JULY 19TH AUCTION
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/20/2013
To try and narrow down a field of 50 exceptional players in any sport is not an easy task. When it comes to basketball, the pursuit seems almost impossible. But in 1996, the NBA decided to celebrate its first 50 years in existence (1946 to 1996) by selecting 50 superb players to honor. When all the factors had been accumulated, the nomination process had covered a wide array of factors: 107 NBA championship rings, more than 400 NBA All-Star Game selections, and nearly one million points scored. At the start of the 1996-97 NBA season, the 50 players had accumulated 107 NBA Championships, 49 Most Valuable Player Awards, 17 Rookie of the Year honors, 447 All-Star Game selections, 36 scoring titles, 923,791 total points and 410,327 total rebounds. So boasts the collective resume of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History as selected by a blue-ribbon panel of media, former players and coaches, current and former general managers and team executives. On Oct. 29, 1996, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced the 50 Greatest Players at a press luncheon held in New York City. Joining Stern in the unveiling of the 50 Greatest Players, which tipped off the League's season-long “NBA at 50” celebration, were four prominent members of the list – Wilt Chamberlain, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, George Mikan and Bill Russell. The announcement was made at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, which occupies the site of the former Commodore Hotel, where the original NBA charter was signed on June 6, 1946. A short time after the announcement, each of the 50 players selected were awarded with a specially designed color lithograph featuring headshots of themselves alongside the other 49 players chosen. Each lithograph also holds the autographs in pencil of all 50 players except for “Pistol Pete” Maravich, who passed away suddenly in 1988 from a heart attack. The 50th signature on each of the lithographs belongs to Commissioner David Stern on the bottom right side. This particular original of the 50 lithographs awarded to the players belongs to Hakeem Olajuwon. It is hand-numbered: “Olajuwon 1/1.” Beautifully matted and framed, the overall item measures 45½” wide by 32½” high. Here is the comprehensive lineup of all the outstanding players, listed in alphabetical order, who were chosen for this honor: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Nate Archibald, Paul Arizin, Charles Barkley, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor, Dave Bing, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, George Gervin, Hal Greer, John Havlicek, Elvin Hayes, Magic Johnson, Sam Jones, Michael Jordan, Jerry Lucas, Karl Malone, Moses Malone, Pete Maravich, Kevin McHale, George Mikan, Earl Monroe, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, Robert Parish, Bob Pettit, Scottie Pippen, Willis Reed, Oscar Robertson, David Robinson, Bill Russell, Dolph Schayes, Bill Sharman, John Stockton, Isiah Thomas, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Bill Walton, Jerry West, Lenny Wilkens and James Worthy. Four players have passed away since the honor was bestowed upon them: Paul Arizin, Dave DeBusschere, Wilt Chamberlain and George Mikan. Comes with LOA from Olajuwon and has been pre-certified by PSA/DNA. 5647
1908-1910 Roger Bresnahan Spalding Game Used Bat MEARS A7.5
“The Duke of Tralee” began his Hall of Fame career in 1897 and over the span of 18 seasons totally changed the way the position of catcher was played. When the fiery backstop took the field in 1907 wearing protective shin guards he modified from cricket equipment, incensed fans rioted, causing the game to be forfeited. Despite a steady stream of ridicule by the press and fans alike, Bresnahan’s innovative shin guards were quickly adapted by both leagues. After a savage beaning that same year, the inventive catcher wiled away the time in his hospital bed drawing up the plans for a batting helmet, though it took almost 40 years to become reality. An especially fast ball player, Bresnahan often batted lead off and his lifetime average of .279 was high in an era when catchers weren’t known for their hitting. Both John McGraw and Branch Rickey called him the best catcher they’d ever managed.
This Spalding Gold Medal Autograph bat was game used by the Hall of Famer during the 1908-1910 seasons in which he played for both the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. The thick-handled 32 3/4” long, 40oz Spalding bat differs from Bresnahan’s store model in that it lacks the company logo which stamped into the knob. Close examination shows lathe marks from the process of customizing the bat to Bresnahan’s weight specifications. Heavy game use is evident throughout this impressive bat. Particularly deep seam imprints can be seen on the barrel end as well as a deep slash mark. The bat has taken on a warm hue over time and Spalding’s factory markings and Bresnahan’s facsimile signature are deep and clear. It’s very rare that game used deadball era bats come to auction and this is one of the finest we’ve seen. That it is attributed to a Hall of Fame catcher and baseball innovator like Bresnahan is extraordinary. Letter of Authenticity from MEARS who have graded this bat A7.5. Multiple images and LOA available at goldinauctions.com.
5782
1961-1963 Rocky Colavito Game Used Bat PSA/DNA GU 7
In a blockbuster trade with Cleveland, the Tigers swapped Harvey Kuenn for Rocky Colavito. While Kuenn’s bat cooled off, The Rock quickly demonstrated he was worth the trade by turning in his best season in 1961, hitting 45 homes, 140 RBI and 129 runs scored. This game used Hillerich & Bradsby K55 was used by Colavito during the 1961-1963 seasons while he was in the midst of becoming one of the few players in history to record 11 consecutive seasons of 20 or more home runs. Rocky batted a combined .278 with 104 homers for those years and as such, this bat shows excellent use. The handle, with evidence of removed adhesive tape, has been cracked and repaired with nails. Ball marks and stitch impressions can be seen throughout the barrel. Rocky’s number “7” is written on the knob in black marker along with the weight “31.7” in pencil. Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA who have graded this bat GU 7. Multiple images and LOA available at goldinauctions.com.
