Sacramento Man Discovers Priceless Vintage Baseball Card Collection in Deceased Father’s Closet Few things hold as much sentimental value as the timeless bond between a father and son, and for one Sacramento man, that bond is intersecting with his love for baseball in an unexpected and exciting way. While cleaning out his late father’s home in Tracy, he stumbled upon a forgotten tin cigarette box that belonged to his father, Ed, a lifelong collector of baseball memorabilia. Ed, who lived in Oakland during the early 1920s, had started his collection as a young boy and continued to accumulate baseball cards over the years. In this remarkable discovery, the tin contained hundreds of vintage and rare baseball cards, including an astonishing 20 Babe Ruth cards. Other notable names like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and Ty Cobb also found their way into Ed’s cherished collection, which he had kept safe for decades inside a 1900s-era Pedro Cut Plug Tobacco tin. John, Ed’s son, recalled the rare occasions when his father showed him the cards and the tin they called home. As John began the emotional task of cleaning out his father’s home after his passing, he stumbled upon the familiar cigarette box tucked away in a closet. Unbeknownst to him, he was about to discover some of the rarest and most important baseball cards ever made. To his astonishment, the tin revealed over 600 pre-war baseball cards, many of which were exceptionally well-preserved. Alongside the iconic Babe Ruth, Cobb, and “Shoeless” Joe cards, the collection also included cards from baseball legends like Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson. Notably, there were also cards from the infamous 1919 Chicago “Black Sox” team, involved in the notorious World Series scandal. The cards date back to the period between 1919 and 1926, with a significant number belonging to a rare set of “Zee-Nuts” cards, distributed exclusively on the West Coast. These cards were a promotional item given out with the purchase of Zee-Nuts, a popular 1920s-era snack made of popcorn, peanuts, and coconuts. Since the discovery, the collection has been in storage while John contemplated what to do with such a valuable find. Eventually, he decided to explore the possibility of selling the cards, especially given the current hot market for collector cards. He reached out to Auction Monthly, a Northern California-based company specializing in consignment and auctions. Even the experts at Auction Monthly were taken aback by the contents of the tin. The collection contains a surprising number of Babe Ruth cards of various varieties and rarity, leaving them still evaluating the potential value. However, they estimate that it will likely reach the “high six figures.” Some cards will undergo grading, which may further increase their value. Auction Monthly, known for their “white glove service,” will act as intermediaries between sellers and auction houses. While some cards will be sold directly, higher-end graded cards will likely go up for auction. Interested buyers are encouraged to stay updated on Auction Monthly’s website for the opportunity to own a piece of sports history and potentially pass them down to future generations of collectors. This incredible find not only showcases the enduring nature of baseball but also reminds us of the precious connections we share with our loved ones and the unexpected treasures that can be discovered in the most unexpected places.