A pair of autographed game-worn shoes from late in Michael Jordan’s rookie season sold for $420,000 early Sunday through Grey Flannel Auctions.
The “Jordan 1” shoes were a gift from Jordan to a photographer he’d known during his time at the University of North Carolina. Robert Crawford met Jordan after a Bulls-Pacers game on March 26, 1986 and after scoring 38 points and grabbing nine rebounds while wearing them, the young star signed the back of each in black marker.
Among the other big ticket items in the auction was a 1943 St. Louis Cardinals jersey worn by Stan Musial in that war-time World Series. The flannel jersey and pants went for $170,071 including the buyer’s premium.
A 1970 Johnny Bench home jersey, originally obtained by a former Cincinnati Reds executive, went for $116,974. Bench won his first MVP in 1970, belting a career best 45 home runs, driving in 148 and also winning one of his 10 Gold Gloves.
A 1951 game-worn Princeton University football helmet worn by one of college football’s all-time greatest players, Dick Kazmaier, sold for $65,959. A halfback, kicker and quarterback, Kazmaier won the Heisman Trophy in 1951—the last player from an Ivy League school to win the award. The helmet had been obtained from Kazmaier prior to his death several years ago and carries his autograph and inscription.
A jersey worn by Barry Sanders, photo-matched to an October 14, 1990 game in which he ran for 225 yards and two touchdowns, netted $55,152.
Related Stories:
Jordan Rookie Shoes Gifted to Photographer Friend at Auction
Rocky Statue, Jordan’s Olympic Shoes on Block as SCP Auctions Sale Commences
Notes: Prescott Speaks on Card Controversy
Johnny Bench Consigns to All-Star Auction
Aaron, Mays, Musial Jerseys Highlight Mickel Collection, Part 2
VIDEO: Stan Musial Auction Opens
Musial Memorabilia Consigned to Heritage for Fall Auction
