The Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction has concluded, leaving collectors and enthusiasts in awe with the remarkable sales of prestigious sports memorabilia. One of the most outstanding pieces was a 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey, striking a chord with bidders and finally fetching an impressive $256,714. This historic vest-style road flannel, donned during a standout season for Clemente, earned a stellar grade from SGC, attesting to its exceptional quality and meticulous preservation.
Not to be outdone, a Ted Williams jersey hailing from his remarkable 1942 season attracted significant attention, ultimately selling for $191,563. This unique jersey, gifted to a loyal Fenway Park fan and subsequently altered for an improved fit, stands as the sole known jersey from Williams’ 1942 campaign, a rare gem for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Furthermore, a Williams warm-up jacket from the 1940s found its new owner for $40,920, further elevating the auction’s prestige.
A baseball bearing the autographs of legends Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, a cherished family heirloom, drew bids reaching an impressive $102,694. This impeccably preserved piece also featured signatures from Al Simmons and George Earnshaw, adding to its allure. Additionally, a 1920s Ruth-Lou Gehrig signed photo and a 1949 Jackie Robinson card with a stellar PSA grade of 9 autograph fetched $131,066 and $85,772, respectively, showcasing the enduring appeal of these baseball icons.
A standout highlight of the auction was a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded 8 by PSA. This rare and coveted item ignited a fierce bidding war, culminating in a staggering sale price of $232,847, signaling a monumental moment in the auction market for PMG Championship cards.
The auction also featured unopened sports memorabilia, including a coveted 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box and a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, among other treasures. A 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy, a symbol of equestrian excellence, fetched an impressive $165,479, adding a touch of variety to the auction’s offerings.
Game-worn items took center stage, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and memorabilia from sports luminaries such as Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas garnering significant interest and commanding high bids. The auction was a testament to the enduring allure of sports memorabilia and the passion it evokes in collectors and fans alike.
