Once again, Memory Lane has assembled an amazing selection of high-grade, low-population cards, but its April 12th auction has a twist: it's headlined by two signed baseballs.
First, there is a 1934 Tour of Japan ball signed by Babe Ruth, Lefty Gomez, Jimmie Foxx, Moe Berg and others. All the signatures are very legible, written in dark ink and authenticated by PSA/DNA with Ruth on the sweet spot. The ball arrives in its original box with vibrant colors and Japanese writing on it. This unique collectible has been in Ms. Akutsu Haruyo's possession for the past 73 years ... ever since she purchased it for Ruth to sign. The lot has a minimum bid of $5,000 and comes with paperwork telling the story of the ball.
Second, Memory Lane offers a rare, single-signed Lou Gehrig baseball with a dark, bold sweet spot signature. The ball was given to 15-year-old Ed Stark of Boy Scout Troop 1, Flushing, N.Y., in May 1937 at a father-and-son dinner. This one is also seeing the auction circuit for the first time and carries a $5,000 minimum bid.
Loyal Memory Lane bidders can also enjoy loads of elite graded cards, sets, packs and autographs from its 164-page catalog (inserted into last week's issue). Leading the way is the one and only 1949 Bowman Duke Snider PSA 10. This gem carries a minimum bid of $10,000.
Also topping the list is a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays PSA 9 (minimum bid of $10,000). Other top singles include: 1933 DeLong Gehrig PSA 8 ($10,000); 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams PSA 9 ($5,000); 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 7 ($10,000); 1955 Topps Jackie Robinson PSA 10 ($5,000); 1969 Topps Mantle White Letters PSA 9 ($5,000); 1954 Topps Henry Aaron SGC 9 ($5,000); 1954 Topps Williams No. 250 PSA 9 ($5,000); 1934 Goudey Gehrig PSA 8 ($2,500); 1941 Play Ball DiMaggio PSA 8 ($2,500); 1948 Leaf Ruth PSA 8 ($2,000); 1956 Topps Mantle PSA 9 ($2,500); 1959 Topps Mantle PSA 9 ($2,500); and a 1975 O-Pee-Chee George Brett PSA 10 ($1,000).
Memory Lane also has 27 different 1911 T3 Turkey Red Cabinet cards, led by Walter Johnson (PSA 4) Christy Mathewson (PSA 4), Home Run Baker (PSA 5), Nap Lajoie (PSA 5), Joe Tinker (PSA 4), Clark Griffith (PSA 2) and Bobby Wallace (PSA 4). There are six different PSA 6 singles offered in this group.
Other big ticket cards offered include: 1969 Topps Lew Alcindor PSA 9; T206 Cy Young (Clev, glove shows) PSA 7; 1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folder Ty Cobb/H. Jennings Ty Cobb Steals Third PSA 6 ($1,500); 1915 Cracker Jack Tris Speaker PSA 8 ($2,500); 1915 Cracker Jack Clark Griffith PSA 8 ($1,500); 1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx PSA 7 ($1,000); 1933 Sport Kings Bobby Jones SGC 84 ($1,500); 1934 Goudey Lefty Grove PSA 8 ($1,500); 1934 Goudey Hank Greenberg PSA 8 ($1,500); 1934 Batter Up Joe Kuhel PSA 9 ($1,000); 1939 Play Ball DiMaggio PSA 8 ($1,500); 1941 Play Ball Williams PSA 8 ($2,500); 1948 Leaf DiMaggio No. 1 PSA 7 ($1,500); 1948 Leaf Warren Spahn PSA 8 ($1,000); 1952 Red Man Tobacco Mays PSA 8 ($1,250); and a 1952 Topps Johnny Sain Page Bio - black back PSA 8 ($3,000).
In addition, there's a large amount of graded packs, partial sets, vintage autographs and letters. For more information on the 1,113-lot auction, visit www.memorylaneinc.com or call (877) 606-5263.
