THE BRET SABERHAGEN COLLECTION

One of the greatest pitchers in the history of the Kansas City Royals boasted an amazing record of 74-30 in his top four seasons with the club, the kind of numbers that shout “Cooperstown” with an almost irrefutable clarity. It was widely attributed as homage to numerology that those four seasons came in odd-numbered years, but the nagging injuries that dogged the inveterate Saberhagen throughout his career are likely better explanations for the numerical curiosity. Even with the ups and downs, he wrapped a standout 16-year career with 167 wins vs. 117 losses and a sterling ERA of 3.34. Mix in a pair of Cy Young Awards, a World Series MVP nod, three All-Star appearances, a Gold Glove and an AL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 1998 and it becomes clear why the right-hander was regarded as one of the most feared pitchers in the American League through the last half of the 1980’s. A pair of complete-game victories – including a Game Seven shutout – in 1985 earned him that aforementioned World Series MVP, and at the same time cemented his place in the Royals’ pantheon of legendary figures and earned him the undying affection of legions of KC fans. He was also the last Royal to toss a no-hitter, a masterpiece that came in 1991 at Royals Stadium in a 7-0 blanking of the White Sox. Fourteen years later he would be inducted into the Royals’ Hall of Fame. The following 77 lots (#698-774) are from the personal collection of Bret Saberhagen. SCP Auctions is thrilled to help Bret fulfill his wish that these mementos be shared with fans and collectors that will preserve and enjoy them.