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The Finest Known Joe DiMaggio & Marilyn Monroe Signed Baseball. Though the marriage of Joe and Marilyn was troubled and very short, it remains to this day the ultimate celebrity pairing, the consummate sports legend and the definitive Hollywood star. It is well known that despite a lifelong affection for Miss Monroe that saw DiMaggio send flowers to Marilyn's grave until his own passing, Joe absolutely refused to sign any Monroe related material after her death, whether it be photographic images or pages already bearing her autograph. Any signed artifacts blessed by both legendary hands derive only from the brief periods that this couple spent together, literally only a span of months given the short length of their romance and the large percentage of that time that travel separated them. This tight rein that DiMaggio held upon supply after Marilyn's death, paired with the intense desirability of DiMaggio/Monroe material among autograph collectors, propels this remarkable sphere to the status of one of the most desirable and valuable signed baseballs ever offered for private sale.

This pair of autographs was acquired by a New York area news photographer in the early 1960's as the couple was believed to be considering a reconciliation while on vacation together in Florida during baseball's Spring training. By a pure stroke of luck, the photographer happened to have access to a baseball when meeting the famous pair, providing the most desirable of media for this historic duet of signatures. The occasion was memorialized in a 1989 edition of "Newsday," which devoted almost two pages to describe the event. A copy of that news article accompanies the ball.

Speaking to the quality of the baseball, we can do nothing but heap praise upon yet more praise. Our catalog photography should aptly illustrate that the blue ballpoint signatures, placed in tandem upon a lightly toned side panel, remain in the same 10/10 bold ink that was applied over four decades ago. Even
Auction 704 | Lot: 19023 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $191,200.00
1914 Christy Mathewson Signed Large Photograph. On Independence Day of this year, the great Christy Mathewson shut out the Phillies in the bottom half of a Polo Grounds doubleheader to notch his 350th career victory. With Babe Ruth nothing more than a promising prospect at the close of the year 1914, and Ty Cobb a brilliant but unloveable star, it was Mr. Mathewson that held the collective hearts of baseball fans nationwide at the time he inked this remarkable photograph to a fraternity brother. It ended up being Matty's final winning season, a brilliant twenty-four and thirteen campaign that should have earned the Giants a fifth pennant under his reign if not for the improbable Miracle Braves.

Those with any knowledge of the baseball autograph market need no explanation of the rarity and desirability of such a piece. Mathewson's tremendous fame and Hall of Fame relevance, paired with his early death in 1925 from tuberculosis brought on by World War I chemical warfare lung damage, directs supply and demand in extreme opposite directions. Collectors scramble for any slip of paper blessed by Matty's hand, well aware that the final few remaining examples are finding permanent homes and one day these opportunities will be gone. This is no mere slip of paper however. It's not even your typical Mathewson signed photo, if there were such a thing.

Presented here is one of the finest Mathewson signed artifacts ever to be offered for public sale, a thrilling oversized studio portrait of Christy in uniform with a conservative 8/10 fountain pen inscription to a Bucknell fraternity brother. The photo measures a regal 10.5x13.75" in size and shows only light age toning, with a complete absence of creasing, tearing or foxing so typically seen with photographs of this vintage. The inscription reads, "Best regards to Brother Gus From Christy Mathewson, Dec. 1914." This amazing specimen has never before been seen in the hobby, yet another example of the fresh and fantast
Auction 704 | Lot: 19050 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $20,315.00
1962-63 Wilt Chamberlain Game Worn Jersey. Just a year after shocking the world with a one hundred-point performance in Hershey, Wilt the Stilt suited up in this heroic gamer during the Warriors' first season in San Francisco. Though never duplicating his triple-digit feat of March 2, 1962, the legendary Hall of Fame center easily repeated as the league's scoring leader in 1962-63, netting an outrageous average of 44.8 points per game. It's clear from the strong wear that characterizes this amazing jersey that hundred and hundreds of the more than 3,000 that Wilt scored this season came while wearing it. Other chart-topping stats compiled in this wardrobe: minutes played, field goals attempted, field goals made, field goal percentage, rebounds (total and per game) and points. Yellow and blue tackle twill spelling "San Francisco 13" across the chest shows the puckering consistent with reaction to salty sweat, as does the number "13" repeated on verso. The small "44" size tag in the collar is all that remains of labeling, though it is well known that Wilt used to remove these tags for comfort. This home white jersey was acquired from Wilt personally by a ball boy for the team, and represents one of the finest jerseys from this early NBA legend ever offered for public sale. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from MEARS.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19207 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $20,315.00
1966 Willie Worsley NCAA Championship Game Worn Texas Western Jersey. Only one year earlier, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s march on Selma, Alabama in support of voting rights for the African-American populace was repelled with tear gas, whips and clubs. And yet here, on college basketball's greatest stage, five young black ballplayers were taking the court to meet the all-white powerhouse University of Kentucky Wildcats. Those forty minutes of basketball would generate 40,000 pieces of hate mail for Texas Western coach Don Haskins, and more than a dozen threats upon his life. It would also immortalize the team from a cash-strapped school in El Paso, Texas, and continue the work of Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson in reshaping the way the world viewed the black athlete.

Willie Worsley, the Texas Western five-foot six sophomore guard, hadn't expected to start that landmark Final game, but bravely heeded the call when Haskins passed on his six-foot eight inch forward, Nevil Shed. Haskins wanted to go small and quick against Kentucky, which had been nicknamed "Rupp's Runts" due to the diminutive size of coach Adolph Rupp's Kentucky squad, led by future NBA coaching legend Pat Riley. It was a plan that worked. Those with any passing knowledge of the college game, and moviegoers who bought a ticket for the 2006 Disney blockbuster film "Glory Road," know that March 19, 1966 saw an historic upset as five black starters from Texas Western topped the Wildcats by a score of seventy-two to sixty-five.

