Former Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra, now 46, filed for bankruptcy in July.

The memorabilia going under the hammer has been offered up by a pawn shop, after Dykstra did not reclaim them.

They include Dystra's 1986 World Series ring and Championship Trophy. Each is estimated at $20,000

Dykstra was known as Nails by fans, in respect of his aggressive stance both on and off the field.

"Dykstra was known for "clutch hits, bench-clearing brawls and bulging a cheek of chewing tobacco" as the auction press release puts it. 

He started major league play with the Mets in 1985, and their fans cite his trade to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1989 as a point the team weakened significantly.

Also in the auction are the ball Dykstra hit for a home run to win against the Houston Astros in the third game of the League Championship Series, and a National League championship ring Dykstraearned in 1993, during his time playing for the Phillies.

This ring is estimated at $10,000. Dykstra has signed the ball on the base, and it is therefore expected to fetch $4,000.

Even if Dykstra was selling these himself, the money involved wouldn't have helped his cause. He is estimated to owe $10m-50m to 50 or more creditors, and has assets lower in value than the four items mentioned.

Dykstra was rated highly as a player, and second only to the record-breaker Barry Bonds in votes of National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1993, when he also won the Silver Slugger award, but injuries (including breaking his collarbone twice) took their toll and ended his career.

He then began a series of business ventures which ultimately proved to be extremely unsuccessful, and is accused of defrauding members of his own family.

This is despite being described as an 'investing legend' by TV money expert Jim Cramer, for which Cramer was later mocked on The Daily Show.

It seems likely that Dykstra's memorabilia will prove to be better investments than the man himself ever made. 

An even finer piece of memorabilia, currently available from Paul Fraser Collectibles, is a signed Babe Ruth photo.
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