The all-time finest set of 1939 Play Ball baseball trading cards has seen outstanding results as top lot in Goldin Auctions' October Legends sale, which closed on November 2.
 The set contains Mint 9 examples of the Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio cards |
The set, comprised of 161 cards, opened for bids at $50,000 but rocketed to a final price of $202,826. The #1 all-time finest graded set on the PSA registry, it has an overall GPA of 8.71.
Included in the set are two Gem Mint 10-graded cards, as well as Mint 9 examples of the two key cards of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.
1939 was a landmark year for baseball, marking the 100th anniversary of the game and the year that the Baseball Hall of Fame was first opened. It also saw the sad departure of Lou Gehrig and the arrival of "Splendid Splinter" Ted Williams.
 The glove was used in the two seasons prior to Koufax's domination of the sport, which resulted in him becoming only the eighth pitcher to throw a perfect game |
Also starring in the auction was a Sandy Koufax game-used and photo matched fielder's glove from 1959-60, which sold for $107,995.
The glove is particularly important as it originates from a pivotal moment in Koufax's career. He had had five poor seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers up to the 1959 season, and by 1960 was considering giving up the game after not getting enough playing time.
However, a last moment change of heart saw him go on to train harder than ever for 1961. He went on to win three Cy Young Awards, an MVP Award and play in six consecutive All-Star Games.
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