Sports Items Up for Bid in Large 'The Sopranos' Auction

While sports wasn't the focus of the HBO drama, The Sopranos, there were tidbits of the sports world thrown in, to show the characters weren't oblivious to the games we all play and enjoy.

So, when Steiner Sports put out their list on what was to be up for auction in their "Sopranos" auction, I thought there might be a few sports goodies.

I was right.

Here's what you can bid on:

Poker enthusiasts and collectors might like the "Bada Bing" Sopranos poker set signed by Steve Schirripa who played gangster Bobby "Bacala" Baccaliari on the show. The poker set is a rare find itself, and the autograph even "raises the ante" on this item

A short-sleeve golf shirt worn by actor Steve Schirripa was worn in the final scenes of "Soprano Home Movies". The episode is the 78th episode of The Sopranos.

A rare Sopranos – Bacala custom baseball bat from Cooperstown Bat Co. made in 2000. An amazing blonde bat is nearly impossible to find and it could very well be the only one in existence.  Steve Schirripa confirmed the authenticity and also signed the bat. This bat is accompanied by the letter of authenticity from Schirripa. Authentication of the autograph by Steiner Sports.

A "Sopranos" basketball that is a prototype ball made for HBO. The ball was commissioned to be used as part of an HBO giveaway event that never materialized. The ball comes directly from an HBO source. Steve Schirripa who played Bobby "Bacala" Baccaliari on the show has signed the ball with his classic "Bacala" inscription.

Some other sports connections to The Sopranos include:

-Former New York Jets coach, Eric Mangini, and his wife, Julie, appeared in the penultimate episode as guests at Artie Bucco's restaurant. "Know who's in tonight?" Bucco tells Tony Soprano. "'Mangenius'." Soprano then turned to his puzzled wife and said: "It's the Jets coach, sweetie!'

-Fox NFL broadcaster/reporter and former Ravens defensive tackle, Tony Siragusa appeared in four episodes as Frankie Cortese during season five.

- Tough guy Vito Antuofermo, a former boxing middleweight champion, made two appearances as a member of Richie Aprile's crew.

- In a memorable season four, Tony Soprano and Ralph Cifaretto, played by Joe Pantoliano purchased the filly, Pie-O-My, who went on to win a couple of races and become a favorite of the mob boss.

- Former Giants great and Hall of Fame linebacker, Lawrence Taylor played himself in the Michele "Feech" La Manna poker game, where Tony Soprano addressed him as "Sir Lawrence of the Meadowlands."

The Sopranos was an American crime drama television series created by David Chase, that debuted in 1999. It ran for a total of six seasons and HBO produced a total of 86 episodes. The series revolves around fictional New Jersey-based, Italian American mobster Tony Soprano, played by the late, James Gandolfini. The series plot revolved around the difficulties that he faces as he tries to balance his home life and his criminal organization. These are often highlighted during his therapy sessions with psychiatrist.

Link to auction https://auction.steinersports.com/Category/The_Sopranos-162.html