A treasure trove of autographed baseballs is set to go under the hammer at Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago. This exciting event will showcase over 570 lots featuring an impressive array of baseballs signed by some of the game’s greatest players, including Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente. With other rare signatures from baseball Hall of Famers, this auction promises to be a collector’s dream.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, expressed his enthusiasm for the collection, remarking that it is one of the most extensive and exciting collections the auction house has ever presented. This sentiment speaks volumes about the quality and significance of the items up for auction.
One standout piece expected to command significant interest is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees, which holds special significance as it was Babe Ruth’s last year with the team. This historic baseball boasts signatures from Ruth himself, his famed teammate Lou Gehrig, and other Hall of Famers like Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri. The ball comes with authentication letters from PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, ensuring its provenance and enhancing its value.
Another fascinating item on offer is a rare baseball from the deadball era, bearing the signatures of legendary figures such as Cy Young and the first baseball commissioner, Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis. What makes this ball truly extraordinary is the addition of signatures from Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw, adding an intriguing twist to its appeal. With a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services, this unique collector’s item is sure to turn heads.
The auction also showcases other notable items, including a high-grade 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed ball, a 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series championship ball, and a 1972 National League All-Star team ball signed by luminaries such as Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron. For fans of baseball history, there are also signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, featuring legends like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove.
To make bidding accessible, Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction offers a timed online auction system. Bids can be placed through Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The auction lots will close sequentially starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. To ensure fair competition, if a bid is placed in the final minute before a lot is set to close, the bidding period is extended by five minutes. This feature allows all interested parties to have an equal chance of participating. It is important to note that this extended bidding process does not affect the closing times of other lots.
Whether you’re a dedicated collector or a passionate baseball fan, Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction is an unmissable event. With its extensive collection of autographed baseballs, including signatures from iconic players and rare memorabilia, this auction promises a thrilling opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. Start bidding today and secure your place in this exceptional gathering of sporting legends.
