Want to Buy Ted Williams' Silver Bat? How About His Old Sneakers?

Ever wonder whether you should throw out that beat-up old wallet or tackle box? Is your wife (sorry ladies, it is usually you) on your case to chuck that old Hawaiian shirt? And what about all those old canceled checks? Surely they should be shredded rather than saved.

Not so fast. If you go on to win six batting titles, become a war hero, or spend your retirement as one of the world's most decorated fishermen philanthropists, this stuff could really escalate in value. If you don't believe me, just head over to Fenway Park this weekend and take a look at what they think Ted Williams' old high-top sneakers are worth.

Yes, just when you thought the historic hoopla was over at Fenway, there is yet another reason besides the next Red Sox home game to visit baseball's Most Beloved Ballpark. The Ted Williams Collection at Private Auction is being held this weekend, and even if you don't have $10,000-$20,000 to drop on his Winchester rifle with "TED" emblazoned on the trigger card, you can stop by Fenway to take a close-up look at the Splendid Splinter's Stuff as it goes up for bidding.

You name it, they've got it. His traveling suitcase from his stint managing the Washington Senators. His fishing reels, flies, and hunting knifes. Every baseball, fishing, hunting, or military award you can think of, in many cases personalized and with a photo of him receiving it. Scrapbooks dating back to his childhood. Monogrammed wallets and cuff links. His coin collection. Many, many autographed photos, jerseys, balls, and canceled checks.

A few items stand out. The silver bat Williams received for leading the American League with a .388 average in 1957 is expected to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000, and his 1949 MVP award another $150,000 to $250,000. The coolest and most historically fascinating item of the 800 up for bid might be an baseball inscribed "To my pal, Ted Williams, From Babe Ruth." That can be yours for an estimated $100,000 to $200,000. See these and some other items at http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/gallery/2012/ted_williams_memorabilia_at_auction/

I admit, when I took my first glance through the glossy 297-page book of available auction items, it all seemed a bit ghoulish to me. Why didn't his daughter, Cynthia, want to hang on to some of it and give the rest to Cooperstown and other Halls of Fame? Then I read her beautiful letter from the front of the book, and I realized I was being short-sighted.

First of all, Claudia is donating some of the proceeds to The Jimmy Fund of Dana-Farber Cancer to support cancer research and care -- Ted's favorite charity. Secondly, she mentions in her letter that this auction was Ted's idea. What a person chooses to do with their stuff is up to them.

The auction itself will be held Saturday and Sunday, and is open to the public. If you want a free look at the artifacts from a fascinating life, head on down to Fenway.