Brooks Robinson Collection at Auction – to Benefit His Foundation

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, a Baltimore Oriole for all 23 years of his storied career and the player considered by many the greatest third baseman to ever play the game, will offer his personal collection of historic career mementos at Heritage Auctions in an online-only auction, Nov. 5-7. All proceeds from the auction will go to The Constance & Brooks Robinson Charitable Foundation.

“This is one of the most significant player collections ever to reach the collecting hobby’s auction block,” said Chris Ivy, director of Sports Auctions at Heritage. “While the extraordinary treasures tell the tale of one of the greatest careers in American sports, Robinson’s decision to part with all of it to benefit his philanthropic endeavors is arguably even more illustrative of his legacy as one of the greatest men in American sports.”

For nearly all of the first quarter-century of Baltimore Orioles history, Brooks Robinson was the face of the young franchise, claiming two World Championship rings, an American League Most Valuable Player Award and a then-record 16 Gold Gloves before his retirement in 1977. All of these symbols of elite athletic achievement will be sold at auction without reserve.

The Brooks Robinson Collection spans nearly the entirety of the legendary third baseman’s 78 years of life, beginning with a certificate of birth bearing his newborn footprints and the signatures of the Little Rock, Ark., medical staff that brought him into the world in 1937. Also on offer is the 1955 rookie contract that first made a Major Leaguer of the 18-year old phenom, and Robinson’s personal copy of his 1957 Topps baseball card, the first issued for the young superstar.

Game-used material includes the last home and road jerseys worn by Robinson in 1977, his 1974 fielder’s glove and Robinson’s distinctive batting helmet he personally customized with a hacksaw when he found the visor blocked his field of vision.

A single item – the famous original painting of Robinson by esteemed American illustration artist Norman Rockwell – will be sold by private treaty.

Highlights of the auction include, but are certainly not limited to:
– Brooks Robinson’s 1964 American League Most Valuable Player Award: Estimate: $100,000+

– Brooks Robinson’s 1966 Baltimore Orioles World Series Championship Ring: Estimate: $80,000+

– Brooks Robinson’s 1970 Baltimore Orioles World Series Championship Ring: Estimate: $80,000+

– 1977 Brooks Robinson Game-Worn Baltimore Orioles Final Home Uniform: Estimate: $20,000+

– Brooks Robinson’s 50th Anniversary Gold Glove Award: Estimate: $20,000+

– Brooks Robinson’s 1970 World Series Game-Used Third Base (Bronzed): Estimate: $4,000+

– Brooks Robinson’s 16 Gold Gloves: Estimate: $15,000+ each

– Brooks Robinson Game-Used All-Star Bats: Estimate: $4,000+

– Brooks Robinson 1974 Fielder’s Glove: Estimate: $20,000+

The auction containing the Brooks Robinson Collection is currently live and ends Nov. 5-7 at www.ha.com.