Ted Williams' MVP plaque sells for $300K in Boston

BOSTON (WHDH) -- A 1949 MVP plaque owned by Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams has sold for nearly $300,000 at the first major auction of his sports, military and personal memorabilia.

Nearly 800 items sold Saturday at the auction at Fenway Park. Among them was a baseball that Babe Ruth signed for Williams, which sold for $195,500. Hunt Auctions Inc. says that sale set a record for a baseball signed by Ruth that wasn't used in a game.

Williams' 1957 Babe Ruth Sultan of Swat Award for outstanding batting achievement sold for $230,000.

"This was not an easy decision. It was supposed to be made as a family together. I just never thought I'd be standing here doing it by myself," said Claudia William, Ted Williams' daughter. "But I know this is something that was supposed to happen."

 An 8-year-old Texas boy and his parents were the winning bidders on Williams' 1957 Silver Bat award, which sold for nearly $200,000.

"I want to bet on the Silver Slugger, his MVP award, and the crown that I was talking about," the boy said.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jimmy Fund.

"It was very near and dear to my father's heart and I know he would be very proud of that," Claudia Williams said.

The auction coincided with the 10th anniversary of Williams' death at 83 and Fenway Park's 100th anniversary.

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