Larry Christenson spent 11 years as a pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies but his collecting career ramped up after his playing days ended. Now, he’s putting one of his most impressive collections up for sale.
Christenson’s extensive collection of over 120 single-signed baseballs featuring members of the Hall of Fame is among the major attractions in Hunt Auctions’ newly launched January Premier Auction.
Among the authenticated baseballs up for grabs are those featuring the signatures of Honus Wagner, Nap Lajoie, Jimmy Foxx, Hugh Duffy and other stars from the distant past. Many of the examples are considered the finest of their type within the hobby with several noted as unique surviving specimens.
“The historically significant collection of Hall of Fame single signed baseballs which Larry has amassed is simply astounding,” stated David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions. “He was well known within the hobby to have carefully curated the collection over time but to see its presentation within one venue is to be noted as a generational opportunity. Given the combination of scarcities, volume, and quality it is highly unlikely that a collection type of its equal will enter the hobby anytime in the near future.”
“LC” as he was affectionately known, played his entire eleven-year MLB career with the Philadelphia Phillies after being drafted third in the first round of the 1972 MLB Draft. Christenson was a key member of the late 1970s Phillies NL Championship teams. He’s been a member of the organization since his retirement in 1983, supporting numerous on and off the field charitable organizations, including the ALS Association.
Over the course of the last several decades, he worked to build one of the finest collections of its type in the country, purchasing rare and unique examples from various auctions and through private transactions.
“Ever since I was a youngster, I have saved and collected items as a reminder of the great times I had playing all sports,” Christenson remarked. “I have plenty of items for my family but it’s time to let go of many others for fans to enjoy.”
Christenson consigned numerous other items from his collection that are being sold inside of several different catalog sales.
A portion of the proceeds from Christenson’s collection will benefit The Masonic Children’s Home whose goal is to provide for the maintenance, development, and education of orphaned children.
Highlights from the autographed baseball collection include:
-Hugh Duffy single signed baseball (Est. $15,000-$25,000)
-Frank “Home Run” Baker single signed baseball (Est. $5,000-$10,000)
-Larry Lajoie single signed baseball (Est. $5,000-$10,000)
-Honus Wagner single signed baseball (Est. $10,000-$20,000)
-Tony Lazzeri single signed baseball (Est. $7,500-$15,000)
-Jimmie Foxx single signed baseball (Est. $5,000-$10,000)
-Hack Wilson single signed baseball (Est. $5,000-$7,500)
-Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown single signed baseball (Est. $5,000-$7,500)
The auction is now underway at HuntAuctions.com.
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