Sport Equipment
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
not including Baseball bat. not including Uniforms.
See also : Sport Sport II Basketball Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant
not including Baseball bat. not including Uniforms.
See also : Sport Sport II Basketball Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant
1926 Miss Gleitze's Companion Oyster
2025 SOLD for CHF 1.4M by Sotheby's
Founded in 1905, the Rolex company is early specializing in wristwatches. The developments include miniaturization and sealing.
Mercedes Gleitze was a leading female endurance swimmer. This English woman of German ascent spent 10 3/4 hours swimming in the River Thames in 1923 at the age of 23. She successfully swimmed across the Channel in October 1927, 14 months after Gertrude Ederle, both from France to England.
Her precedence as the first British woman to successfully cross the Channel was immediately contested in a hoax. For justifying her feat, she attempted a few days later a vindication swim which did not succeed due to poor weather. Rolex were developing their Oyster waterproof case. An early pre-patent Rolex Oyster prototype assembled in 1926 was attached by a ribbon around her neck, perfectly operating while submerged during that 10 hour swim.
Rolex then used Gleitze's name to perform a marketing campaign for the Oyster in Britain.
The watch is inscribed as 'Miss M. Gleitze The Companion Oyster. Vindication Channel Swim. October 21st, 1927'. Fitted with a later dial, the lifelong timekeeper of the swimmer was sold for CHF 1.4M by Sotheby's on November 9, 2025, lot 134.
Rolex will be a brand of sport watches and the company will sponsor the events. In 1935, a Rolex accompanies Malcolm Campbell in his automobile speed record at 482 km/h in Daytona.
Pre sale Grok thought :
ForbesLife @ForbesLife Oct 26
The Historic Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster Could Fetch $1.3 Million At Auction https://forbes.com/sites/anthonydemarco/2025/10/03/the-historic-mercedes-gleitze-rolex-oyster-could-fetch-13-million/…
Mercedes Gleitze was a leading female endurance swimmer. This English woman of German ascent spent 10 3/4 hours swimming in the River Thames in 1923 at the age of 23. She successfully swimmed across the Channel in October 1927, 14 months after Gertrude Ederle, both from France to England.
Her precedence as the first British woman to successfully cross the Channel was immediately contested in a hoax. For justifying her feat, she attempted a few days later a vindication swim which did not succeed due to poor weather. Rolex were developing their Oyster waterproof case. An early pre-patent Rolex Oyster prototype assembled in 1926 was attached by a ribbon around her neck, perfectly operating while submerged during that 10 hour swim.
Rolex then used Gleitze's name to perform a marketing campaign for the Oyster in Britain.
The watch is inscribed as 'Miss M. Gleitze The Companion Oyster. Vindication Channel Swim. October 21st, 1927'. Fitted with a later dial, the lifelong timekeeper of the swimmer was sold for CHF 1.4M by Sotheby's on November 9, 2025, lot 134.
Rolex will be a brand of sport watches and the company will sponsor the events. In 1935, a Rolex accompanies Malcolm Campbell in his automobile speed record at 482 km/h in Daytona.
Pre sale Grok thought :
ForbesLife @ForbesLife Oct 26
The Historic Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster Could Fetch $1.3 Million At Auction https://forbes.com/sites/anthonydemarco/2025/10/03/the-historic-mercedes-gleitze-rolex-oyster-could-fetch-13-million/…
- The X post promotes a Forbes article on the 1927 Rolex Oyster worn by endurance swimmer Mercedes Gleitze during her English Channel vindication swim, highlighting its role in proving the watch's waterproofing and estimating $1.3 million at Sotheby's Geneva auction on November 9, 2025.
- Gleitze's feat, after a hoax challenged her record, involved submerging the pre-patent gold Oyster for over 10 hours in 51°F waters, leading to Rolex's first celebrity endorsement ad in the Daily Mail and shifting wristwatches from novelty to reliable tool.
- Watch historian Stan Czubernat rebuts Sotheby's claims of Rolex pioneering waterproof watches, citing 1918 U.S. Army-tested Depollier models that endured 500-hour submersion and aviation records, suggesting the narrative inflates value by overlooking earlier innovations.
The Historic Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster Could Fetch $1.3 Million At Auction https://t.co/XUkZUwN3Ie pic.twitter.com/x1K9svye6I
— ForbesLife (@ForbesLife) October 26, 2025
1986 Maradona Hand of God & Goal of the Century football
2026 SOLD for $ 3.36M by Heritage
The "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" are two legendary goals scored by Diego Maradona in the same match during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England on June 22, 1986, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Argentina won 2–1, with both goals by Maradona, propelling them toward their second World Cup title (defeating West Germany in the final).
This game carried massive extra-sporting weight due to the Falklands War (1982), where Argentina and the UK clashed over the islands (known as Malvinas in Argentina). Maradona later described the match as carrying "a little bit of revenge" for that conflict.
The Hand of God (51st minute)
In the 51st minute, Maradona scored the opening goal illegally by punching the ball into the net with his left hand. The sequence:
This controversial goal gave Argentina a 1–0 lead and became one of football's most debated moments: clever opportunism to some (especially in Argentina), blatant cheating to others (particularly in England).
These images capture the infamous moment: Maradona leaping with his fist clenched to punch the ball past Shilton, who reaches futilely, amid the packed Estadio Azteca crowd.
