Avid collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike are in for a treat as Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago presents a remarkable collection of autographed baseballs. This treasure trove of over 570 lots features the signatures of some of the most iconic players in the history of the game, including Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente. Alongside these legends, the auction also presents rare signatures from baseball Hall of Famers.
James Smith, the Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, expressed his excitement about the breadth and depth of the collection, proclaiming it as one of the most extensive and thrilling collections the auction house has ever brought forward.
Amongst the standout pieces is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees, which holds particular significance as Babe Ruth’s last year with the team. The ball is adorned with signatures from Ruth, his famed teammate Lou Gehrig, and other revered Hall of Famers such as Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri. Its provenance is guaranteed by authentication letters from PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, making it a highly sought-after item.
A unique ball from the deadball era also graces the auction, featuring the signatures of baseball legends Cy Young and Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis, the first baseball commissioner. Adding to its rarity are the signatures of Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw, which truly elevate this ball to an extraordinary collector’s item. Its authenticity is further attested by a letter from Beckett Authentication Services.
The auction also showcases several other remarkable 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. Collectors will be delighted to find signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, featuring baseball legends like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove.
For those eager to participate, the Having a Ball timed online auction is currently open for bids on Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The lots are set to close sequentially starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. It is worth noting that Hindman’s auction incorporates an extended bidding process. If a bid is placed in the final minute before a lot is set to close, the bidding period is automatically extended by five minutes. This ensures that all interested parties have a fair chance to participate without affecting the closing times of other lots.
Whether you’re a passionate collector or a baseball fan looking to own a piece of history, Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction offers an extraordinary opportunity to acquire autographed baseballs from some of the game’s greatest players. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exceptional event and add a unique piece of memorabilia to your collection.
