Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago is set to captivate baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike with its impressive collection of autographed baseballs. Featuring over 570 lots, this auction offers a treasure trove of memorabilia signed by some of the game’s greatest players, including Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente, among others. The extensive nature and excitement surrounding this collection make it one of the most noteworthy offerings from the auction house.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, is thrilled by the depth and breadth of the collection, stating that it is one of the most extensive and exciting ones the auction house has ever presented. With such prestigious autographs and rare signatures from baseball Hall of Famers, this auction promises to be a notable event.
One standout piece that is expected to generate significant interest is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees. This particular ball holds special significance as it marks Babe Ruth’s final year with the team. The signatures of Ruth, his famous teammate Lou Gehrig, as well as other Hall of Famers like Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri, grace the ball, which comes with authentication letters from PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, guaranteeing its provenance.
Another unique item on offer is a baseball from the deadball era, signed by a diverse group that includes Cy Young and the first baseball commissioner, Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis. Adding to its rarity, the ball also features the signatures of Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw, making it an extraordinary collector’s item. The item is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
The auction also showcases other notable items, such as 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 signed by luminaries like Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron. Collectors will also find signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, featuring legendary players like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove.
The Having a Ball timed online auction is currently open for bids through Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The lots are scheduled to close sequentially, starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. To ensure fairness, the auction implements a system where if a bid is placed within the final minute before a lot’s closing time, the bidding period is extended by five minutes. This allows all interested parties to have a fair chance to participate, without affecting the closing times of other lots.
Don’t miss your opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. Explore the extensive collection of autographed baseballs at Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction and place your bids now. Whether you’re a passionate collector or simply a baseball fan, this auction offers a unique chance to acquire memorabilia from some of the game’s most iconic figures.