Mark Wells’ situation aside, the sale of memorabilia that once played a big role in an athlete’s life isn’t always about a need for cash.
Some just get tired of looking at it.
Others have no heirs to give it to.
Most figure they’ve had it long enough and are ready to trade it for cash to help themselves, their favorite charities or family members.
It’s a good deal for the players who are in a special position to own valuable assets they can live without. It works for the auction houses, who rely on phone calls from those once affiliated with big time sports to keep the bank deposits growing. Any beneficiaries of the final realized prices are smiling too.
But when is the right decision to sell and just what are the reasons former players offer for parting with such pieces of sports history?
L.A. Daily news’ columnist Tom Hoffarth delved into that question in this column that focuses on some current and past auctions.
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