Baseball: fantastic baseball auction

Got a spare $50K, Slugger?

By Paul Attner - SportingNews

Ever wanted a chance to buy some really neat historical baseball items, such as a Ty Cobb or Babe Ruth bat or a Satchel Paige Indians home jersey? Here's your opportunity. The makers of Louisville Slugger bats are auctioning off some unique items this Saturday, and you can partake either by phone (610-524-0822) or online (huntauctions.com), starting at 10 a.m. ET. Besides the Cobb and Ruth bats (estimated values: $50,000 to $125,000), other nifty possibilities include a Jim Thorpe bat ($75,000) and a bat used by Shoeless Joe Jackson that's likely to obtain the highest bid of the day.

As a bonus, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum also is participating. It has available 24 Negro Leagues throwback game-worn jerseys used by modern-day players including Albert Pujols (St. Louis Stars), Carlos Beltran (K.C. Monarchs) and Mike Piazza (New York Cubans).

This is the first time Hillerich & Bradsby Co., maker of the Sluggers, has offered items to the public from its extensive holdings. Don't worry -- for those with a limited budget, there are less pricey offerings