The 1986 World Series will forever be remembered for the ball sneaking between between Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner’s legs to allow the New York Mets to win Game 6.
But the Mets still needed to win Game 7 to cement their place in history, which they would eventually do, with Jesse Orosco striking out Marty Barrett to win the game 8-5. As Orosco sank to his knees and threw his arms in the air, catcher Gary Carter held the ball from the final out in his glove.
That ball was sold 30 years later for $71,700 at Heritage Auctions. Now, it’s returning to the auction block, nearly a decade later, with an estimate of $80,000.
The ball is signed by Carter and Orosco and inscribed, "Last out game ball of the 1986 World Series. Jesse Orosco struck out Mary Barrett to make the Mets the World Champions in Shea Stadium, Final score 8-5. Mets in 7 Games."
The ball that got past Buckner famously sold for $418,250 in 2012. It had previously been owned by actor Charlie Sheen and songwriter Seth Swirsky.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.