Timed with the first pitch of the 2017 World Series, Goldin Auction is celebrating one of the most famous “fictitious” moments in baseball history with a special three-lot auction featuring autographed baseballs signed by current and former MLB players and other celebrities, many of whom took part in the famous “Home at the Bat” episode of The Simpsons that aired 25 years ago.
The full purchase price of each of the three baseballs will be donated to The Jackie Robinson Foundation.
The auction is open for bidding through Tuesday, October 24 at 9 PM ET.
The baseballs were donated by the producers of the Springfield of Dreams episode. Each has 23 different signatures including: Aaron Judge, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Ken Griffey Jr., Steve Sax, Ozzie Smith, Jose Canseco, Mike Scioscia, Bob Costas, Joe Buck, Dr. Oz, Tim Gunn, Jim Cramer, George Will, Bill De Blasio, Al Jean, Dr. Drew, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nick Offerman, John Thorn, Jeff Idelson and Ezra Klein.
The epic auction description/game recap should bring a smile to any fan of the popular cartoon.
25 years ago history was made when Homer Simpson led the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant to the softball championship over bitter rival Shelbyville Nuclear Power Plant. Simpson was called into action for what turned out to be the last and winning plate appearance of the game.
Star “employees” like Wade Boggs, Ken Griffey Jr., Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Mike Scioscia, St
eve Sax and Jose Canseco were forced out of action due to a series of unfortunate mishaps. Daryl Strawberry manned his right field position and blasted nine home runs to pace Springfield. Simpson, who was the only player that had not appeared in the game, was called on to pinch-hit for Strawberry with the bases loaded in the last inning during the deadlock.
In what turned out to be a shrewd move, Springfield manager C. Montgomery Burns played the percentages by replacing the left-handed hitting Strawberry for the right-handed hitting Simpson to face Shelbyville’s left-handed pitcher. Simpson took one for the team as he was plunked in the noggin to force in the game winning and championship winning run. In a show of gratitude the Springfield team hoisted an unconscious Simpson around the diamond.
The episode and the show are featured at the National Baseball Hall of Fame to commemorate the 25th anniversary.
Each ball comes with a Letter of Authenticity with the Springfield of Dreams Logo.
