DALLAS, TX.- A perfect storm of single signed baseball consignments will make the Heritage April 22 Signature Sports Memorabilia Auction the most important event of 2011 for autograph collectors. Three of the most extensive and carefully curated collections in the hobby will be up for bid, forming the foundation for what looks to be one of the strongest events in Heritage history.

"This is an auction that no autograph collector will be able ignore," said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Collectibles at Heritage. "The rarity and condition throughout is astonishing. I think it's safe to say you'll never see another offering like it."

The roster of Hall of Fame signers, the widest assortment of such signatures on baseballs ever offered in a single auction, reads like a who's who of Cooperstown rarities: G.C. Alexander, Hack Wilson, Mel Ott, Chick Hafey, Chuck Klein, Heinie Manush, Ernie Lombardi, Clark Griffith, George Weiss and Sam Rice, among the many.

Even those legends whose autographs are comparatively more common provide something extra, as is the case with Roberto Clemente, who notates his single "Last Game at Forbes Field." Napoleon "Larry" Lajoie remarks upon a memorable long ball along with his autograph, writing "Greatest Thrill Home run with bases full."

Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx and Ty Cobb are represented by high-grade examples, as well.

"We want to get the word out to collectors now so they will have time to budget and plan," said Ivy, "but we also want to reach out to potential consignors interested in participating in this auction. They have until Feb. 27 and should contact Heritage immediately."