Pittsburgh Courier sportswriter Wendell Smith wrote an encouraging letter to Jackie Robinson on Feb. 4, 1947. Smith told Robinson, a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league farm team in Montreal, that “You should not worry about the plans they have for you.” “As I see it you are definitely going to get a chance,” Smith wrote. “All you have to do is keep a cool head, … [Read more...]
1993 Derek Jeter SP Rookie Brings $180,000 in Memory Lane Auction
Just ahead of his certain election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, one of 22 1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter rookie cards graded 10 by PSA sold for a record-setting $180,000 as Memory Lane closed out the hobby’s first major auction of 2020 early Sunday morning. The SP Jeter saw records established and fall three times in a span of five weeks, with the Memory Lane sale topping … [Read more...]
Cuban Photographer’s 1947 Image of Jackie Robinson Arrives at Auction
The path ahead wouldn’t always be so pleasant but in March of 1947, a slight smile crossed his face as he touched home plate after hitting a home run for the Montreal Royals. Cuba was a fairly welcoming place and the Army veteran was getting the opportunity to showcase his baseball skills in front of other big league players, coaches and managers. Soon he’d be … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Jackie Robinson’s Last Game Before Historic Debut
His general manager had made the announcement to the press just four days earlier: Jackie Robinson's contract had been purchased from the Brooklyn Dodgers' minor league affiliate in Montreal. Branch Rickey had seen all he needed to see of Robinson's ability but it would be important to get him on the field in a Dodgers uniform prior to the team's opening game on … [Read more...]
Holzman’s 1970 NBA Championship Ring, Vin Scully’s 1st Contract Among Top SCP Sellers
A collection of 35 items consigned by the family of legendary New York Knicks coach Red Holzman sold for more than $300,000 late Saturday night as SCP Auctions closed its Summer Premier Auction. The ring given to Holzman for bringing the team its first NBA championship in 1970 brought the top price in the for $107,482. The game-used net cut down after the … [Read more...]
Historic Jackie Robinson Debut Photo/Newspaper Copy at Auction
He would face tough days ahead but Jackie Robinson’s major league debut generated profound respect from those smart enough to realize the importance of what he had done. On April 16, 1947, the day after he played in his first regular season game at Ebbets Field, International News produced an extraordinary piece made available to newspapers across the country. … [Read more...]