Hospice Auction to Hit a Homerun with Vintage Ty Cobb Cards

Amos F. Miller was a dedicated family man, great sportsman, caregiver and collector. The stepfather to five children, and father to two children, this linoleum layer and jack of all trades grew up in Lancaster City and had a passion for collecting. “He collected everything – from baseball cards to cards in shredded wheat cereal boxes,” shared Amos’ stepdaughter Jill Harsh with a laugh. “He was somewhat of a pack rat.”

When Amos passed away in November 2017, his family sold his collectibles so that they, too, could bring joy to others. But, unbeknownst to them, two of his most prized collectibles were locked away in his safety deposit box. When Jill found the baseball cards, she knew that they would be a perfect addition to Hospice & Community Care’s Labor Day Auction.

“Growing up my mother fell ill and my stepfather became her caregiver,” shared Jill. “He was so selfless and often would sell his baseball cards to make ends meet so that my mother was cared for and comforted. After finding his Ty Cobb baseball cards in the lock-box it felt meant to be. I am certain that he would have wanted one of his most cherished possessions to be used to provide the same care and comfort to others that he provided my mother.”

Jill was first introduced to hospice in 1986 in New York when her brother, Jack, was served. “My brother received wonderful care during his final months, and I knew I wanted to give back,” commented Jill. This wouldn’t be the last time Jill was touched by hospice. Her husband, two brothers-in-law and stepfather were all cared for by Hospice & Community Care.

Jill stayed true to her promise to herself and has given back to Hospice & Community Care in so many ways. She has been volunteering for 31 years, serving 10 years in home hospice and assisting with our Coping Kids & Teens series and grief camp, Camp Chimaqua. And, she is a regular attendee at the Labor Day Auction.

Her sister, Judy Slicer, baked and donated one of the first cakes auctioned off at the Labor Day Auction. Jill shared with a laugh that it was in the shape of a shaggy dog, based on the Disney movie that was popular that year. While she shared that she never was an “official” Labor Day Auction volunteer, she has lent her time organizing items on the display tables.

Jill is thrilled to be able to donate Amos’ 1909-11 Ty Cobb baseball cards to the Labor Day Auction. “This is just another way for me to give back,” commented Jill.

If you are interested in bidding on these rare vintage cards, mark your calendars for Monday, September 2. The Sports Memorabilia Auction kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with the Ty Cobb cards slated to go on the auction block at approximately 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.LaborDayAuction.org or call (717) 295-3900.