Premier Auctions is showcasing the Ian Duff Toronto Blue Jays collection in its Feb. 15 auction.
The auction boasts more than 1,600 lots, including items that were obtained directly from Duff, the former Toronto Blue Jays visiting clubhouse manager, who served in that capacity from their inception in 1977 through 1995.
"This is the largest team-signed ball collection we have ever seen," said Premier Auctions' president Walter Cerini. "There is a great notion that comes with this collection of all these signatures. Ian made a very cognizant effort to obtain real signatures. Ian instructed his staff not to sign for anyone. The same goes for any of the single-signed baseballs and memorabilia. We are the first to auction off his collection to the public. Never have any of these lots been sold, traded, auctioned or otherwise."
Dizzy Dean and Honus Wagner signed baseballs headline the auction. Also a 1928 New York Yankees World Champions team-signed ball, which boasts signatures from 23 players, including seven Hall of Famers. Among the signatures are Babe Ruth, Bill Dickey, Herb Pennock, Miller Huggins, Leo Durocher, Waite Hoyt, Lou Gehrig and Tony Lazzeri.
Other team-signed baseballs on the docket include a 1932 New York Yankees World Champions, which showcases 21 signatures, including Ruth, Gehrig, Pennock, Sam Byrd, Lyn Lary, Walter Brown, Vernon Gomez, Earle Combs, Lazzeri, Joe Sewell and Danny MacFayden; 1950 New York Yankees World Champions, which features 24 signatures, including Joe DiMaggio, Casey Stengel, Ed Lopat, Charlie Silvera, Jerry Coleman, Allie Reynolds, Tom Ferrick and Joe Page; and a 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates World Champions, which has 20 signatures, including Roberto Clemente.
Other headlining items include:
? Ty Cobb signed 1952 letter display with original envelope
? 1935 Pittsburgh Pirates team-signed sheet signed by eight, including Wagner, Lloyd Waner, Bill Swift, Bill Birkofer, Pie Traynor, Arky Vaughn, Harry Lavagetto and Gus Suhr
? NBA 50 greatest players signed and framed lithograph that includes cut signatures from Pete Maravich, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, George Mikan, Bill Russell, among others.
? Alex Gordon 2006 Topps No. 297 rookie card GAI 9
? 1958 Baltimore Colts team-signed football, which features 36 autographs, including Johnny Unitas, Weeb Ewbank, Raymond Berry, Alan Ameche, Gino Marchetti, Jim Parker, Art Donovan and Lenny Moore
? Pope Benedict XVI signed baseball
For more details, visit www.PremierAuctionsOnline.net or call 480-991-8076.
