Lelands - The Best Sports Memorabilia and Card Auction Site

Lelands 2022 Summer Classic Auction

One of the most anticipated auctions in the sports collecting hobby. These milestone events garner significant media attention and feature an impressive array of some of the most important sports cards and memorabilia.



Overview of Top Auction Items

Muhammad Ali & Boxing

Lot # 946: 1970s Muhammad Ali Worn and Signed Everlast Boxing Shoes (Gifted to Personal Photographer, Lowell Riley)

Muhammad Ali had it all - the tremendous hand speed, the sparkling prose, and the "pretty" face. But perhaps the most significant weapon in his arsenal was his mesmerizing, balletic footwork. These calf-high white boxing shoes were worn in training by the one-and-only "Greatest" and gifted to his personal photographer, Lowell Riley, with Ali later adding his signature and inscription. Full inscription reads, "To Lowell Riley from Muhammad Ali/Enjoy life, it's later than you think, 6-26-87." Everlast labels are inside each tongue and fine use is shown on both. Worthy of note - this is the same style that Ali wore in fights and training; though we have not exhausted all options of these possibly being worn in a fight, we are selling them as used by Ali while training since they have not been conclusively matched to a fight. That majestic footwork allowed Ali to "Float like a butterfly..." while winning the Heavyweight Championship three times and completing 19 successful title defenses.

NY Yankees, Giants & Mets

Lot # 623: 1956 Don Larsen World Series Perfect Game Used Baseball w/Great Provenance (PSA)

Fascinating and historic lot with a great - if painful - backstory. Ben Price was the photographer and Picture Editor of the New York Herald Tribune and was assigned to cover the World Series game between the Yankees and the Dodgers on October 8, 1956. Ben's large camera was set on a heavy tripod and during the game, the camera and tripod tumbled over, breaking Ben's arm. Price was then taken into the Yankees' locker room where the team physician ultimately set his arm in a cast. Upon returning to the clubhouse following the game, which turned out to be Don Larsen's immortal Perfect Game, Billy Martin spotted the photographer and, noting that he was in great discomfort, told him to "hold on." Martin then went to Larsen, who took a baseball, signed it and inscribed, "Ben Price Sorry About the Accident. Get Well Soon. Don Larsen Oct. 8, 1956 Yankees Dodgers World Series No Hit 2 - 0 NY." Price then met Bob Feller in 1974 and had him sign the ball with "4/26/1974" inscription. The Official American League (Harridge) ball comes with LOA from the Price family. Stampings have mostly faded but remnants remain faintly visible, print is also somewhat faded but legible. Ball has a couple of minor blemishes and light toning but presents VG-EX. Comes with PSA LOA for signature.

Sports Rings And Awards

Lot # 687: 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Championship Ring with Box (Dodgers LOA)

Genuine 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers World Championship ring, crafted from 10-karat white and yellow gold with diamonds and blue sapphires. The size 11.5 Jostens ring comes with an LOA from its original owner, organization Performance Coach Fran Batista. The top features the Dodgers logo created from 17 custom-cut created sapphires, while the logo sits atop a baseball diamond with 45 round diamonds and 4 princess-cut diamonds. Around the bezel are an additional 140 round diamonds along with WORLD CHAMPIONS on top and bottom. Left shank bears the name "Batista" above a Dodgers script logo above a relief of Dodger Stadium (had this been issued to a player, his uniform number would have replaced the stadium). Right shank reads LOS ANGELES with the year 2020, set with 36 diamonds. The Commissioner's trophy splits the year number, and NL West is in relief. Inside the band is an interlocking LA logo centering the Dodgers' post-season opponents and series records. Ring weighs 84 grams and has approximately 222 round diamonds and 10 princess-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 5.25 carats. Comes in original blue display box, and lot includes owner LOA, congratulatory letter from the Dodgers, and full ownership and appraisal info. The Dodgers went 43-17 in the COVID-shortened season, adding an impressive 13-5 post-season mark to earn this spectacular prize.

