RIPPED is Live from Cleveland
Editor’s note: Each day of the National Sports Collectors Convention, Topps RIPPED senior writer Greg Bates will highlight three things he saw while roaming the show floor at the I-X Center in Cleveland.
CLEVELAND – Day 1 of The National never disappoints.
The dealers have out their best items, and the auction houses are anxious to display their top consignments. Wednesday provided a great look at plenty of unbelievable pieces. A couple really caught my eye.
Babe Ruth’s game-worn jersey from “Called Shot” during the 1932 World Series is on display at Heritage Auctions. (All Photos by Greg Bates)
Best Auction House Item
Babe Ruth’s jersey he wore during his “Called Shot” in the 1932 World Series at Heritage Auctions.
“I think this is the preeminent piece of sports memorabilia in the world,” Heritage Auctions Director of Sports Auctions Chris Ivy said. “It’s tied to an event that we’re still talking about nearly 100 years later.”
Photo-matched by three top companies in the industry, this piece is estimated to fetch $30 million. As of Thursday morning, bidding for the jersey is at $13.2 million.
“As it sits right now, it’s the most expensive piece of memorabilia because we hold the current record of $12.6 million for that high-grade ’52 Topps Mantle card,” Ivy said. “It surpassed that yesterday, and we’ve got 30 more days to see where it will end up.”
John Taube from J.T. Sports holds a signed bat from Hank Aaron’s 1957 MVP season. The piece is on sale for $285,000.
Best Dealer Item
Hank Aaron signed bat from his only MVP season in 1957. Longtime dealer John Taube from J.T. Sports is selling this amazing piece for $285,000.
“It’s one of the rarest Aaron pieces in the hobby,” Taube said. “The ’57 season for Henry Aaron is the only MVP season. This bat is the only fully documented bat to the MVP season, acquired by the original owner during the World Series.”
A great crowd was on hand for Day 1 of The National in Cleveland on Wednesday.
Best Overall Scene
There was so much energy when the VIP holders were allowed to enter the show floor on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. — 30 minutes before the general public.
Despite the fact that attendees had until just 8 p.m. on opening day before the show shut down, the numbers were big, and the atmosphere was electric. It really set the tone for what has all the makings of becoming one of the best Nationals ever.
