The collection of cards squirreled away by Tampa, FL neurologist Thomas Newman included some of the highest graded examples of many of the hobby’s most popular and sought after issues. As we first reported earlier this week, over 1,000 of them will go up for auction through Memory Lane beginning next month, including a Babe Ruth rookie card, mint condition 1933 Goudey Ruths and a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle that was originally part of the famous “Mr. Mint” find.
It’s not all baseball, though. When the auction opens next month, collectors will see plenty of important rookie cards in every major sport–mostly vintage but some key modern ones, too.
“No one enjoyed collecting more than Tom,” said his widow, Nancy Newman. “It gave him such pleasure. The only reason he would ever sell a card was if he had acquired the same card in a higher grade.”
Dr. Newman’s son, Stewart, said as a youngster in the 1980s he happily traveled each summer across the country with his father to attend the annual National Sports Collectors Convention. “The only downside is that I never got a lunch break because he was on the go from the minute we entered the convention hall,” he recalled.
Some of Dr. Newman’s collection was stored at his Tampa medical offices where one room was filled with boxes of 1980s unopened boxes and other treasures.
WTVT in Tampa takes us inside the home vault where the late doctor kept his collection of high-grade classic cards.
Related Stories:
Ultra-High-End Auction in Works for January
Memory Lane Set to Unveil Huge Fall Rarities Auction with Two Catalog Set
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth Brings $4.2 Million in Newman Collection Auction
Jaw-Dropping Card Collection of Dr. Thomas Newman Consigned to Memory Lane; Expected to Bring $20 Million+
Lou Gehrig Jersey Sells for Record $2.58 Million
Fresh Card Find Includes 1916 Famous & Barr Ruth, Huge Pre-War Stash
