There is a reason Muhammad Ali called himself “The Greatest.” The late heavyweight champion handled a microphone better than any other boxer. “The Louisville Lip” could promote a fight or a cause better than any other athlete, taking his cue from the flamboyant professional wrestler of the 1950s, Gorgeous George. From the time he won the gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in … [Read more...]
Gehrig Memorabilia, 1924 Ruth Bat Headline Heritage Auction
Items from Lou Gehrig’s personal life—from toddler to teenager to New York city motorist—are among the unique highlights in the newly launched Heritage Platinum Night Auction. Saved and consigned by family members who inherited them, the collection includes everyday items like signed personal checks and a register with personal notes, but also a game-worn Yankees cap that’s … [Read more...]
Notes: Black Sox Photo Sells; Ruth Letter; Ali Collection to Auction; Dodgers Museum
An original Charles Conlon photo of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox outfield including Joe Jackson sold for $16,450 early Sunday in RMY Auctions’ online auction. The 6 ½ x 8 ½” image also showed fellow gambler Happy Felsh as well as clean players Nemo Leibold and Shano Collins, posing together before the start of the ill-fated series. A similar photo of the Sox infield, … [Read more...]
Ruth, Mantle Items, Rare Memorabilia Among Goldin Auctions Headliners
While fans and collectors watch the 2017 baseball postseason unfold, memorabilia from some of those who did their best work at this time of the year will be up for grabs in Goldin Auctions’ October Legends catalog. Bidding opens Friday and runs through November 11. The annual event features over 1,800 lots including Mickey Mantle’s 1959 game-worn jersey; his 1957 … [Read more...]
Notes: On-Site PSA Grading at Long Beach; Strickland’s Fight Gear at Auction
PSA is offering on-site trading card grading at the upcoming Long Beach Expo. Typically, the company only grades on site during the five-day run of the National Sports Collectors Convention. Grading will be offered Thursday, June 8 through Friday, June 9. All card submissions must be made by Friday at 11 a.m. Table holders and Early Entry badges will be offered … [Read more...]
Muhammad Ali’s 1960 Hemmets Journal “Rookie Card”
While they weren’t found in packs of bubble gum or other consumer edibles, they are gradeable--and very rare. The 1960 Hemmets Journal Cassius Clay represents the first known trading card-like image of the man who would become a global icon. One of the six rated 8 is up for auction via Memory Lane with a current high bid of just under $3,000. One of the two … [Read more...]
Consignment Of The Week: Muhammad Ali’s 10-Page Speech
Muhammad Ali was called “The Greatest,” and even his detractors had to concede he was never at a loss for words. When Leon Spinks upset Ali for the heavyweight boxing title in a split decision on Feb. 15, 1978, it was truly a stunning outcome. “I let him rob my house when I was out to lunch,” Ali said at the time. Normally, the champion gives a rematch to the defeated … [Read more...]
Ali’s WBC Title Belt, Rumble Trunks Bring $500K Combined
The first Muhammad Ali heavyweight title belt ever to come to auction sold for $358,500 late Saturday night. The belt was one of 79 high-end Ali-focused lots sold in the special event launched by Heritage Auctions late last month. The WBC began awarding belts in 1976 and it's likely Ali received it during the midway point of his three-plus year reign as champion. Ali had … [Read more...]
Ali Auction Chronicles Champ’s Career
Two weeks after its last auction generated a whopping $13 million, Heritage Auctions is expected to generate another deep seven-figure sale—all focused on the late Muhammad Ali. The auction includes the only Ali heavyweight championship belt ever to come to auction. Already online, the auction includes 79 Ali-centric lots including the trunks worn in the fabled “Rumble in … [Read more...]
Ali’s Boxing Trunks Cartoon, Hand Wrap from Wepner Bout Up for Bid
He was brash and outspoken at times, but Muhammad Ali was a also a gentle jokester in the presence of friends and admirers. Evidence of that comes in the form of a pair of boxing trunks that carry Ali’s own depiction of a fight with Joe Frazier. The trunks have been in the possession of Frank Longwell, a fan and collector from Ohio, for over 40 years. Along with one of … [Read more...]