A group of historically significant items from the family of Charles and Horace Stoneham, former owners of one of baseball’s oldest franchises, is now up for auction. Uniforms once worn by Willie Mays, stock certificates from the 19th century and a pair of historic game-used cleats are all part of the consignment to the annual MLB All-Star Live Auction that launched Monday and will culminate with a live finale in Los Angeles next month.
The Stonehams operated the New York/San Francisco Giants from 1919 to 1976. The Giants appeared in six World Series in New York, winning in 1921, 1922 and 1933. Charles Stoneham passed away in 1936 with son Horace taking over and continuing the club’s winning ways with pennants in 1936, 1937, 1951 and 1962 along with a World Series title in 1962.
Notably, Horace re-located the Giants franchise to San Francisco in 1958 which while controversial was necessitated by economic factors. The Giants remain one of the crown jewels of Major League Baseball with a rich history dating to the late 19th century ranking among the most significant of any team. Many of the items within the collection relate to some of the most iconic names and moments in baseball history having not been previously displayed to the public.
“Each year, the MLB All-Star Game brings the very best of baseball to cities and fans across the country. Similarly, the annual live auction showcases the very finest historic baseball memorabilia which this year will be highlighted by the Charles and Horace Stoneham Collection,” remarked David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions. “The significance and scarcity of the collection is of the highest measure promising to establish record pricing in several categories.”
The archive includes items from the Giants franchise that actually date to the 19th century, prior to Charles’ purchase of the franchise. All of the material has been in the family’s possession and is being offered for the first time including Bobby Thomson’s cleats with written attribution to his “Shot Heard ‘Round the World in 1951 that pushed the Giants past the rival Dodgers and into the World Series. The shoes, with dirt still adhered to the bottom, are expected to sell for a six-figure price.
Other Stoneham Family Collection Highlight Items:
-1972 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants professional model home uniform (Est. $50,000-$100,000)
-1972 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants professional model road uniform (Est. $50,000-$100,000)
-1891 Tim Keefe and John Ward autographed New York Giants stock certificate (Est. $10,000-$15,000)
-1891 John Ward autographed New York Giants stock certificate (Est. $7,500-$12,500)
-1891 Buck Ewing autographed New York Giants stock certificate (Est. $10,000-$15,000)
-1891 Tim Keefe autographed New York Giants stock certificate (Est. $7,500-$12,500)
Several private collections and museum caliber individual pieces will be hammered down during the 475+ lot sale. Most notable among the group are two freshly discovered game used Ted Williams: a game model bat dating to 1948 and a 1950s home jersey.
Other Private Collection Highlight Items:
-1971 Vida Blue American League MVP award (Est. $50,000-$75,000)
-Babe Ruth single signed baseball (Est. $20,000-$40,000)
-1959 Pee Wee Reese Los Angeles Dodgers World Series ring (Est. $40,000-$60,000)
-1955 Joe Black Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring (Est. $25,000-$50,000)
-1964 Roberto Clemente professional model bat (PSA/DNA GU9) (Est. $15,000-$25,000)
-1968 Johnny Bench rookie season bat (PSA/DNA GU9) (Est. $15,000-$25,000)
-1988 Jose Canseco American League MVP award (Est. $40,000-$60,000)
-1955 Topps Jackie Robinson autographed card (PSA/DNA 8 NM-MT) (Est. $15,000-$20,000)
-1919 Babe Ruth Boston Red Sox photograph (PSA/DNA Type I) (Est. $25,000-$50,000)
Also featured within the auction are items from lifelong collector Jay Turkey, whose expertise in vintage flannel jerseys has long been sought after by hobbyists and auction professionals alike.
Jay Turek Collection Highlights:
-1947 George Case Washington Senators home uniform (Est. $5,000-$7,500)
-1956 Clem Labine Brooklyn Dodgers home uniform (Est. $5,000-$7,500)
-1950 Bill Nicholson Philadelphia Phillies home uniform (Est. $3,000-$5,000)
-1962 Aaron Pointer Houston Colt 45s home uniform (Est. $7,500-$12,500)
Hunt Auctions will once again conduct a complimentary appraisal fair in Los Angeles leading up to the auction.
More information is available on the company’s website.
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