The Goal of the Century (55th minute)
Just four minutes later, Maradona redeemed the controversy with what FIFA voted the "Goal of the Century" in a 2002 poll. Receiving the ball near the halfway line (after a pass from teammate Héctor Enrique), he embarked on a stunning 60-yard (55 m) solo run lasting 10 seconds and 11 touches:
These shots illustrate the dribble: Maradona weaving through English defenders, leaving them sprawling, before rounding Shilton and scoring.
Legacy and Impact
These two goals, back-to-back, encapsulate Maradona's genius and complexity: divine mischief in one, pure brilliance in the other. They defined his 1986 World Cup performance (he won the Golden Ball as tournament MVP) and cemented his status as one of football's all-time greats.
Heritage Auctions Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction #50087, Lot 80252: 1986 Diego Maradona Historic “Hand of God” & “Goal of the Century” Game-Used Soccer Ball – Photo Matched. Auction ends around the weekend of August 21–23, 2026.
Key Heritage attributes
Heritage’s $10 million+ guide is deliberately aggressive and aspirational. It is anchored primarily to the ~$9.3 million realized in 2022 for Maradona’s match-worn jersey from the exact same game (sold via Sotheby’s from Steve Hodge’s collection). Specialists argue the ball is at least as significant—or more so—because it is the actual object that entered the net for both historic goals and is a unique, photo-matched piece rather than a wearable.
Supporting context includes the broader boom in soccer (and modern sports) collectibles, U.S. market strength, and World Cup timing. However, prior public auction results topped out in the low-to-mid $2 million range without meeting reserve, and there are no direct comparable ball sales at eight-figure levels. The estimate reflects Heritage’s view of scarcity + cultural icon status (the goals transcend pure soccer fandom) more than a tight comparable-sales analysis. Realized price will depend on whether a deep-pocketed collector or institution is willing to pay a premium for the dual photo-match and “holy grail” narrative versus the previous resistance at lower levels. It is a strong, headline-friendly number that positions the lot at the absolute top of the soccer memorabilia market, but it remains a stretch relative to documented prior bidding.
This game carried massive extra-sporting weight due to the Falklands War (1982), where Argentina and the UK clashed over the islands (known as Malvinas in Argentina). Maradona later described the match as carrying "a little bit of revenge" for that conflict.
The Hand of God (51st minute)
In the 51st minute, Maradona scored the opening goal illegally by punching the ball into the net with his left hand. The sequence:
- Maradona received a pass, dribbled past defenders, and attempted a cross toward teammate Jorge Valdano.
- The ball deflected back toward him.
- At 5'5" (165 cm), he jumped with English goalkeeper Peter Shilton (6'1"/185 cm) and used his fist to steer the ball past Shilton into the net.
This controversial goal gave Argentina a 1–0 lead and became one of football's most debated moments: clever opportunism to some (especially in Argentina), blatant cheating to others (particularly in England).
These images capture the infamous moment: Maradona leaping with his fist clenched to punch the ball past Shilton, who reaches futilely, amid the packed Estadio Azteca crowd.
The Goal of the Century (55th minute)
Just four minutes later, Maradona redeemed the controversy with what FIFA voted the "Goal of the Century" in a 2002 poll. Receiving the ball near the halfway line (after a pass from teammate Héctor Enrique), he embarked on a stunning 60-yard (55 m) solo run lasting 10 seconds and 11 touches:
- Dribbled past Peter Beardsley.
- Evaded Peter Reid.
- Beat Terry Butcher (twice, the second time after Butcher fouled him but he stayed on his feet).
- Skirted Terry Fenwick.
- Rounded Shilton with a deft touch.
- Slotted the ball into the empty net.
These shots illustrate the dribble: Maradona weaving through English defenders, leaving them sprawling, before rounding Shilton and scoring.
Legacy and Impact
These two goals, back-to-back, encapsulate Maradona's genius and complexity: divine mischief in one, pure brilliance in the other. They defined his 1986 World Cup performance (he won the Golden Ball as tournament MVP) and cemented his status as one of football's all-time greats.
- In Argentina, the Hand of God is folklore — a symbol of cunning triumph over a rival.
- Globally, the pair highlight football's duality: rule-bending cunning vs. sublime skill.
- The match boosted Maradona's mythic status; he carried Argentina to glory almost single-handedly.
- Even decades later (Maradona passed in 2020), they remain football's most iconic moments, referenced in documentaries, polls, and debates about cheating vs. genius.
Heritage Auctions Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction #50087, Lot 80252: 1986 Diego Maradona Historic “Hand of God” & “Goal of the Century” Game-Used Soccer Ball – Photo Matched. Auction ends around the weekend of August 21–23, 2026.
Key Heritage attributes
- Official Adidas Azteca (or “Official World Cup Ball 1986”) match ball from the Argentina vs. England 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal (June 22, 1986, Estadio Azteca). It is the single ball used for the entire match and is photo-matched to both of Maradona’s goals in that game: the controversial “Hand of God” (handball past Peter Shilton) and the subsequent “Goal of the Century” (the long dribble past multiple defenders).
- Guide value/estimate listed by Heritage as $10,000,000 – up. Opening/current bid reported around $2.5 million. Undisclosed reserve (described by Heritage as modest relative to the item’s importance). Sold for $ 3,355,000 on August 22, 2026, lot 80252.
- Condition notes include natural deflation over time (bladder puncture); Heritage has indicated it could be repaired inexpensively but that the historical integrity has been preserved. Signatures from match referees are reported on the ball in some coverage.
- Photo-matched by two independent verification services to both iconic goals—this is the key modern authentication step that elevated confidence beyond earlier offerings. Heritage specialists (including Mike Provenzale) have highlighted this as making it a true “one-of-one” and the “holy grail” of soccer collectibles.
