Did you know that for a little more than half a million dollars, you could own a piece of sports history? Last week, a buyer shelled out $575,912.40 to become the proud new owner of the bat Kirk Gibson used to hit his famous home run in Game One of the 1988 World Series. That's right. For the price of two Lamborghinis, some lucky guy can now run around his house in his underwear screaming, "I don't believe what I just saw," while carrying the actual bat Gibson used.
I know what you're asking yourself: Was it worth it? Abso-freaking-lutely. Sports auctions are the best. Where else could average Joes like us own priceless pieces of sports history like Luis Gonzalez's game-used Bazooka bubble gum (winning bid $10,000) or Alex Rodriguez's game-worn underwear (winning bid $420)? The only problem is, there aren't nearly enough Virginia-related items up for auction out there. So to help feed your need for priceless Cavalier memorabilia, here are some items we're currently auctioning off at Wahoo Auction House - with all proceeds to benefit the "Hoo's in shock after yet another costly Marc Verica interception" fund, of course:
The urine test Peter Lalich was unable to submit for drug testing. In 2009, the former Cavalier quarterback admitted he violated the terms of his probation by consuming alcohol and was subsequently dismissed from the team. Without his four-star recruit, then-Virginia coach Al Groh was forced to continue with less-heralded quarterbacks Jameel Sewell and Marc Verica under center. Their combined ineptitude contributed to Groh's firing and the subsequent hiring of Mike London. The start of a new era of Virginia football all traced back to Lalich's indiscretions. Suggested opening bid: $675.
The first shotput ball Nick Vena throws when he suits up for the Cavaliers next fall. Most of you aren't familiar with the kid who has been called the "number one track & field recruit in the nation" by the Newark Star Ledger, but trust me - you will be soon. Vena, a current senior at Morristown High School in New Jersey, has won six state Meet of Champions titles and four national shotput championships. Committed to throw at Virginia, Vena has already won the U.S. Junior shotput title and is one of the most decorated track and field high-school athletes ever. With the tutelage of throwing coach Carrie Lane, there's no reason to believe Vena won't continue his dominance once he dons the blue and orange next fall, making this 16-pound ball worth quite a nice chunk of change. Suggested opening bid: $500.\nThe man inside Al Groh's glass. By now, everyone knows the story of Al Groh's last news conference as Virginia's football coach. Groh read Dale Wimbrow's poem, "Man in the Glass," and gave his own description of the man he saw in the glass: "I saw that he's a guy of commitment, of integrity, of dependability and accountability. He's loyal. His spirit is indomitable. And he is caring and loving." What he forgot to add was that the man also sports an 85-93 coaching record and only five bowl appearances in 15 seasons as a college head coach. The man is well-known for his incredible ability to start weak, surge in the midseason and end with a few rotten eggs. This item is now on clearance, with the hope its next buyer resides in Blacksburg. Suggested opening bid: $85\nThe ball Billy Baron shoots to break the NCAA Division I all-time three-point record. At the rate Baron is shooting - five three-pointers in his first collegiate game - Brandon Cole's record is in serious jeopardy. During his four years at John Brown University in Alabama, Cole accumulated 527 three-point field goals. If Baron continues to average five threes a game - and, judging by his shooting performance against William & Mary, we here at Wahoo Auctions don't see why he can't - he will average about 150 threes a season. Should he continue on this path, he will break Cole's record sometime during his senior season. This ball will make a fine addition to any college basketball fan's collection. Suggested opening bid: $1,250.
A lock of Ari Dimas' hair. Arguably the most popular Virginia men's soccer player, Dimas is notable for two physical characteristics: his diminutive stature and his flowing blond locks. With defenders' eyes glued to his immaculate hair, Dimas has totaled eight points this season and 11 throughout his career as a midfielder for the Cavaliers. One needs merely to sit in the stands at a soccer game and listen to the Wahooligans cheer every time he touches the ball to know how much Dimas means to the Virginia faithful. One snip of this flowing mane is worth much more than your average lock. Suggested opening bid: $325.
That's all we have time for at this session of Wahoo Auctions - see you next time, and happy bidding!
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