Freeman’s/Hindman is currently hosting an exclusive sports memorabilia auction that is sure to set the hearts of collectors racing. The standout piece in this auction is a complete set of the 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards, presented in their original team bags—a rarity that adds to the allure of this collection. Among these prized cards lies the coveted Michael Jordan rookie card, a gem that showcases the enduring appeal of the basketball legend in the sports collectibles market.
The 1980s marked a significant time for the NBA trading card scene when the Star Company stepped in to secure the rights after Topps chose not to renew its contract. Opting for distribution through mail orders and select outlets, Star cards became scarce, especially those remaining in their original packaging. The uniqueness and historical value of these cards have propelled their prices skyward, attracting collectors worldwide.
In addition to the basketball memorabilia, the auction features fascinating pieces from baseball history. Of particular note are the three autographed baseballs signed by the iconic Babe Ruth, including one on a mini baseball where Ruth’s signature remains prominently displayed on the sweet spot, a testament to the baseball legend’s enduring popularity among sports memorabilia enthusiasts.
Complementing the allure of the auction are more Michael Jordan cards from his rookie season, including the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288, alongside a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card. Each card tells a story of Jordan’s rise to stardom in the basketball world.
For vintage card aficionados, the auction boasts an impressive array of collectibles. Standouts include a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend, featuring signatures from luminaries such as Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane, a single-signed Jimmie Foxx ball, and a 1959 Ty Cobb signed and inscribed baseball—a treasure trove for baseball history buffs.
Vintage card enthusiasts will be thrilled by the inclusion of a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8, and a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards with over 60 high numbers. The auction further features multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s, adding to its appeal for collectors of iconic sports figures.
Among the standout items are a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball bearing autographs from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a group of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by Branch Rickey, offering a glimpse into the sporting past in a tangible and collectible form.
Running through June 13 on Freeman’s/Hindman’s website, this auction not only showcases the rich history encapsulated in these collectibles but also affords sports enthusiasts and collectors the chance to own a piece of sporting lore. Whether one’s passion lies in basketball, baseball, or the broader scope of American sports history, this auction promises a treasure trove of priceless memorabilia waiting to be discovered and owned.
