Avid baseball fans and collectors are in for a treat with the upcoming Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction in Chicago. This auction, featuring over 570 lots, offers a treasure trove of autographed baseballs from a single collector. The collection boasts an impressive array of baseballs signed by some of the greatest players in the game’s history, including Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente, alongside rare signatures from baseball Hall of Famers.
Director of Sports Memorabilia at Hindman, James Smith, is thrilled about the breadth and depth of the collection, considering it one of the most extensive and exciting offerings ever presented by the auction house.
One notable piece expected to generate significant interest is a baseball signed by the 1934 New York Yankees. This ball holds particular significance as it marks Babe Ruth’s final year with the team. Adorned with signatures from Ruth, his legendary teammate Lou Gehrig, and other Hall of Famers like Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri, the ball comes with authentication letters from PSA and Beckett Authentication Services, guaranteeing its provenance.
Another highlight of the auction is a unique ball from the deadball era, signed by an eclectic group that includes Cy Young and the first baseball commissioner, Kennesaw “Mountain” Landis. What makes this ball even more rare and valuable are the signatures of Mrs. Christy Mathewson and Mrs. John J. McGraw. It is truly an extraordinary collector’s item, complete with a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
Additional standout items include a high-grade 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed ball, a 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series championship ball, and a 1972 National League All-Star team ball signed by luminaries such as Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron. Collectors will also find signed team balls from the 1930 and 1932 Philadelphia Athletics, featuring legends like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove.
To participate in the Having a Ball timed online auction, interested buyers can place bids via Hindman’s website and Live Auctioneers. The lots are set to close sequentially starting at 9 AM CT on November 29. A unique feature of this auction is the bidding system, which extends the bidding period by five minutes if a bid is placed in the final minute before a lot is set to close. This allows all interested parties a fair chance to participate, without affecting the closing times of other lots.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate baseball fan looking to add a special piece to your memorabilia collection, the Hindman’s Having a Ball Auction offers an incredible opportunity to acquire autographed baseballs from some of the sport’s most iconic figures. Don’t miss out on this chance to own a piece of baseball history.
