Items from the personal collections of two well-known former Major League Baseball managers are among more than 600 lots being offered by Worthridge Auctions in its newly-launched Spring online auction.
A variety of game-worn and game-used equipment, awards, autographs and other items from the estates of Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams and long-time skipper Jim Fregosi are in the auction, which is now open and slated to run through May 24.
Numerous awards, autographs, and equipment items belonging to Williams, who spent several years in the big leagues and then became a highly successful manager, are being offered. Williams became manager of the Red Sox after they had several losing seasons and plummeting attendance, and he famously vowed to “win more ballgames than we lose.” Although they lost the 1967 World Series, Williams was named Major League Manager of the Year by The Sporting News. He later led the famous 1970s Oakland Athletics to back-to-back World Series titles.
Among the items up for bid are his Hall of Fame induction watch, his first major league home run ball, the lineup card from the day in 1955 when he played all nine positions, a Leroy Neiman original illustration of Williams and fellow Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, a handwritten note and signed baseball from former President George H.W. Bush, a signed photo Williams received from former President Jimmy Carter and several World Series and All-Star bats from his career.
There are also items from Williams’ son, Rick, a former big league pitching coach and current Atlanta Braves scout.
A six-time all-star with four different teams as a player in the 1960s and early 70s, Fregosi was one of the last members of the “original” LA Angels to retire at which time he began his career as their manager. He also managed three other big league teams from 1978-2000. His number 11 was retired by the Angels in 1998.
Fregosi’s 1993 National League Championship ring is among the premier items 
in the auction, which also includes his 1996 All-Star Game ring, his Angels Hall of Fame induction ring, a personalized, signed photo from former President Richard Nixon, numerous game-worn jerseys and a lot of 72 1994 All-Star Game signed baseballs.
Worthridge is also offering hundreds of autographed sports memorabilia items. To be eligible for extended bidding, final bids must be submitted before the deadline at 10:00 pm eastern time on May 24.
To register and bid in the auction, visit Worthridge.com, email [email protected] or call (877) 539-3952.
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