Sports Rings And Awards

Lot # 684: 2011 St Louis Cardinals World Series Championship Player Ring Presented to Miguel Batista (Batista LOA)

Presented is a gorgeous 2011 Miguel Batista St. Louis Cardinals' World Champions' ring. The Cards, managed by Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, went 90-72 in the regular season that year - finishing second in the NL West Division. The Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series 3-2. Then the St. Louis advanced to the World Series by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 in the NL Championship Series. The Cardinals' battle in the World Series against the Texas Rangers that season was rated by ESPN in 2020 as the 5th greatest World Series of all- time. Game 6 of this classic Series was one in which the Cardinals erased 2-run deficits in both the bottom of the 9th inning and the bottom of the 10th inning to tie the Rangers after Texas was both times a mere strike away from its first ever World Series Championship. Then, the 2011 World Series MVP, the Cards' David Freese, won the game with a walk-off home run in the 11th inning. Game 3 was also noteworthy as the Cardinals' Albert Pujols tied Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson as the only players up to then to have hit three home runs in a World Series game. The Jostens ring weighs 69 grams. It is a size 9.5 and without the original box. Miguel Batista pitched 11 different Major League teams over an 18-year career and the much-traveled right-hander had a career 102-155 record. He began this 2011 season with the Cardinals. He pitched in 26 games, all but one in relief, and he had a record of 3-2 with a 4.48 ERA. He was released on July 22nd and soon signed by the New York Mets. Therefore, because he played nearly one half of the season for the Cardinals, he was awarded this World Series ring.  The face of the ring and the band around the face are set with real diamonds. A red and gold colored Cardinal bird is perched on a gold-colored baseball bat in the ring center. Around the edges of the face, raised lettering reads "WORLD CHAMPIONS." The left prong of the ring reads "BATISTA" and has "1926/1931/1934/1942/1944" (The years of the first five Cardinals' World Championships), and this prong also has the Cardinals' logo. The right prong reads "2011 St. Louis Cardinals 11 World Series Titles." Under that are the years of the most recent World Championships "2006/1982/1967/1964/1946." In making a reference to the Cardinals flying like their winged avian mascot and recalling the team's wins in 2011 post-season series against the Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Texas, the inside of the ring is cleverly engraved "SL 3-2 P/SL 4-2 M/SL 4-3 T/HAPPY FLIGHT." The ring is in excellent condition, and this offering represents the rare chance to possess a Major League player's World Champion ring.

Sports Rings And Awards

Lot # 682: 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks World Series Championship Player Ring Presented to Miguel Batista (Batista LOA)

Displayed is an impressive looking 2001 Miguel Batista Arizona Diamondbacks' World Champions ring, from the first and only time the Arizona Diamondbacks were World Series Champions. In that season, the Diamondbacks went 92-70 and finished second in the National League West Division and then defeated St. Louis and Atlanta to advance to the World Series against the New York Yankees. The Diamondbacks beat the Yanks in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 7 to claim the World Championship. Arizona trailed 2-1 in that last inning. Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera was pitching in relief for the Yankees. The Diamondbacks tied the game on a Tony Womack double. Then Luis Gonzalez singled in Jay Bell to win this down-to-the-wire Series on a walk-off hit. Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson (World Series co-MVPs) were the key starters for the Diamondbacks that season, going 22-6 and 21-6 respectively. Miguel Batista, pitching both as a starter and reliever, went 11-8 to win the third most games for Arizona that season, and he finished with a 3.38 ERA. Luis Gonzalez led the batters with 57 homers and 147 RBIs. The ring face features the Diamondback logo, over a rectangular background, both set in real diamonds. Raised lettering around the ring face reads "2001 WORLD CHAMPIONS." The left prong has "BATISTA" in raised letters, the image of an American flag, "Arizona Diamondbacks," and below that, "43" (Batista's number) in raised numerals. The right prong shows a fancy letter "D" and an interlocking NY to represent the Diamondbacks and the Yankees. The is a raised image of the Diamondbacks home park, Bank One Ballpark, with a stylized crown on top of the stadium image. Below that are the words "Classiest Forever." Under the above is the MLB logo. The ring is size 9.5 and it weighs 56 grams. In addition, the beautiful ring is stamped 14 K, the original box does not come with the ring. On the inside band, in a reference to the then recent September 11th attacks, is "9-11-01 Never Forget." The ring comes with a Letter of Authenticity signed by Miguel Batista. The valuable ring recalls an exciting championship by an underdog team in the wake of the 9-11 attacks.

