Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams' personal collection of baseball memorabilia is to auctioned in the US tomorrow (April 26, 2012).
 1903 World Series programme |
The slogger was widely regarded as one of the best batsman in the history of Major League Baseball, earning him the nickname "The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived".
His numerous awards will feature in the sale, including his 1949 Most Valuable Player Award.
He played his entire 22 year career as a left fielder for the Boston Red Sox, earning him Player of the Decade from 1951-1960.
He died in 2002, leaving behind his collection of baseball memorabilia and personal items.
Perhaps the piece of most interest to baseball collectors is an original programme from the 1903 World Series.
The booklet is from the first game of the first ever World Series, which was played between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The incredibly rare item is in excellent overall condition and has an estimate of $100,000-200,000.
Red Sox fans will jump at the chance to get their mitts on the first pitched ball at the opening day of the historic Fenway Park. The stadium has been host to the Boston Red Sox since its opening in 1912.
An official American League baseball with the Ban Johnson stampings, the item's estimate is only available on request. Online bidding has already begun in the auction however, with bids currently at $140,000.
The baseball market continues to hit home-runs in auction houses across the globe. A Honus Wagner baseball card sold for $1.23m recently, showing a 6.72% pa rise since 2008. You can read our round up of the most expensive items of baseball memorabilia here.
