The Backward Goofy Watch

I remember seeing a Backward Goofy wristwatch--that uniquely appropriate design in which both the numbers and the hands run counterclockwise--back in the 1970's. At the time, I was told by a Disneyana dealer that it had been discontinued because of parental complaints. Imagine that! Now I see what is described as a later 1990's edition and I'm relieved that it made an unlikely comeback despite its threat to the time-telling skills of a new generation. I have always delighted in the inventiveness of this watch, although it certainly would drive many crazy to wear it. Surely such an unconventional novelty--even as a mere conversation piece--is worth the $20 it fetched at auction last week at Howard Lowery, let alone the $42.95 for which it originally sold. It might even become a useful timepiece by the simple addition of a pocket mirror to one's handbag.

Note:  You can see a few more Disney watches on the blog here.

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Babe Ruth's 1923 New York Yankees World Championship Watch

My mother passed away on December 22, 2013. Today would have been her 80th birthday. Born in the Bronx, she was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. She would be delighted to have this year's home opener fall on her birthday.

The Yankees left the Polo Grounds for the brand new Yankee Stadium in 1923, eleven years before my mother was born. That year the Yankees won their first World Series. They have won 27 to date, allowing Yankee fans to boast this is the greatest dynasty in the history of sports.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws.jsp?feature=club_champs

The World Championship watch presented to the great Babe Ruth was the only award he received for that inaugural 1923 Yankees victory. It was sold by Heritage Auctions on February 22 of this year. I'm generally wary of auction house hyperbole, but the claim that this watch is "The  most significant article of New York Yankees memorabilia that exists" actually seems reasonable to me.

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=7100&lotNo=80030#1095310953237

Note:  A team ball signed by the 1923 New York Yankees may be seen here.

More baseball posts are here.

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