- Welcome To OTIA Sports!
A routine estate sale cleanup turned into a historic discovery when auctioneer Troy McElfresh, owner and CEO of Mr Bid Auctions, stumbled upon an astonishing collection of vintage baseball cards hidden inside a kitchen junk drawer.
The priceless find—featuring legendary players like Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Satchel Paige, Ted Williams, and Jackie Robinson—dates back to the 1940s and 1950s, a golden era of baseball.
McElfresh was tasked with preparing the Muncie home for an estate sale when he made the unexpected discovery.
"I opened the drawer, and there was Joe DiMaggio," McElfresh recalled. "Yogi Berra, Satchel Paige—just stacks of legendary trading cards. I was in disbelief that these legends were together in one collection."
The family of the estate was aware of the card collection but had no idea where it was—or how valuable it might be.
The rare cards were promptly sent to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) for grading. Their evaluation confirmed the authenticity of the collection, including a Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra dual-player card in excellent condition.
"These are legit Topps cards from the '40s and '50s," McElfresh stated. "Joe DiMaggio, Mantle, and Berra—these are historic finds."
For McElfresh, the discovery was more than just a business win—it was deeply personal.
"I lost my dad a few years ago, and finding these cards took me back to the excitement of going to ballgames with him as a kid," he shared.
Now, these rare vintage baseball cards are up for auction and seeking new homes. The online auction is live through February 17, and interested collectors can register for free to place bids.
Winning bidders can pick up their cards at Mr Bid Auctions' warehouse in Muncie.
For those looking to own a piece of baseball history, this auction is a rare opportunity to acquire some of the sport's most iconic memorabilia.
