Bud Grant Plans His 'Last And Best' Garage Sale
BLOOMINGTON (WCCO) -- Legendary Vikings coach Bud Grant celebrated his 87th birthday Tuesday. What he's doing for the next three days is almost like a gift to fans.
He's putting several of his family's personal items up for sale, including mementos from his Hall of Fame coaching career.
In his 18 years coaching the Vikings, Bud Grant accumulated enough stuff for his six children, 19 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and then some.
"I've got a big family, lots of stuff," he said. "I can't keep everything!"
He's hosted nine garage sales for his family over the past 35 years, but he says the 10th will be his last and best.
Some of the items date back to Metropolitan Stadium, some to the Metrodome. He has seat backs from the Dome with his image painted on them.
"I've got a number of these and they're not cheap," he said.
He's even selling the large banner that the Vikings hung in the Metrodome after inducting him into the Ring of Honor. It will go to the highest bidder in a silent auction.
Many fans don't remember, he's the only person to ever play professionally in the NFL and the NBA. He was with the Minneapolis Lakers.
He's selling a plaque from the 1950 Lakers team, which includes a photo and a piece of the gym floor from their practice facility at the old St. Joseph's Home for Children.
"And here's Vern Mikkelson, John Kundla, George Mikan, myself, Swede Carlson. We signed this," he said. "Here's our picture, world champions."
In later years, he's been very active hunting and fishing. Guns, decoys and traps will be a large part of the sale too.
He's willing to part with all of it over the next three days at his home in Bloomington. His address is 8134 Oakmere Drive.
The sale begins Wednesday, May 21 from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday: 9 a.m. to noon.
Grant hired Hiawatha Estate Sales to price all the items. They will also include traditional garage sale items such as clothing and toys from other family members.
