When it comes to sports memorabilia, fans will go to great lengths to own a piece of their favourite athlete’s history. While some collectors seek out the usual suspects like signed jerseys or game-worn sneakers, others have their sights set on more unusual items. From a napkin that launched a superstar’s career to a urinal signed by an NFL legend, here are some of the weirdest pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold.
Lionel Messi’s napkin contract 📝⚽
A simple napkin might not seem like a valuable collectible, but when it bears the signature of a young Lionel Messi, it’s worth a fortune. The napkin from Barcelona’s Pompeia tennis club, on which 13-year-old Messi signed his first contract with the Catalan Giants, is set to go on sale in the UK with a starting price of £300,000 British pounds. Talk about a pricey piece of paper!
Ty Cobb’s dentures 🦷
Ty Cobb, one of baseball’s greatest-ever batters, was a Detroit legend throughout the early 20th century. While his on-field accomplishments are certainly worthy of celebration, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to own his dentures. Nevertheless, someone paid a staggering $18,840 USD for the Georgia Peach’s personally used chompers. Let’s hope they came with a good dental plan.
Barry Sanders’ signed urinal 🚻
When the Detroit Lions’ former home, the Silverdome, was demolished, one fan decided to purchase a peculiar piece of memorabilia – a urinal. The real value, however, came from the signature of legendary Lions running back Barry Sanders. The signed urinal sold on eBay for $3,000, proving that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Luis Gonzalez’s chewing gum 😋🍬
In 2002, former Arizona slugger Luis Gonzalez spat out his gum during a spring training game, and a fan scooped it up. The once-chewed piece of gum sold at auction for an astounding $10,000. The buyer even requested a DNA test to ensure its authenticity!
Curt Schilling’s bloody socks 🩸🧦
During the 2004 American League Championship Series, Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling took the mound with a torn tendon sheath in his right ankle. Blood oozed from the wound through his sock, creating one of the most iconic images in baseball history. Those bloody socks later sold for a jaw-dropping $92,613.
These bizarre items prove that when it comes to sports memorabilia, there’s no limit to what fans will collect. From chewed gum to blood-soaked socks, every item tells a unique story of passion and devotion. While the prices may seem staggering to some, for those who truly cherish the game, these artifacts hold immeasurable value. If you’re intrigued by any of these items, consider exploring the offerings on our partners’ Sports Marketplaces like MLB Sports Marketplace, NFL Sports Marketplace, F1 Authentics, Broncos Sports Marketplace, Real Sports Auction – you never know what hidden gem of sports history you might uncover!