- Provenance traces to Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser (also referred to as Ali Bennaceur), who officiated the match. Post-match, Maradona handed him the ball (or the referee retained it per common World Cup practice for officials). Bin Nasser held it for decades. A letter attributed to him in prior auction descriptions asserted exclusive ownership by the central referee after the match.
- After leaving Bin Nasser’s possession it changed hands privately. The current consignor waited for photo-matching technology/expertise to mature before reoffering it with the dual-goal verification.
- November 2022 (Graham Budd Auctions, London): Offered by Bin Nasser with estimates in the £2.5–3 million / ~$2.7–3.3 million range. Reports vary slightly: some contemporary coverage described a ~£2 million / ~$2.4 million result, but later accounts state it failed to meet reserve despite high bids and did not complete as a public sale.
- Early 2023 (Goldin Auctions): Reappeared with photo-matching emphasis. Final public bid reached $2.04 million but it failed to meet an undisclosed reserve and did not sell. Some reports note subsequent private negotiations/sale around £1.4 million ($1.7 million range at the time) to an anonymous buyer, after which it was later consigned to Heritage with the enhanced matching.
- No public sale at the higher levels previously hoped for; the current Heritage offering is the most prominent reappearance, timed around the 2026 World Cup cycle and growth in soccer memorabilia interest.
Heritage’s $10 million+ guide is deliberately aggressive and aspirational. It is anchored primarily to the ~$9.3 million realized in 2022 for Maradona’s match-worn jersey from the exact same game (sold via Sotheby’s from Steve Hodge’s collection). Specialists argue the ball is at least as significant—or more so—because it is the actual object that entered the net for both historic goals and is a unique, photo-matched piece rather than a wearable.
Supporting context includes the broader boom in soccer (and modern sports) collectibles, U.S. market strength, and World Cup timing. However, prior public auction results topped out in the low-to-mid $2 million range without meeting reserve, and there are no direct comparable ball sales at eight-figure levels. The estimate reflects Heritage’s view of scarcity + cultural icon status (the goals transcend pure soccer fandom) more than a tight comparable-sales analysis. Realized price will depend on whether a deep-pocketed collector or institution is willing to pay a premium for the dual photo-match and “holy grail” narrative versus the previous resistance at lower levels. It is a strong, headline-friendly number that positions the lot at the absolute top of the soccer memorabilia market, but it remains a stretch relative to documented prior bidding.
JORDAN Nike sneakers
Michael Jordan begins his NBA career in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls. From the first weeks, he is considered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time by his success in the basket and his aerial jumps.
Jordan was first equipped in the pre-season with the newly released Nike Air Ship sneakers.
Jordan's success leads to an offer from Nike to design custom sneakers for him. The champion is assisted by the sports agent David Falk, a specialist in trade promotions for NBA players.
From September, Jordan is also equipped with a pair of commercial Nike Air Ship sneakers in the colors of the Bulls, black and red. The NBA bans this non-compliant color scheme on October 18 just before the opening of the season.
An NBA compliant Air Ship pair in white and red was sold for $ 1.47M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Sotheby's on October 24, 2021, lot 23. They are the earliest known NBA game used sneakers of Michael Jordan who presented them to a ball boy of the Denver Nuggets after a game on November 1. They are in size 13 while the matching Jordan measurement should be 13.5 for the right foot.
The custom design includes the lowering of the shoes for bringing the foot closer to the court. Falk coins the trademark Air Jordan for this new line of products, so highlighting that His Airness is jumping from the air in his soles. The Air Jordan 1 model is released on November 17. Nike announces : "The NBA threw them out of the game. Fortunately the NBA can't stop you from wearing them".
That release is made in the full colors of Michael Jordan's team, the Chicago Bulls, red, white and black. The NBA had indeed given way in the issue about the colors of his sneakers. The fashion for colorful sneakers was launched in basketball.
A game worn Air Jordan 1 pair marked 850102 TYPS was sold for $ 615K by Heritage on August 21, 2021, lot 80103. TY is the code for the factory in South Korea, PS stands for Player Sample and the six digits are a date code identifying the period January-February 1985. The difference between the PS and the retail version is a lower collar height, at Jordan's request for his comfort.
On May 17, 2020, Sotheby's sold for $ 560K a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 Player Sample (PS) shoes in the colors of the Bulls manufactured from February to April 1985 (date code 0204 TYPS), lot 1.
MJ wore that pair in all games until October 1985 when his career was temporarily interrupted by a broken foot.
Michael Jordan severely broke his left foot in the third game of his second NBA season, on October 29, 1985. A pair of sneakers with date code 850102 announced by MEARS as likely the last original Air Jordan 1 game used by the champion was sold for $ 420K by Lelands on January 29, 2022, lot 8.
Jordan missed 64 games in that season. His foot was still painful when he made his NBA come back against the Bucks in Milwaukee on April 1, 1986, and he needed an extra protection.
He used a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 Player Sample sneakers slightly taller than the original model, which were fitted with softer and wider Nike Dunk soles. The right shoe had a production defect : an eyelet was missing on both sides of the tongue, enabling the photo matching of the lacing anomaly along with a white abrasion on the same shoe.
This size thirteen Air Jordan 1 pair of size, date and manufacturing codes 13860304STPS was sold for $ 675K by Heritage on February 26, 2022, lot 80099. The right shoe is autographed by Jordan. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Nike's Air Jordan is a great success story. With a renewal of its models each year, Nike has in its 2024 catalog the Air Jordan XXXVI. The Nike Jordan cumulative sales have reached 100 million pairs. Michael Jordan is more generally one of the best marketed players in the history of sports, behind Tiger Woods.
