News

Freeman's/Hindman's latest sports auction is set to captivate collectors with an impressive lineup of memorabilia, headlined by a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards. This set includes the coveted Michael Jordan rookie card, all preserved in their original team bags as sold by Star Company, marking its debut as the NBA’s trading card partner. With an estimated value between $50,000 and $70,000, this collection represents a pivotal moment in sports card collecting.

Star Company, a small startup, took over the NBA’s trading card rights after Topps did not renew their contract following the 1981-82 season.

In addition to the complete set, the auction features two other notable Jordan cards from his rookie year: the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288. Also available is a PSA 8 graded copy of Michael Jordan’s widely recognized 1986-87 Fleer rookie card.

The auction also honors baseball legend Babe Ruth with several unique items, including three autographed baseballs, one of which is a mini-sized ball with a prominently displayed Ruth signature on the sweet spot.

The memorabilia collection extends beyond basketball and baseball cards. It includes a variety of autographed items and unique artifacts from sports history. Highlights include a baseball signed by 19 former players who attended the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend, featuring signatures from icons like Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Cochrane, and Jimmie Foxx, among others.

Additionally, the auction features a variety of vintage baseball cards, with standout lots including a 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8—significantly rarer than its Topps counterpart—and several Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s. Collectors can also find a near-complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards and multiple complete or near-complete sets from the 1950s and 60s.

Other noteworthy items include a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, presented to scout Neil Schmidt, and a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed autograph baseball featuring signatures from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. A collection of St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements from the 1920s and 30s, all signed by Branch Rickey, adds historical depth to the auction.

The bidding for these remarkable pieces of sports history will continue through June 13 on the company’s website, offering enthusiasts and collectors a chance to own a piece of sporting legacy. This auction not only highlights the value and rarity of sports memorabilia but also celebrates the rich narratives that these items carry within the world of sports.