Steve Waugh Baggy Green |
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Author: Ken Piesse Described as one of cricket's ultimate collectibles, the cap was presented by Waugh to long-time "roomie" at the West Australian Cricket Association, Londoner Keith Attree. The cap isn't Waugh's famous first cap, now discolored and disheveled, but a reserve cap which he signed "To Keith, many thanks, Steve Waugh."
"I did Steve a favor for his own (memorabilia) collection and he reached into his (equipment) coffin saying: 'I'm not sure if I have got one here or back in the (hotel) room.' "He checked a side pocket and said: 'No, I have got it here Keith' and he wrote the inscription and handed it to me. "I was over the moon... terribly thrilled." The cap, along with a battered helmet and a yellow baggy, also presents from Waugh, are being auctioned on May 15 by Charles Leski in Melbourne. Mr. Attree, 65, has one of the most expansive private collections of caps and other memorabilia in the country, including an Allan Border baggy green and seven caps worn by Dennis Lillee at the traditional season-opener at Lilac Hill. "What am I going to do?" he said. "I' m not getting any younger. My breathing isn't that good. I can't hang onto everything." Mr Attree was room atendant at the WACA for a decade from 1992-2002. Max Williamson from Leski's has estimated that the Waugh cap, even unworn, would sell for upwards of $15,000. A prominent Sydney baggy green cap collector said last night he'd pay at least double that, if necessary. "A Waugh baggy green... its second only to Bradman, even if it has only been worn once or twice," he said. Waugh's yellow baggy, as worn in one-day internationals has been estimated at $6000 and the helmet at upwards of $5000. "Its grille is a bit bent and the helmet a little dented, too, after Steve came into the rooms having been stranded on 99 not out, " Attree said. "I didn't realise it at the time but he'd never made a century at the WACA - the only ground where he never got three figures." "He was disappointed that's for sure." Having had a triple bypass operation at 48, Mr Attree wants to improve his quality of life. He says, however, he'd never part with his Border baggy green. Baggy green caps are in snowballing demand as cricketing connoisseurs and investors vie for top shelf acquisitions. In recent times, Keith Miller's '53 Ashes tour cap sold in England for more than $A35,000. In 2003, Don Bradman's 1948 cap from the famous Invincibles tour was bought for $425,000. A Bradman 1946-47 cap sold in the same year for almost $90,000. These items will be presented for auction in sale 263, currently scheduled for May 15th. Please check our auction calendar for the latest auction dates. Many thanks to Ken for the article.. |