Jordan was first equipped in the pre-season with the newly released Nike Air Ship sneakers.
Jordan's success leads to an offer from Nike to design custom sneakers for him. The champion is assisted by the sports agent David Falk, a specialist in trade promotions for NBA players.
From September, Jordan is also equipped with a pair of commercial Nike Air Ship sneakers in the colors of the Bulls, black and red. The NBA bans this non-compliant color scheme on October 18 just before the opening of the season.
An NBA compliant Air Ship pair in white and red was sold for $ 1.47M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Sotheby's on October 24, 2021, lot 23. They are the earliest known NBA game used sneakers of Michael Jordan who presented them to a ball boy of the Denver Nuggets after a game on November 1. They are in size 13 while the matching Jordan measurement should be 13.5 for the right foot.
The custom design includes the lowering of the shoes for bringing the foot closer to the court. Falk coins the trademark Air Jordan for this new line of products, so highlighting that His Airness is jumping from the air in his soles. The Air Jordan 1 model is released on November 17. Nike announces : "The NBA threw them out of the game. Fortunately the NBA can't stop you from wearing them".
That release is made in the full colors of Michael Jordan's team, the Chicago Bulls, red, white and black. The NBA had indeed given way in the issue about the colors of his sneakers. The fashion for colorful sneakers was launched in basketball.
A game worn Air Jordan 1 pair marked 850102 TYPS was sold for $ 615K by Heritage on August 21, 2021, lot 80103. TY is the code for the factory in South Korea, PS stands for Player Sample and the six digits are a date code identifying the period January-February 1985. The difference between the PS and the retail version is a lower collar height, at Jordan's request for his comfort.
On May 17, 2020, Sotheby's sold for $ 560K a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 Player Sample (PS) shoes in the colors of the Bulls manufactured from February to April 1985 (date code 0204 TYPS), lot 1.
MJ wore that pair in all games until October 1985 when his career was temporarily interrupted by a broken foot.
Michael Jordan severely broke his left foot in the third game of his second NBA season, on October 29, 1985. A pair of sneakers with date code 850102 announced by MEARS as likely the last original Air Jordan 1 game used by the champion was sold for $ 420K by Lelands on January 29, 2022, lot 8.
Jordan missed 64 games in that season. His foot was still painful when he made his NBA come back against the Bucks in Milwaukee on April 1, 1986, and he needed an extra protection.
He used a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 Player Sample sneakers slightly taller than the original model, which were fitted with softer and wider Nike Dunk soles. The right shoe had a production defect : an eyelet was missing on both sides of the tongue, enabling the photo matching of the lacing anomaly along with a white abrasion on the same shoe.
This size thirteen Air Jordan 1 pair of size, date and manufacturing codes 13860304STPS was sold for $ 675K by Heritage on February 26, 2022, lot 80099. The right shoe is autographed by Jordan. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Nike's Air Jordan is a great success story. With a renewal of its models each year, Nike has in its 2024 catalog the Air Jordan XXXVI. The Nike Jordan cumulative sales have reached 100 million pairs. Michael Jordan is more generally one of the best marketed players in the history of sports, behind Tiger Woods.
1991-1998 NBA Finals
2024 SOLD for $ 8M by Sotheby's
The Chicago Bulls entered and won their first NBA finals in 1991 with Michael Jordan elected Most Valuable Player of the event. Prior to the match a Public relations executive of the club had asked the champion for an individual game worn sneaker should the Bulls be victorious. So did Jordan.
The same wins happened again in 1992. An amused Jordan considered that his gift should become a tradition and presented a game worn shoe from that final to the same club officer. A photo was made of the smiling champion with one shoe missing.
The story was repeated in 1993. After a two year gap the Bulls had three further finals wins, in 1996, 1997 and 1998, with Jordan each time elected the MVP. New presentations of shoes were made.
The full set of six sneakers is made of Nike Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII and XIV, one of each. It was sold for $ 8M by Sotheby's on February 2, 2024, lot 4. It is accompanied by the 1/1 of the 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 photos.
The Dynasty Collection refers to a historic set of six individual game-worn Air Jordan sneakers that Michael Jordan wore during the clinching games of each of his six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. This collection, auctioned by Sotheby's in February 2024, achieved a record-breaking sale and stands as one of the most significant pieces of Jordan memorabilia ever offered.
Key Details
The same wins happened again in 1992. An amused Jordan considered that his gift should become a tradition and presented a game worn shoe from that final to the same club officer. A photo was made of the smiling champion with one shoe missing.
The story was repeated in 1993. After a two year gap the Bulls had three further finals wins, in 1996, 1997 and 1998, with Jordan each time elected the MVP. New presentations of shoes were made.
The full set of six sneakers is made of Nike Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII and XIV, one of each. It was sold for $ 8M by Sotheby's on February 2, 2024, lot 4. It is accompanied by the 1/1 of the 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 photos.
The Dynasty Collection refers to a historic set of six individual game-worn Air Jordan sneakers that Michael Jordan wore during the clinching games of each of his six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. This collection, auctioned by Sotheby's in February 2024, achieved a record-breaking sale and stands as one of the most significant pieces of Jordan memorabilia ever offered.
Key Details
- Auction House and Date: Sotheby's, sold on February 2, 2024 (during a live auction in New York).
- Sale Price: $8,032,800 (including buyer's premium), setting a new global auction record for game-worn sneakers at the time.