Baseball and Trading Cards

Lot # 3: Hobby Fresh 1952 Topps Baseball #311 Mickey Mantle Signed Rookie Card PSA Authentic

1952 Topps Baseball #311 Mickey Mantle autographed card.  The autograph was obtained at a fantasy baseball camp and is offered here for the first time.  Although not his true rookie card, this issue has become synonymous with being "the" Mantle rookie card to own.  It has been graded and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as Authentic.  The autograph is in blue across Mantle's upheld hands and neck.  Although somewhat faded, it is still clearly legible.  The card itself appears to be short in the holder with smooth edges and a focused image of the young Mantle.  All four corners exhibit rounding while the centering is off left to right.  The reverse has multiple areas of paper loss on the top and bottom of the card.  Overall, a rare and hobby fresh autographed find.

Football

Lot # 1: Tom Brady's Last Pre-Retirement Touchdown Football (Photo-Matched & MeiGray LOA)

Though the perspective has changed, this remains a magnificent piece nonetheless. For 40 days, this stood as one of the most significant game used footballs in history: the final touchdown ball ofTom Brady’s career. The "historic" event took place in the Tampa BayBuccaneers’ home playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadiumin Tampa, Florida, on January 23, 2002. Brady’s 55-yard touchdown pass wascaught by wide receiver Mike Evans, which cut the Rams’ lead to 27-20 with 3:20left to play in the fourth quarter. As is his habit when he scores, Evanstossed the ball into the stands, where it was caught by our consignor. Obviously,with the game not yet decided, and with Brady having given no formal indicationthat he was considering retiring at the conclusion of the Buccaneers’ season, no one couldhave realized the ball’s historical significance at the time. It was only afterthe loss, and Brady’s stunning announcement a week later, that the true valueof the piece became apparent.

Just 40 days later, the GOAT announced his "unretirement," planning to return for the 2022 NFL season. It is worth noting, however, that at this point in time, TB12 has not yet returned to the gridiron, and should things change between now and the start of the season, this could, in fact, still be Brady's final touchdown ball.

Unlike other items used in the commission of a famouslast event, this ball has dual significance because it was also used to establishTom Brady’s record of 86 career playoff touchdowns. To put that number in itsproper perspective, the player in second place, Joe Montana, has a total of 45.Like most of Brady’s passing records, it is a mark that will almost certainly standthe test of time.

As mentioned earlier, this ball has been consigned directlyfrom the fan who caught it after Evans tossed it into the stands. That impeccableprovenance notwithstanding, the ball has also been conclusively photo matched. TheWilson Official NFL football features a large NFL logo on side panel, belowwhich, on a separate panel is a silver oval bearing the Buccaneers’ team logoand the number “435.” Additionally, that same panel displays numerous smallwhite “specks” that are a byproduct of its game use. Both the number “435” andthe “specks” can be clearly seen in two closeup Getty Images (1237945845 and1366493887) of Evans as he makes his fourth-quarter touchdown catch. 

It is only through an incredible stroke of luck that this ball isavailable to private collectors. If Evans had not tossed it into the stands, itwould still be in the possession of the Buccaneers and would never be offeredpublicly. Lelands too has experienced a second stroke of good fortune. It was lessthan a year ago that we offered Tom Brady’s first career touchdown ball (Lot 5;2021 Mid-Spring Classic; realized $428,841). Ironically, Brady’s firsttouchdown ball, like his "last," was also tossed into the stands by the receiverwho caught it (Terry Glenn). Whether or not Brady adds to his miraculous totals in the regular season and playoffs, this ball is still very historically important with the potential of immense value should it remain his last.

