8D Network Auction Includes Chambliss 1976 ALCS Jersey

The term “walk-off” wasn’t even in use then, but now, it is considered one of the most dramatic moments in baseball history, with its replay of Chris Chambliss dodging celebrating fans among the most seen in recaps of baseball’s biggest moments. (While he never touched home plate in that trip around the bases, he returned soon after to make sure the deed was done).

The jersey has been carefully photo-matched, leaving no doubt of its authenticity, (stripes meeting the NY and the buttons in the proper places, with plenty of video sourcing available to make the match).

To put the Chambliss jersey’s value in perspective, the bat used by Kirk Gibson for his historic Game One walk-off homer in the Dodgers 1988 World Series victory went last year at auction for just under $576,000. The Chambliss homer won a pennant (the team’s first in 12 years), and was part of Yankee history, all things that matter greatly to collectors. While it was thought a confluence of “perfect storm” events led to the shocking price of the Gibson bat, it certainly raises interest in this jersey’s value. The jersey will have a starting bid of $25,000.

In addition, speaking of history, on Aug. 25, 2011, the Yankees became the first team in history to record three grand slam home runs in one game – Curtis Granderson, Russell Martin and Robinson Cano – and all three jerseys worn by those players (heavily soiled by mud from that rainy afternoon), are being offered in the same auction. The jerseys were obtained by 8D Network through Steiner Sports who has an agreement with the Yankees to obtain current memorabilia. Granderson and Cano, of course, are both expected to finish in the top ten in American League MVP voting.

A final Yankee home jersey, also through Steiner Sports, is a Derek Jeter game-used jersey, which was taken out of use on July 31 of this year. While it wasn’t the jersey he wore the day he recorded his 3,000th hit, he did wear it afterward, and it is thus a jersey worn by the Yankees only 3,000 hit man in their history. In addition, the auction will also have a base from Yankee Stadium that was used in Jeter’s 3,000 hit game. The base, also obtained by 8D from Steiner Sports, was also signed by Jeter himself.

“It is our honor to be able to bring these unique items into the marketplace for collectors,” said CEO Christopher Cavalier. “It’s a terrific way to launch our auctions, and 10 percent of 8D’s net proceeds from the auction will be going to the athlete causes featured on our site, www.8DNetwork.com.”

The auction goes live online Nov. 23 and concludes Dec. 15. Additional items will be announced shortly.

The 8D Network comes from the team of professionals who have operated Game Used Universe since 2005, but who have decided to step up their efforts by donating 10 percent of their earnings to the causes within the 8D Network, and by providing (and creating, if requested), a place in their network to house the athlete’s website to support their charity of choice with the athlete’s personalization.

Already contained within the website – www.8DNetwork.com – are sites for the Panda Kids Foundation, the charity of San Francisco Giants’ Pablo Sandoval which supports underprivileged children, and the Gigante Project, selected by the Giants’ Andres Torres for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, there are numerous other athletes who have agreed to have their causes included in the 8D Network and those sites will be launched soon. A listing of these future sites can be found on the 8D Network website.

Items consigned to 8D for auction comes from athletes and celebrities within the network as well as third-party consignors, whose items will have to meet the strictest authentication criteria to be deemed worthy and legitimate.

“Any athlete with a cause can contact us and become part of our network,” said Cavalier. “This is an altruistic enterprise in which we present coveted memorabilia to the fans, provide a collective home and community for athlete’s charities, and contribute 10% of 8D’s net proceeds to the causes within our network. Many athletes are limited in their ability to raise additional funding and gain greater awareness. Our 8D Network will give them a home in which everyone benefits.

“Our end goal is to try to help as many people as possible, using America’s love for sports collectibles as a vehicle to raise money and bring attention to the fine athletes who do want to get involved in charities that matter.”