In the world of bargain hunting and thrift-store spelunking, Christopher Kidney of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, might have just achieved what many memorabilia enthusiasts dream about. His recent foray into a local Goodwill turned into an unexpected windfall. Normally a treasure hunt at Goodwill might involve rummaging through preloved clothes, musty books, or dusty home goods. However, on this particularly fortuitous occasion, Kidney stumbled upon a cache of baseball memorabilia that was less “local garage sale” and more “collector’s paradise.”
For under $20, Kidney left Goodwill with more than just a shopping bag; he had in his possession a collection of authentic, autographed baseball keepsakes. Among them were signed cards from baseball giants like CC Sabathia, Don Mattingly, and Chuck Knoblauch. Surprisingly enough, he also discovered a Super Bowl XLII card signed by Plaxico Burress. But it wasn’t these treasures that had Kidney quaking with excitement. The pièce de résistance of his haul was a baseball signed by none other than Yogi Berra, the legendary figure whose wit is as cherished as his records on the field.
Describing his excitement, Kidney shared with Newsweek, “When I saw the names on the cards, I could tell they were real based on the brand.” His intuition was bang on the money. After having his treasures authenticated through his network of seasoned collectors, Kidney sold the collection privately for more than $500, a sum that left him quite literally shaking with gratitude.
Finding a Yogi Berra signed baseball on a random thrift store shelf almost defies belief. Berra, with his quirky “Yogi-isms,” cemented his place in the annals of baseball history with a legendary career capped by induction into the Hall of Fame in 1972. His achievements, including winning 10 World Series titles with the Yankees, remain unmatched. Kidney’s discovery wasn’t merely a stroke of luck; it was a miraculous brush with baseball folklore.
Seizing the opportunity to share his extraordinary find, Kidney turned to Reddit, quickly becoming a sensation. On memorabilia threads where enthusiasts rigorously debate and display their own finds, his post titled “Incredible, still shaking” struck a chord. It acquired over 1,500 upvotes and generated a cascade of comments from amazed collectors and fans alike.
One commenter humorously mused, “Thank goodness your Goodwill doesn’t have an in-store Googler pricing these near eBay comps.” Another chimed in with good-natured envy, noting, “My brother collects and sells sports memorabilia and he says to tell you he is both happy for you and very jealous!”
Astoundingly, this wasn’t Kidney’s inaugural triumph at a thrift store. Earlier adventures this month had yielded a signed copy of a 1949 book by Honus Wagner, another titan in baseball history. This jewel was acquired for the princely sum of $1.59. Kidney expressed his disbelief online, “For $1.59, I found one of the greatest baseball players’ signatures ever! I’m in shock.” He went on to narrate his sentimental connection to the find, drawing parallels to his grandfather’s storied career working alongside teams like the Reds and Cardinals. Kidney remarked, “I truly believe, in some divine way, I was meant to find this book.”
While this rare find resulted in a handsome profit, for Kidney, the endeavor was infused with deeper meaning. It was less about the financial windfall and more about honoring family ties, friendships, and the shared joy of discovering hidden gems. He took the time to dedicate this slice of luck to his family and close friends, saying, “It’s very important to me that I give credit to my family—my beloved wife Ashley—and my best friends Brad and Christopher Davisson.”
For Christopher Kidney, this wasn’t merely about boosting his bank account. It was about the unadulterated thrill of the hunt and reaffirming his passions. For the rest of us, this documented journey serves as a tantalizing reminder to take a closer look on our next trip to the thrift store. Who knows? Right there, beside a collection of second-hand cookbooks or old vinyl records, might just be a slice of history waiting for a discerning eye to spot.
