Last shot sold

Aaron's final home run ball auctioned for $650,000

Posted: Wednesday April 21, 1999 09:34 AM
 

Hank Aaron laughs during the presentation of a new photography book filled with images from Aaron's career. AP

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The final home run hit by Hank Aaron has earned $650,000, most of it for a former Milwaukee County Stadium groundskeeper who recovered the ball in the stands.

Guernsey's, a New York auction house that arranged the sale, declined Tuesday to identify the buyer.

Andrew J. Knuth, who runs an investment company in Westport, Conn., refused comment concerning reports he was the purchaser, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said.

Richard Arndt, 52, now a furniture salesman in Albuquerque, N.M., worked at the stadium July 20, 1976, when Aaron hit his final career homer, his 755th.

Arndt says he offered to give the ball to Aaron but the Milwaukee Brewers never arranged a meeting, firing him instead for not surrendering the ball to the team.

Aaron autographed the ball at a collector's show a few years ago, unaware of what it was. He has tried twice to buy the ball from Arndt, who says he decided last fall to auction it after the Brewers declined to buy it.

Arndt gets $461,700 from the Guernsey's sale. In keeping with a promise to Aaron, $155,800 goes to Chasing the Dream Foundation, an Atlanta group that helps underprivileged children. Guernsey's keeps the balance as a commission.

A ceremony marking the anniversary of the home run is planned July 20 in Milwaukee County Stadium.

Brewers spokesman Laurel Prieb said Aaron plans to attend.

Arndt's agent, Tim Sullivan of Stevens Point, said the ball may be displayed at the ballpark, but Prieb said the team has not discussed it.