My dad and uncles had a major loss in 1968. They had multiple complete sets of baseball cards in mint condition dating back to '56. Sewage backed up in the basement during a flood and ruined everything. Along with the cards an autographed ball was ruined that was given to them by their grandfather, signed by Tinker, Evers ansd Chance
In the early 60's they had a broken bat they used to play ball with and they busted it up and threw it out. It was Mickey Mantle's bat from spring training
Years ago I showed my dad a price guide. After looking at it he hung his head and said "kid if that flood never happened we wouldn't have to work"