The Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction has left sports memorabilia enthusiasts buzzing with excitement following record-breaking sales of iconic items. Among the standout pieces were a 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey and a Ted Williams jersey from his extraordinary 1942 season, both fetching impressive sums.
The 1960 Roberto Clemente jersey stole the show by fetching a remarkable $256,714. This vest-style road flannel, worn during a standout year for Clemente, earned an excellent grade from SGC, underlining its top-notch quality and impeccable preservation. Collectors were quick to recognize the historical significance of this piece, driving up the bidding to unprecedented levels.
Not to be outdone, the Ted Williams jersey from his 1942 campaign garnered significant attention, selling for $191,563. This unique jersey, a gift to a dedicated Fenway Park fan and expertly altered for a better fit, stands as the lone known jersey from Williams’ memorable 1942 season. Its scarcity and historical value made it a coveted item for collectors seeking rare and significant pieces of baseball history.
Adding to the allure of the auction were additional Ted Williams items, including a 1940s warm-up jacket that fetched $40,920. These artifacts from the legendary player’s career provided bidders with a glimpse into baseball history and a chance to own a piece of Williams’ legacy.
The auction also featured a baseball signed by Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, fetching bids as high as $102,694. This cherished family heirloom not only bore the signatures of two baseball legends but also included autographs from Al Simmons and George Earnshaw, further enhancing its historical appeal. Additionally, a 1920s signed photo of Ruth and Lou Gehrig fetched $131,066, while a 1949 Jackie Robinson card with a PSA grade of 9 autograph sold for $85,772, captivating collectors with their historical significance.
A standout item that sparked fierce bidding was a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card. Graded 8 by PSA, this rare card sold for an impressive $232,847, marking a significant event in the auction market for PMG Championship cards and highlighting the enduring popularity of sports trading cards among collectors.
Unopened sports memorabilia also made waves at the auction, with items such as a 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box and a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box drawing considerable interest. Additionally, a 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy sold for $165,479, adding a touch of equestrian history to the diverse range of offerings.
Game-worn items were another highlight of the auction, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and memorabilia from sports icons like Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas attracting significant interest and commanding high bids. These items provided fans and collectors with a rare opportunity to own a piece of sports history and connect with the legacies of their favorite athletes.
Overall, the Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction was a resounding success, offering a diverse array of exceptional sports memorabilia and attracting enthusiastic bidders eager to own a piece of sporting history.
