The Bill Nowlin Bat Collection
The centerpiece of the April sale is a collection of baseball bats from the greatest hitters in the history of the game. Assembled by Bill Nowlin and formerly displayed at The Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame, the collection includes bats from legendary players such as Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Roger Hornsby, Jimmie Foxx, and Mickey Mantle as well as other members of the .400 Hitters Club, the 500 Home Run Club and the Triple Crown Club. The marquee lot offered in Nowlin’s collection is Shoeless Joe Jackson’s 1917-21 Signature Model “Black Betsy” Game Bat — the only known career contemporary model (est. $200/300,000). Although his name will forever be associated with the messiest episode in baseball history and his lifetime ban and exclusion from Hall of Fame consideration are viewed by many as a travesty of justice, Joe Jackson has the reputation of being the greatest natural hitter in the game’s long history. His unique batting style, later copied by Babe Ruth, led him to a batting average of .375, a record of 12 hits, no errors during the notorious 1919 White Sox World Series game against Cincinnati. No other player in sports history ever had a piece of equipment with its own identity the magnitude of Joe Jackson’s bat. The bat that is being offered for sale is the only known full name signature model manufactured by Louisville Slugger Inc that can be attributed to being used by Joe Jackson during his active Major League career. Also from Nowlin’s collection are Lou Gehrig’s 1923-25 H&B Rookie-Era Professional Model Game Bat (est. $60/80,000), a Jimmie Foxx 1939-43 H&B Professional Model Bat (est. $30/40,000) and a Mickey Mantle 1952-59 H&B Professional Model Bat (est. $25/35,000).
Property from The Dr. Richard Angrist Collection
Featured among the top items that will be offered this spring is an exclusive offering of ten lots from the esteemed collection of Dr. Richard Angrist. Each item echoes the primary characteristics that resonate throughout Dr. Angrist’s collection – quality and authenticity. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens during the golden era of baseball in New York, Dr. Richard Angrist was raised to be a baseball collector. He came of age when the game’s holy trinity – the Yankees, the Dodgers and the Giants – all played just a subway ride from his home. Among the highlights of he offering from Dr. Angrist’s collection is Rare Circa 1910-15 Ty Cobb H&B (Early Signature Model) Game Bat (est. $80/120,000). Cobb broke into the majors in 1905 after being purchased from the minor leagues for $750. Manager Hugh Jennings made him a regular outfielder in 1907 and Cobb became the youngest player to win the batting title. It was the first of 12 batting crowns, including nine in a row, both still records today. When he retired from the game of baseball in 1928 he held 90 major league records, most of these achieved with his bat. This bat, demonstrating one of the earliest signature brand styles used by then JF Hillerich & Son Co., is documented by the most renowned independent bat experts as one of the finest examples among the scarce population of Cobb game bats known. Among the spectacular New York material from the Angrist collection is Mickey Mantle’s Signed H&B 1958 World Series Model Game Bat (est. $80/120,000). In the 1958 World Series, the defending champion Milwaukee Braves and perennial champion New York Yankees met again for the second time in as many years. Mickey Mantle, the Yankees offensive lightning rod, belted two homers in Game one. Over the course of his career “The Mick” would go on to set the all-time World Series home run record that still stands to this day. Given the magnitude of Mantle’s collector appeal and the fact that he owned the World Series over the course of his 18-year career, this bat is among the finest World Series model bats ever offered publicly. Also included is Mickey Mantle’s Own 1953 Yankee Team Signed Panoramic Photograph (est. $15/25,000). This 8 by 33 1/2 inch black and white silver gelatin panoramic photograph features thirty-six members of the 1953 New York Yankees team. Every individual photographed has added their signature in impeccable blue ink from key players down to every coach, trainer and even the batboy. Other extraordinary items with the Angrist pedigree include a Jimmie Foxx 1925-28 Rookie-Era Side Written Game Bat (est. $40/60,000), Ted Williams 1957 Boston Red Sox Cap (est. $15/$20,000) and a 1947 Joe DiMaggio H&B Game Used Bat Used in The World Series (est. $60/80,000).
Collection of New York Yankees World Series Ring from Former Yankee Stadium Organist Eddie Layton
In addition to the Yankee material from in the Angrist collection, the sale will also include a Collection of New York Yankees World Series Ring (1978, 1996, 1999) From Former Yankee Stadium Organist Eddie Layton. For three decades, Eddie Layton and his 50,000-watt organ led millions of Yankee fans in “Charge” and “You’ve Got to Have Heart.” When Layton retired on September 28, 2003, his last performance was to play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, with fans chanting “Eddie! Eddie!”; a tribute to a longtime member of the Yankees’ club. The rings, from years 1978 (est. $10/15,000), 1996 (est. $15/20,000), and 1999 (est. $18/25,000) commemorate the Yankees as 22nd, 23rd and 25th World Champions.
