The Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction has drawn sports memorabilia enthusiasts from far and wide, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to acquire pieces of sporting history. Among the standout items that commanded significant attention and record-breaking prices were memorabilia from iconic athletes like Roberto Clemente, Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, and Michael Jordan.
One of the prime highlights of the auction was a 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey, which fetched a staggering $256,714. This vest-style road flannel, worn during Clemente’s standout year, received an exceptional grade from SGC, emphasizing its superior quality and impeccable preservation. The allure of owning a piece worn by the legendary Clemente evidently sparked a spirited bidding war among collectors.
Not to be outdone, a Ted Williams jersey from his remarkable 1942 season also captured the spotlight, selling for $191,563. This unique jersey, gifted to a devoted Fenway Park fan and expertly altered for a better fit, stands as the sole known jersey from Williams’ 1942 campaign, making it a prized possession for avid collectors. Furthermore, a Williams warm-up jacket from the 1940s achieved a commendable price of $40,920, adding to the auction’s overall appeal.
Collectors also showed keen interest in a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, alongside signatures from Al Simmons and George Earnshaw, which garnered bids up to $102,694. This cherished family heirloom resonated with bidders, reflecting the enduring appeal of baseball legends. Additionally, a 1920s signed photo of Ruth and Lou Gehrig, as well as a 1949 Jackie Robinson card with a PSA grade of 9 autograph, fetched impressive prices of $131,066 and $85,772, respectively.
A standout piece in the auction was a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded 8 by PSA, which ignited a fierce bidding war and ultimately sold for $232,847. The sale of this rare card marked a significant milestone in the auction market for PMG Championship cards, underscoring the enduring popularity of collectibles associated with basketball icon Michael Jordan.
In addition to individual player memorabilia, the auction also featured unopened sports collectibles, such as a 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box and a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, which attracted considerable attention from collectors looking to add rare items to their collections. Noteworthy was the sale of a 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy for $165,479, showcasing the diverse range of sports memorabilia available at the event.
Game-worn items were another focal point of the auction, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey, as well as memorabilia from Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas, generating significant interest and commanding high bids. The opportunity to own a piece of sports history, whether through iconic player jerseys or rare collectibles, continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike at events like the Lelands Winter Classic Auction.
