In the sports memorabilia sphere, few items are as coveted as that of rare, game-used tickets, especially one linked to a historic moment in NCAA basketball history.
David Catalano, affectionately known as “The Ticket Bastard” and Founder of Iconic Sports Media has spent years curating an impressive collection of vintage tickets. His latest treasure, a graded, autographed full ticket from the 1973 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game, is set to fetch a handsome sum at Goldin Auctions. This remarkable piece of history is a testament to Catalano’s keen eye for the rare and extraordinary.
A Piece of History
The ticket in question commemorates the UCLA Bruins’ dominating 87-66 victory over Memphis State on March 26, 1973. That game will forever be etched in the annals of college basketball history, thanks to Bill Walton’s breathtaking performance. The Hall of Famer scored 44 points, making 21 out of 22 field goal attempts, leading the Bruins to their second consecutive undefeated season. This win secured Coach John Wooden’s ninth NCAA championship and cemented UCLA’s record-breaking 75-game winning streak.
A Unicorn of a Ticket
What makes this ticket truly remarkable is its rarity and condition. Graded VG 3 by PSA, with the autograph certified and graded GEM MT 10 by PSA/DNA, it is the superior copy among only two recorded examples in PSA/DNA’s census reporting. Walton’s bold, blue marker signature adorns the front of the ticket, accompanied by the triumphant inscription “We Won!” This unique combination of provenance, condition, and autograph authenticity renders the ticket virtually irreplaceable.
The “Ticket Bastard” Strikes Again
David Catalano’s reputation as a New Jersey based premier ticket collector and dealer has earned him the nickname “The Ticket Bastard”, and he has a podcast and web series donning the same name. With a keen eye for the rare and unusual, Catalano has built a reputation for unearthing hidden gems. His latest find is a testament to his dedication and expertise.
“Hard to put this into words,” Dave Amerman, Head of Revenue at Goldin Auctions. Amerman remarks. “The ticket is honestly a unicorn, and the fact that it’s full and signed just makes it that much more unlikely to have another one surface. We are honored to represent such an incredible ticket from NCAA basketball history at Goldin.” Goldin Auctions is also New Jersey based company that was featured on the Netflix series “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch”.
Auction Fever
Goldin Auctions, a leading sports memorabilia auction house, is hosting the sale of this remarkable ticket. Dave Amerman echoes Catalano’s enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to offer this exceptional piece of NCAA basketball history to our collectors. The combination of its rarity, condition, and significance makes it a truly unique opportunity.” With its impeccable provenance and unmatched rarity, this ticket is poised to fetch a substantial sum, cementing its place among the most valuable sports memorabilia items ever sold.
A Podcast Pioneer
David Catalano aka “The Ticket Bastard”
Catalano’s influence extends beyond the world of sports collectibles. He has also made a name for himself as a podcaster, sharing his expertise and passion for tickets with a wider audience. His podcast series offers a unique glimpse into the world of sports memorabilia, featuring interviews with fellow collectors, dealers, and industry experts.
A Legacy of Preservation
The sale of this historic ticket serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving sports history. Items like this ticket provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing future generations to appreciate the achievements of athletic legends like Bill Walton and Coach John Wooden.
As the auction fever builds, one thing is certain: David Catalano’s “unicorn” ticket will find a new home, cherished by a collector who appreciates its significance and rarity. For “The Ticket Bastard,” it’s another chapter in a career dedicated to uncovering the hidden treasures of sports history.
Auction Details:
- Auction House: Goldin Auctions
- Item: 1973 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game Full Ticket (UCLA vs. Memphis State)
- Grade: VG 3 (PSA), Autograph Certified and Graded GEM MT 10 (PSA/DNA)
- Estimate: No Reserve Price
- Link to the auction: here