Important Cards
Highlighting a selection if Important Cards is a 1915 Cracker Jack Baseball Card Complete Set of (176) In Original Cracker Jack Album which has been consigned by the family of the original owner, Ernest Clark Gill (est. $50/75,000). As an eleven year-old in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 1914, Ernie Gill pulled his first few Cracker Jack cards out of boxes of his favorite caramel coated popcorn treat. As with many young boys of the period who nurtured both a sweet tooth and love of baseball, he was captivated. The next year, he scraped together the requisite 25 cents to mail away for the entire 1915 set of Cracker Jack baseball cards and the additional 10 cents for the “Handsome Album” to keep them in. The set stayed with Ernie through several moves over the years. After graduating from Queen’s University in Kingston, he eventually became CEO and Chairman of the Board of Canada Life. This complete set appears in virtually the same uncirculated condition in which it was received and placed in its paper album by Ernie Gill in 1915. Also featured in the section of cards is a Complete PSA graded 1968 Topps 3D Baseball Set of 12 (est. $15/20,000).
Important Yankees Flannels
Three historically significant New York Yankees jerseys are among the standout lots in the sale including Joe DiMaggio’s 1936 New York Yankees Rookie Home Uniform (est. $250,000 and up). Manufactured by Spalding, the uniform, consisting of a jersey and pants is one of only two home pinstriped uniforms issued to Joe DiMaggio for his 1936 debut season (He was also issued two road uniforms, one of which resides in the Hall of Fame). Tagged exclusively for DiMaggio, the uniform features red chain stitching in the collar that reads “Joe DiMaggio 9”, while similar chain stitching in the pants reads, “Joe DiMaggio 9, 36” referencing the player, uniform number, and year of issue. DiMaggio was only assigned the uniform number 9 for his rookie season, after which he would don number 5 for the remainder of his career. Also featured is a Circa 1933 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees Road Jersey (est. $150/200,000). The style of this road grey Yankees flannel jersey dates it to the pivotal 1933-34 period, when Ruth was in his final seasons in New York and the torch of Yankee greatness was being passed into Gehrig’s lone hand. Manufactured by Spalding, this jersey is tagged exclusively for Gehrig featuring red chain stitching in the collar that reads “L. Gehrig.” A 1927 Dutch Reuther New York Yankees Road Jersey (est. $30/40,000) is also offered from the most prolific season in New York Yankees history.
Football Memorabilia
While football fans instantly recognize the names Lombardi, Hornung, Starr and Nitschke as the cornerstones of the 1960’s Green Bay Packer dynasty, there were plenty of other lesser-known but important pillars to their five championships. Lew “Andy” Anderson joined the Packers in 1952, working weekends as a part-time talent and game scout. In a spectacular case of being in the right place at the right time, the former end at McAlester College in St. Paul became an indispensable part of Vince Lombardi’s scouting staff. For his efforts, Anderson was awarded this group of Packers’ championship rings, cufflinks and signed footballs, a throwback to the team’s glory days of the 1960’s Lombardi era. Among the highlights are two NFL Championship rings — Anderson’s 1962 Green Bay Packers NFL 14K Gold and Diamond Championship Ring marked the Packers’ second straight league title, Lombardi’s dynasty in the making (est. $20/25,000); and his 1965 Green Bay Packers NFL 10K Gold and Diamond Championship Ring, which represented their 9th overall NFL title (est. $15/20,000). Also included is Anderson’s 1968 Green Bay Packers 14K Gold and Diamond Ring Super Bowl II, which marked the Packer’s 33-14 victory over the Raiders and Lombardi’s final game. Other highlights include Anderson’s 1966 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl I 10K gold cufflinks with Handwritten Note from Vince Lombardi (est. $6/8,000) and a Group of Three Green Bay Packers Team Signed Footballs (est. $5/7,000).
Boxing Memorabilia
The April sale includes an outstanding offering of material that comes directly from Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Born in 1944, the eleventh child of sharecroppers in South Carolina, Frazier took up boxing at the age of 17 and his raw talent was soon discovered and honed by trainer Yank Durham. Frazier won the Middle Atlantic Golden Gloves heavyweight champ for three straight years. His pro debut came on Aug. 16, 1965, and within 12 months he was 11-0, with every victory coming by knockout. In 1971, Joe Frazier was king of the world. At 27 years old and at 26-0, he was the undisputed and undefeated heavyweight champion. However, one obstacle stood in his way to standing with other all-time immortals in the ring – Muhammad Ali. On March 8, 1971, in the “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden, an unbeaten Frazier won a unanimous decision as he handed Ali the first defeat of his pro career. Included in the April auction is Frazier’s Robe from the Weigh-In of ” The Fight Of The Century” (est. $10/15,000). Frazier held on to his title for three years, before a younger and stronger George Forman took it away in Jamaica.
