At a recent Christie’s and Hunt Auctions event, the world of baseball memorabilia enthusiasts came together to bid on some incredible items. The auction, which featured the Geddy Lee Collection, proved to be a huge success, amassing over $6.8 million in total sales.
The star attractions of the auction were undoubtedly the rare 1938 Babe Ruth Brooklyn Dodgers road uniform and the significant 1968 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves home jersey. These iconic pieces drew significant attention from collectors and fans alike.
Babe Ruth, the legendary baseball player, is synonymous with greatness. His 1938 Dodgers uniform, a remarkable piece of history, fetched an impressive $882,000 at the auction. This uniform not only represented Ruth’s affiliation with the Brooklyn Dodgers but also showcased the evolution of the game throughout the years.
Another highlight of the auction was Hank Aaron’s Atlanta Braves home jersey, worn during his historic 500th career home run. This momentous occasion marked a milestone in Aaron’s career and solidified his place as one of baseball’s greatest sluggers. Collectors were eager to own this jersey, driving the final sale price to an impressive $567,000.
Aside from the Ruth and Aaron jerseys, the auction featured an impressive array of other notable items. One standout piece was a single-signed baseball by former President Herbert Hoover, part of the Geddy Lee Collection. Initially estimated to sell for $25,000, this unique item far surpassed expectations, selling for an astounding $214,200.
In addition, a baseball signed by iconic player Mickey Mantle, with an inscription about Brooks Robinson’s outstanding play at third base, also garnered attention. This particular item from the Geddy Lee Collection fetched $30,240 at the auction, further illustrating the enduring popularity of baseball memorabilia.
One of the most striking and historically significant items in the auction was a vintage photograph from the Gladstone Collection. The photo depicted Civil War soldiers with baseball equipment, offering a glimpse into the relationship between the sport and the war. This captivating piece far exceeded its estimated value, selling for a remarkable $113,400.
David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent these extraordinary collections. He remarked on the strong market for historic baseball memorabilia and the significant value placed on items from private collections, highlighting the ongoing passion and enthusiasm of collectors in this field.
The Christie’s and Hunt Auctions event showcased the enduring appeal of baseball memorabilia, with the Babe Ruth Dodgers uniform and Hank Aaron jersey stealing the show. The high prices achieved for these iconic pieces further solidify their importance in the annals of baseball history, ensuring that their legacy lives on for generations to come.