- Provenance and Origin: The sneakers originated from a unique tradition started by Jordan after the 1991 championship. Following each title-clinching game, he gifted one of his worn shoes (often photographed with him wearing only one post-game) to Tim Hallam, the Chicago Bulls' longtime Director of Public & Media Relations. Hallam collected one from each of the six championships, leading to the complete set. Four of the sneakers (Air Jordan VI, VIII, XI, and XII) are autographed by Jordan.
- Significance: This is considered the most valuable and comprehensive collection of championship-related Air Jordans ever brought to market. It captures Jordan's unparalleled dynasty era (six titles in eight years, six Finals MVPs), symbolizing his dominance, cultural impact, and the birth of the global sneaker phenomenon tied to his brand. The sale ranked as the second-highest for Jordan memorabilia overall (behind his $10.1 million 1998 Finals jersey) and elevated the sneaker collecting market.
- Air Jordan VI (1991) — Worn in the clinching game vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Bulls won series 4-1).
- Air Jordan VII (1992) — Worn in the clinching game vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Bulls won series 4-2).
- Air Jordan VIII (1993) — Worn in the clinching game vs. Phoenix Suns (Bulls won series 4-2).
- Air Jordan XI (1996) — Worn in the clinching game vs. Seattle SuperSonics (Bulls won series 4-2; part of the 72-win season).
- Air Jordan XII (1997) — Worn in the clinching game vs. Utah Jazz (Bulls won series 4-2; famous "Flu Game" series).
- Air Jordan XIV (1998) — Worn in the clinching game vs. Utah Jazz (Bulls won series 4-2; the iconic push-off and final shot of the "Last Dance" era).
1998 NBA Finals
2023 SOLD for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's
The 1998 Finals were a key event in NBA history, opposing the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan, who had hitherto made his whole NBA career with the Bulls, won the Most Valuable Player award of the Finals and his sixth NBA championship.
Game 1 of the 1998 Finals was lost by the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game was sold for $ 10M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1.
Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by the Chicago Bulls 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII, featuring a holographic eye and an outsole resembling a panther paw in a reference to the agility of a cat.
The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was silver signed on both toes by him in the locker room and gifted to the ball boy as a reward for having retrieved a jacket. They are the only pair worn by Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals that have been photo-matched by MeiGray Group.
It was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
Game 1 of the 1998 Finals was lost by the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game was sold for $ 10M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1.
Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by the Chicago Bulls 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII, featuring a holographic eye and an outsole resembling a panther paw in a reference to the agility of a cat.
The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was silver signed on both toes by him in the locker room and gifted to the ball boy as a reward for having retrieved a jacket. They are the only pair worn by Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals that have been photo-matched by MeiGray Group.
It was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
1996-1998 Chicago Bulls floor panel signed by Jordan
2026 SOLD for $ 1.8M by Sotheby's
The Sotheby's lot (sold July 20, 2026) is a set of 10 large sections of center court hardwood from the United Center, used during the Chicago Bulls' 1996, 1997, and 1998 NBA Finals.
Key Description
Comparison to the 2020 Heritage Kobe Bryant Panel (Lot 53363)The Kobe piece was a large, custom-painted tribute section of Staples Center hardwood from his final game (April 13, 2016), where he scored 60 points in a farewell win.
Key Description
- Size and composition: 10 individual wood sections, each approximately 10 ft by 4 ft.
- Provenance: From the center court used across the Bulls' second three-peat championship runs (1996–98 Finals at the United Center). Sourced via CharitaBulls and a private collector.
- Autographs: Signed by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
- Significance: This wood was underfoot during some of the most iconic moments in NBA history — the Bulls' dynasty peak, with Jordan at his absolute prime winning three straight titles. The center court carries immense historical weight as the literal "stage" for those Finals games. Large, multi-section format with star autographs makes it exceptionally rare and display-worthy (potentially for a massive wall, floor installation, or private museum).
Comparison to the 2020 Heritage Kobe Bryant Panel (Lot 53363)The Kobe piece was a large, custom-painted tribute section of Staples Center hardwood from his final game (April 13, 2016), where he scored 60 points in a farewell win.
- Details: Four panels (each 4x8 ft / 48x96"), forming a substantial display piece. Autographed/signed by Kobe Bryant. Removed shortly after the game.
- Sale price: $631,200 on October 3, 2020, lot 53363.
- Significance: Tied to a singular, emotionally charged career-ending moment for one of the league's biggest stars. The painted tribute design added visual appeal.
- Scale & scope: Bulls lot is larger overall (10 sections vs. 4) and spans three championship seasons/dynasty vs. one legendary single game.
- Historical weight: Jordan/Pippen + three-peat dynasty carries broader, multi-year legacy appeal compared to Kobe's farewell (still huge, but more individualized).
- Market context: The 2020 sale occurred during/after the early pandemic period; the 2026 Bulls result shows continued (and stronger) appetite, nearly 3x the price for a more expansive, dynasty-linked piece.
- Both are authenticated game-used floor with star signatures, but the Bulls item benefits from the GOAT association and team championship narrative.
- Background: Game-used NBA floor has been available for decades in small pieces (e.g., 4x6" or larger plaques). Teams and leagues have long repurposed old courts.
- Growth: The NBA Reclaimed program (official licensing) and third-party makers now turn authentic hardwood into products like floor panels, memorabilia, phone cases, etc. High-profile single-game or event pieces (like Kobe's or All-Star courts) boosted visibility around 2020.
