Ted Williams Collection Nets $3.5 Million, 1949 MVP Hits $299,000
You knew this was going to bring a lot of money. The personal collection of Ted Williams, arguably the best hitter ever in the major leagues? You know collectors would want a piece of that.
The auction, conducted by Hunt Auctions, was held live at Fenway Park this past weekend. More than 700 lots crossed the block, including awards, personal artifacts from his playing and military career and numerous autographed items.
Topping the list was Williams' 1949 MVP award that brought $260,000, without the buyer's premium. Not far behind was Williams' 1957 Sultan of Swat award, which looks like a crown and named after Babe Ruth. The award sold for $200,000.
Speaking of Ruth, a Ruth-signed ball, inscribed personally to Ted Williams (wouldn't that be cool to own?) brought $170,000.
And that was the beauty of this collection. You had immortals on the diamond communicating and offering gifts to another immortal, and it was all spelled out on the items that were in this auction.
You can check out the entire auction here, but a few more highlights:
- 1903 World Series program, $120,000
- 1955 Williams road jersey, $110,000
- Williams pro model bat, $46,000
- Hall of Fame presentation ring, $95,000
- Williams 1960 All-Star Game professional model baseball bat, $70,000
- Williams 1957 American League Batting Championship silver bat award, $170,000
Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Jimmy Fund.