Nat Fein's "Babe Bows Out" Original Photo, Sandy Koufax & Jerry West Jerseys, Roberto Clemente's Final Major League Contract headline Grey Flannel's Summer Games Auction closing May 30

WESTHAMPTON, N.Y., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Grey Flannel Auctions' Summer Games Auction 2012 is now under way with collectors placing early bids on Premier Lots including the June 13th, 1948 "The Babe Bows Out" Nat Fein's Original & Actual Wire Photograph Published in the NY Herald Tribune, 1965 Sandy Koufax Dodgers Game-Used Home Flannel Jersey from his Championship & Cy Young Season, 1972 Roberto Clemente Pirates Signed Final Career Contract and 1981 Robert Parish Boston Celtics Championship Ring originating from Parish himself.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/NY08454 )

In all, 782 lots have been selected for the absentee and internet auction that closes for bidding on May 30, 2012. Virtually every major professional sport is represented in the printed catalog, as well as college sports and stadium memorabilia. In addition to game-used apparel and equipment, important autographed equipment and balls; awards, championship jewelry and athletes' personal ephemera are up for bid.

The aforementioned original "Babe Bows Out" photo, the most historic photo in sports history, which earned Nat Fein a Pulitzer Prize, is offered in this auction. This iconic photograph was taken at Yankee Stadium on June 13th, 1948 on the 25th anniversary of the "The House That Ruth Built." The photo famously appeared on the cover of the Herald Tribune and is accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Fein himself.

Another frontrunner is the 1965 Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers Game-Used Home Flannel Jersey. This jersey is a "10" in every way, pristine and all original from the year when the legend of Sandy Koufax was made, declining to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series due to his observance of Yom Kippur and returning to pitch and win both games 5 and 7.

This sale is power packed with tremendous game-used baseball artifacts led by Reggie Jackson's Rookie Kansas City Athletics Game-Used & Autographed Home Flannel Vest, the very first jersey worn in the Majors by "Mr. October".

A true piece of sports history is offered; Orel Hershiser's Los Angeles Dodgers World Series & 59 Scoreless Innings Streak Game-Used Glove from his magical 1988 season, coming directly from Orel with a photomatch included.

Autographed treasures are highlighted by the final Major League contract of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente with the Pirates, rare and historic quite as the man himself. Also featured is a 1947 Old-Timers' Game at Yankee Stadium Baseball Signed by Nineteen Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Jimmie Foxx and Cy Young.

The hardwood is highlighted by Hall of Famer Robert Parish's 1981 Celtics Championship Ring with a letter of authenticity from Parish as well as a 1973 Jerry West NBA All-Star Western Conference Game-Used Jersey, the only publicly known of its kind photomatched to that very game.

Another item of game-used basketball apparel that are off to a running start include Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers Rookie Game-Used Home Jersey with Shorts worn on November 3, 1996, photomatched to his NBA debut.

The gridiron is represented with an incredible Willie Wood Green Bay Packers Game-Used & Autographed Road Jersey Worn in and photomatched to the 1962 NFL Championship Game. Incredible provenance accompanies this shirt, originating from the former Packers Defensive Coordinator.

Bidding in Grey Flannel's Summer Games Auction will close on May 30, 2012. All forms of absentee bids are being accepted, including by phone and online through Grey Flannel's web site at www.GreyFlannelAuctions.com. Printed catalogs are free to all registered bidders. The fully illustrated eCatalog is available to view online. For additional information, call 631-288-7800, ext. 223; or email [email protected].

SOURCE Grey Flannel Auctions