News
Jackie Robinson gold bust sells for $50K, NFT collection raises money for Robinson Foundation
Candy Digital and the Jackie Robinson Foundation are releasing the first-ever NFT collectibles of Robinson to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of the former Brooklyn Dodgers star breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier.
The Jackie Robinson Collection features multiple NFTs that honor Robinson for his courage and contributions to society. The net proceeds from sales of the collection will be donated to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), which administers one of the nation’s premier scholarship and leadership development programs for minority college students. The donation will be used to support JRF’s scholarship program.
Candy Digital, a digital collectible company, has created a custom-made collection that embodies Robinson’s likeness and pays tribute to the character of the trailblazing star. Select NFTs from the collection will be displayed in the Jackie Robinson Museum, which is scheduled to open in mid-July 2022 in New York City and represents an expansion of JRF’s educational mission.
“Jackie Robinson’s accomplishments on and off the field were heroic, and we are humbled to be able to honor his legacy and support the important mission of the Jackie Robinson Foundation with the introduction of the Jackie Robinson NFT Collection,” Candy Digital CEO Scott Lawin said. “In addition to commemorating a historic moment that had an immeasurable impact across sports and our larger society, this collection underscores Candy Digital’s mission to connect fans to baseball’s rich history in innovative ways.”
The Jackie Robinson Collection was available on Candy Digital’s primary marketplace from April 14 through April 18.
It collection includes:
• Jackie Robinson Gold Bust, a 1-of-1 NFT of a gold bust of Robinson that includes his digital signature and a curated video.
UPDATE: The bust had a starting price of $50 and sold for $50,000. The NFT also provides the owner with two tickets to the Grand Opening Gala of the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City.
Other collectibles available were:
• Jackie Robinson Silver Bust, an NFT that showcases a silver bust of Robinson along with his digital signature. Only 100 will be produced and are available for $250 each.
• Jackie Robinson-signed baseball NFT, which includes Robinson’s digital signature is available for $75 and will be sold in an open edition format.
“As we reflect on the 75th anniversary of our namesake’s iconic achievement, we recognize how important it is for us to embrace the evolving technology to keep pace with the world that the young leaders we serve will navigate and impact,” said Della Britton, president and CEO of JRF. “It’s exciting to witness how the artists and designers at Candy Digital were able to create NFTs that bring Jackie to life so vividly for this generation’s fans, while supporting our critical mission. We are impressed and truly grateful.”
“Jackie Robinson was a true pioneer whose ideals and values continue to live on today beyond our sport,” said April Brown, MLB vice president, social responsibility. “Preserving not only the memory of Jackie Robinson but carrying on his mission is something we take on with a deep amount of pride and responsibility. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of him breaking baseball’s color barrier, this new collection from Candy Digital introduces a new way to honor Jackie and support the Jackie Robinson Foundation.”
The Jackie Robinson Collection is Candy Digital’s second custom-made collection honoring a baseball immortal.
In June 2021 Candy Digital released a 1-of-1 Lou Gehrig NFT that featured excerpts of his iconic “Luckiest Man Alive” speech and a three-dimensional bust that paid tribute to his legacy. The bust raised more than $70,000 for ALS charities.
More information and updates can be found on Candy’s official blog at https://mlb.candy.com.
You Also Might Like: Jackie Robinson jersey, bat up for bid at Goldin
