This is a momentous week. Saturday is the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's first Major League game and to mark the occasion the Dodgers will dedicate their very first statue at Dodger Stadium in his honor. You can see a preview of what that statue will look like on the right. In addition, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has partnered up with Goldin Auctions to host the very first Jackie Robinson Foundation auction of rare and important memorabilia. Part of the proceeds from this sale will go directly to the foundation.
Featured here are some of the remarkable items I thought were worth highlighting. In fact, there is so much stuff I decided to break it up into multiple post. So, stay tuned. There's some great memorabilia to gawk at. Go here to check out the entire auction.
To start things off I thought I would point to a fantastic advertising poster featuring Jackie promoting the NAACP. You can see it at the very top. (auction link) It dates to 1957.
The below first edition copy of the Jackie Robinson biography by sports writer Wendell Smith (who was featured prominently in the movie 42) titled “My Own Story” is also available, and it features a great inscription to teammate and close friend Al Campanis. (auction link) As you know Campanis got into a bit of trouble during a 40th anniversary interview on Nightline in 1987.
Al, it has been so nice knowing you over the years and I want to thank you for all you have done for the success of my career -- Jackie Robinson.Lastly, below are a couple of fun and colorful vintage Jackie Robinson/Brooklyn Dodger pennants. (auction link-red) (auction link-green).
Over the next few days I promise to post several more stories about other memorabilia found at Goldin Auctions; including items related to Don Newcombe, Branch Rickey and Dr. Martin Luther King.
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