Comes with full letter of authenticity and photo-match by MeiGray.

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 126: 2011 SP Legendary Cuts Presidential Emblem Cut Signatures #1 George Washington Autograph #1/1

George Washington-general, president, patriot, gentleman farmer, embodied the ideals of the young nation he helped found.  This 2011 SP Legendary Cuts Baseball Presidential Emblem #1 George Washington cut signature booklet contains a manufactured Presidential Emblem patch on one side and a cut signature of George Washington on the other side of the booklet.  It is #1/1.  The booklet is in NM condition.  

Baseball and Trading Cards

Lot # 255: 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle SGC VG 3

1952 Topps Baseball #311 Mickey Mantle "Rookie" card.  The card has been graded and encapsulated by SGC VG 3.  This first Topps card of Mantle is often billed as his rookie card despite the presence of the 1951 Bowman card in the hobby.  Part of the scarce high number series, all examples of this card are desirable.  This example exhibits nice bright borders and a clear, focused image of "The Mick."  All four corners show light touches while the edges appear fairly smooth with just a bit of chipping mostly along the left edge.  The centering is off left to right and the card has a very slight tilt.  A very faint wrinkle exists running from the right border towards Mantle's neck.  The reverse is clean and defect free.  

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 4: 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan Rookie PSA GEM MINT 10

While the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card has always been popular, the recent surge in demand has made it one of the hottest cards on the market. Not only does the obvious significance of MJ's rookie card provide immense value, but the '86 Fleer set overall is noted as one of the most visually appealing sets ever created. If you're looking for one that lives up to the perfection of the icon himself, look no further. This red, white, and blue bordered beauty has been encapsulated as a perfect GEM MT 10 by PSA. Don't be fooled by what looks like a plentiful supply on the PSA POP Report, as collectors have been stashing away these prized specimens and they're becoming more difficult to find on the market each day.

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 98: 2015 Topps Dynasty Baseball Dual Relic Cut Signatures #DRLCBR Babe Ruth Game Used Bat Autograph Card #1/1 PSA NM-MT 8 Auto 7

2015 Topps Dynasty Baseball #DRLCBR Babe Ruth Double Relic Legendary Cut Signature card.  The card and auto have been graded and encapsulated by PSA NM-MT 8 with an Autograph grade of 7.  It is #1/1 and contains two pieces of game used bat and one Babe Ruth cut signature.  

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 10: 2015 Topps Dynasty Baseball Cut Signatures #CSBR Babe Ruth Autograph Card #1/1 PSA Gem Mint 10 Auto 9

2015 Topps Dynasty Baseball Cut Signatures #CSBR Babe Ruth Autograph card.  The card and autograph have been graded and encapsulated by PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 with an Auto grade of 9.  It is #1/1 with a "Sincerely Babe Ruth" auto in black.  

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 104: 2014 Topps Dynasty Baseball Babe Ruth Cut Autograph Dual Bat Card #1/1 PSA MINT 9

2014 Topps Dynasty Baseball #CSLBR Babe Ruth Dual Bat Relic Cut Signature card.  It has been graded and encapsulated by PSA MT 9.  The cut autograph appears to be in pencil on what looks like a scorecard of some sort.  It is #1/1.

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 14: 1999 Upper Deck Basketball Athlete of the Century #MJSS1 Michael Jordan Superstar Signatures Card #3/23 PSA GEM MINT 10 Auto 10 (Pop 1 of 1)

1999 Upper Deck Basketball Superstar Signatures #MJSS1 Michael Jordan Athlete of the Century Autograph card.  The card and autograph have been graded and encapsulated by PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 with an Autograph grade of 10.  This perfect gem is a population 1-the highest graded example.  The autograph is clear and bold in blue with a hand numbered 3/23 accompanying it.  

Baseball and Trading Cards

Lot # 281: 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie Card PSA NM-MT 8

1955 Topps Baseball #123 Sandy Koufax (R) card.  The card has been graded and encapsulated by PSA NM-MT 8.  It It has excellent centering with four sharp corners and smooth edges.  The borders are white and the image of Koufax is clear and colorful.  The reverse is clean and defect free.  A gorgeous card!

