BREAKING: A rare program from the first National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony has just sold for a staggering $315,000, setting a new record for sports memorabilia. This historic sale took place via Lelands Auctions and eclipses the previous record of $241,500 for a 1903 World Series program.
The program, signed by all eleven living inductees present at the June 12, 1939 ceremony, includes legendary names such as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson. Notably, Cobb signed the program twice, leading to a unique “Double Ty” signature that adds to its value.
This program is believed to be the only one ever signed by all living inductees from that historic event, which also featured autographs from Hall of Famers like Mel Ott, Lefty Grove, and Johnny Vander Meer. The consignor’s mother, who attended the ceremony with her fiancé, was determined to collect as many signatures as possible.
In a touching anecdote shared by the consignor, she recalled how her mother waited for Cobb, who arrived late and only agreed to sign if he received a kiss. After a kiss on the cheek, Cobb humorously stated, “Well, since I got two kisses, I’ll sign it twice.”
The program comes with a letter of authenticity from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), confirming the legitimacy of the signatures.
This sale not only reflects the enduring allure of baseball memorabilia but also highlights the personal stories and emotional connections behind such historic artifacts.
As collectors and fans alike absorb this news, the significance of the Baseball Hall of Fame continues to grow, reaffirming its place in sports history. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
