Bidding for a Chicago Cubs home pinstripe jersey worn by Ernie Banks in 1968 soared past $33,000 in the opening 24 hours of bidding as SCP Auctions launched its 2015 Mid-Summer Classic.
The jersey, given by Banks to a family friend and photo matched to images of him wearing it that season, is one of only a small number of confirmed Banks game jerseys still in existence. For more than 40 years it has been in the possession of a Cubs-loving family from Chicago.
The family’s second son, Jeff Berman, acquired the jersey directly from Banks in 1974. “Mr. Cub” handed it to the then 21-year-old as a token of his appreciation for coaching Ernie’s fraternal twin boys, Jerry and Joey, in basketball at a local Boys’ Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is where the Cubs used to play their spring training games. Berman then gifted the jersey four years later to his nephew, Randy “Boomer” Berman, on the latter’s actual birthday: Dec. 14, 1978.
It’s estimated the jersey could bring more than $150,000 before the auction ends Saturday, August 22.
The auction includes nearly 1,000 lots including Great Britain goaltender Jimmy Foster’s 1936 Winter Olympics hockey gold medal, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1960’s used custom golf bag and clubs, a complete 1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folder PSA-graded set currently ranked No. 2 on the PSA Set Registry, and Ted Williams’ 1950-51 game-worn and signed Boston Red Sox home jersey.
The estate collections of former New York Yankees pitcher Johnny Murphy, a bullpen specialist during the ‘30s and ‘40s , and Hall of Fame basketball coach Chuck Daly – two-time NBA champion and orchestrator of the original “Dream Team” – are also being featured.
1936 Winter Olympics Gold Medal Presented to Great Britain Goaltender Jimmy Foster
At the 1936 Winter Olympic Games, 11 British Canadians came together to make history by leading Great Britain to its only Olympic gold medal in ice hockey. Between the pipes for the Brits was goaltender Jimmy Foster, who cemented the team’s legacy by allowing just three goals over seven games and posting four shutouts during the tournament.
In addition to winning the gold medal, Great Britain stopped Canada’s undefeated Olympic winning streak at 20 games with a 2-1 victory in the final.
The 1936 Olympic medals were the largest and heaviest ever awarded to Olympic athletes. Estimate: $150,000.
1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folder PSA Graded Complete Set
The second finest listed on the PSA Set Registry, this 1912 issue carries a 6.34 GPA. After completing and selling what was then considered the finest T206 PSA Graded set over 15 years ago, the consignor then turned his efforts toward building the finest T202 Hassan Triple Folder PSA Graded set. His efforts these past many years resulted in the this set, with almost 50% of the cards PSA NM 7 or better and over 75% in PSA EX-MT 6 or better.Estimate: $125,000.
Important 1960’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Used Custom Golf Bag and Full Set
Eisenhower’s used custom golf bag and full set of specially engraved “General Ike” Spalding clubs were used more than once at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the home of the Masters Tournament. The clubs were designed by the great Bobby Jones who customized them with built-up grips for Ike’s arthritic hands as Eisenhower suffered from bursitis.
The red leather golf bag stands 35” tall and has “General Ike” emblazoned across the front in white and includes four red leather head covers. The four Spalding Hydro sealed woods – 1, 2, 3 and 4 – are all registered and engraved “General Ike” with five stars on the bottom and serial numbered in red 1AAAAAA. The accompanying irons – 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 – include pitching and sand wedges that are all similarly engraved on the back of the club heads with “General Ike” and the five stars. Estimate: $75,000+.
Ted Williams’ 1950-51 Boston Red Sox Autographed and Game-Worn Home Jersey
The 31-year-old Williams was enjoying another noteworthy season in 1950 and earned his eighth All-Star Game nod. Playing in the Mid-Summer Classic in Chicago on July 11, Williams found himself racing to catch a line drive by Pirates’ slugger Ralph Kiner with his momentum carrying him into the Comiskey Park scoreboard. Williams made the catch but suffered a broken left arm in the process.
Despite missing 43% of the season, Williams still batted .317 with 28 home runs and 97 RBI.
Williams’ autographed and game-worn Boston Red Sox home jersey dates from that memorable season. The left sleeve features a restored original American League Golden Anniversary Patch (1901-1951) that would not have been uncommon to find on a jersey originally issued in 1950. Estimate: $75,000.
The Johnny Murphy Estate Collection
Murphy, a 6’ 2” right-hander, was a closer before that role was even created. The New York Yankee clubs he played on were some of the most powerful teams of all time, winning consecutive World Series titles from 1936 to 1939, and again in 1941 and 1943. He led the A.L. in wins for a relief pitcher seven times. In eight World Series games, Murphy won two, lost none, saved four, and posted an ERA of 1.10. In all, he was on seven World Series winning teams, the most of any pitcher in history.
Top items include his 1938 New York Yankees World Championship gold pocket watch, a 1938 New York Yankees (World Champions) large format 19″ by 11″ team-signed photo, a 1937 American League All-Star team-signed baseball, and a couple of Babe Ruth autographed photos inscribed to Johnny Murphy.
The Chuck Daly Estate Collection
The late Chuck Daly was a former NBA head coach who led the Detroit Pistons to consecutive titles in 1989 and ‘90, and the United States Men’s Olympic Basketball Team – nicknamed the “Dream Team” – to the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
During the course of his prolific coaching career, Daly picked up several mementoes and pieces of sports memorabilia including a 1992 U.S. Men’s Basketball Dream Team signed and painted game-used ball from the historic Olympic gold medal clinching victory over Croatia. More than two dozen items are featured.
The auction will be conducted online atwww.scpauctions.com. For more information on how to participate, visit www.scpauctions.com or call (949) 831-3700.
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