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 11: 1986-1987 Fleer Basketball #57 Michael Jordan Rookie Card SGC GEM MINT 10

1986-1987 Fleer Basketball #=57 Michael Jordan (R) card.  The card has been graded and encapsulated by SGC Gem Mint 10.  A flawless example of basketball's most iconic card.  This example is perfectly centered with four razor sharp corners.  The edges are smooth and the image of a dunking Jordan is clear and glossy.  The reverse is clean and defect free.  A pristine investment piece.

Ruth and Gehrig

Lot # 612: Bold Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball (PSA 8 Signature)

"I swing big with everything I've got," said Babe Ruth. "I hit big or miss big. I like to live as big as I can." No truer words were ever spoken. The Babe hit big, he pitched big. And when he signed baseballs, he did that big, too. The offered baseball has a very bold Babe Ruth signature on the sweet spot. Is the Babe the baseball GOAT, the greatest of all-time? Look at his record. The Bambino led the American League in ERA in 1916 with a miniscule 1.75 earned run average. He led the American League in batting average as well, with a .378 batting average in 1924. Along the way, he bashed 714 home runs, hit .342 lifetime, and had a pitching record of 94-46, a winning percentage of .671, and a career ERA of 2.28, and he got even better in the clutch. He once held the World Series record for pitching consecutive scoreless innings with 29.2, He still holds the records for the highest lifetime slugging percentage in history (.690) and the all-time OPS record, an incredible 1.164. The Babe struck out 1,330 times in his career, a huge total for his era, but the Babe said, "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." The fear of striking out never did get in the Babe's way. "What did I think about after I struck out?" said the Sultan of Swat." I think about hitting home runs." The Babe's signature is graded an 8 by PSA. The unofficial ball has a light coat of shellac and is off-white. The ball comes with a full PSA letter, and a PSA sticker with coding number affixed. Babe Ruth was simply larger than life, and this is a great Babe Ruth ball to own.

Modern Sports Cards

Lot # 2: 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket #144 Tom Brady Autograph SGC MINT+ 9.5 - Auto 10 (Pop 1 of 1)

2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket #144 Tom Brady Autograph card. This issue has taken its place as perhaps the most iconic modern era card of all. While the record-setting numbered Championship Ticket cards are now virtually impossible to find, these Playoff versions have become intensely sought-after and are becoming scarce in their own right, as values have soared and high grade versions are stashed away. This specimen is about as good as you'll find, earning a perfect 10 grade for the autograph and and overall MT+ 9.5 from SGC; grading as POP ONE in their report. Since the GOAT has announced his "un-retirement," it's worth revisiting some of the remarkable records that he will be adding to next season, including: Most career QB wins (243; Brett Favre and Peyton Manning are tied for second with 186), Most career completions (7,263), Most career passing touchdowns (624), Most passing yards (84,520), and so many more honors, records, and accolades, all adding to his case as not only the greatest football player of all time, but perhaps the most elite athlete in professional sports history.

Baseball and Trading Cards

Lot # 12: 1968 Topps Baseball 3-D Test Issue Roberto Clemente PSA NM-MT 8

1968 Topps #-D Baseball Test Issue Roberto Clemente card.  The card has been graded and encapsulated by PSA NM-MT 8.  Produced a full 2 years in advance of the famous Kellogg's 3-D run, these were a truly innovative set of cards.  Blank backed with rounded corners, the cards saw very limited distribution.  The checklist lacked star power as only Clemente and Tony Perez became Hall of Famers from the set.  The card itself appears sharp with only some black ink marks on the reverse keeping this from a higher grade.  

