Richie Ashburn’s 1962 New York Mets MVP Trophy

• Sold For: $4,700
• Year: 1962
• Auction: 2011 January
• Lot #: 2
• Auction Category: Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

The historically woeful New York Mets are among the most discussed and beloved teams in part because they essentially replaced the Giants and Dodgers but also because of their lovable inept play, quirky manager and marvelous centerfielder. There was little to cheer about at the Polo Grounds during the summer of 1962, and while the team went on to a 40-120 record, the future Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn played very well. He won him the team’s MVP honors, and when asked about the honor years later, Ashburn said, "MVP on the worst team ever? I wonder what exactly they meant by that?” Offered is the original 1962 New York Mets MVP trophy given to Ashburn. The trophy stands 23” tall and features a baseball figure on top of a wooden base. Two placards on the front read “The 1962 Baseball Howard Award Presented to Richie Ashburn, Most Valuable Player, New York Mets” and “Presented by Howard Clothes Stores, September 19, 1962, Polo Grounds, N.Y.” This significant piece of Mets and Ashburn history is in excellent condition with mild wear present. There are no chips, cracks or major blemishes and only a few minor scratches on the metal plates. This unique artifact will become the centerpiece of most collections, standing the test of time as a reminder of the ineptitude of the New York Metropolitans.