Here we present the only known surviving jersey from that fundamentally important milestone in American athletics, worn by Worsley in perhaps the most historically relevant college basketball game ever played. It is consigned to Heritage by Danny Whitlock, a former player and graduate assistant at the University of Texas at El Paso, the name adopted by Texas Western the school year after their basketball team's glorious triumph, several years before Whitlock's enrollment. T
Auction 704 | Lot: 19210 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $20,315.00
1950's Jackie Robinson Single Signed Baseball. While most baseball historians would crown the Babe as the most important figure in twentieth century baseball, a strong argument could be made for this man, who stood up to the taunts and threats of the bigoted masses using his Hall of Fame skill and quiet courage. One can't help but be inspired by this fine single, which finds Robinson applying his 9/10 black ink signature to the side panel of an ONL (Giles) ball. The sphere is lightly and evenly toned with a few speckles of foxing that do not approach the autograph. Robinson singles are unusually tough, and this is definitely one of the finest to reach the market in recent memory. It's an opportunity not to be taken lightly. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19021 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $17,925.00

Make Offer to Owner
$26,888 or more
Early 1970's Wilt Chamberlain Game Worn Jersey. The common theme among the numbers that make up Wilton N. Chamberlain's Hall of Fame credentials is that those numbers are huge. One hundred points in a single game. Over 31,000 career points. Fifty or more points in 118 games. Almost 24,000 career rebounds. Even his "extra curricular" numbers defy all logic, and only add to the legend of this all-time great. We are privileged to present this important yellow cheesecloth gamer, worn as Wilt was putting the finishing touches on these monumental numbers as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. While most gamers belonging to modern NBA superstars that reach the hobby today offer minimal wear, the aggressive seven-footer put excellent wear into this offered specimen, dating from a time when even the greats were issued no more than two homes and two roads for the entirety of a season. The shirt shows quality surface wear and marginal tag and neck wear, while the white and purple tackle twill identifiers show nice puckering from exposure to salty sweat. Wear at the stitch edges should also be very easy to spot. "Lakers 13" appears in classic style on the jersey's front, while "Chamberlain 13" identified the man who certainly needed no introduction. A simple and proper "Tiernan" tag is affixed at the hem of the tail at front and center. The jersey displays beautifully, though a few minor and unobtrusive red stains on the jersey's front must be noted for accuracy. It remains a high-quality late career representation, certainly worthy of placement in the finest of game used basketball jersey collections. Adding to the display possibilities is a pair of contemporary matching shorts, not belonging to Chamberlain but identical to those he wore along with the offered jersey. A number "20" swatch is sewn below the rear waistband. The shorts show the same minor staining present on the jersey, but again this is not visually arresting and does not mar the beauty of the display. LOA fro
Auction 704 | Lot: 19211 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $17,925.00
1930's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball, PSA NM+ 7.5. The Bambino's appearance on a Pacific Coast League baseball suggests that he was on some sort of California excursion when he applied his booming blue ink sweet spot signature. While we cannot be certain of the circumstances, we can be about the quality, as PSA/DNA granted the score of "8" out of ten for this all-important autograph. The ball's grade of "6" out of ten accounts for the composite score as listed. We've said it before, but we'll say it again--no serious baseball autograph collection can be absent a quality Ruth single. Furthermore, those among our vast Heritage Auction Galleries clientele considering diversifying their collections to include sporting artifacts would find this a solid foundation upon which to build. As always, buy quality and you can't go wrong. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19009 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $16,730.00
1935 National Chicle Bernie Masterson #36 PSA NM-MT 8. With only six specimens slabbed beneath a NM-MT 8 header, and none grading higher, this last card in the set is the toughest of the thirty-six to find in high grade. Toning at the right edge is likely the difference that keeps this from standing alone atop the charts as a Mint 9, because the color, contrast and corners are all spectacular. With first and last cards in sets always posing problems, particularly in the older issues, it's nice to see that miracles do occasionally happen.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19280 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $14,340.00
1930's Babe Ruth Signed Bat from Ruth Family Friend. With the scarcity and desirability of Babe Ruth signed bats so extreme, it is always a thrill to find the genuine article in the sea of forgeries. This gorgeous specimen derives from the estate of Maxine "Miki" Herzberg-Fisher, a longtime friend of the Ruth family. Several other Ruth items from the Herzberg-Fisher estate have reached the marketplace in recent years, though none could hold a candle to this historic hardwood in terms of quality or value. The Spalding store model Frank M. Schulte (early home run king) bat offers what is surely among the very strongest signatures from Ruth on a bat conservatively rated 9/10, reading, "To Miki, From Babe Ruth." The handsome 31.5", twenty-six ounce bat exhibits an especially rich, pleasing wood finish to match the high quality of the Babe's inscription, making for a piece that is truly museum quality. While signed baseballs from this most significant of sporting icons will always be the gold standard of the hobby, it must be noted that Ruth signed bats are hundreds of times more scarce, and as such a steep incline in value over the coming years is all but assured. Smart investors understand that this is a "can't lose" opportunity. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19066 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $13,145.00
Circa 1971-1973 Joe Namath Game Worn Jersey. After keeping his bold promise of a win in Super Bowl III against a heavily-favored Indianapolis Colts juggernaut, Broadway Joe's place in gridiron history was assured for eternity. Here we find a Namath jersey in its most recognizable and desirable style, the classic white durene representation worn on the road for cold weather games as the playoff races began to heat up. Green tackle twill announces the unforgettable number "12" on chest and on the back, where "Namath" spans the shoulders on the rear nameplate. Number "12" is repeated in white on the green of the sleeves. The style and placement of the tail tagging pins the jersey to the 1971-73 era, with stacked "Sand-Knit Exclusivity" and "Size 52" labels. The bottom of the jersey has been neatly cut below the tag line in keeping with Namath's preferred customizations, and there is evidence of a team repair on the right front shoulder and on the lower back right. It is only due to the light wear, perfectly understandable for a quarterback's jersey worn just for cold weather road games, that the jersey is spared a perfect SCD A10 rating, dropping three points to a solid A7. The search for a finer example is certain to be a long one. LOA from SCD Authentic & Lou Lampson.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19312 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $12,547.50
1933 Joe Louis Golden Gloves Trophy. Joe Louis is regarded by many to be the greatest Heavyweight Champion in boxing history. A winner of the World Heavyweight Title in 1937, Louis held that title for eleven years, a record that stands to this day. Among his professional accomplishments were victories over Primo Carnera, Max Baer, Billy Conn, Max Schmeling, James J. Braddock, Jack Sharkey and Jersey Joe Walcott, all world champions. Louis' career as a professional was preceded by a fine career as an amateur fighter in which he was winner of numerous tournaments, including the renowned Golden Gloves. Presented here is Joe Louis' 1933 Golden Gloves Trophy that was awarded to him by the Detroit Free Press. The trophy measures 11.5" high and has a slight bend at the top and some minor scratches, none of which detracts from its natural beauty. On the face of the trophy is inscribed, "Detroit Free Press Golden Gloves 1933 Awarded to Joe Louis 175 LBS Novice." It is a measure of Louis' significance that this award was given to him with his name inscribed on it, a practice not often seen with amateur awards. The award passed from Louis to his personal friend and barber, Sylvester Touchstone and includes a copy of a letter from Louis to Touchstone. There is also a letter from the estate liquidator who handled the sale of Mr. Touchstone's estate. This is an extremely rare offering that chronicles the rise of one of boxing's most beloved Champions. The importance of this award is greatly magnified since it represents the Golden Gloves, a contest of historical significance, making it truly special. LOA from Craig Hamilton/ JO Sports.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19154 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $11,950.00
1987-88 Michael Jordan Game Worn Uniform. The 1987-1988 season was a defining one for Michael Jordan. His first three years in the league saw him ascend to the cusp of N.B.A. royalty, but there were some who still regarded him strictly as an electrifying player who put more stock in the number of points he scored rather than the number of games his team won. Michael changed quite a few minds in 87-88, leading the Bulls to a 50-32 record, and getting them out of Round One of the playoffs for the first time since his arrival in Chicago. His performance in the first round of the playoffs against Cleveland, where he averaged forty-five points per game, is the stuff of which legends are made.

