Auctions
Collection of autographed baseballs signed by U.S. Presidents sells for $3 million
A U.S. President throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a professional baseball game is one of MLB’s oldest traditions.
It turns out that acquiring a presidential autograph on a baseball is a pretty lucrative endeavor as well.
A collection of baseballs signed by U.S. Presidents set a record when it sold for $3 million in the 22nd MLB All-Star Live Auction by Hunt Auctions.
The Commander in Chief Master Set of Presidential Autographed Baseballs (1901-2026) featured a complete run of 21 historic baseballs signed by U.S. Presidents from Teddy Roosevelt to Donald Trump.
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Assembled over three decades, the set is “one of the greatest achievements in the history of collecting, for any medium,” according to Hunt Auctions. Several baseballs in the collection are unique, including ceremonial first pitches and scarcities that number three or less surviving exemplars.
“The combination of scarcity, importance, and quality demonstrated within this assemblage of historic baseballs is unprecedented and without equal as the only continuous link of presidential baseballs of its kind in private hands,” Hunt Auctions said in a release on the auction.
“The labor of love and appreciation for the history of baseball along with its relationship with the Presidency that embodied this collector’s pursuit of these treasures is as impressive as the objects within.” Hunt Auctions President David Hunt added. “The incredible pricing achieved today further cements the long shared American tradition of baseball and the presidency. We were humbled to present this historic collection.”
Also headlining the live auction was a 1980 Philadelphia Phillies jersey worn by pitcher Tug McGraw during the clinching game of the 1980 World Series. The jersey originated from the personal collection of John Romganoli, whose father was acquainted with former Phillies owner Ruly Carpenter. He was given the jersey by McGraw in the Phillies clubhouse following the World Series victory.
With the 2026 All-Star Game and live auction in Philadelphia, the jersey drew regional interest and sold for $440,625, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Tug McGraw Foundation.
Other auction highlights included:
• A 1924 Negro League World Series “Opening Game” panoramic photograph, which sold for $71,087.
• Ted Williams Boston Red Sox professional model home jersey, c.1958 ($381,875).
• Babe Ruth presentational money clip and lucky 1922 silver dollar gifted to him at Yankee stadium ($35,250).
• 1975 Michael Jordan autographed Dixie Youth Baseball tournament program ($35,250).
• Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb autographed baseball ($32,900).
• Honus Wagner single-signed baseball with its original Honus Wagner Sporting Goods box ($55,812).