Jackie Robinson & Brooklyn Dodgers

Lot # 640: 1956 Jackie Robinson Signed Handwritten Letter w/Signed Envelope - Outstanding Baseball Content (PSA) - "[Alston] is Strictly a Book Manager and Will Not Change at All"

Two-page handwritten letter (on each side of a single sheet), undated, signed by Jackie Robinson. Although the letter is undated, it is accompanied by its original mailing envelope, which is postmarked May 29, 1956. Both the letter and envelope bear "The Schenley Park Hotel" letterhead, but Robinson has added his scripted return address "Jackie Robinson/Brooklyn Dodgers" (grading 8/10) on the envelope, therefore the lot features two full Jackie Robinson signatures. In his letter, written to his good friend Bob Campbell, Robinson first discusses a recent ban on political speeches at his alma mater, U.C.L.A, and then discusses the Dodgers' slow start, including criticism of manager Walt Alston. In part: "I am very anxious to know how bad the school is affected by the ban. . . . if all is true times have certainly changed from the time I went out there. . . . We have been playing awful ball and I don't believe since I have been in the game has our team looked so helpless for such a period. I can not see us as a contender unless a spark is ignited soon but our manager just can not start one. He is strictly a book manager and will not change at all. I hope he does soon before we are out of contention. . . ." Signed "Jackie Robinson." Both the text and signature are scripted in blue ink and grade 9/10 overall. Brooklyn was 18-15 and in fifth place in the standings on May 29, 1956, the day of this letter. Fortunately, the Dodgers eventually found their way and repeated as National League Champions, but lost the World Series to the New York Yankees. Given the baseball content, this is an especially significant Robinson handwritten letter, featuring two full Robinson signatures, dating from his final season in the Majors. The letter (6x9.5") displays two horizontal folds and is in Excellent to Mint condition. The envelope (6.6x3.75") is also Excellent condition. Full LOA from PSA. 

Jackie Robinson & Brooklyn Dodgers

Lot # 643: 1965 Jackie Robinson Handwritten Letter with U.C.L.A and Lew Alcindor Content - "There is Great Ability in Him but There is More Pride"

Two-page handwritten letter (on each side of a single sheet), undated, signed by Jackie Robinson. Although the letter is undated, it is accompanied by its original mailing envelope, which is postmarked December 27, 1965. In his letter, written on his personal letterhead to his good friend Bob Campbell, Robinson first discusses his health, but then turns his attention to U.C.L.A. basketball star Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar). In part: "Lou [sic] Alcindor went on T.V. and made a comment that was totally taken out of context only because the commercial came on and he had no chance to  explain what he meant. He seems to be highly intelligent and I think its a shame youngsters like him are not understood. There is great ability in him but there is more pride. I would think some understanding of his concern would help a great deal. If I were close to him or his coach I would call him aside and tell him I understand. I would then suggest we work together to see what we can do to help solve the problem. U.C.L.A. with Wooden could make a real contribution if the will was there. . . ." Signed simply "Jackie." Both the text and signature are scripted in blue ink and grade 9/10 overall. 1965 marked Lew Alcindor's freshman season at U.C.L.A. and even though freshman were unable to play at the varsity level at the time, he was still the most well-known collegiate athlete in the country given his incredible abilities on the hardwood. He was also, like Robinson, a social activist with a focus on civil rights, so it was only natural that Robinson took special interest in him, especially since Robinson was a U.C.L.A. alumnus. The letter (7.25x10.5") displays two horizontal folds and is in Excellent condition overall. Accompanied by its original mailing envelope (9.5x4"; Good condition). Full LOA from PSA.

Jackie Robinson & Brooklyn Dodgers

Lot # 639: 1956 Jackie Robinson Signed Chock Full O' Nuts Contract - Signed Prior to His Official Retirement (PSA)

