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Goodwill Jackpot: Collector Discovers Rare Autographed Cards and Yogi Berra Baseball

For most, a stop at Goodwill is about browsing clothes, snagging an old book, or maybe scoring a vintage mug. But for Christopher Kidney of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, a recent visit turned into something right out of a collector’s fantasy.

Spending less than $20, Kidney walked out with a haul of authentic, autographed baseball memorabilia—including signed cards from CC Sabathia, Don Mattingly, Chuck Knoblauch, and even a Super Bowl XLII card signed by Plaxico Burress. But the crown jewel? A baseball signed by Hall of Famer Yogi Berra himself.

"When I saw the names on the cards, I could tell they were real based on the brand," Kidney told Newsweek. He wasn’t just hopeful—he was right. After authenticating the finds with the help of his tight-knit collecting community, Kidney sold the collection privately for over $500.

A Nod to Baseball History

Among Kidney’s discoveries was a nod to one of the most iconic figures in baseball history—Yogi Berra, known for his unforgettable “Yogi-isms” and a Hall of Fame career as one of the greatest catchers to ever wear a glove. Berra, inducted in 1972, won 10 World Series titles with the Yankees—a record that still stands. To find a signed ball casually sitting on a thrift store shelf? That’s not just luck—it’s a collector’s miracle.

From Hidden Gem to Viral Post

Kidney, a familiar name on Reddit’s memorabilia threads, shared his find online with the caption: “Incredible, still shaking.” The post instantly went viral, racking up over 1,500 upvotes and a flood of comments from impressed collectors and sports fans.

“Thank goodness your Goodwill doesn’t have an in-store Googler pricing these near eBay comps,” joked one commenter.
Another added, “My brother collects and sells sports memorabilia and he says to tell you he is both happy for you and very jealous!”

Even More Goodwill Gold

Believe it or not, this isn’t Kidney’s first thrift-store win. Earlier this month, he scored a signed 1949 book by Honus Wagner, one of the most legendary players in baseball history, for just $1.59.

“For $1.59, I found one of the greatest baseball players' signatures ever! I'm in shock,” he wrote. "My grandpa, who passed three years ago, worked with teams like the Reds and Cardinals. I truly believe, in some divine way, I was meant to find this book."

More Than Just Money

While the financial flip was rewarding, Kidney was quick to share the moment with those who matter most. “It’s very important to me that I give credit to my family—my beloved wife Ashley—and my best friends Brad and Christopher Davisson,” he said.

For Kidney, this isn’t just about value—it’s about connection, passion, and the thrill of the hunt. And for the rest of us? It’s a reminder to always check the shelves twice—because sometimes, baseball history is sitting right there next to a stack of used cookbooks.