Dozens of items from the life and career of Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston will go on the auction block this summer.
SCP Auctions has announced the consignment of Alston’s memorabilia to its 2016 Mid-Summer Classic Auction, which opens during the National Sports Collectors Convention on August 3.
Alston’s collection of personal memorabilia is being consigned by his estate and includes game-worn gear, championship rings and other artifacts from his career. SCP officials say it’s the most valuable collection of managerial memorabilia since the company handled items from Casey Stengel in 2005. Highlighting the auction are Alston’s World Series rings from 1955, 1959, 1963 and 1965.
An Ohio native, Alston earned the nickname “Smokey” in high school because of his blazing fastball. He attended Miami of Ohio University where he lettered in baseball and basketball before signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1935. In 1940, when it became apparent he wasn’t in the Cardinals’ future plans as a player, Alston was given the opportunity to play and manage in their farm system. He was released by St. Louis in 1944, but was spotted by the keen eye of former Cardinals General Manager and then-Brooklyn President Branch Rickey who signed him to play and manage in the Dodgers minor league system.
Following the ‘53 season, Brooklyn Skipper Charlie Dressen insisted on a multi-year contract to continue as Dodgers’ skipper. Brooklyn Owner Walter O’Malley balked at the demand and to everyone’s surprise chose the little known Alston to pilot the club.
Alston led the Dodgers to a second place finish in 1954, then won Brooklyn’s first World Series title in 1955, defeating the Yankees in seven games. Alston moved west with the Dodgers, managing them through the 1976 season. He was named N.L. Manager of the Year six times, and led N.L. All-Star teams to seven victories. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.
Other items that will be sold among nearly 100 in total that have been consigned include:
- 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Champs Team-Signed Baseball
- Collection of Nine (9) Managerial Signed Dodgers Contracts
- 1954 Brooklyn Dodgers Game Worn Road Jersey and Pants
- 1963 Los Angeles Dodgers (World Championship Season) Game Worn Home Jersey and Pants
- Roy Campanella’s 1950’s Brooklyn Dodgers Game Worn Catcher’s Mitt Given by Campy Directly to Alston’s Granddaughter
- 1983 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Plaque• 1983 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ring
- Alston’s Personal Collection of Dozens of Important Team Signed and Single Signed Baseballs
You can register for the auction and receive a free catalog at SCPAuctions.com.
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