Like a great film at the Oscars, when it came to award time, Jordan swept all categories. First team All-N.B.A. for a second consecutive year, League Most Valuable Player, and Defensive Player of the Year. The All-Star Game was held in front of his hometown Chicago fans that year, and he did not disappoint, walking away with M.V.P. honors and, of course, retaining his title as Slam Dunk Champion, with the famous leap from the free throw line which is the source of one of the most famous basketball images ever. Jordan was wearing his road jersey during the dunk contest, and for all we know, this was the one he had on. It was one of the most remarkable seasons in N.B.A. history, and judging by the use on this complete uniform, Michael worked very hard for the accolades he received that year.

This complete Chicago Bulls road uniform show as much wear as we have ever seen on a modern basketball jersey, clearly having seen hundreds of minutes of floor time during its tenure in Mike's wardrobe. The uniform was so saturated by the sweat of hardwood royalty that some of the white areas of the jersey are stained to a light gray. The supremely memorable number "23" is screened in bold black and white on chest and verso, where the words "Bulls" and "Jordan" are announced respectively. The
Auction 704 | Lot: 19225 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $11,950.00
1935 National Chicle Ken Strong #7 PSA Mint 9. Take this opportunity to be one of just three collectors to own the finest Strong card on earth. Check the population reports and you'll find that this purchase puts you in truly elite company, and with only a single card from the entire set ever reaching Gem Mint 10 status, you're safe as can be at the top of that heap. Terrific centering, sharp corners, perfect color and clean surfaces merit the designation as the hobby's finest.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19255 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $11,352.50
Late 1970's Pete Maravich Game Worn Jersey. Remembering much happier days in the Big Easy is this outstanding gamer from the personal wardrobe of the Hall of Fame guard known for his floppy grey socks, floppy brown hair, and ball handling dexterity that bordered on the magical. While other NBA legends might challenge Pistol Pete in skills and in domination of the game, none could match him for natural flare, and none was more exciting to watch. Here we present a late career gamer from this Springfield enshrinee exhibiting fine, consistent wear from shortly before the team's relocation to Utah. The unmistakable "Jazz" logo is screened to the chest in purple, green and yellow, with Maravich's number "7" in the club's most prevalent, and therefore most desirable, style. The number "7" is repeated on verso, below a purple tackle twill "Maravich" sewn directly into the body of the jersey as is proper for the era. The arch is correct and represents a shallower depth than the Jazz used in its earlier renditions, thus helping to date the jersey to 1976-77 or later with high probability. The small size "Medalist Sand-Knit Size 44" label in the tail is the style that was used from the mid-1970's to the early 1980's, and again the size is proper for Pete at the time. To the left is the factory fabric coding "68" affixed in appropriate zigzag stitching. A fine remembrance of an exciting time in the National Basketball Association. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19215 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $10,755.00
1959 Ty Cobb Single Signed Baseball. "When I began playing the game," Ty Cobb once said, "baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." And over eight decades after the official end of the "Dead Ball Era," the great Georgia Peach still stands as the embodiment of that rough and tumble age of our National Pastime. Remember it always with this remarkable single, offering a 10/10 black fountain pen side panel inscription that reads, "Ty Cobb, 7/19/59." A light brushing of shellac has toned the signed panel slightly and leaves the rest of the OAL (Harridge) ball in milky-white condition. One of the finest Cobb singles on the market today. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19022 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $9,560.00
1929 Philadelphia Athletics Team Signed Panoramic Photograph. Highly collectible and capable of realizing prices approaching $2,000 in its unsigned state, this glorious panorama from the collection of third baseman Sammy Hale takes on an elephantine appeal with the addition of twenty-eight autographs, representing every last man pictured, all the way down to the young mascot that kneels at center. Those familiar with the composition of this squad, prominent in any educated discussion of the all-time greatest teams, will be intimately familiar with the cast of characters: Mack, Foxx, Cochrane, Collins, Grove, Simmons, Bishop, Dykes, Earnshaw, Miller, Boley and Haas. The signature quality ranges from a perfectly respectable 4/10 to a flawless 10/10, with each entirely legible and all but a few falling quite comfortably into the 6/10 to 8/10 range. Among the Hall of Famers, only Simmons' 5/10 fails to meet that standard, while Grove surpasses it with a conservative 9/10. The photograph itself, measuring 9x31.5" in its original frame, is likewise very well preserved, with a light touch of toning at far left and a single inch-long tear at far right leaving the wide expanse in between free of flaws. An absolute dream piece for the uncompromising collector. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19059 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $9,560.00
"Pop" Warner, Knute Rockne, Tad Jones, & Jim Thorpe Signed Football Humidor. We only wish we knew what event it was that brought these greatest of early gridiron legends together. Certainly it was a highly publicized and well-attended banquet that would have featured such esteemed guests as these, but our search for specifics has been fruitless. And while it seems that the details of this date have been lost to the sands of time, one witness has thankfully survived -- a charmingly crafted humidor, built from an actual Spalding Official Collegiate football, bearing the black ink signatures of these legendary football pioneers. While the appearance of even one of these gentlemen's signatures on such a fine piece would be cause for celebration, a collection like this is enough to leave a serious hobbyist speechless. And note just how special the signatures are, with each adding his college name at the end of his autograph. "Glenn Warner - Stanford. Knute Rockne - Notre Dame. Jim Thorpe - Carlisle." The fourth autograph belongs to "Tad Jones - Yale," who, while he may not have the name recognition of his three compatriots, was a dominant All-American quarterback with Yale from 1905 through 1907, leading the Bulldogs to twenty-eight wins and two ties in thirty games. Surely it was due to this dominance that he was ask to share this football's side panel with these titans of the sport. He later coached at Yale for nine seasons -- compiling a record of sixty wins, with a mere fifteen loses and four ties. We are pleased to announce that the autographs, signed with a black steel tip fountain pen, have weathered the passing decades exceedingly well. We would not hesitate to claim that not a single one grades below a conservative 8.5/10, and many would state that each and every one is simply perfect. The ball itself is equally well preserved, writting off any small scattered nicks in the leather as casualties of the ball's game use. No wear affects any signature in the slightest. As football con
Auction 704 | Lot: 19240 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $9,560.00
1915 Artist's Guestbook with Exceptionally Rare Autograph from Ray Chapman. Those who participated in our October 2005 Signature auction will almost certainly recall the incredible cut paper silhouette of tragic baseball star Ray Chapman, which held one of the tiny handful of authentic Chapman autographs ever presented for public sale. Fortunately for us, and for our valued bidding clientele, one collector that spotted that listing was the owner of silhouette artist Beatrix Sherman's guestbook from her booth at the Pan Pacific International Exposition of 1915. Clearly this had to have been the venue for the creation of that magnificent piece offered by Heritage in October, as Chapman and several of his Cleveland Indians teammates have signed the guestbook that recorded the visitors to Sherman's booth. For those who might not be familiar with Chapman, he remains one of the toughest and most desirable autographs in the hobby due to his unfortunate distinction of having been the only man killed in Major League Baseball action, the victim of a Carl Mays fastball to the skull on August 16, 1920 in New York City. Chapman's autograph appears on page 213, tagged with the desirable inscription, "Cleveland B.B. Club." An errant hand barely brushed the doomed star's given name, but the autograph otherwise presents as a perfect 10/10. Joining him on his page and the next are fellow ballplayers, most notably a tough, very early signature from Hall of Famer G.C. Alexander, which he tags "Philadelphia Nationals, Philly, Pa." Alexander's autograph is likewise 10/10. Other members of the Indians signing are James Scott, Steve O'Neill, Ed Klepfer, ZZ Hagerman, William Mitchell, Robert Roth, Terry Turner, Thomas Daly, C.R. Garrett and more. Certainly on the 218 pages that comprise this fascinating volume there must be a hidden gem or five, but we'll note Sherman's opening inscription, Mary Pickford, silent film actor Arthur Ashley, aviator Art Smith, opera singer Nadia Gory and boxing legend J
Auction 704 | Lot: 19051 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $8,962.50
1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski #34 PSA NM 7. The most famous football player in the game at the time of the set's issue, Bronko remains top dog when it comes to value as the key card in this important set. Wear to the card is essentially nonexistent, with points lost only to minor toning and a northeastern shift to the centering. The corners remain as sharp as a Nagurski tackle. Only seven representations have ever achieved a NM-MT 8 rating, with none grading higher. An amazing specimen!
Auction 704 | Lot: 19278 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $8,962.50
1925 Miller Huggins Double-Signed Stock Certificate. Known as "Mighty Mite" for his scrawny five-foot six inch frame, the Hall of Fame skipper led the Yankees to their first six pennants and three World Championships as he butted heads with a boozing Bambino. His early and tragic death from blood poisoning in 1929 has made the Murderer's Row manager a supremely tough autograph, so it's quite rare to see one of his signatures, let alone two, as we offer here. This elegant and ornate "St. Paul Base Ball Club, Inc." stock certificate notes that Huggins is the holder of fifty shares of Capital Stock in the team, and his bold black ink signature appears first on the stub (3.5x8.5") displayed to the left of the certificate (8x11"), then again on the certificate's verso. Each black ink signature remains in unimprovable 10/10 condition. The two separate documents are intelligently displayed between two panes of glass so that both sides are visible within a mounted frame that measures approximately 15x22". The stub shows no signs of wear, while the certificate shows two vertical storage folds. It must be noted that these folds do not cross paths with the all-important autograph. Imagine--two flawless Miller Huggins autographs in a single lot! LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19055 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $7,170.00

