SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Spring Premier Auction 2017

Wed, May 24, 2017 04:00PM EDT - Fri, Oct 6, 2017 11:00PM EDT
Lot 138

WILLIE STARGELL'S 1979 NATIONAL LEAGUE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD (STARGELL COLLECTION)

Sold for
$103,567.20
Sold Price includes BP

Bid Increments

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After spending three years in Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system Willie Stargell made his MLB debut for the Bucs in 1962 and rotated between the outfield and first base before becoming the team’s permanent first baseman in 1975. From 1964 to ‘70 he averaged 26 homers per season. In 1971 however he belted a career-best 48 round-trippers and knocked in 125 runs to finish second in the National League MVP race. Two years later he recorded a league-best 43 doubles 44 home runs and knocked in 119 runs but still finished second in the NL MVP balloting. Stargell’s persistence and power at the plate would eventually land him the coveted league MVP honor in 1979 when at the age of 39 “Pops” was finally recognized for his outstanding efforts. Besides leading his team to another pennant and its fifth World Series title he recorded 119 hits 82 RBI 32 home runs and batted .282. Not only did he win the N.L. MVP award but was named MVP of both the 1979 NLCS and World Series an unprecedented trifecta that has yet to be matched.

Offered here is Stargell’s 1979 National League Most Valuable Player Award. The elegant circular trophy is comprised of a 16" diameter black wooden backing affixed with a metal octagonal plaque and 10k gold accoutrements. Since 1944 the award has been named after Major League Baseball’s original Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis whose visageappears above the inscription "Most Valuable Player National League WILLIE STARGELL PITTSBURGH PIRATES." The Baseball Writers Association of America crest and inscribed date (1979) complete the notations on the plaque. A rare and significant offering of Baseball’s most prestigious individual award representing one of the greatest seasons enjoyed by any player in baseball’s modern era. In spite of a few minor nicks and scratches the piece remains in excellent overall condition.

Letter of Provenance from Margaret Weller-Stargell.

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