1982 Mike Schmidt Gold Glove Award

Sold For:

$12,925

Year:

1982

Auction:

2009 Spring

Lot #:

1154

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, which is presented annually to the top Major League fielder at each respective position, is perhaps the most visually impressive of all individual baseball awards. Few examples ever come to the marketplace, let alone those of significant stars. The offered Rawlings Gold Glove Award example was presented to Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt in 1982. The award features a golden right-handed fielder's glove and two golden baseballs mounted atop a wooden base. Affixed to the base is a plaque picturing Schmidt, beneath which is a second plaque reading, "1982 Rawlings Gold Glove Award - Presented To - Mike Schmidt - Honoring His Selection to The Sporting News National League All-Star Fielding Team." The Rawlings logo appears on either end of the second plaque. The Gold Glove Award, which was established in 1957, is one of only a few major awards issued annually to Major League players in recognition of individual achievement. Because of its significance, nearly all previously issued Gold Glove Awards remain in the possession of the respective player and/or his family. Therefore, few examples can be found in private collections today. The offered award is especially desirable given the status of the recipient. Mike Schmidt is considered by many to be the greatest third baseman in baseball history. A member of baseball's elite 500 home run club, Schmidt led the National League in home runs on eight separate occasions, including a career-high 48 during his 1980 MVP season. He was equally impressive in the field. Schmidt received ten Gold Glove Awards over the course of his eighteen-year career, with that total second only to Brooks Robinson for third baseman. Schmidt was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 was named to Major League Baseball' s All-Century Team. This particular 1982 award was the seventh of nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards presented to Schmidt. The award displays light wear, in the form of a few tiny chips to the base and a minor scratch on the lower plaque, and is in overall Excellent condition. The opportunities for collectors to acquire Gold Glove Awards are few and far between, especially those awarded to Hall of Fame players. As a point of reference, the only example we have handled in the last six years was that presented to Dave Parker in 1979, which realized a final sales price of $5,220 in our April, 2005, auction (Lot 812). This is an ideal example, long ago originating directly from the personal collection of Mike Schmidt, one of the greatest sluggers and fielding stars in the history of the game. Reserve $2,500. Estimate $5,000/$10,000. SOLD FOR $12,925