Make Offer to Owner
$10,755 or more
1991-92 Shaquille O'Neal Game Worn LSU Jersey. Sourced directly from the Louisiana State University team manager, with his letter of provenance, this yellow and purple gamer is oddly reminiscent of a jersey Shaq would wear years later before Kobe forced him back to Florida. While professional O'Neal gamers are fairly plentiful in the hobby, this is one of just a small handful of collegiate examples to reach the auction block, with this one dating from his College Player and SEC Athlete of the Year season. The yellow mesh body shows light but certain wear, with "LSU 33" screened in white and purple on chest, and "O'Neal 33" screened on verso. The proper "Champion [size] 46" label remains sewn in the tail. Completing this highly desirable package is a 10/10 black sharpie signature from Shaq on the jersey front. With O'Neal's Hall of Fame future assured, this jersey should grow strongly in value in the coming years. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19228 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $7,170.00
1972 Roberto Clemente Single Signed Baseball Commemorating 3,000th Hit. Absolutely exceptional single signed sphere is a dual threat, pairing outstanding condition with unbeatable historical relevance. The black ink sweet spot signature, reading "Best Wishes, Roberto Clemente," rates minimally an 8.5/10, and projects especially well against the stark white background of the "Worth Official League" ball. Applied to the adjacent side panel is a typed paper slip that reads, "Commemorating 3,000th Hit, Sat. Sept. 30, 1972 vs. Jon Matlock of New York Mets." This is clearly some sort of presentational piece, though the fact that we've never seen one before would ensure that the list of recipients was a short one, very likely confined to members of the Pirates squad. Surely those who would be in the market for a Clemente single are aware that the Hall of Fame outfielder would never record another hit after his 3,000th, perishing in an airplane crash following the 1972 season while on a humanitarian mission. A very special piece from a very special ballplayer. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19028 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $6,871.25
1992 Barry Sanders Game Worn Jersey. Just four years after earning the Heisman Trophy for his exploits at Oklahoma State, the Hall of Fame running back suited up in this classic Detroit Lions jersey en route to a 1,352 yard, nine touchdown season. The blue mesh body is topped by dazzle cloth shoulders, with Sanders' shortened sleeve customization as is typical of his gamers. Number "20" is screened to chest, back and sleeves, with "B. Sanders" sewn in white tackle twill to rear nameplate. Team repairs at the shoulders and chest bear witness to the brutality of the professional game. "Wilson Prestige" label is straight stitched in lower left front tail, with proper size "42" flap tag affixed below. A fine representation from one of the greatest ball carriers the game has ever known. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19325 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $6,273.75
1930's Baseball Legends Multi-Signed Baseball with Ruth, Gehrig. Upon first glance, it would seem that this divine sphere derives from the 1934 Tour of Japan, and we still aren't entirely convinced that there is no connection. The cast of characters just bears too close of a resemblance to the team that crossed the Pacific: Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx, Gomez, Gehringer. But perhaps it is just that greatness tends to stick together, as other names of superstars that stayed stateside are here as well: Dickey, Cochrane, Manush, Simmons, Cronin, Grove, Lopez, Lyons and Rick Farrell among them. Fourteen Hall of Famers in all have made their mark on this deeply toned OAL (Harridge) orb, with only three others present that have been locked outside the gates of Cooperstown. The improbability of finding a single baseball with such a baseball pantheon borders on the astronomical, and just a fraction of that theoretical population could match the strong condition of the signatures found here. Only Farrell (1/10), Gehringer (3/10) and Lopez (3/10) cause any amount of eye strain, with the remainder of the Cooperstonians averaging 7/10 in quality. So many great hands have held this remarkable piece--will yours be next? LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19007 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,975.00
1932 Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. One of the Babe's definitive moments would come less than nine months after he signed this OAL (Harridge) ball for a fan, as he would point to the center field wall of Wrigley Field in the third game of the World Series and then proceed to deliver the next pitch to a location well beyond it. A black ink side panel inscription from the year of the mythic "Called Shot" reads, "To Dick Rasberg, From Babe Ruth, Jan 20 - 1932." The quality of Ruth's writing is just fantastic, rating an impressive 8.5/10. The ball shows even toning and scattered foxing, but the latter doesn't dare to encroach upon the panel occupied by the Babe's greeting. A marvelous high-grade playing days single! LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19008 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,975.00
Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris Signed Baseball. After Ruth and Gehrig, there's no more memorable duo in the pinstriped fold than the M&M boys, who captivated the world with raw power during the summer of '61. And like the Babe and Lou, baseballs bearing the autographs of Mickey and Roger can only continue to soar in value, with no limit but the sky. This OAL (MacPhail) specimen is one of the nicer ones you'll find, with a 9/10 sweet spot Mantle signature, and Maris equally strong on the side panel. The ball is mildly but evenly toned, only adding to the vintage appeal. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19030 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,975.00
1881 Harry Wright Personal Scorebook with Multiple Signatures! Wright's contributions to the early development of our National pastime place him right alongside Cartwright and Doubleday as one of baseball's most noteworthy pioneers. He was center fielder for the the first professional ball club, the 1876 Cincinnati Red Stockings, invented the box scoring system, designed the standard baseball uniform and was the first to direct his defense to shift in relation to hitters' tendencies. Yet despite his indisputable importance to the game, most Hall of Fame autograph collections find him sadly absent, certainly due to the great scarcity of available specimens born of the eleven decades that have passed since Wright did.

