New Westwood Store Specializes in 'One-of-a-Kind'

If you've ever wanted to own Lou Gehrig's insurance policy or a banner from a 1940s sideshow, a new business in Westwood has exactly what you're looking for.

Team Baker Gallery, located in the former Learning Express on Center Avenue, specializes in rare collectable Americana, sports, music, art and political memorabilia. 

Other highlights of the collection include architectural plans for the original Yankee Stadium, autographed records and guitars from artists like The Beach Boys and Paul McCartney, a custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle painted in Florida Gators colors to commemorate their 2008 national championship and sketches by Felix de Weldon for what would later become his sculpture of Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima.

The gallery is owned by Mitch Baker, a River Vale native who has been collecting unusual items since he dug out an old well in search of antique bottles as a boy.

The shop in Westwood seemed like a great location because of the borough's upscale reputation, Baker said.

"You need to do this in a town where familes go," Baker said.

Team Baker also does a lot of fundraising for causes with auctions to benefit charities. Baker said they plan to donate a portion of their profits until the end of the year to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.

To celebrate the new shop, Team Baker Gallery is holding a grand opening Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Jim Leggate at Jim.Leggate@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.