Why Keith Olbermann Is Auctioning a “Holy Grail” Baseball Card That He Was Using as a Paperweight (Exclusive)

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Why Keith Olbermann Is Auctioning a “Holy Grail” Baseball Card That He Was Using as a Paperweight (Exclusive)

The Hollywood Reporter · 2 months ago

Keith Olbermann, a veteran sports broadcaster, has possessed one of baseball's most coveted cards—a rare T206 Honus Wagner die-cut—without fully appreciating its significance. He acquired it in the late 1990s after commissioning a restoration from a specialist, but when the restorer mysteriously vanished shortly after delivery, Olbermann was left unable to verify its authenticity. Rather than risk discovering something troubling, he secured the card in a lucite holder and kept it on his office desk, where it remained as an impromptu paperweight for nearly three decades.

The card's true value came to light recently when an eBay seller contacted Olbermann claiming to be its original owner, sparking him to finally submit it for professional grading. CGC has now authenticated and slabbed the card, which will make its public debut at Fanatics Fest in New York before being sold at auction later in the summer. Olbermann has reflected wryly on his years of casual stewardship over such a treasure, acknowledging the absurdity of his 'excessive caution' in leaving a priceless item essentially forgotten on his desk.

  • Keith Olbermann unknowingly kept a rare T206 Honus Wagner baseball card as a paperweight on his desk for nearly three decades
  • Recent contact from an eBay seller claiming original ownership prompted him to seek professional authentication and arrange an auction
  • Card was acquired in late 1990s from a restorer who mysteriously disappeared, leaving Olbermann uncertain of its authenticity

Americas World

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