On the 75th anniversary of No. 42’s historic entry into the MLB, Seth Kaller shared his collection of memorabilia at last month’s MINT Collective.
As Jackie Robinson took to the diamond in his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, he dismantled the color barrier. With his first at-bat, he ended nearly 80 years of segregation in America’s Pastime.
The history of baseball changed forever on April 15, 1947.
It is difficult to find a player with a more outsized impact on the game than Robinson. And this year, in honor of the 75th anniversary of his debut, one collector honored No. 42 with a curated collection of memorabilia that was put on display at this year’s MINT Collective. Key items included Robinson’s 1952 MLB All-Star game bat, his 1949 players’ contract, and several more priceless items documenting his historic career.
Boardroom was there. Below, we dive into the notable collection and what the day means historically.
The History of Jackie Robinson Day
Jackie Robinson Day was first commemorated in 2004, but in the last 18 years, the event has evolved immensely.
The No. 42 jersey was retired league-wide in 1997, making Robinson the first MLB player to receive that honor. While there were 13 players in the league who wore the number at the time, they were each allowed to round out their careers, including Yankee great Mariano Rivera. However, as they exited the league, the number has maintained its place exclusively in the grandstands.
On the first Jackie Robinson Day, each ballpark hosted its own ceremonious tribute to the late trailblazer, who passed away in 1972 at 53 years old. But beginning in 2008, a powerful new tradition took root: all players, managers, and umpires wear No. 42 on April 15 every year.
Each player around the league will continue in the tradition this year, but with one change: to celebrate the 75th anniversary, each team will adopt 42 in the traditional “Dodger Blue.”
Curating the Collection
Seth Kaller describes himself as an expert in “Instruments of Freedom.”
Kaller is one of the nation’s leading experts in acquiring, authenticating, and appraising American historic documents and artifacts. Through the years, he’s acquired an astounding collection, the heart of which is a suite of timeless Jackie Robinson items. This year, Kaller took his collection to the MINT Collective, intent on sharing it with hobby enthusiasts who could appreciate its significance in the pantheon of history.
While some pieces are simply relics of the game that Robinson loved, others demonstrate the hardships that he faced as a Black athlete in the era of legalized segregation.
Kaller shared with Boardroom the depth of the history of his collection and the significance of some of its cornerstone items.
1949 Brooklyn Dodgers Contract
Two years into his professional career, Robinson re-signed with the Dodgers. He rebuked their first offer for $15,000. After negotiations, he inked a $21,000 deal (equivalent to $242,000 today) — the details of which are spelled out on this priceless document.
The contract was purchased at auction in 2017 for $276,000.
1952 MLB All-Star Game Bat
While Robinson only had one homer in his six All-Star appearances, he made it count. The National League defeated the American League 3-2 in the 1952 All-Star Game. The difference? A home run from No. 42. The bat he used to launch the homer serves as a central piece in the collection.
1955 World Series Ball
Robinson’s resume of accomplishments is a lengthy one, and it includes a single trip to the World Series in 1955. The Dodgers took home the title, beating the Yankees. This celebratory ball is signed by the victorious team, including World Series MVP Johnny Podres and Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax.
Brooklyn Dodgers Safety Cap
While Robinson’s heroic arrival in the league opened the door for many others to follow, it was not without strife. Perhaps the piece that signals this most clearly is Robinson’s safety cap.
Many players sported a safety cap — the precursor to batting helmets — which held protective plates sewn into the cap. Jackie especially required the equipment to protect his safety as the most targeted hitter in the game. Many pitchers did not agree with Robinson being in the majors and actively tried to throw at his head when he would come up to bat. The safety cap signals the legacy of his perseverance. He fearlessly kept coming up to the plate.
Kaller purchased the cap for $600,000, setting a record for any kind of hat.
American Baseball Bureau Questionnaire
One item uniquely characterizes the broader political climate in which Robinson played.
As a minor leaguer, Robinson was required to complete an American Baseball Bureau questionnaire. Through his answers, Jackie highlights the pressure that he felt with his presence in the league. One question asked, “What is your ambition in baseball?” While his contemporaries’ responses included things like, “ I want to play for the Yankees” or “I’ll be the best third baseman in history,” Robinson had a different kind of answer: “To open the doors for Black Americans in organized ball.”
The social and cultural realities of 1950s America did not escape Robinson. He knew his presence in the sport was bigger than ball.
Kaller purchased this item in February for $1.68 million from Heritage Auctions.
1961 Letter to Bill Russell
Throughout his career and beyond, Robinson served as an advocate for Black athletes across all professional leagues. The final item in the collection spotlights the connections he made with other stars.
In 1961, the Boston Celtics were scheduled to play an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky. Before the game, two Celtics teammates were denied service at a local coffee shop. In response to this event, the Boston Celtics boycotted the exhibition game.
In a display of support, Robinson sent a letter to Bill Russell after the incident, saying, “It is gratifying to know that our athletes have the pride that you fellows do. Your actions aid considerably in our fight for equal opportunity.” The letter would later be taped to Russell’s scrapbook.
Now, 75 years later, athletes’ fight for equality continues. Today’s stars stand on the shoulders of giants. This collection spotlights the diverse realities that Robinson faced.
Kaller estimates his collection to be worth $20 million, though is quick to point out that his insurance notes may not total that amount. He will lend his items to the Jackie Robinson Museum, which is scheduled to open this summer in New York City.
Jackie Robinson is an American hero — on his namesake day and all days.
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