Sports Memorabilia, Trading Cards, and Americana May 16'26
Lot 343:
Description
BID PER WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTO, NOT THE AI GENERATED TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS! A Collection of Sports Books Including Baseball America Directories and Biographies (DJ)
A collection of seven volumes focusing on the history, directories, and biographies of professional sports, specifically baseball, football, and basketball. The group includes two softcover reference volumes: Baseball America Directory 2012 and Baseball America Directory 2013, published by Baseball America. Biographical and historical works include The Wizard of Odds: How Jack Molinas Almost Destroyed the Game of Basketball by Charley Rosen, published by Seven Stories Press (hardcover with dust jacket in a protective plastic sleeve); George Halas and the Chicago Bears by Cass Vass, published by Regnery (hardcover with brown textured binding and gilt spine lettering); and Lombardi: Winning Is the Only Thing edited by Jerry Kramer, published by World Publishing Co. (hardcover in red cloth). The collection is rounded out by Chicken Soup for the Baseball Fan’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Mark Donnelly, Chrissy Donnelly, and Tommy Lasorda, published by HCI (hardcover with dust jacket), and Baseball Fever by Johanna Hurwitz, illustrated by Ray Cruz, published as A Guild Book (hardcover with dust jacket). Most volumes are octavo (8vo) in size.
Provenance / Authentication Note: This item originates from a single-owner collection assembled by a dedicated sports fan (with a strong focus on Notre Dame and New York Yankees memorabilia). The collector actively pursued autographs over many years through in-person events, including games, autograph shows, and visits to National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum during player events, as well as through direct mail requests to athletes and celebrities. The collection included supporting material such as handwritten correspondence sent to athletes (in some cases with payment enclosed), along with photographs of the collector with various signers. A portion of this same collection was featured in our March 21st auction, where multiple items were authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA). In regards to any items with signature(s): While this specific item(s) may not be individually submitted for third-party authentication, it originates from the same collection and shows consistency with previously authenticated pieces. As with many large autograph collections, there may be a small number of facsimile or clubhouse-style signatures present, but for the most part we have seen AUTHENTIC SIGNATURES within the collection. Based on the overall provenance and our review, we maintain a strong level of confidence in the authenticity of most items. Bidders are encouraged to review all photos carefully and bid according to their own level of comfort. No additional authentication documentation is included unless visible within the lot photos. Please reach out with any questions.
Condition report:
The collection ranges in condition from fair to good. Baseball Fever exhibits significant damage to the dust jacket, including large missing sections and tears at the spine and front panel. Winning Is the Only Thing shows shelf wear and fading to the red cloth at the spine. The Wizard of Odds is preserved in a plastic sleeve and appears to be in good condition. Chicken Soup for the Baseball Fan\'s Soul shows minor edge wear and rubbing to the dust jacket. The softcover Baseball America directories show typical handling wear to the wrappers. No internal inscriptions, signatures, or ownership marks were noted from visual inspection of the exteriors.
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