1939 Baseball Hall of Fame Program Shatters Auction Record at $315K
URGENT UPDATE: A historic program from the inaugural National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony has just sold for a staggering $315,000 at Lelands Auctions, marking a record-breaking sale for such memorabilia. This sale eclipses the previous record of $241,500, set in 2011 for a 1903 World Series program.
The program, which features the signatures of all eleven living inductees from the June 12, 1939 ceremony, is believed to be the only one of its kind. Legendary figures such as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Connie Mack are among those whose autographs grace this prized document.
Notably, Ty Cobb signed the program twice—an anecdote linked to a charming story involving the consignor’s mother, who was present at the event. She obtained Cobb’s autograph after a playful exchange, where she offered him a kiss on the cheek. Cobb, in turn, cheekily insisted on signing twice, resulting in the unique “Double Ty” signature.
The consignor, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared that his parents were engaged and attended the ceremony, striving to collect as many autographs as possible.
“My mother and her fiancé wanted to collect all the autographs of the living HOF players while at the opening of the HOF,”
the consignor recounted. The program comes with a letter of authenticity from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), ensuring the legitimacy of the signatures.
This record-breaking auction emphasizes the growing interest in sports memorabilia and its emotional resonance for fans and collectors alike. The program’s sale not only reflects its historical significance but also the personal stories tied to it, making it a treasure for any baseball enthusiast.
As the auction world watches closely, this sale sets a new benchmark for sports collectibles. Stay tuned for more developments in this exciting story as collectors and fans alike react to this monumental event.
