In a twist reminiscent of a Hollywood script, a trove of forgotten baseball history emerged from the dust-filled confines of an Ohio attic, leaving both the sellers and bidders in a state of euphoria. This treasure trove, concealed within an old cigar box, was not just a typical collection of childhood memorabilia; it was an unpolished gem waiting to shine. A collection of vintage baseball cards, centered around baseball’s eternal icon Babe Ruth, took center stage at a recent online auction hosted by Stark County’s own Kiko Auctions. The cards, like the legendary “Sultan of Swat” himself, soared to new heights, fetching an impressive $120,000.
Behind this sensational find were two siblings, who, while sorting through their late parents’ belongings, struck gold — card gold to be precise. Maintaining a low profile, they requested anonymity, yet their excitement over their find undoubtedly matched a home run at the World Series. According to auctioneer Jack Kiko, the siblings suspected the cards were valuable, a hunch that paid off handsomely.
Enterprising baseball enthusiasts and collectors witnessed the spirited auction that commenced on May 28 and concluded on June 2. Embracing an air of high stakes drama, the virtual event rolled out 623 lots, dominated by an array of baseball cards. However, these were no ordinary pieces of cardboard nostalgia; over 200 cards hailed from the illustrious 1933 Goudey Big League Gum set. Celebrated within card-collecting circles, this set is considered a heavyweight for its historical and collectible value.
In 1933, Goudey revolutionized the baseball card industry by adding a simple stick of gum to each pack, a strategic enhancement that cemented their legacy. This seemingly insignificant addition catapulted the card set’s popularity, earning it an indelible place in the annals of collector history. The set features a host of Hall of Famers, making it indispensable for those serious about their collections.
As the final gavel came down on the virtual auction, neck-and-neck bidding wars tallied up a grand total of $120,699 in winning bids. However, once the 10% internet premium and the obligatory 6.5% sales tax were factored in, the figure swelled beyond $140,000. One savvy bidder, distinguished only by their user ID, appears to have snagged a significant portion of the collection. A prized gem among gems was a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card with a striking red background, which alone commanded $8,000. In total, five different Babe Ruth cards collectively fetched $35,250 before fees and taxes kicked in.
These cards, varied in their condition, remained ungraded by professionals, adding a layer of suspense and risk to the winning bidders’ experiences. Yet, this element of uncertainty and the promise of hidden potential fuel the allure and excitement that define the vintage card market.
This story of rediscovery serves as a reminder that even in our fast-paced digital age, a slice of Americana and a touch of nostalgia can take us back to the golden era of baseball. Originating from a forgotten attic in the heart of the Buckeye State, these relics tell a timeless story. They travelled through time to capture the imaginations of collectors everywhere — an enduring proof that the legacy of Babe Ruth and the spirit of America’s favorite pastime continue to captivate and transcend generations.
