Lucky Thrifter Finds Multiple Rare Signed Books at Morehead KY Goodwill, Yard Sale

As a treasure seeker and frequent visitor to vendor malls, flea markets, and thrift stores, I'm always impressed with stories about folks who have extraordinary luck on outings like those. Trouble is, those stories are few and far between unless someone's noteworthy journeys to such establishments yield newsworthy finds.

Thrift Shopping

I'm fortunate that one excellent treasure hunter reached out to me about his thrifting expertise. His name is Chris Kidney, and I am a fan. I'll call it luck because I don't what else to call it, but what Chris has discovered at ONE Goodwill Store in Morehead KY is a mind blower. On January 29th of this year, he found this 1948 copy of The Pittsburgh Pirates by Frederick G. Lieb that contained a rare signature.

Rare Finds at a Morehead Goodwill

Here's what the book looks like with a dust cover.

My dad, the biggest baseball fan I ever knew, would flip out over this. FLIP. OUT. Honus Wagner was a player from the late 19th century into the early 20th century and COACHED the Pirates at the time of that publication. Stan Rojek, the other signature, played for the Pirates.

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Rare Find at a Morehead KY Yard Sale

I asked Chris what he got for the Wagner signature, and he was unable to tell me due to a non-disclosure agreement. However, he DID share his haul from a 1964 first edition of The Quality of Courage by Mickey Mantle which also features the New York Yankees icon's signature. He got $1200 for it. (The book cover pictured is not from Chris Kidney's copy.)

He found the Mantle book at a Morehead yard sale (what's the deal with Morehead and these rare copies?), but that doesn't mean his luck ran out at that Goodwill. Chris told me he's found 16 other signed books there, including Under Fire by Oliver North.

Chris's discoveries have led to interviews with LEX18 in Lexington AND with Goodwill Industries itself. He's also spoken with Newsweek about his treasure-seeking prowess. Incidentally, Chris was on his way BACK to that Morehead Goodwill when I interviewed him earlier today. I don't blame him. You have to strike while the iron is hot. And for expert thrift shopper like Chris Kidney, the iron ALWAYS seems to be hot.