Springfield of Dreams Auction to Benefit Jackie Robinson Foundation
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/24/2017
25 years ago history was made when Homer Simpson led the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant to the softball championship over bitter rival Shelbyville Nuclear Power Plant. Simpson was called into action for what turned out to be the last and winning plate appearance of the game. Future Hall of Famers and star “employees” like Wade Boggs, Ken Griffey Jr., Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Mike Scioscia, Steve Sax and Jose Canseco were forced out of action due to a series of unfortunate mishaps. Daryl Strawberry manned his right field position and blasted nine home runs to pace Springfield. Simpson, who was the only player that had not appeared in the game, was called on to pinch-hit for Strawberry with the bases loaded in the last inning during the deadlock.
In what turned out to be a shrewd move, Springfield manager C. Montgomery Burns played the percentages by replacing the left-handed hitting Strawberry for the right-handed hitting Simpson to face Shelbyville’s left-handed pitcher. Simpson took one for the team as he was plunked in the noggin to force in the game winning and championship winning run. In a show of gratitude the Springfield team hoisted an unconscious Simpson around the diamond.
This event and show has been honored with its place in Cooperstown at the National Baseball Hall of Fame to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the airing of this The Simpsons episode. Goldin Auctions is proud to offer this Official Robert D. Manfred baseball that has 23 signatures, most of them involved in the making of this historic and classic episode. The signatures include Aaron Judge, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Ken Griffey Jr., Steve Sax, Ozzie Smith, Jose Canseco, Mike Scioscia, Bob Costas, Joe Buck, Dr. Oz, Tim Gunn, Jim Cramer, George Will, Bill De Blasio, Al Jean, Dr. Drew, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nick Offerman, John Thorn, Jeff Idelson and Ezra Klein. This baseball is one of three offered in this special auction where the proceeds will go towards the Jackie Robinson Foundation. This exclusive opportunity was put together by the producers of the Springfield of Dreams and the participants, and was donated to be auctioned off to benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Comes with an official Letter of authenticity with the Springfield of Dreams Logo!