Legendary Baseball Contracts Inspire Local Memorabilia Collectors

SEATTLE, Oct. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The only known copies of Jackie Robinson's color barrier-breaking rookie contracts are going up for auction at a live event on November 16. The contracts are being touted as some of the most prestigious and historically significant artifacts of sports, the civil rights movement, and American history, and are appraised at $36,000,000.

Locally, Washington State Sports Collectors Association's VP of Publicity, Conor Donahue, says it's been fun to talk about. "Some think sports collecting went away with M.C. Hammer and tape decks," Donahue jokes, "but it's very much alive and healthy. Those contracts, especially symbolically, are really incredible. It makes the hairs on your neck stand up," he says with a smile. "Everyone I've talked to hopes to see them go to a museum, but we'll see."  When asked about the state of collecting, he says, "The hobby's maturing. Collectors are getting more sophisticated and there's great stuff coming onto the market because of it. There's been a lot of extra interest in our upcoming show, from buyers and sellers, because of the press the contracts have generated for the hobby as a whole."

WSSCA is a group of sports memorabilia collectors that meets monthly in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. They also host two annual Conventions, in June and November. Their Summer Convention is the longest running in the country, launching in 1973, and has seen some cardboard gold. "I do believe there was a Wagner at one show," recalls Donahue, referring to the ultra-rare 1909 Honus Wagner ? the world's most expensive baseball card. "Yeah, there are usually some bigger ticket items, but there's plenty of affordable stuff too.  Cards, autographs, memorabilia.... you name it. There are some real treasures at every show." When asked about the make-up of attendees, he affirms, "We're starting to see more families come out, which is great. It's always fun to watch a kid discover something they think is cool for the first time," he says with a smile. "Those moments tend to come less often as we grow up, so those contracts are pretty special in that way. The conventions are great because, even after 30 years of collecting, something always pops up that makes me say, 'Wow'."

WSSCA's Winter Convention and Sports Collectible Show will be held at Meridian Park Elementary School in Shoreline November 4 and 5 and will feature free autograph guest, former UW Husky football star Joe Jarzynka. More information available at www.wsscaseattle.com.

Contact: Conor Donahue, WSSCA VP Publicity
617-312-6003, [email protected]

SOURCE Washington State Sports Collectors Association