- Current status: Large, multi-panel center court sections with star autographs (especially from legendary teams/players) are now treated as premium artifacts — comparable to high-end game-worn jerseys or rings. They appeal to serious collectors, investors, and institutions for their tangible connection to history ("the exact wood they played on"). Auction results like these two validate them as a serious, appreciating category, though still smaller than jerseys or cards.
1998 Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball
1999 SOLD for $ 3.05M by Guernsey's
The home run is the feat around which the rules of baseball were established. In the modern history of that sport, the two most important records have been broken.
The highest number of homers in a single season was 61 by Roger Maris in 1961. Mark McGwire broke this record at 70 homers in 1998 and Barry Bonds at 71 homers in 2001.
The 70th homer ball of 'Big Mac' was sold for $ 3.05M by Guernsey's on January 12, 1999. It was reported post sale by CBS News.
The largest number of homers scored in the major leagues during a career had been 755 by Hank Aaron in 1976. Barry Bonds equaled and then exceeded this record in August 2007. On September 5, 2007, Bonds scores his 762nd and last major league homer. He is suspected of doping and cannot get a contract for the next year.
These two players were not elected at the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2010 McGwire confirmed that he had used doping substances for most of his career. Bonds always denied a similar practice.
The highest number of homers in a single season was 61 by Roger Maris in 1961. Mark McGwire broke this record at 70 homers in 1998 and Barry Bonds at 71 homers in 2001.
The 70th homer ball of 'Big Mac' was sold for $ 3.05M by Guernsey's on January 12, 1999. It was reported post sale by CBS News.
The largest number of homers scored in the major leagues during a career had been 755 by Hank Aaron in 1976. Barry Bonds equaled and then exceeded this record in August 2007. On September 5, 2007, Bonds scores his 762nd and last major league homer. He is suspected of doping and cannot get a contract for the next year.
These two players were not elected at the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2010 McGwire confirmed that he had used doping substances for most of his career. Bonds always denied a similar practice.
2000-2001 Tiger Woods Clubs
2022 SOLD for $ 5.2M by Golden Age
Tiger Woods won in 2000 the US Open, the British Open and the PGA championship. When he added his victory in the 2001 Masters, he became the first modern golf champion to be the current holder of the four major championships. This feat is referred as the Tiger Slam.
He had used the same set of clubs for these four victories. A set of eight of these Titleist irons of reference 681-T plus one pitching wedge and two sand wedges was sold for $ 5.2M by Golden Age on April 9, 2022, lot 1. They were illustrated post sale by Golf Planète. The irons are numbered from 2 to 9.
The provenance is impeccable. When Titleist presented a new set of equipment to the champion in 2001 after the Masters, the Tiger Slam equipment went to be owned by a vice-president of that brand who sold it at auction in 2010 to the 2022 consignor. Many photo-matches from the 2000-2001 season are announced, and the set fully matches a description in a period magazine including a slightly modified angle in a wedge.
The 1930 Grand Slam of Bobby Jones had been made of the Amateur Championship in Scotland, the British Open, the US Open and the US Amateur, all being won in the same calendar year.
He had used the same set of clubs for these four victories. A set of eight of these Titleist irons of reference 681-T plus one pitching wedge and two sand wedges was sold for $ 5.2M by Golden Age on April 9, 2022, lot 1. They were illustrated post sale by Golf Planète. The irons are numbered from 2 to 9.
The provenance is impeccable. When Titleist presented a new set of equipment to the champion in 2001 after the Masters, the Tiger Slam equipment went to be owned by a vice-president of that brand who sold it at auction in 2010 to the 2022 consignor. Many photo-matches from the 2000-2001 season are announced, and the set fully matches a description in a period magazine including a slightly modified angle in a wedge.
The 1930 Grand Slam of Bobby Jones had been made of the Amateur Championship in Scotland, the British Open, the US Open and the US Amateur, all being won in the same calendar year.
2004 Kobe Bryant Locker
2024 SOLD for $ 2.9M by Sotheby's
Opened in 1999 and renamed crypto.com arena in 2021, the Staples Center is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant made his whole career with that club, from 1996 to 2016.
The champion used for his home games in the second part of his career a locker identified by a nameplate in white lettering on purple. The piece of furniture in wood and metal 2.50 m high has been photo-matched by MeiGray with eleven images from 2004 to 2016, including a showering of champagne on him after his final game. The nameplate has been authenticated by Sports Investors Authentication.
It was sold for $ 2.9M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Sotheby's on August 2, 2024, lot 1. A portion of the proceeds was to benefit the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.
The champion used for his home games in the second part of his career a locker identified by a nameplate in white lettering on purple. The piece of furniture in wood and metal 2.50 m high has been photo-matched by MeiGray with eleven images from 2004 to 2016, including a showering of champagne on him after his final game. The nameplate has been authenticated by Sports Investors Authentication.
It was sold for $ 2.9M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Sotheby's on August 2, 2024, lot 1. A portion of the proceeds was to benefit the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.
2024 Shohei Ohtani Baseball
2024 SOLD for $ 4.4M by Goldin
Shohei Ohtani made his professional debut in the Japanese baseball league in 2013, aged 19. He joined the MLB in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels and was transferred in 2024 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He plays with Team Japan in international tournaments.
In 2021 he scored 46 home runs and 26 stolen bases in a single season.
On September 19, 2024 in the seventh inning of the Dodgers against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani crushed all previous records with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. That feat of power and speed was acclaimed by baseball fans as the founding of a symbolic 50/50 Club. The 40/40 club is listing 6 batters.