Three-page contract, dated December 10, 1956, between Jackie Robinson and the "Chock Full O' Nuts Corp.," signed by both parties. One of the long-held fallacies regarding Jackie Robinson's retirement from baseball is that he did so because he did not want to play for the rival New York Giants after the club traded him to the Giants on December 13, 1956. However, as evidenced by the date of this contract, which is three days prior to his trade from the Dodgers to the Giants, the decision to retire had already been made. What complicated the matter at the time was that Robinson contractually signed an agreement with LOOK, which gave the magazine the exclusive rights to announce his retirement in its January 22, 1957, issue. The contract calls for Robinson to serve as the company's "Vice-President and Personnel Manager" and to "devote his entire time and attention exclusively to the business and affairs of the company." The contract is for seven years, but the company retains the right to terminate the agreement at the end of two years if it wishes. Robinson is to receive a salary of $20,000 per year for the first two years, and $30,000 per year for the remaining five years. Signed by "Jack R. Robinson" in blue ink (grading 7/10) and "Wm. Black" for Chuck Full O' Nuts. Robinson eventually served with the company for the full seven years of the agreement and even though Robinson had many other business interests prior to his death in 1972, Chock Full O' Nuts is still the company he is most associated with today. This is an especially significant Robinson contract, especially as it relates to the narrative of his retirement from the Dodgers. The contract (8x13") remains housed in its original blue docket and aside from the horizontal fold it remains in Excellent to Mint condition. The docket displays a paperclip impression near the top border and is in Excellent condition overall. Full LOA from PSA. 

Jackie Robinson & Brooklyn Dodgers

Lot # 637: Extraordinary Gil Hodges Handwritten Letter to Ty Cobb Asking for Batting Help! (PSA) - "I Would Appreciate Anything You Could Tell Me in This Matter Mr. Cobb and I am Willing to Try Anything That Might Help Me Improve"

Extraordinary handwritten letter, undated, written by Gil Hodges to Ty Cobb in which he asks the legendary Hall of Famer for batting advice. To understand this letter fully, we must recount what preceded it. Gil Hodges began the 1952 season as one of the top power hitters in the league, having hit twenty or more home runs and driven in more than 100 runs in each of the past three seasons. 1952 was no different, as Hodges finished the year with 32 home runs, 102 RBI, and a .254 average, which helped lead the Dodgers to the National League Championship. Unfortunately for Hodges, he went hitless in twenty-six at bats during the club's seven-game loss to the Yankees in the 1952 World Series. Naturally, Hodges bore much of the blame from the town's unforgiving sportswriters after the Series. The criticism heaped upon Hodges prompted Ty Cobb to write him in late January of 1953, telling him not to listen to his critics and offering to give him some hitting advice. (We know this because the Cobb letter to Hodges has entered the hobby and was previously sold at auction.) This letter is Hodges' response to Cobb. The two-page handwritten letter, on two unlined sheets, is addressed "Dear Mr. Cobb" and reads in part: "Received your wonderful letter and was very happy to hear from you. . . . I was very glad you had taken time to write me on the subject of hitting and I'm sure with your many achievements in baseball you have a lot of hitting secrets I would be very much indebted to you if you could give me a few tips that help me in my career. As you might know, I'm strictly a pull hitter and hit very few balls to right field up to last season. I tried to go to right field all last season; sacrificing my power to get a base hit to right. . . . It was difficult to cut down my swing to try and punch the ball to right. . . . I would appreciate anything you could tell me in this matter Mr. Cobb and I am willing to try anything that might help me improve." Signed "Gil Hodges." Hodges started his letter in black ink, but his pen ran out about halfway through and he finished it in blue ink. Both the text and signature are boldly scripted and grade 9/10 overall. Whatever advice Cobb gave Hodges, it certainly worked, as Hodges improved his batting average to .302 in 1952, while totaling 31 home runs and 122 RBI. Each page of the letter (7.10.5") displays two horizontal folds and a few light creases. In Very Good to Excellent condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Ty Cobb's son, Christopher Paul Cobb, and a full LOA from PSA. 

