1981 Ryne Sandberg Rookie Season Spring Training Jersey
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| '81 Ryne Sandberg Phillies Jersey (HA.com) |
Lot# 81413
Pre-Auction Estimate: $6,000-8,000
Current bid: $1,600
Description (from HA): "...upon an embroidered swatch at interior collar as well. Tail holds Wilson [size] 42 label with "81 1" embroidered year swatch, establishing this most appealing of vintages. Zipper front remains operational, and the jersey exhibits the light wear you'd expect for limited spring training use. Autographed on verso in 10/10 black sharpie"
Comments: Sandberg's return to the Phillies family has made looking back at his time as a player a little less bitter. This jersey is really a rare find. Throughout the '70s and '80s the Phillies regularly reused jersey's by replacing nameplates as necessary throughout their minor league system. Finding an intact issue for Sandberg with #24 is nearly impossible. JSA cert included for the autograph.
1979 Game Ball from famed 23-22 win in Chicago
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| Game Used Ball from 1979 Phillies Classic |
Lot# 80978
Pre-Auction Estimate: $2,000-4,000
Current bid: $650
Description (from HA): "...It was saved by Phillies General Manager Paul Owens, who penned the details artfully on the sweet spot of the ONL (Feeney) orb. Thursday May 17, 1979, Phillies at Chicago, Phils 23 Cubs 22. Letter of provenance from Owens' son is included."
Comments: 1979 was a huge disappointment for both the Phillies and their fans. This mid-week classic is one of the all-time greatest games in team history. A cool piece for any Phillies collection, and having a link to Paul Owens is clearly adding value to this ball - but, I would be surprised to see it reach the pre-auction estimate. Stay tuned...
2008 Team Signed World Series Ball
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| Team Signed '08 World Series Ball |
Lot# 82381
Pre-Auction Estimate: $600-800
Current bid: $150
Description (from HA): "Twenty two signatures on an Official World Series ball from the Champs...Mounted Memories sticker. MLB Authentic sticker. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from JSA."
Comments: There are clearly positives and negatives to this lot. On the plus side, it does include most key signatures: Utley, Werth, Hamels, Victorino, Rollins, Lidge and Ruiz. I wasn't able to spot the Howard signature that is touted in the site's description, and though he is clearly a legend, having Harry Kalas' autograph takes away a little from the team ball (in my opinion). Still - $600-800 seems reasonable when compared to "buy now" prices on dealer sites.
Bidding times/dates: Heritage Auctions - May Live Auction
I think that is Howard under the WS logo, although it's not really clear--and it's kind of surprising that Spence certified that it was, which the auction site claims. If I won it, I might try to get Howard to re-sign it!
ReplyDeleteI kind of like having Harry Kalas on the 2008 ball, actually, although I also understand how one might not like it. I have team balls in various stages of completion from the 1950, 1964, 1980, 1983 and 1993 teams (all with at least 15 signatures, some with as many as 25-30), and none have any announcers' signatures on them. But it does seem like Harry was connected with this team more than any other announcer was involved with any of theose teams (except maybe for Harry himself in 1993).
It's definitely a personal preference to not have announcers on the ball. There is a distinct connection with Harry and both those teams ('93, '08) - and his legend alone probably keeps it from being an issue for most.
DeleteSince starting to collect team balls (seriously) I have made a point to only get players/coaches with significant time with the team that particular season. I had a 2001 team ball that I built during that season, ended up getting 20 including Bowa, Rollins and Rolen - but, decided to rebuild it a few years ago because the Harry Kalas auto from Winter Caravan didn't seem right. At one of the later ALS Parties ('07 or '08) I actually passed up getting his auto and just shook his hand instead of having him sign the team ball...guess I could have planned a little better!
I'm torn on this as well. Had an encounter with team last year and got Perllozzo, Mackanin, billmeyer, and Charlie. Players weren't really signing (got Raul, Valdez, Stutes) and let Franzke, Wheels, and Sarge (who told me to get players!) sign. Personally since its my ball I don't mind. But 6 of those 7 take up serious real estate!
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