Central Kentucky thrifter scores big again with autograph by another MLB legend

MOREHEAD, Ky. (FOX 56) — Thrifters like Christopher Kidney often go to shops like Days to Remember, hoping for the day they will score big on an item.

He has hit the ball out of the park twice in recent months.

Back in January, it was at the Morehead Goodwill where Kidney found a book autographed by Honus Wagner, a legendary shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the early 1900s.

He has since sold the book to a man out of state but signed an agreement with the buyer not to disclose the selling price.

“But it’s definitely more than I expected; I truly feel like I hit the lottery on that one,” Kidney said when talking about the sale.

Just last week, he found the 1964 book titled “The Quality of Courage” at a yard sale. He said he bought a bulk of 400 books at $.25 apiece and did not go through them until he got home.

“I open it up, and wouldn’t you know it, there’s ‘My best wishes, your friend Mickey Mantle,'” Kidney said.

Once again, an autograph inside by an MLB legend.

Mickey Mantle, aka “The Mick,” took the world by storm. Known for his power hitting as a New York Yankee in the 1950s and 1960s. He helped the team win seven World Series titles.

“To know that he touched that same page that I can touch right now, I mean, it’s just truly incredible; it’s a surreal feeling,” Kidney said.

As Kidney browsed through the collections at Days to Remember hoping to spot his next big find, he said he knows his luck is hard for some people to take in.

“This time, I guess a lot more people, I guess, are doubting it or can’t just quite grasp that someone’s this lucky,” Kidney said.

He said he does not believe the two copies have any ties but would love to find out more about the previous owners.

He attributes his good fortune to his family and buddies who have taught him a lot about sports and thrifting, and said these finds could be a sign from his late grandpa, James Kidney.

“Someone who I grew up talking sports every day keeps putting these right in my lap,” Kidney said.

As for the book, he said he has an expert opinion that said the signature is likely authentic, and he will have it fully examined at a sports show later this month in Cincinnati.