In 1999, Frazier and Ali’s third bout, nicknamed the “Thrilla in Manila” was ranked by ESPN as number 5 on their list of greatest fights of all time. In 1974, Ali won the second fight in a 12-round unanimous decision that didn’t win the belt for either. In 1975, the aging two heavyweights, now in their early 30’s, traveled a third world away to fight in Quezon City in the Phillippines. Joe Frazier’s Fight Worn Robe from the “Thrilla In Manila” is also among the highlights of the April sale (est. $30/50,000). Twenty-five thousand watched, Frazier enter the ring on October 1, 1975 wearing this blue cotton robe, studded ‘Joe Frazier’ on the back. As in the first two fights, at the first bell the action was furious as Ali walked flat-footed to the center of the ring and unleashed a flurry of combinations on Frazier. By the end of the 11th round, Frazier’s eyes were swelled to slits and he could no longer see Ali’s right hand as Ali hit him over and over unmercifully. The beating was even worse in Round 14, so much so that Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, decided to stop the fight before the 15th. Frazier shouted “I want him boss,” but Futch replied, “It’s all over. No one will forget what you did here today”, and signaled to the referee to end the bout. Ali later claimed that this was the closest to dying he has ever been, and also announced, “Joe Frazier is the greatest fighter in the world, next to me.” No fight ever since has elicited the same level of passion and electricity. Also included are a Fight Worn Robe from Frazier vs Jerry Quarry – June 17, 1974 (est. $15/20,000) and a Cornerman’s Shirt Made for Eddie Futch, Joe Frazier’s Trainer (est. $8/12,000).
Golf Memorabilia
Among the important golf memorabilia included in the sale are items from Presidents Gerald R. Ford and John F. Kennedy as well as legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones. Jones was one of the greatest players of all times, dominating the game between 1923 and 1930. Included in the upcoming sale is a complete Set Of Four Scorecards Signed By Bobby Jones from his victory in the 1926 British Open Championship at the Royal Lytham and St. Annes Club (est. $7/10,000). This win came right after he had won the US Open Trophy making him the first American amateur to win both the US and British Open. Bobby Jones would go on to win all 4 major championships in 1930 for a Gland Slam. Also included is a Set of President Gerald R. Ford’s Golf Clubs (est. $20/30,000). This set of clubs, with ball, oversize tee, personalized and twice hand signed bag, were owned by President Gerald Ford during his 1974-1977 presidency. Gerald Ford donated his set of clubs, and twice signed bag to raise money for the Cancer Fund Drive. Golf was a passion for President Ford who often shot in the 80’s and once scored a hole-in- one. It was also a passion for President Kennedy whose Canvas and Leather Golf Bag will also be included (est. $20/30,000) in the sale.
Additional Highlights
Additional highlights include Mel Ott’s 30th Career Homerun Signed Baseball From 1929 (est. $20/30,000), Stan Musial’s Signed 1941 St. Louis Cardinals Rookie Contract (est. $15/20,000), Mickey Mantle’s 300th Home Run Ball, Framed Photo Display and Box Score (est. $12/18,000), Mickey Mantle’s 501st Inscribed, Signed and Dated Home Run Baseball, May 17, 1967 (est. $15,20,000), and Bob Gibson 1962 St. Louis Cardinals Road Jersey (est. $30/$40,000).
The Catalogue
The catalogue can be pre-purchased by logging on to www.sothebys.com or by calling (888) 752 0002. Catalogues are also available for purchase in Sotheby’s galleries in New York and London. The price for the catalogue is $40 including shipping and handling (or $35 in the Sotheby’s gallery).
Registering to Bid
Registration is required to bid in Sotheby’s auctions. You can register in person at our New York headquarters any time before the sale, or via fax when you submit an absentee bid form. Please call the Bid Department at (212) 606 7414 for further information.
Placing Bids
There are four ways to bid in this sale:
Bid in the room by attending the auction in New York and raising your paddle (issued upon registration).
Bid by absentee. An absentee bid is a form you fill out and return to Sotheby’s bid department via fax or mail. The form indicates the highest amount you would like to bid for an item or items. The auctioneer will submit bids on your behalf as necessary, up to — but never above — the amount you specify. Absentee bid forms are printed in the back of each catalogue, and are available at Sotheby’s offices and at it www.sothebys.com
Bid over the telephone through a Sotheby’s representative, who sits in the room and conveys your bid to the auctioneer. Phone bidding is best when you have not set a limit for an item and want to pursue it until it’s yours. Call the Bids department at (212) 606 7414 to set up an account.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium
For more information, please visit www.sothebys.com or www.scpauctions.com.
