Sunday, November 20, 2011

For A King's Ransom

Much thanks to DaSnake for pointing out this story -- actually, the story at the site Throwback is two stories in one, the story of King Kelly and another regarding the rare autograph of his that was recently "discovered" and is going up for auction. 
The story is an excellent read, especially if you're unfamiliar with the character King Kelly, one of the early stars of baseball in the late 1800s, or if you're interested in sports memorabilia.
Kelly was a flamboyant man and baseball player for the Chicago White Stockings and Boston Beaneaters of the National League, a real self promoter.  Despite this fact, it is thought that less than 10 of his autograph are in existence today; and to find one in such great condition with such a great story behind its discovery, will likely result in this piece going at auction for a "King's ransom."
Here is a quote from another online article regarding this auction:  "What SCP Auctions calls the "greatest 19th Century baseball autograph find in hobby history" is making an impression on collectors of rare baseball memorabilia--and those fascinated by the pro game's early history."  If that's not a good enough teaser for you, well, I guess nothing would be.
The bidding was to have ended last night, though the only information I can find thus far is that the bidding had passed $100,000.  I will endeavor to report the final winning bid, unless someone beats me to it.  Thanks again, DaSnake, for pointing this out.  And to answer your question in the comments:  Unfortunately that is the only way to communicate on a blog but don't worry, leave a comment anywhere at anytime.

2 comments:

dasnake said...

wasn't that story a great read, the first time i read about kelly it made think how different baseball was then. mostly eastcoast venues, the players would take a train, or walk to the games, the fans would be walking with them talking about the last game or how the hits were going. it was really an exciting time, for the people then it was nothing, but if you look at the way the players are cocooned now you can't fathom the feeling they must have had. i remember one time in seattle i was at a game early and walking around the stadium to pick up a few autographs because my fave yanks were in town. when i see a cab pull up with wade boggs in the back seat, i was by myself and opened his door and said hi, he and i walked towards the kingdome together for a few minutes while he signed a bat and card for me, then the throng of fans hit and i left, but for that few minutes it was really quite neat to be one on one with a future hall of famer

dasnake said...

this belongs in the hall of fame, i don't know what their budget is, but this belong there. kelly was the babe of his time, the mantle, of my time, the jeter of now, to bad this stuff always seems to go to private hands.