The Lelands Winter Classic Auction closed with a flourish, drawing attention to several standout pieces of sports memorabilia. Among the top performers was a game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey from 1960, recognized for its excellence and preservation, commanding an impressive $256,714. This vest-style road flannel bore witness to Clemente’s remarkable achievements during that season, earning a notable grade from SGC.
Ted Williams also left his mark on the auction, with a jersey from his illustrious 1942 season fetching a significant sum of $191,563. This unique jersey, originally gifted to a fervent Fenway Park supporter and subsequently altered for a better fit, stands as the sole known jersey from Williams’ 1942 campaign, making it a prized possession for collectors. Additionally, a Williams warm-up jacket from the 1940s found a new home for $40,920, further enhancing the auction’s appeal.
An item of particular interest was a baseball adorned with the signatures of Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, cherished as a family heirloom, which enticed bids up to $102,694. This immaculate piece also featured autographs from Al Simmons and George Earnshaw, adding to its allure. A signed photo from the 1920s featuring Ruth and Lou Gehrig fetched $131,066, while a 1949 Jackie Robinson card boasting a PSA grade of 9 autograph commanded $85,772, reflecting the enduring appeal of these legendary players.
The auction’s spotlight also shone on a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded 8 by PSA, igniting a fierce bidding war that culminated in a staggering $232,847 sale. This significant event in the PMG Championship card market underscored the enduring allure of Jordan’s collectibles.
Notable inclusions among the auction’s offerings were unopened sports memorabilia lots, including a 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box and a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, alongside a prestigious 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy that fetched $165,479, drawing interest from avid collectors and enthusiasts.
The allure of game-worn items was evident, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and memorabilia from sports icons like Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas capturing the attention of bidders and commanding impressive prices, adding to the excitement of the Lelands Winter Classic Auction’s conclusion.
