For die-hard Yankees fans, the 2024 World Series left a bitter taste in their mouths, and the memory of Aaron Judge’s dropped fly ball in Game 5 was particularly hard to swallow. That pivotal moment, which turned the tide of the game, has now been immortalized in a unique and somewhat surprising way.
At an auction hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the very ball that slipped through Judge’s grasp sold for an impressive $43,510. While it may be a painful reminder for Yankees faithful, for one lucky collector, it’s a coveted piece of baseball history worth the hefty price tag.
The fumble by Judge on Tommy Edman’s fly ball was a nightmare for the Yankees, who had aspirations of ending their 15-year World Series drought. Unfortunately, Judge’s error set off a chain of events that led to the Dodgers scoring three crucial runs, ultimately erasing a five-run lead. Riding high on that momentum, the Dodgers secured the victory in Game 5 and went on to claim the World Series title.
Despite the heartbreak it symbolizes for Yankees supporters, the infamous ball garnered considerable interest during the auction. Starting at $17,000, bids for the artifact soared on the final day, highlighting its unique place in the annals of World Series drama.
Whether viewed as a symbol of the Dodgers’ success or a melancholic token of the Yankees’ misfortune, the ball now serves as a tangible memento of one of the most dramatic moments of the 2024 baseball season. For the buyer who clinched the winning bid at $43,510, this piece of memorabilia ensures that Aaron Judge’s costly mistake will not fade from memory anytime soon.