But here we offer a veritable mother lode of Wright handwriting and signatures, finding a home on the most desirable and thoroughly significant home it possible could, his own personal "Base Ball Score Book." It is meticulously utilized to track twenty-three games featuring the team Wright managed, the Boston Red Caps of the National League, with every last hit, run, error and out notated in the penciled shorthand style still utilized to this day. Written in his Hall of Fame hand are the names of others that would join him in eternity at Cooperstown: Jim O'Rourke, Pud Galvin, Cap Anson, King Kelly, Ned Hanlon and more. Eighteen are initialled "H.W." in the box marked "Scorer," while one is signed with the full "H. Wright." Please do note, however, that even the unsigned score sheets are filled out entirely in Wright's hand. He notes on the cover, also in the standard NRMT pencil, that this book is "No. 3," and that it covers the games from "June 21 - July 21, 1881, Boston, Mass." Short of some wear at the spine, which does not affect a single letter of the writing within, the book remains in simply remarkable NRMT condition, as if even Father Time himself would not dare to harm a piece of such grand significance and appeal. Tremendous value here, both as a comp
Auction 704 | Lot: 19048 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,975.00
1940 Babe Ruth Signed Check, Autograph Grade PSA Gem Mint 10. Yes, that's right, a perfect Gem Mint 10 autograph from the banking Babe! And who could question the score? The standard "GH Ruth" signature is rendered in the boldest, blackest ink imaginable, as is the balance of Ruth's handwriting, which pays $76.06 to Kenilworth Garage on August 3, 1940. The check drawn on the Bambino's personal Chemical Bank & Trust Company account has a single vertical center fold, but neither this nor the bank's punch coding dare impede upon the brilliance of his autograph. Search no further, perfection is staring you in the face. Slabbed by PSA/DNA for protection, unquestioned authenticity, and a guarantee of signature supremacy.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19075 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,975.00
Mickey Mantle Signed 1962-63 Jello Advertising Poster. Tremendously rare and desirable in its unsigned state (one of the few known specimens sold at auction in 2004 for over $6,000), the example we offer here triples the appeal with a flawless blue sharpie signature from the pinstriped legend pictured, who adds the charming Jello slogan inscription "um um Good." This singularly unique piece derives, rather unsurprisingly, from the vast personal collection of Barry Halper, and demonstrates original folding creases and a scattering of insignificant smaller creases. None of these issues manages to come close to derailing the monumental visual appeal created by the oversized photographic portrait of the Mick and the bold text of a piece that conspire to an impressive 30x35" in size. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19103 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,975.00
1960 Summer Olympic Games Program Signed by Cassius Clay. Cassius Clay of Louisville, Kentucky emerged as one of the most exciting performers in the boxing division en route to winning a gold medal in the light heavyweight division. He has signed the front of this program boldly in ink, "Cassius Clay 19-60." Wilma Rudolph is one of the greatest track and field stars in the history of the sport. In the 1960 Rome Olympics she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in the sport, winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes and anchoring the winning 400 meter dash relay team. She has also signed this program in bold ink. Al Oerter may have been the greatest Olympian of all time. He is one of only two men to win gold medals in four consecutive Olympics including 1960. Oerter's speciality was the discus and he won those gold medals often defeating the current world record holder in the process. He has signed the cover of the program in bold ink. The program is in fine condition. No creases, with a tight binding and clean inside and out. This signed program is one of the best signed Olympic pieces to surface in recent years. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19161 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,676.25
Early 1930's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. The sweetest sweet spot signature of all appears between the red and black stitching of this ONL (Heydler) ball, signed for a young baseball fan in the later years of Ruth's storied career. The National League markings lead us to wonder if this one saw action in the 1932 World Series, though it clearly saw action after Ruth's autograph was applied, as the letter of provenance from the young fan's relative notes. This sandlot activity has left the ball a bit dirty, with scattered scuffs and scrapes, but the signature has survived the ordeal rather well and remains unmistakable and eminently legible. And could it be the very ball that the Babe knocked out of Wrigley Field for his magical "Called Shot?" We can definitely dream... LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19005 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,377.50
1928 Babe Ruth Limited Edition Signed Book. The Bambino's fame was never greater than at the time this autobiography was released to the literate masses. His sixty home run World Championship 1927 still fresh in everyone's minds, Ruth quickly added "best-selling author" to his long list of accomplishments. But while "Babe Ruth's Own Book of Baseball" sold like the proverbial hotcake, only one thousand copies of this special autographed version were ever made available to the public. Here we find number 356 of that supply, bearing a 10/10 fountain pen signature from the author. The preceding blank page has come loose from the binding, but all others remain firmly in place and even the original dust jacket, though very worn, is present. A special piece that brings its owner to the very heart of the Ruth legend. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19057 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,377.50
1930's Lou Gehrig Signed Magazine Photograph. You couldn't ask for a more appealing venue for a strong Lou Gehrig autograph than this amazing image from leading sports photographer Charles Conlon, who snapped this shot in his capacity as photojournalist for "Baseball Magazine." While we are most accustomed to seeing the Iron Horse wielding the lumber, he demonstrates an artful grace here as he tends to the first sack, a coating of infield dirt clinging to his pinstriped flannel. Gehrig's form is silhouetted against a dark background that fortuitously pales at his feet to offer an ideal home for the black fountain pen autograph. The signature boldness falls in the 8/10 to 9/10 range, and the 7.5x10.25" image presents as a stunning NRMT-MT. Tasteful matting and framing expands the final dimensions to 15x18". LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19067 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,377.50
1938 Lou Gehrig Signed Government Postcard. Just ten days before the Iron Horse clubbed his twenty-third and final career grand slam, he mailed this postcard to a female fan from his Larchmont, New York home town post office on August 10, 1938. A bold black ink inscription reads simply, "Best Wishes, Lou Gehrig," with postal stamping crossing the inscription to little effect. The handwritten address on the opposing side is also penned by the tragic Hall of Famer. Some diagonal creasing is evident, but Gehrig's inscription is unaffected by this. With government postcards experiencing an entirely understandable surge in collecting appeal due to the built-in provenance, the wise collector knows he cannot go wrong with an example from Yankee royalty. Slabbed by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19071 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,377.50
1948 Babe Ruth Signed Autobiography. The most respected and cherished of all publications attributed to the Bambino was his last, "The Babe Ruth Story," which appeared only weeks before the Yankee hero succumbed to cancer. As such, only a small supply of these volumes bear the mark of the Babe, and none of these could match our copy in terms of quality. The blue fountain pen signature on the title page is the most pristine example of Ruth's signature you could ever hope to find, an undeniable 10/10. The book itself is in likewise stellar condition, with a tight spine and only mild wear to the original dustjacket, which is usually absent entirely. One of the Babe's final autographs here, and also one of his best. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19084 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,377.50
1985 Dan Marino Game Worn Jersey. The earliest Dan Marino jersey we've ever handled, and certainly the finest as well. This spectacular white mesh Miami Dolphins gamer dates from the newly inducted Hall of Famer's third season in the League and shows appropriate quarterback wear, with some contact "dings" particularly noticeable on the rear nameplate. The jersey body is white mesh, which has discolored somewhat over the years. It has a cotton stretch ribbed v-neck and a full compliment of sleeve stripes. As was Marino's styling fashion during his early career, the sleeves have been cut right to the edge of the lowermost sleeve stripe. The alpha and numeric identifiers are correct in their screened-on application. The numerals are aqua and orange and the mesh nameplate features "Marino" in single color aqua, plain block font. The font was unique to the Dolphins at the time and the plate is in proper position approximately 1/4" above the major horizontal transverse seam. All identifiers and correct in their size, position, color hues, font style and affixing style. The lower left front tail sports the "Russell Athletic" red, white and blue label in size "XL." Most Dolphins' jerseys of the era sported labels with non-numeric size designators. Marino has autographed the jersey on the back numeral in perfect black sharpie, and provided an inscription referring to 1985 gamer status and year stats, reading "1985 Season, 4137 YD / 30 TD." Obtained in the 1990's at the height of "screened-on" hysteria from Dolphins' equipment assistant and guru Pat Catello. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19323 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,377.50
