction company based in Golden Valley, MN. Steve Jensen, Mark Redmond
and Ryan Guldberg are the founders, partners and co-CEOs. The company’s next auction will end on Thursday, November
17, and has a consignment deadline of September 9. Visit www.vintageauthentics.com or call 866-304-3090 for more information.
Source: Vintage Authentics
Date: August 14, 2005
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