News

Love of the Game Auctions (LOTG) has kicked off its largest auction to date, presenting around 1,500 lots filled with historic sports memorabilia and rare collectibles. The highlight of the sale is a high-grade Babe Ruth game model bat from the 1918-1921 era, graded PSA GU 7 and previously exhibited at the Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore. This auction also showcases a Ted Williams bat from the 1950s.

Al Crisafulli, the founder and auction director of LOTG, emphasized the diversity of the catalog, which includes an unprecedented selection of 19th-century items, a variety of card types, significant prewar baseball collections, and an extensive array of vintage items from across all sports. A standout collection within the auction is 57 original magic lantern slides by Frank W. Smith, featuring the Cleveland Naps and a rare image of Shoeless Joe Jackson.

The auction's card offerings span from the 19th century to high-grade vintage examples from various sports. Noteworthy is the T206 Ty Cobb card with the Cobb Tobacco back, one of fewer than two dozen known examples, making a rare appearance since its last public sale in 2009.

Other auction highlights include:

• A 1950-51 Toleteros Josh Gibson card, the only known card of Gibson, featuring a rare prize redemption overprint.
• The #4 ranked 1963 Topps Master Set on the PSA Set Registry, offered individually, including high-grade cards like Willie Stargell's rookie card, Mickey Mantle, and Pete Rose's rookie card.
• A 1925 Exhibits Champions Babe Ruth card graded PSA 4.
• A 1920 original Type 1 News Service photo of Babe Ruth, the last known image of him in a Red Sox uniform.
• A rare framed 1954 Wilson Franks retail advertising display/uncut sheet.

Bidders can participate in this historic auction, which runs through Saturday, March 30, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of sports history.