CLEVELAND — There have been scores of great characters throughout movie history, but in Cleveland, none may be more beloved than Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn.
In the cinematic world of the film Major League, Charlie Sheen's character arrives at Cleveland Indians spring training as a "juvenile delinquent" with a wicked fastball but no control. However, with the help of a trademark pair of glasses, Vaughn evolved into the staff ace, and helped lead the Tribe to the 1989 American League East division championship.
Now, two people (unknown if they are Tribe fans) each own a piece of history from that wonderful moment, as both Sheen's cap and baseball used in the movie have been sold at auction. The cap features the classic Chief Wahoo look used by the real team until last year, while the ball is the same one Vaughn used to strike out New York Yankees slugger Clue Haywood to set up the dramatic ending to the final game. It is also signed by Charlie Sheen himself.
Bidding officially wrapped up this week, and according to Lelands the hat sold for $14,298, while the ball went for $10,742. They were by far the most expensive items from a collection given to Lelands directly by Sheen himself, with other gems including a locker tag used by Babe Ruth ($4,712) and even the watch Sheen wore while playing Private Chris Taylor in the Oscar-winning film Platoon.
Lelands has a history of auctioning off cool items from the sports and entertainment worlds: According to the company, a 1920 Babe Ruth Yankees jersey in its care once sold for $4.5 million.
