Mickey Mantle, Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth. When it comes to auctions, these three stars command the most attention. That scenario is no different in RR Auction’s upcoming sale. The Boston-based company is offering seven Mantle items, 11 items related to Jordan and ten that include Ruth in its latest memorabilia auction, which begins Aug. 13. Other stars include Honus Wagner, … [Read more...]
Mickey Mantle’s 1953 NY Yankees contract sold for $39,237
He was paid $17,500—the equivalent of over $168,000 today. Mickey Mantle was 22 years old and living a pretty good life as his Hall of Fame career began to take off. The contract he signed with the New York Yankees just prior to spring training sold late Wednesday night for more than double the dollars on that pact. RR Auctions sold the four-page American … [Read more...]
Mantle Contract, Gehrig Check, 2nd Ranked 1956 Topps Set Headline RR Auction Catalog
Mickey Mantle’s 1953 Yankees contract, a Lou Gehrig payroll check and the second ranked master set on PSA’s Set Registry are among the items on the block through June 10 at RR Auctions. The four-page Mantle contract is dated February 23, 1953. Mantle agrees to render "skilled services as a baseball player during the year 1953" for the New York Yankees, for a salary of … [Read more...]
2nd Best 1956 Topps Set; Mantle Cards Headline RR Auction Catalog
One of the hobby’s best sets of 1956 Topps baseball cards is among the items up for bids in the upcoming sports catalog from RR Auction. The second best Master Set on the PSA Registry, the 354-card accumulation carries a 9.44 set rating, with nearly every card graded either a 9 or 10. The set includes the 342 standard cards along with 12 additional scarce team card … [Read more...]
Ruth’s 1932 Contract Reaches Nearly $300,000 at Auction
He was still the greatest attraction in sports and paid like it, but even Babe Ruth fell victim to the Great Depression. The Bambino took what for him was unprecedented—a pay cut. That $75,000 pact he signed with the New York Yankees in 1932 just sold for a lot more. Boston-based RR Auctions has sold the “George Herman Ruth” signed contract, dated March 16, … [Read more...]
Notes: Small Town Shop Thrives; Charity Shows Draw Collectors; RR Auction TV Segment
Card shops don't have to be in big cities to succeed. If you can diversify and if you're in an area with a lot of families to can't get enough sports--and baseball in particular--success is possible. Hoopeston is a town of a little over 5,000 in east central Illinois that not only sells cards and memorabilia, but manages to bring in some autograph guests … [Read more...]
Legendary Player Contracts, Goudey Lajoie, Vintage Sets Headline RR Auction
RR Auction has launched its latest major catalog sale, one that features what it says is the most significant collection of history-making player contracts ever offered. Among those up for grabs: a 1932 New York Yankees contract where Ruth takes a pay cut signed amidst the Great Depression. It dates to the legend of Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert asking Ruth to … [Read more...]
Notes: Rare Cards in RR Auction; Matty Signed Ball Video; Mint ’61 Fleer Set Bidding; Blues Police Set
RR Auctions’ first sports-only catalog auction opened on Friday with over 650 lots on the block including the only PSA graded example of the Old Judge Jim O’Rourke cabinet card. The OJ cabinets were mail in premiums, and are very scarce. It’s believed this is the first time one has been offered at auction. Also up for grabs is an 1895 Mayo’s Cut … [Read more...]
RR Auction Set to Launch First Sports-Only Sale
RR Auction has been selling historic, entertainment, space and other collectibles for 40 years. Next month, the Boston-based company will launch its first auction dedicated strictly to sports memorabilia, with more than 650 items scheduled to go on the block including some rare baseball cards, championship rings, autographed items and game-used memorabilia. The auction is set … [Read more...]