1940's Mel Ott "Single Signed" Baseball. While Ott singles do occasionally surface in the hobby, the throngs of Hall of Fame and 500 Home Run Club collectors tend to drive the price of these rarities into the stratosphere. One savvy collector will be happy to jump at this opportunity to own a strong sweet spot signature (8/10) on a Worth Official League ball that has been relieved of all other signatures by the chemical workmanship of "Signed Baseball Magic." What was once a multi-signed ball is now an apparent five-figure single, so expertly rendered that even an expert couldn't tell the difference. Why choose between filling that gap in your collection and your child's college tuition? Now both are a possibility! LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19015 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,078.75
Late 1930's Lou Gehrig & Joe DiMaggio Signed Store Receipt. While the pairing of Ruth and Gehrig is often seen in the collecting hobby, the same can certainly not be said for this New York Yankees Hall of Fame duo, which was corralled by a young fan at a Montgomery Ward department store. The Iron Horse appears in his late autograph style, and Joltin' Joe in his rookie-era format, each in 10/10 pencil. The receipt is lightly and evenly toned, perfect for display. And, as luck would have it, it fits perfectly within the PSA/DNA slab, where it remains protected from the elements and any doubts of authenticity. Can you recall the last time you saw a Gehrig/DiMaggio dual signed piece?
Auction 704 | Lot: 19073 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,078.75
1964 Muhammad Ali "Bear Huntin'" Bundini Brown Worn Jacket. A blue denim jacket once played prominently in the early history of the great Ali, whose mentor and motivator Bundini Brown wore it on several occasions in November of 1964 as the date of the famous Sonny Liston rematch approached. The brash young Champion, who had an identical jacket, stalked Liston at his training grounds, letting "The Big Bear" know that he was after him as he marched the streets with a bear collar in hand and the jacket, with embroidered "Bear Huntin'," on his back. Dangling from the chest of each jacket, and clearly visible in several news photos from the time, were miniature white boxing gloves with the handwritten words "The Big Fight, Miami Beach 1964." The jacket shows fine wear from this exciting time in boxing history, with "Lee [size] 48" tagging inside collar. A perfect gold sharpie signature from Ali resides on the chest. LOA from Craig Hamilton / JO Sports.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19163 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,078.75
1980 Roberto Duran Championship Fight Worn Trunks from Sugar Ray Leonard I Bout. On June 20, 1980 Sugar Ray Leonard defended his World Welterweight Title against a tough mauler, Roberto Duran of Panama, in a highly anticipated battle in Montreal. Leonard had won the title in 1979 and the former Olympic Champion was the clear favorite to retain his title over the much respected Duran. Duran had earned his honors in the lightweight division. He defeated Ken Buchanan in 1973 to win that title and successfully defended it twelve times before voluntarily relinquishing it in 1979 to move up in weight. Duran was a feared puncher and terrific competitor and a man of great ring savvy. He used this to his advantage against Leonard. Duran was able to get Leonard to abandon his smooth boxing style and enter into exchanges that would favor him. After fifteen tough, hard fought rounds, Duran was declared the winner in a close, but decisive fight. It may well have been the greatest achievement of Roberto Duran's career. Presented here are the fight worn trunks used by Roberto Duran in his fight with Sugar Ray Leonard in Montreal. The trunks are white satin with reddish trim at the waistband and the legs. The name Roberto appears on the right leg and Duran on the left leg. The trunks show wear, but are in fine condition. The trunks originated directly from Roberto Duran himself. Duran and his wife sold the trunks to a boxing equipment manufacturer who has enclosed a letter of authenticity. Accompanying the trunks is a detailed color photograph of Leonard and Duran in the ring during the fight, clearly showing Duran wearing the trunks. These trunks highlight one of the great achievements of Roberto Duran's illustrious career and one of boxing's most memorable fights. LOA from Craig Hamilton/ JO Sports.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19176 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,078.75
1983 Roberto Duran Championship Fight Worn Trunks from the Davey Moore Bout. On June 16th, 1983 Roberto Duran fought Davey Moore at Madison Square Garden in New York with Moore's WBA Junior Middleweight Title at stake. Duran's career was on the skids and he was considered the underdog for the fight. After losing his rematch with Ray Leonard in the infamous "No Mas, No Mas" fight of 1980 he began a comeback, but lost to Wilfredo Benitez and Kirkland Laing in 1982 in back to back matches. This fight, scheduled on his thirty-second birthday, was different. Duran was by far the more experienced fighter, and he used his ring savvy and great punching power to pull off the upset. He stopped Moore in the eighth round to win his third world title and to reestablish himself as one of the more viable and dangerous fighters in boxing. Presented here are the fight trunks used by Roberto Duran in his fight with Davey Moore. The trunks are blue crushed velvet with a unique patch on the lower leg and are in fine condition. A LOA from the son of Duran's former manager, who took possession of the trunks after the fight, with an additional LOA from Craig Hamilton/ JO Sports.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19177 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,078.75
2004 Vince Young Game Worn Helmet. If you weren't a Vince Young fan before January 4, 2006, you certainly were afterwards. The Texas quarterback's valiant come-from-behind victory against a USC team that most of the football world believed to be unbeatable offered the sort of athletic drama usually confined to Hollywood films and childhood fantasies. Whether or not the greatest hero in Texas football history can make the transition to the NFL or not, Vince Young Longhorns memorabilia will never lose its luster. So here we're pleased and proud to present a Vince Young game worn helmet, sourced directly from the team, with their letter of provenance. This example was worn throughout the 2004 season, showing the sort of aggressive, take-no-prisoners wear that is uncommon for quarterback headgear, but expected of Young's. The facemask is gouged and stained with turf and dirt, and the shell is likewise abused, even showing transfer of green paint, likely from collisions with Baylor or Rice defenders. The interior "Riddell VSR-4" padding shows strong wear as well, and the original chinstrap is still affixed, with Young's standard black chinstrap cover. The array of decals on the back of the shell assure beyond any doubt that this is the genuine article, as the State of Texas and "Longhorns" decals were never made available to the public. The former is switched out after every win, with a dot added for the location of each vanquished foe. Here we can see that Texas Tech, the University of North Texas, Baylor, Texas A&M and Rice were hooked by the Horns. Young's number "10" straddles the center stripe, with the "Bowl Championship Series" decal above, designating this as Young's back-up for the 2005 Rose Bowl. Standard American flag and warning sticker labels to the right help to photo match the helmet, as we have done. Printed copies of these matches will accompany the lot. LOA from Lou Lampson. Team letter of provenance.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19333 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,078.75
2005 Vince Young Game Worn Helmet. The second of two Young helmets presented for our bidding clientele in Heritage Auction Galleries' home state of Texas, and beyond. And yes, this one dates to that magical undefeated season that culminated with one of the most heroic individual athletic performances ever rendered on the field of play, ending a thirty-five year NCAA Championship drought for the Longhorn faithful. While the 2004 helmet shows terrific wear, this example takes the abuse a step further. In fact, a gash on the left shell of the helmet (one of many scars to be found) was deemed too severe for repair, so after the left Longhorn decal was replaced it served the remainder of the season as a back-up for the Horns' leader. But again, the tremendous wear, visible also in the "Riddell VSR-4" interior padding, ensures several games' use during this most glorious of seasons. All of the little details that ensure authenticity are present and accounted for, with Young's chinstrap still cocooned in its black cloth cover, and the proper distribution of decals on front, sides and verso. Again we remind bidders that the "Horns" decal over the facemask, and the State of Texas and "Longhorns" decal on verso were never made available to the public, and could only be team-issued. Dots on the Texas map recount wins over Texas Tech, Baylor, Texas A&M, Rice, and (finally!) OU. The Big 12 Tenth Anniversary decal is placed just above. Young's number "10" decals straddle the center stripe of the helmet, with the American flag and warning stickers to the right. As is the case with the helmet worn during the previous season, we have been able to definitively photo match this example, with prints of the match included in this lot. And, like the earlier helmet, a team letter is included. LOA from Lou Lampson. Team letter of provenance.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19334 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,078.75
1974 Ali vs. Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" On-Site Fight Program. When our consignor contacted the Heritage offices and informed us in a rather matter of fact fashion that, among his rather sizeable collection of Ali fight programs, he had an Ali-Foreman Rumble in the Jungle issue, we must admit a healthy skepticism. Surely it's for the closed caption broadcast, we thought. There's just no way it's the one from Zaire. Well, we're not too proud to admit when we're wrong, and in this case we're thrilled to have been mistaken. We couldn't believe our eyes when we opened up the package to find black and white photographic portraits of these two boxing legends staring back at us from the cover of the "Programme Souvenir" issued at "Kinshasa-Gombe, Zaire, 30 Octobre 1974."

