Lelands has unveiled its 2025 Summer Classic Auction, and it’s headlined by some serious pieces. Shohei Ohtani’s 300th career home run ball and an incredibly rare 1914 Shoeless Joe Jackson signed baseball are the marquee items.
The auction runs through August 16 with more than 1,800 lots covering everything from modern and vintage cards to game-used equipment and autographs.
Ohtani’s Milestone Ball
Ohtani’s 300th combines his 48 homers from Japan’s NPB with his 252 in the majors, cementing his status as one of baseball’s most prolific sluggers. The photo-matched ball was hit June 24 against the Rockies and caught by a fan who later consigned it to Lelands.
What makes this different is the global nature of the milestone – it’s not just MLB history, it’s baseball history.
The Shoeless Joe Rarity
The Jackson baseball from his 1914 Cleveland Naps days is about as rare as it gets. Jackson’s illiteracy made his autograph extremely scarce on baseballs, and now that MLB has reinstated him for Hall of Fame consideration, the demand has only grown.
The Black Sox scandal kept Jackson in exile for decades. Now that he’s eligible again, pieces like this carry even more weight.
Baseball’s Best
Other baseball highlights include:
- 1911 Philadelphia Athletics World Series press pin
- 1939 Baseball Hall of Fame induction program signed by all 11 living inductees
- Jackie Jensen’s 1958 AL MVP Award
- 1972 Roberto Clemente 3,000th hit ticket stub and program
- Photo-matched game-used bats and jerseys from Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, and Tony Gwynn
Beyond Baseball
Basketball collectors will want to check out a 1997 SPx Michael Jordan Die-Cut Auto graded PSA 8 with a 10 autograph – one of only three at that level. Hockey’s represented with a 1994 Rangers Stanley Cup Championship pendant and Vic Hadfield’s 1972 Summit Series game-worn jersey.
Horse racing history shows up through Angel Cordero Jr.’s 1985 Kentucky Derby trophy for “Spend a Buck” and his signed “Magic Saddle” used in eight Triple Crown-winning races.
Boxing memorabilia includes George Foreman’s 1970s passport, Larry Holmes’ 1984 IBF Championship belt, and Muhammad Ali training trunks with photo provenance.
Pop Culture Pieces
Music and pop culture collectors can bid on a Black Sabbath signed display with Ozzy Osbourne, a Woodstock 1969 metal sign, Bob Dylan handwritten lyrics, and a Bill Gates 1980 Microsoft business card.
Historical artifacts include a circa 1945 Nagasaki atomic bombing aftermath photograph and a Susan B. Anthony autograph inscribed “Equal Rights for All.”
Lelands’ Track Record
Founded in 1985, Lelands was the world’s first sports memorabilia and card auction house. They’ve set numerous world records, including Babe Ruth’s 1927 Yankees World Series ring ($2.09 million), his 1919 signed contract ($2.3 million), and a 1920 Yankees jersey ($4.5 million).
Steve Verkman, Lelands President and Managing Director, continues backing the company’s reputation with over four decades in the industry.
For more information or to place bids, visit https://lelands.com.
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