Money Woes Put Dykstra Memorabilia Into Auction

He was a key player on the 1986 New York Mets World Series championship team.

Fan favorite Lenny Dykstra, known as 'Nails' for his toughness and durability, was never one to shy away from an opinion. He parlayed his baseball career into what appeared to be a successful business.

Now, though, he has creditors after him.

Dykstra has filed for bankruptcy and as his net worth plummets, he's been attempting to sell off his memorabilia. His 1986 World Series ring, a game-used ball from the Series and other items are part part of Heritage Auctions current sale.

"The trophy and the ring are each expected to sell for $20,000 or more," said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage Auctions. The auction is set to close as part of the company's October 1-2 event in Dallas.

According to Heritage, Dykstra's unclaimed items were consigned to the auction by Yossi Dina, 'the Pawnbroker to the Rich and Famous' who owns the South Beverly Wilshire Jewelry and Loan in Beverly Hills.

The pawn shop also consigned two other unclaimed items from Dykstra: his autographed, game-winning 9th inning home run baseball he hit in game three of the 1986 National League Championship Series playoff against Houston that is expected to sell for $4,000 or more and his 1993 Philadelphia National League Championship ring that is expected to bring $10,000 or more in the auction.

"These are treasures from the baseball career of one of the most fascinating figures in modern sports; a scrappy lead-off hitter for the 1986 World Champion New York Mets and 1993 National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies who is remembered for his clutch hits, bench-clearing brawls and bulging a cheek of chewing tobacco," said Ivy.

Dykstra had a post-baseball reputation as an astute business person operating a chain of car washes, a real estate development company and a charter airline service. He filed for bankruptcy in July.