PITTSBURGH – The family of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell said it is hurt and angry that his widow is auctioning his memorabilia, including his 1979 World Series ring and National League MVP award.
The auction began Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. The items were selected by his second wife, Margaret Weller-Stargell. Willie Stargell died in 2001 at age 61.
Dolores Stargell, who was married to the Pirates star from 1962 to 1983, said she, her children and grandchildren weren't told about the auction. She said they were "completely blindsided" and that her anger was "released" upon hearing of it.
Her daughter is handicapped and her son, a Gulf War veteran, suffers from post-traumatic syndrome, Stargell said, adding that the family is living in poverty.
In a letter on Facebook she helped them write, the children said, "Dad would want the accomplishments of his lifetime achievements to be on display and enjoyed by all, as opposed to sitting in someone's basement collecting dust."
Weller-Stargell said the auction is legal and that she plans to donate some of the proceeds to charity. She will receive the rest of the money from the auction.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