5828
2001 Barry Bonds Game Used Maple Bat PSA/DNA GU 8
Already well on the way to breaking baseball’s penultimate record - the career home run record - Bonds electrified the baseball world by first laying claim to the game’s other coveted record - single season home runs. In his first 50 games of 2001 Bonds slammed a staggering 28 home runs and by the All-Star break he was up to 39. His slugging percentage of .863 became the new MLB record and his .515 on-base average echoed the days of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. To cap off a season for the ages, Bonds hit season home run number 73 off Dennis Springer, making that number the bench mark for all sluggers to come. Bonds’ trademark SAM 2K1 Rideau Crusher bat is uncracked and shows excellent game use.
Several ball and stitch impressions can be seen on the bat’s barrel. The shadow of tape residue can be seen on the handle. The factory specs have been hand written in black ink in the cupped barrel end (34 31.5oz 08 20
01 2K1 BB). PSA/DNA sticker number 1B05565 has been affixed to the cupped barrel end. This is a beautifully produced bat with a very attractive finish and coloring. PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity is included which grades this bat GU 8. Multiple images and LOA available at goldinauctions.com.
6396
2011 Chipper Jones Game Used and Signed Bat PSA/DNA GU 10
From the Braves home opener, 2011was a season of monumental achievements for Atlanta’s superstar third baseman: first up was his 2,500th career base hit on April 8th, then came his 1,500th RBI on April 27th followed by his 1,000th extra base hit on August 19th. No other player had ever had a single season filled with so many career milestones. Jones wrapped up his Hall of Fame career the next year, but that 2011 season, during which this bat was used, will forever be considered his most distinguished. This Rawlings AMS20 is uncracked and shows heavy game use by Jones. Numerous ball marks can be seen as well as blue ink transfers from contact. Bat rack paint streaks are visible on the barrel. A heavy coat of pine tar is applied to the lower handle.
Jones’ number “10” is hand-written on the barrel and knob ends in black marker. PSA/DNA sticker number 1B04692 is affixed to the barrel end. The future Hall of Famer has signed the barrel between the Rawlings brand and his endorsement in crisp blue Sharpie and added “Game Used”. PSA/DNA sticker number 4A62682 is affixed on the barrel. Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA who has graded this bat a perfect GU 10. Multiple images and LOA available at goldinauctions.com.
5899
1985 Rod Carew Game Used Bat PSA/DNA GU 9
On August 4, 1985 Rod Carew got his 3,000th base hit and joined baseball’s most exclusive group of hitters. The 19 year veteran’s achievements were of Cooperstown proportions: a .320 lifetime average, Rookie of the Year and MVP recipient, led his league in batting 7 times and was voted to an astounding 18 time All-Star teams. This is one of Carew’s bats from his historic and final 1985 season. The Louisville Slugger O66 bat is uncracked and shows excellent game use. Several ball marks with stitch impressions can be seen on the barrel along with blue ink transfers. A light coat of pine tar is evident on the handle.
Carew’s famous number “29” is hand-written on both ends in black marker.
A PSA/DNA sticker number 1B05843 has been affixed to the barrel end. The Louisville Slugger logo and Carew’s facsimile signature brands are dark and clear. Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA who have awarded this Hall of Fame bat a grade of GU 9. Multiple images and LOA available at goldinauctions.com.
5874
2010 Derek Jeter Game Used and Signed Bat Steiner COA
Unlike most players, Derek Jeter used the same model bat throughout his career - and why not, this particular model got him over 3,300 hits and counting! This Louisville Slugger P72 is a fine example of Jeter’s preferred lumber. From the manufacturer specs stamped into the knob end we see that this was part of a 09/24/10 order from the Yankees captain.
The bat shows tremendous game use with plenty of ball marks, white leather streaking and stitch impressions throughout. Checking, which is caused by repeated ball contact, is evident on the barrel. A light coat of pine tar can be seen on the lower handle. Jeter has signed the barrel between the Louisville brand and his endorsement in matching silver ink.
A Steiner hologram sticker is affixed near the barrel’s end. COA from Steiner Sports. Multiple images and LOA available at goldinauctions.com.
6062
2005 Robinson Cano Rookie Game Used and Signed Bat PSA/DNA 8.5
When Robinson Cano came up to the Yankees in 2005, Frank Torre said “his build, presence at the plate, and smoothness in his swing” reminded him of the great Rod Carew. Cano let his bat speak for him, batting .297 with 15 RBI and just missed out winning the Rookie of the Year Award.
The Louisville Slugger G174 is uncracked and shows excellent use. Ball and stitch marks can be seen on the back barrel and also the impression from a weighted batting donut. The chipping of the black finish demonstrates the amount of use Cano put this bat through. A light coat of pine tar coats the lower handle and Cano’s usual spiral adhesive tape has been removed. Cano has added his signature in matching silver ink on the barrel right between the Louisville Slugger brand and his endorsement. The Yankees slugger has added the notation “Used 2005”
below his signature. A Mead Chasky Sports hologram sticker has been affixed near the barrel end. PSA/DNA stickers 1B05785 and U69431 and Elite 15256 have been affixed to the knob end. LOA’s from Elite Sports and PSA/DNA who have graded this bat GU 8.5. Multiple images and LOA available at goldinauctions.com.