Auction enthusiasts and baseball fanatics alike are in for a treat as Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago presents an extraordinary collection of autographed baseballs. With over 570 lots on offer, this auction boasts an impressive array of signed baseballs from some of the greatest players in the history of the game. From Ty Cobb to Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig to Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente to other baseball Hall of Famers, this collection has it all.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, expressed his excitement about the breadth and depth of the collection. He stated that this collection is one of the most extensive and exciting that the auction house has ever brought forward. Clearly, this auction is a dream come true for collectors and enthusiasts looking for unique and rare pieces.
One standout piece that is expected to garner significant interest is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees, which holds special significance as it was Babe Ruth’s last year with the team. This ball is adorned with signatures from Ruth, his famed teammate Lou Gehrig, and other Hall of Famers like Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri. To ensure its provenance, the ball comes with authentication letters from PSA and Beckett Authentication Services.
Adding to the allure of this auction is a unique ball from the deadball era, which is signed by a diverse group including Cy Young and the first baseball commissioner, Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis. What makes this ball truly extraordinary is the presence of signatures from Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw. This makes it a truly remarkable collector’s item, complete with a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
Among the other highlights of the auction is 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 such as Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron. Additionally, collectors will have the opportunity to acquire signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, which feature legends like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove.
The Having a Ball timed online auction is currently open for bids via Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The lots are scheduled to close sequentially starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. To ensure fair participation, the auction features a unique system where if a bid is placed in the final minute before a lot is set to close, the bidding period for that lot is extended by five minutes. This ensures that all interested parties have a fair chance to participate. It is important to note that this extended bidding process does not affect the closing times of other lots.
In conclusion, the Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and baseball enthusiasts to acquire autographed baseballs from some of the game’s greatest players. With rare signatures, authentication from renowned services, and a unique bidding system, this auction is set to create a buzz among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of baseball history!