The baseball of his 50th 2024 homer reached a dining area beyond the field. Its lucky finder was escorted by ballpark security immediately and had it authenticated and signed by the official MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. The place were hit is visible on the ball. It was sold for $ 4.4M by Goldin on October 23, 2024, lot 1. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Ohtani finished the 2024 season by playing in 159 games, with a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases.
Shohei Ohtani breakthrough in baseball
Shohei Ohtani, often called the modern-day Babe Ruth, has redefined what's possible in baseball as a two-way superstar who excels both as a pitcher and a hitter—a feat unseen at the elite level for over a century. His breakthroughs span his career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB), with escalating achievements that have shattered records and captivated fans worldwide.
Ohtani's initial breakthrough came in NPB with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. In 2016, at age 22, he dominated as a pitcher with a 10-4 record, 1.86 ERA, and 174 strikeouts in 140 innings, while also hitting .322 with 22 home runs as a designated hitter in 104 games. This dual dominance earned him the Pacific League MVP and set the stage for his international hype.
Transitioning to MLB in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani immediately proved skeptics wrong. As a rookie, he hit .285 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs in 104 games, while pitching to a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 51.2 innings. He won the AL Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first player since Babe Ruth in 1919 to hit 20+ homers and pitch 50+ innings in a season.
His true global breakthrough arrived in 2021, when he unleashed the greatest two-way season in modern history: 46 home runs, 100 RBIs, and a .257 average at the plate, paired with a 9-2 record, 3.18 ERA, and 156 strikeouts on the mound. This earned him unanimous AL MVP honors and made him the first All-Star selected as both a pitcher and hitter.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in late 2023, Ohtani signed a record $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, focusing solely on hitting due to recovery, he created the unprecedented "50/50 club" by becoming the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, doing so in dramatic fashion with a 6-for-6, three-homer game on September 19.
Ohtani's 2025 season marked another quantum leap upon his return to pitching. He set career highs in fastball velocity (averaging 98.4 mph, peaking at 101.7 mph) and secondary pitches, throwing 49 pitches over 100 mph across the year. He became the first player in history to hit 50+ home runs and record 50+ strikeouts as a pitcher in the same season, while also achieving back-to-back 50-home-run seasons (a feat last done by Alex Rodriguez in 2001-02). In the playoffs, he delivered what many call the greatest single-game performance ever: three home runs and 10 strikeouts in NLCS Game 4 against the Brewers, propelling the Dodgers to the World Series.
During World Series Game 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Ohtani reached base a record nine times in an 18-inning marathon, helping secure a 6-5 Dodgers win. He capped it with back-to-back World Series MVP awards, cementing his status as a global icon.
Ohtani's innovations extend beyond stats—he's the only player with a win on the mound and a home run at the plate in All-Star Game history. His blend of power (e.g., a 120 mph home run off a 99+ mph pitch in 2025) and speed has not only elevated the Dodgers but transformed baseball's global appeal, especially in Japan where he inspired massive viewership for the 2025 Tokyo Opening Day series.
In 2021 he scored 46 home runs and 26 stolen bases in a single season.
On September 19, 2024 in the seventh inning of the Dodgers against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani crushed all previous records with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. That feat of power and speed was acclaimed by baseball fans as the founding of a symbolic 50/50 Club. The 40/40 club is listing 6 batters.
The baseball of his 50th 2024 homer reached a dining area beyond the field. Its lucky finder was escorted by ballpark security immediately and had it authenticated and signed by the official MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. The place were hit is visible on the ball. It was sold for $ 4.4M by Goldin on October 23, 2024, lot 1. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Ohtani finished the 2024 season by playing in 159 games, with a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases.
Shohei Ohtani breakthrough in baseball
Shohei Ohtani, often called the modern-day Babe Ruth, has redefined what's possible in baseball as a two-way superstar who excels both as a pitcher and a hitter—a feat unseen at the elite level for over a century. His breakthroughs span his career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB), with escalating achievements that have shattered records and captivated fans worldwide.
Ohtani's initial breakthrough came in NPB with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. In 2016, at age 22, he dominated as a pitcher with a 10-4 record, 1.86 ERA, and 174 strikeouts in 140 innings, while also hitting .322 with 22 home runs as a designated hitter in 104 games. This dual dominance earned him the Pacific League MVP and set the stage for his international hype.
Transitioning to MLB in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani immediately proved skeptics wrong. As a rookie, he hit .285 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs in 104 games, while pitching to a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 51.2 innings. He won the AL Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first player since Babe Ruth in 1919 to hit 20+ homers and pitch 50+ innings in a season.
His true global breakthrough arrived in 2021, when he unleashed the greatest two-way season in modern history: 46 home runs, 100 RBIs, and a .257 average at the plate, paired with a 9-2 record, 3.18 ERA, and 156 strikeouts on the mound. This earned him unanimous AL MVP honors and made him the first All-Star selected as both a pitcher and hitter.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in late 2023, Ohtani signed a record $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, focusing solely on hitting due to recovery, he created the unprecedented "50/50 club" by becoming the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, doing so in dramatic fashion with a 6-for-6, three-homer game on September 19.
Ohtani's 2025 season marked another quantum leap upon his return to pitching. He set career highs in fastball velocity (averaging 98.4 mph, peaking at 101.7 mph) and secondary pitches, throwing 49 pitches over 100 mph across the year. He became the first player in history to hit 50+ home runs and record 50+ strikeouts as a pitcher in the same season, while also achieving back-to-back 50-home-run seasons (a feat last done by Alex Rodriguez in 2001-02). In the playoffs, he delivered what many call the greatest single-game performance ever: three home runs and 10 strikeouts in NLCS Game 4 against the Brewers, propelling the Dodgers to the World Series.
