You never know when or where you will meet someone who will change your life forever. It’s often a chance encounter that rewrites the course of history—a reminder to us that any new friendship is worth nurturing. For Johnny Bench, it was a man named Alan Horwitz who he had met at a hypnotist show in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1967 while he was a young catcher for the Reds … [Read more...]
Bruce Smith’s 1941 Heisman, Mantle’s Watch Top SCP Sale
The 1941 Heisman Trophy Award presented to University of Minnesota star Bruce Smith two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor sold for $376,618 as SCP Auctions closed out its final auction of 2020. The trophy had first sold to collector Gary Cypres when consigned by Smith's family in 2005. It was on display at his Sports Museum of Los Angeles for several … [Read more...]
Astros Demand World Series Ring Be Pulled from Auction
A 2017 Houston Astros World Series ring has been pulled from a fundraising auction over legal claims. Goldin Auctions says the team demanded they pull the ring from their current catalog because the original owner of the ring, scout David Brito, signed an agreement that allegedly provided the Astros the right to buy the ring back for $1. The ring had … [Read more...]
Proceeds from First Astros World Series Ring to Hit Auction to Benefit COVID-19 Causes
Say what you will about how they earned it, but some good will come from the Houston Astros' 2017 World Series title. The consignor of the first Astros World Series ring to hit the auction block is turning over his net proceeds to help COVID-19 related causes. Goldin Auctions has the ring in its Spring Auction. It was originally presented to scout David Brito, whose … [Read more...]
Jack Quinn’s 1929 World Series Ring Holds Hurler’s Historic Place
Jack Quinn didn’t reach the big leagues until age 25 in 1909 but he made up for it. Quinn pitched from the era of T206 to the dawn of bubble gum cards. While his age was always a bit of a mystery, Quinn was still pitching in relief as he pushed toward age 50 and won a pair of World Series titles as a member of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia A’s in 1929 and … [Read more...]
Cubs World Series Ring Pulled from Auction; Scout Gone
When it comes to the World Series rings they handed out to staff members, the Chicago Cubs are being as protective as a momma bear. A 2016 ring that had been consigned to Lelands’ current auction has been pulled after conversations between the team and the auction company. Bidding for the ring had surpassed $65,000 before it was removed from the auction catalog late … [Read more...]
Mize’s 1949 World Series Ring, Cepeda’s MVP Award Top Slugger Bidding
The 1949 World Series ring presented to Hall of Famer Johnny Mize after the New York Yankees' victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers sold for $74,750 in the 13th Annual Louisville Slugger sale conducted by Hunt Auctions Saturday. The 10K gold ring features "New York Yankees World Champions' lettering on the top, encircling a central inset diamond of approx. 1/4 carat weight. … [Read more...]
Notes: Rings Stolen in Toronto; Craigslist Trouble in Cleveland
Canadian law enforcement officers are hoping tips from the public can lead to the recovery of some stolen jewelry including two valuable pieces of sports memorabilia. Toronto Police say a 1977 Montreal Canadiens Stanley Cup ring and a 1993 Toronto Blue Jays World Series ring, similar to those pictured here, were taken during a July 1 home burglary. It happened in the … [Read more...]
Ted Williams Uniform Sells for $137,274
A 1954-55 Ted Williams “Harry Agganis” game-worn uniform sold for $137,274 in the Lelands.com spring 2014 Catalog Auction on July 25. The auction also featured a full ticket from the 1964 Cassius Clay/Sonny Liston fight ($12,947), a 1944 Cy Young handwritten signed letter ($12,947) and a Saratoga Race Track cast iron grandstand seat from the Harry M. Stevens collection … [Read more...]
Johnny Pesky, Kid Nichols Items Top Fenway Auction
Memorabilia from the estate of the late Red Sox great Johnny Pesky and 19th century pitcher Charles “Kid” Nichols was sold via Hunt Auctions over the weekend. The top selling item was the 2004 World Series ring the team gave Pesky as a token of respect. It sold for $69,000 including the buyer’s premium. Pesky, who died at age 92 in 2012, was a legend in Boston and the sale … [Read more...]