Jackie Robinson & Brooklyn Dodgers

Lot # 641: 1957 Gil Hodges Signed Brooklyn Dodgers Contract - Last Season in Brooklyn (PSA)

Four-page fold-over contract, dated January 11, 1957, between Gil Hodges and the "Brooklyn National League Baseball Club, Inc., signed by Hodges and Dodgers vice-president Buzzy Bavasi. Hodges has signed the contract "Gilbert Ray Hodges" in blue ink, with the signature grading 9/10. The one-year agreement calls for Hodges to receive $37,000 for the 1957 season, which was the final year the Dodgers played in Brooklyn. Hodges enjoyed another banner year in 1957, batting .299 with 27 home runs and 98 RBI, numbers that helped earn him a seventh-place finish in the MVP voting at season's end. 1957 was also the first year in which Rawlings presented the best fielder at each position with a Gold Glove Award. Hodges was one of the initial recipients of the Award and it marked the first of three consecutive Gold Gloves for Cooperstown's newest Hall of Fame inductee. The contract (8.5x11") remains in Excellent to Mint condition. Full LOA from PSA.

Muhammad Ali & Boxing

Lot # 5: 1997 Evander Holyfield Fight Worn Gloves from Infamous Mike Tyson "Bite Fight" (ex-Holyfield Collection)

Presented is no less than one of the most significant pair of boxing gloves in the sport's modern history. Even a quarter-century later, the Heavyweight rematch between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson remains one of the most famous - or perhaps, infamous - bouts in boxing history. On November 9, 1996, champ Tyson and former-champ Holyfield squared off for the first time, with the latter proving to be the "The Real Deal" in knocking down "Iron Mike" en route to a mildly controversial 7-round TKO. Just seven months later, on June 28, 1997, the two squared off again in a highly-anticipated rematch at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Holyfield gained the early advantage, again frustrating Tyson, who accused his foe of head-butting as he had in the earlier fight. In the 3rd round, Tyson stunned the boxing world by biting a chunk out of Holyfield's ear before proceeding to bite the other later in the round, causing a disqualification. These crisp, red Everlast gloves were worn by The Real Deal in that landmark contest, with Everlast logo sewn on each cuff, and a screened logo in white. Each has written on the cuff logo in black marker, "Holyfield #1." Light but definite use shown, not surprising as the bout lasted just those three rounds. A remarkable piece of pugilistic history. Solid provenance; property from the life and career of Evander Holyfield, these were previously sold at an auction where Holyfield consigned his personal pieces

Baseball and Trading Cards

Lot # 9: 1953 Topps #244 Willie Mays Card Original Artwork

Original artwork of Willie Mays used to produced card #244 in the 1953 Topps set. Willie Mays is one of the key cards from the 1953 Topps set and the corresponding artwork commands even greater significance in the eyes of collectors, especially given its storied history. It was originally purchased at the highly publicized Topps Archives auction in 1989 by the Marriott Corporation for $88,000 ($210,000 in today's economy). Marriott used the artwork for promotional purposes and also created a limited-edition print, which was sold and marketed for charitable purposes. In 1991 Marriott donated the Willie Mays artwork to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (a nonprofit organization that raises funds for children's hospitals in the United States and Canada), in whose possession it has remained these past thirty-one years. This piece has been consigned directly by the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, with all the proceeds dedicated to helping children receive the best medical care possible. 

Unlike 1953 Topps cards, the artworks used to produce them are unique. Only one of each exists. Further distinguishing the 1953 Topps artworks is the fact that 1953 was the only year during that decade that Topps relied on paintings rather than photography for its card design. (It has always been assumed that the reason for that decision was related to the company's ongoing lawsuits with Bowman at the time; 1953 was the first year Bowman used photography rather than paintings to produce its cards.) 1953 marked Willie Mays' second appearance on a Topps card, and in addition to being one of the set's high numbered offerings, his card is also a short print, making it one the scarcest as well. Other than Mantle, the offered Mays painting is the most significant 1953 Topps artwork in the hobby and one that will almost certainly continue to appreciate in the years to come. 

The artwork (3.5x5") feature's Mays' name written twice on the reverse, along with his team affiliation ("N.Y.") and an editorial notation. Like all other known 1953 Topps artworks, adhesive residue covers the reverse, otherwise the artwork is in Excellent condition overall. The card is accompanied by an actual 1953 Topps #244 Mays card, which is in Good condition overall.