The Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction dazzled collectors and sports enthusiasts alike with its impressive lineup of iconic memorabilia. Leading the pack were standout pieces from baseball legends Roberto Clemente and Ted Williams, showcasing the enduring allure of sports history.
The crown jewel of the auction was a 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey, a vest-style road flannel that commanded a staggering $256,714 price tag. This exceptional piece, donned during Clemente’s stellar year, received a glowing grade from SGC, underscoring its exceptional quality and impeccable preservation.
Not to be outdone, a Ted Williams jersey from his legendary 1942 season stole the spotlight, fetching an impressive $191,563. This special jersey, gifted to a dedicated Fenway Park fan and tailored for a better fit, stands as the sole known jersey from Williams’ remarkable 1942 campaign, making it a prized find for collectors. Adding to the allure was a Williams warm-up jacket from the 1940s, which sold for $40,920, further enhancing the auction’s appeal.
The auction also featured a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, a cherished family heirloom that drew bids reaching $102,694. This pristine piece also bore the signatures of Al Simmons and George Earnshaw, adding to its historical significance. Additionally, a 1920s Ruth-Lou Gehrig signed photo and a 1949 Jackie Robinson card with a PSA grade of 9 autograph commanded impressive prices of $131,066 and $85,772, respectively.
A standout gem in the auction was a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded 8 by PSA. This rare collectible sparked intense bidding, culminating in a jaw-dropping final price of $232,847, marking a significant milestone in the PMG Championship card market.
Delving into unopened sports memorabilia, the auction featured treasures like a 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box, a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, and a 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy, which commanded a notable $165,479.
Game-worn memorabilia also took center stage, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and items from sports icons like Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas drawing substantial interest and commanding high bids. The diverse array of offerings at the Lelands Winter Classic Auction truly encapsulated the rich tapestry of sports history, captivating both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of sports memorabilia.