During World Series Game 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Ohtani reached base a record nine times in an 18-inning marathon, helping secure a 6-5 Dodgers win. He capped it with back-to-back World Series MVP awards, cementing his status as a global icon.
Ohtani's innovations extend beyond stats—he's the only player with a win on the mound and a home run at the plate in All-Star Game history. His blend of power (e.g., a 120 mph home run off a 99+ mph pitch in 2025) and speed has not only elevated the Dodgers but transformed baseball's global appeal, especially in Japan where he inspired massive viewership for the 2025 Tokyo Opening Day series.
Ohtani’s Two-Way Impact: Redefining Baseball
Shohei Ohtani is the rarest of modern athletes—a true two-way superstar who excels as both an elite pitcher and a power-hitting designated hitter/outfielder in the same seasons. In an era of extreme specialization, where players rarely do both at a high level, Ohtani has shattered expectations and drawn frequent comparisons to Babe Ruth (the last prominent two-way star, whose dual role was mostly limited to 1918–1919 before he became a full-time hitter).
2018 Rookie Breakthrough
Ohtani’s MLB debut with the Angels immediately announced his uniqueness:
Shohei Ohtani is the rarest of modern athletes—a true two-way superstar who excels as both an elite pitcher and a power-hitting designated hitter/outfielder in the same seasons. In an era of extreme specialization, where players rarely do both at a high level, Ohtani has shattered expectations and drawn frequent comparisons to Babe Ruth (the last prominent two-way star, whose dual role was mostly limited to 1918–1919 before he became a full-time hitter).
2018 Rookie Breakthrough
Ohtani’s MLB debut with the Angels immediately announced his uniqueness:
- As a hitter: .285 AVG, 22 HR, .925 OPS.
- As a pitcher: 4-2, 3.31 ERA, 63 strikeouts in 51.2 IP.
- Result: Unanimous AL Rookie of the Year. This season validated the two-way experiment and made the pitching image on his 2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor one of his most iconic rookie depictions.
- In 2021, he hit 46 home runs while striking out 156 batters as a pitcher—earning his first AL MVP and the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award for an unprecedented statistical season.
- In 2022, he became the first player in the modern era to qualify for both hitting and pitching leaderboards in one season (finishing 3rd in AL strikeouts with 219).
- He has multiple seasons with double-digit wins as a pitcher alongside 30+ (or far more) home runs as a hitter—feats unmatched since Ruth.
- Even after elbow injuries limited his pitching in 2023–2024, he returned strongly in 2025–2026, posting elite numbers on the mound (e.g., sub-1.00 ERA stretches) while maintaining MVP-caliber hitting.
- First (and only) player with 50+ home runs and 50+ stolen bases in a season (2024: 54 HR, 59 SB) — the legendary “50-50 club.”
- Multiple unanimous MVPs (first player to win multiple in each league), World Series titles (2024–2025), and All-Star starts as both pitcher and hitter.
- Second player after Ruth to reach 500 career pitching strikeouts and 100+ home runs as a hitter.
- In 2026, he continues blending roles with strong two-way lines (e.g., high batting average/OPS alongside low ERA and strikeouts in limited innings).
- Rule and Strategy Changes: Ohtani’s success helped popularize (and normalize) two-way experimentation. Teams now invest more in hybrid development, though few have replicated his level.
- Global and Cultural Reach: As a Japanese star, he bridged NPB and MLB, boosting international interest, jersey sales, and viewership. His presence elevates baseball’s appeal in Asia and beyond.
- Hobby and Collectibles: His two-way feats have driven massive demand for associated memorabilia. A prime example is the game-used ball from his record-breaking 50th home run in the 2024 50-50 season, which sold for nearly $4.4 million at Goldin Auctions on October 23, 2024—setting a record for any ball in sports. This underscores how his unique accomplishments translate directly into extraordinary market value, similar to the premium on cards like his 2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor.
- Physical and Workload Feats: Ohtani routinely logs massive combined plate appearances and innings, often outpacing even Ruth’s two-way workload in modern conditions.
2024 Freddie Freeman Baseball
2024 SOLD for $ 1.56M by SCP
The 2024 World Series was a 4-1 win of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the New York Yankees.
In the Game 1 in October 25, Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers hit a walk-off grand slam home run, an unprecedented feat in the 120 editions of the MLB history. Despite an injury to an ankle one month earlier that was still needing surgery, he was also the first ever player to score a homer in the first four games of a World Series, of which he got the 2024 Most Valuable Player award.
A grand slam is a homer that went through the three bases. A walk off is a homer that terminates a game.
The ball of the Game 1 grand slam had rolled under the seat of a ten year old. It was sold for $ 1.56M by SCP on December 14, 2024, lot 2. It is photo-matched by Sports Investors.
In the Game 1 in October 25, Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers hit a walk-off grand slam home run, an unprecedented feat in the 120 editions of the MLB history. Despite an injury to an ankle one month earlier that was still needing surgery, he was also the first ever player to score a homer in the first four games of a World Series, of which he got the 2024 Most Valuable Player award.
A grand slam is a homer that went through the three bases. A walk off is a homer that terminates a game.
The ball of the Game 1 grand slam had rolled under the seat of a ten year old. It was sold for $ 1.56M by SCP on December 14, 2024, lot 2. It is photo-matched by Sports Investors.
