Jackie Robinson ’56 WS Glove Sells For $373K at Auction
June 3, 2013 by Seamheads · Leave a Comment
Worn During 1955 and ’56 World Series…
Authentic Game-Worn Glove Used By The Immortal Jackie Robinson Sells For $373,002 On Auction Block On Steiner Sports “Ground Breaking” On-Line Auction; Robinson Louisville Slugger Sells For $114,000
***Mickey Mantle Original Signed 1960 Contract Sells for $39,930, benefits Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund***
New York, June 3 — A rare Jackie Robinson baseball glove worn in the Brooklyn Dodgers 1955 and 1956 World Series (his final season) sold for $373,002 on the Steiner Sports Memorabilia “Ground Breaking” on line auction last night, it was announced by Steiner CEO Brandon Steiner.
Another vintage Robinson artifact, a game-used Jackie Robinson Model Louisville Slugger bat, authenticated and believed to be from the 1956 season, sold for $114,000.
Yankee icon Mickey Mantle’s original 1960 signed contract fetched $39,930 with proceeds donated to Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund by the sons of the Yankee great, Danny and David Mantle, on behalf of the Mantle family.
A 1924 World Series ticket signed by such immortals as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, John McGraw and Walter Johnson, as well as the 30th President of the United States Calvin Coolidge and the first Commissioner of Baseball, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, sold for $15,000.
The glove is considered one of the most historic artifacts from the career of the immortal Robinson was only recently discovered. Authenticator Dennis Esken, who is renowned in the industry, had said: “This rare gem is the only Jackie Robinson glove known to exist. It was discovered in New York City tucked away in a garage, wrapped in plastic. The glove shows extensive wear and aging on the leather attributed to three years of use. The photo match and the ability to see the Rawlings labels aided me in getting the exact date of the glove. One of the highlights in this BD model glove is Jackie’s iconic jersey number ’42’ written in black felt tip on the intact wrist strap also, signifying that this glove belonged to him as proven by the ’42’ pictured in the photo match.”
The Louisville Slugger Jackie Robinson Professional Model Bat, believed to be from the 1956 season, was authenticated by John Taube and Vince Malta from PSA/DNA and is graded a GU 9. A letter of authenticity states the bat matches records of Robinson’s Louisville Slugger orders and even carries streaks of paint from the bat rack in the Dodger dugout at Ebbets Field.
“My mom (Merlyn) deserves all the credit for saving my father’s contracts in a file cabinet to preserve them,” says Danny Mantle. “The 1960 contract is in near perfect condition and looks brand new. We watch all those people living in tents, and decided to take the contract and put it to good use to raise some money for the victims.”
Mary Pat Christie had said: “I would like thank Danny and David Mantle, and the Mantle Family for this generous contribution to the Fund. I also would like to thank Steiner Sports, Brandon Steiner and Brett Schissler for making the auction happen. The rebuilding has begun but much work is still ahead. The Governor joins me in thanking you all for your support and generosity.”
To date the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund has $34 million in commitments from over 28,000 donors from across the United States and the world. We have made 32 grants totaling $6.8 million and have a goal of reaching a total of $11 million in grants by the end of this week.
The contract is signed by “The Mick” and Henry Roy Hamey, a long-time employee of the Yankees who he reached the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed the general manager in November 1960. Although he inherited a pennant winner from his predecessor, George Weiss, Hamey maintained the Yankee standard. He produced three additional American League champions and two World Series champions in his three full seasons in the GM chair, before retiring in the autumn of 1963.
