On September 30, 1973, the last game at the original Yankee Stadium before its first renovation saw a half-capacity crowd of 32,969. Most came for sentimental reasons, paying farewell to the 1923 “House that Ruth Built.” Some players and fans took some keepsakes. Some in the crowd came prepared — bringing screwdrivers and hammers to make sure they got mementos. One lucky fan made off with an extra special souvenir: the sign affixed to the right field wall designating the 296-feet distance from home plate. Eighteen bids have lifted the newly discovered holy relic from $200 to over $46,000 in an auction that ended last night (Wednesday). The current owner of the sign didn’t rip the sign off the outfield fence — his brother did at the end of the game. It sat in a closet for 40 years. Measuring 61 x 29, the sign exhibits the wear-and-tear from dozens and dozens of seasons. Old photos of the New York Giants football team show it weathering snowy winter games.
https://www.cleansweepauctions.com/item-607258/