When putting together a Mount Rushmore of Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers, it is impossible not to include Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax.
He was a 12-year veteran who only knew of life with the Dodgers, and as member of team for its last three seasons in Brooklyn, he also served as a bridge from the team’s past to its great future in L.A.
Koufax was the first three-time winner of the Cy Young Award and won unanimously each time, he was a seven time All-Star, a National League Most Valuable Player, a four time World Series Champion, and so many other accolades that it could fill a book.
Koufax retired from baseball in 1966 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, but remains an involved and believed member of the Dodgers organization to this day.
It seems that even in retirement, Koufax cannot help but continue to break records as one of his jerseys received a record breaking bid at auction. On Monday, Koufax’s rookie-season Brooklyn Dodgers jersey was sold for a record-setting $1.8 million at Heritage Auctions.
The auction stated the road grey jersey is possibly the first he ever worn in Major League competition, and it could have been present during Game 7 of the 1955 World Series, so celebratory locker room champagne may lurk deep in the fibers of the garment.
“It survives in 100% original and unaltered condition, the sole half-point deduction assessed by the experts at MEARS for “small holes” near the collar and tail that only the closest of inspection will reveal.
“The aesthetics are effectively unimprovable, and instantly evocative of that most exciting time in New York City baseball. “Dodgers” is crafted from blue felt in that timeless script across the chest, the same material forming the number “32” on reverse that would never ride another player’s jersey. Blue piping at collar, button path and sleeves remains complete and undamaged.
“Interior collar is properly tagged ‘Rawlings Hall of Fame Flannel [size] 44.’ Embroidered directly into the lower left front tail in blue thread is ‘Koufax.’ Interior lower left tail holds a washing instructions label that anchors a flap tag reporting the most delectable vintage: ‘Set 1 1955.'”
Koufax’s jersey was one of many items that were sold this month that added up to a total of $21.3 million spent on sports memorabilia.
A rare Walter Johnson jersey, Ty Cobb’s bat, Hank Aaron’s glove and Mickey Mantle’s record-setting 1952 Topps card were some of the other items that contributed to the insane amount of money spent.
“This auction had some incredible game-used material, and we saw some real strength in the performance of the game-worn fielder’s gloves, which is great to see,” director of sports auctions at Heritage Chris Ivy said. “It was inevitable that collectors would eventually turn their attention to gloves as that market continues to mature.”
Heritage Auctions is the largest collectibles auctioneer and third largest auction house in the world, as well as the largest auction house founded in the U.S. It was established in 1976 and it offers a wide range of collectables from rare currency and coins, art, comic books, entertainment and music, sports and much more.
High-profile Dodgers items at auction
In 2023, Steve Sax auctioned off his Los Angeles Dodgers World Series rings and accompanying trophies from 1981 and 1988, commemorative baseballs, autographed jerseys and more via SCP Auctions.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Capt. John J. Sax Foundation, which was set up in his late son’s memory.
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