Unquestionably the most coveted post-war boxing program in the hobby, the on-site Rumble in the Jungle program is also the hobby's scarcest. The story of the bout, taking on mythic proportions, is familiar to even the most casual fight fan. The great Muhammad Ali, unfairly stripped of his Heavyweight crown for failing to comply with Vietnam draft laws, looks to regain it from the frighteningly powerful Foreman, who many boxing experts believe will not only knock Ali out, but might kill him in the process. Ali was no longer the the elusive jungle cat he had once been, they believed, and no man could weather the storm of Foreman. But Ali is as smart as as ever, if not as fleet of foot, and employs a plan that will come to be known as "Rope-a-Dope." Rather than eluding the sledgehammer blows of Foreman, Ali leans back against the ropes and takes on the role of heavy bag, absorbing scores of punches on his arms and shoulders while protecting his head and midsection. The chants of "Ali, bomaye" ("Ali, kill him!") of the African crowd quiet as the fight drags on, as it appears that the ex-Champ will do nothing but receive a beating. But suddenly, in the eighth round, Ali sees his opportunity as pounces o
Auction 704 | Lot: 19172 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $5,019.00
1945 Babe Ruth Signed Check, Graded PSA Mint 9. The Babe's appetites for booze, "broads" and food are well documented in baseball lore, the last of the three proven here as Ruth writes a massive $119.55 check for the grocer "Gristede Bros. Inc." Found in his most desirable format, with the "Babe Ruth" block lettered embossing at far left, this personal check was drawn against the Babe's personal account on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where he lived during the final years of his life. All black fountain pen ink is in the Babe's bold hand, earning a stellar rating of Mint 9 from the folks at PSA/DNA. It must be noted that the check has been affixed on the backside to a piece of mat board, though a skilled restorationist may well be able to remove it. The visual appeal of the piece is not affected in the slightest by this, and perhaps even serves to minimize the faint pair of vertical fold lines that are all but invisible already. When matted and framed below your favorite photo of this immortal Yankee, this check will impress even the most jaded of autograph collectors. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19083 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $4,780.00

