A $576,000 Bat

Game one of the 1988 World Series featured an iconic moment when Kirk Gibson, who had such bad knees he could barely walk, came to the plate as a pinch-hitter, made what looked like an awkward wave at the ball, and hit a walk-off game winning homerun.  The bat he used that day just sold for big bucks:

The bat Kirk Gibson hit his iconic home run with in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series was sold for $575,912 at an auction that wrapped up early Sunday.

Gibson's jersey from the same game went for $303,277.

The items were among the offerings at SCP Auctions' October/November auction.

"We are again impressed with the overall interest in sports memorabilia,” said David Kohler, President of SCP Auctions. “From the iconic Wagner card to Babe Ruth’s personal humidor and items from Gibson’s miracle moment, we continue to see a strong demand for sports collectibles.”

The auction also including Gibson's 1988 World Series batting helmet ($153,388.80), NL Most Valuable Player Award ($110,293.20), World Series trophy ($45,578.40) and World Series road uniform ($9,664.80).

Proceeds from the sale of the World Series trophy and MVP award will benefit the Kirk Gibson Foundation. It supports Michigan State University athletics and funds scholarship programs at two Michigan high schools where Gibson's parents taught.

I remember right where I was when it happened. I had just arrived home with my very pregnant wife and heard Vin Scully's call of the homerun on the car radio. I ran inside and watched the replay on TV. Jack Buck's TV call of "I don't believe what I just saw!" also became a classic moment in broadcasting.