Willie-Mays
Historic Giants archives from Stoneham Family Collection highlight All-Star Live event at Hunt Auctions
Charles Stoneham purchased the New York Giants for $1 million in 1919 and quickly built one of the most successful franchises in baseball.
Under Stoneham and famed manager John McGraw, the Giants won three World Series in 1921, ’22 and 1933. After Charles’ death in 1936, his son, Horace, took over the team and guided the Giants to National League pennants in 1936, ’37, 1951 and 1962 and won the 1954 World Series. Stoneham moved the Giants to San Francisco in 1958.
The Giants remain one of the most storied franchises in baseball. Their rich history is exemplified through historic archives passed down through the years by the Stoneham family, including items from some of the game’s greatest icons.
The Stoneham Family Collection will highlight Hunt Auctions’ 18th annual All-Star Live Auction in conjunction with the MLB All-Star Game. This year’s auction will be at Capital One PLAY BALL PARK on Tuesday, July 19 prior to the all-star game at nearby Dodger Stadium.
“With the Midsummer Classic returning to the city of Los Angeles, we are thrilled to present the 18th annual installment of our All-Star Live Auction event,” Hunt Auctions President David Hunt said. “Each year, the Midsummer Classic and MLB All-Star Weekend brings the very best of baseball to cities and fans across the country. Similarly, the annual live auction showcases the very finest historic baseball memorabilia, which this year will be highlighted by the Charles and Horace Stoneham Collection. The significance and scarcity of the collection is of the highest measure promising to establish record pricing in several categories.”
“We are extremely proud of the legacy that Charles and Horace Stoneham left within the game of baseball,” said Peter Rupert, grandson of Horace and great-grandson of Charles. “Their decades of service to the Giants franchise stand as a testament to the countless players, coaches, front office staff and fans who contributed to those legendary seasons ranging from the 1920-60s.
“To have our family name associated with the likes of John McGraw, Wilbert Robinson, John Ward, Tim Keefe, Bobby Thomson and Willie Mays is both humbling and a specific point of immense pride. We have been blessed to grow up within the family that is baseball and are very pleased to be able to share some of our memorabilia with the public and fans of the Giants’ franchise.”
Among the highlights of the Stoneham Family Collection are:
• Bobby Thomson’s professional model cleats attributed to his 1951 “Shot Heard Round The World” home run (estimated value: $100,000-$200,000).
• 1972 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants professional model home uniform (estimate: $50,000-$100,000).
•1972 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants professional model road uniform (estimate: $50,000-$100,000).
The collection also includes rare 1891 autographed Giants stock certificates from such stars as Keefe, Ward and Buck Ewing.
The 475-lot auction also features many other pieces of historic baseball memorabilia from private collections, including two freshly discovered game-used items from Ted Williams —a superb Boston Red Sox professional model home jersey (estimated value: $100,000-$200,000) and a 1948 bat dating to Willliams’ fourth AL batting title (estimated: $40,000-$60,000).
Other private collection highlights include:
• 1971 Vida Blue American League MVP award.
• Babe Ruth single signed baseball.
• 1959 Pee Wee Reese Los Angeles Dodgers World Series ring.
• 1955 Joe Black Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring.
•1964 Roberto Clemente professional model bat.
•1968 Johnny Bench rookie season professional model bat.
• 1988 Jose Canseco American League MVP award.
• 1955 Topps Jackie Robinson autographed card (PSA 8).
• 1919 Babe Ruth Boston Red Sox photograph (PSA/DNA Type I).
Also featured are several, historic game-worn jerseys from the personal collection of lifelong hobbyist and noted memorabilia collector Jay Turek. Highlights include:
• 1947 George Case Washington Senators professional model home uniform.
• 1956 Clem Labine Brooklyn Dodgers professional model home uniform.
• 1950 Bill Nicholson Philadelphia Phillies professional model home uniform.
• 1962 Aaron Pointer Houston Colt 45s professional model home uniform.
Hunt Auctions will once again conduct a complimentary appraisal fair for attendees who wish to have their baseball memorabilia and cards examined by national experts. For questions or to make an appointment, email info@huntauctions.com or call 610-524-0822.
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