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1972 Roberto Clemente Signed Photograph Dated to 3,000th Hit Game! Who could have possibly known, when the great Roberto Clemente signed this magazine photograph for a friend on September 30, 1972, that his fourth inning double off Mets pitcher John Matlack would be the last time he would hit safely in a regular season game? And who could have believed that this great ballplayer and humanitarian would be lost to the Atlantic Ocean in just three months time? One can't help but get chills when holding this 8x10" page removed from a Pirates program upon which the tragic Hall of Famer penned the words, "Para Mickey en el dia de mi hit 3,000. Con cariño y alegria, Roberto Clemente." (Translation: "For Mickey on the day of my 3,000th hit. With care and happiness, Roberto Clemente.") The blue ink inscription remains in stellar 10/10 condition, and the page presents marvelously despite a degree of age toning and light creasing. Certainly the most desirable Roberto Clemente signed photograph in the hobby. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19107 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $4,780.00
1956 Olympic Basketball Gold Medal Game Ball, Signed by Entire U.S.A. Team including Russell. The 1956 United States Men's Olympic Basketball Team was one of the most dominant squads the U.S. has ever sent to international competition. Going 8-0 during the Games and winning by an average margin of over thirty points, this team firmly reinforced the notion of American basketball superiority. Led by Bill Russell, who chose to delay joining the Boston Celtics to participate in the Melbourne Games, and his college and future Celtic teammate K.C. Jones, this team was never seriously challenged. This is the Game Ball from the Gold Medal game against the Soviet Union, signed and then presented to Coach Gerald Tucker by a grateful team. The ball comes from Tucker's son, who, in the letter accompanying the ball, states it has been in his family since the day it was given to his father in 1956. Russell's signature is beautiful, signed just below the notation on the ball that reads "U.S.A. Olympic Champs 1956." Every member of the team and coaching staff signed the ball, seventeen in all, and all of the signatures have stood the test of time wonderfully. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19203 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $4,780.00
1935 National Chicle Knute Rockne #9 PSA NM-MT 8. The second most valuable card in this earliest of football sets remembers the tragic Notre Dame coach who implored his team to "win one for the Gipper!" Marvelous color and registration, paired with sharp corners, sets this near the top of the 179 graded by PSA at the time of this writing. Only three have ever surpassed this magnificent specimen on the population charts.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19257 | May 6, 2006

Sold For: $4,780.00

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