The Jeff Torborg Collection at Hunt's MLB FanFest Auction - He Caught Koufax's Perfect Game

As promised, here is a look at some items within the Jeff Torborg Collection currently for sale through Hunt Auctions.  As you may know, Hunt's is running their annual All-Star Game FanFest Auction.  Yesterday, I shared some fun Dodgers related memorabilia that struck my eye.  Below, I pick out some of my favorite Dodgers related goodies from the Torborg Collection.

Jeff Torborg was originally signed by the Dodgers out of Rutgers University in 1963 and quickly rose through the ranks.  By the next year, he was catching backup to Johnny Roseboro in Los Angeles, and remained there for 7 years.  In that time, he had the opportunity to catch some historic Dodgers ballgames; including a no-hitter, a perfect game and a pitching streak that would last 20 years.  At the end of his playing career, Torborg joined the coaching ranks, and managed 5 different clubs from 1977 to 2003. 

Below is a charm bracelet that consist of numerous Torborg Baseball memories.  There are a couple pennant/flag on pole charms that celebrate the Dodgers 1965 World Championship and 1966 NL Pennant, a 1977 All-Star Game charm and a 1978 Yankees World Series press charm.

(Auction Link)

This is the first time I've seen these pins.  Below are 1966 LA Dodgers Goodwill Tour of Japan pins.  Awesome!

(Auction Link)

I guess the Dodgers gave out Rolex's.  Below is a watch celebrating the Dodgers 1966 NL Pennant.  This would look pretty sweet on my wrist.  It's too back I don't wear a watch.  Of course, I don;t think I would spend the thousands of dollars it would take to own this.

(Auction Link)

And now, here's the really good stuff.  As a coach with the Yankees in 1986, Don Sutton gave this to Jeff as a gift.  It is a 300 win game ball from June 18, 1986.  It is inscribed:

"To Jeff, Thanks for the big role you had in my chasing a dream. I really appreciate the friendship we have shared over the years. Good health, happiness, and a warm fire in the winter to you & yours, Don Sutton."

(Auction Link)

On July 20, 1970, Jeff Torborg sat behind the plate as Dodgers hurler Bill Singer threw a no-hitter.  Below is a game ball that Singer inscribed to Torborg.

"Great job Jeff, as usual Many thanks!"

(Auction Link)

Jeff Torborg also caught Don Drysdale's 5th straight shut out.  Below is a ball from that game inscribed by Don to Jeff.

"To Jeff- Thanks for the help. My Best Always, Don Drysdale."

(Auction Link)

And to cap it off, Jeff Torborg caught Sandy Koufax's Perfect game on September 9, 1965.  BTW, Torborg was just 23 years old at the time.  Below is a game ball inscribed by Sandy to Jeff.

"To Jeff, Best wishes + thanks for a good game"

(Auction Link)

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