The Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction has drawn to a close, leaving sports memorabilia enthusiasts in awe of the remarkable sales that unfolded. Among the standout items that stole the spotlight were the iconic jerseys of baseball legends Roberto Clemente and Ted Williams, fetching impressive prices that set a new standard in the world of sports collectibles.
A 1960 game-worn Roberto Clemente jersey took center stage, garnering an astounding $256,714. This vest-style road flannel, worn during a pivotal year for Clemente, received an excellent grade from SGC, attesting to its exceptional quality and impeccable preservation, making it a prized possession for any serious collector.
Not to be outshone, a Ted Williams jersey from his exceptional 1942 season commanded a hefty sum of $191,563. This unique piece, gifted to a devoted Fenway Park fan and skillfully altered for a superior fit, stands as the sole known jersey from Williams’ remarkable 1942 campaign, making it a rare gem for collectors. Additionally, a Williams warm-up jacket from the 1940s fetched $40,920, further adding to the allure of the auction.
A baseball bearing the autographs of Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, cherished as a family heirloom, garnered significant interest, reaching bids of up to $102,694. This immaculate piece also featured signatures from Al Simmons and George Earnshaw, adding to its historical significance. Furthermore, a 1920s photo signed by Ruth and Lou Gehrig, along with a 1949 Jackie Robinson card boasting a PSA grade of 9 for its autograph, fetched impressive prices of $131,066 and $85,772, respectively.
One of the auction’s highlights was the sale of a 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card. Graded 8 by PSA, this rare collectible ignited a fierce bidding war amongst enthusiasts, ultimately selling for an astonishing $232,847, marking a significant milestone in the market for PMG Championship cards.
In addition to these iconic items, the auction featured a selection of unopened sports memorabilia, including a sought-after 1961 Fleer Baseball Greats box and a 1974 O-Pee-Chee Baseball box, captivating collectors with their rarity and historical significance. A 1991 Kentucky Derby owner’s trophy was also among the coveted pieces, fetching a noteworthy sum of $165,479.
Game-worn memorabilia held a special place in the auction, with a Sidney Crosby rookie season jersey and items from sports legends Lynn Swann, Brian Leetch, and Jerry Lucas garnering considerable attention and commanding high bids, further adding to the excitement and fervor of the event.
Overall, the Lelands 2024 Winter Classic Auction proved to be a memorable and exhilarating event for sports memorabilia aficionados, with record-breaking sales and rare finds that captivated collectors worldwide.
