This summer, Heritage Auctions is set to showcase one of baseball’s most iconic artifacts – the jersey believed to be worn by Babe Ruth during his legendary “called shot” in the 1932 World Series. With an estimated value of $30 million, this piece could skyrocket to become the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold.
The jersey’s iconic history dates back to a game nearly a century ago at Wrigley Field, where Ruth famously pointed towards the stands before hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs. The authenticity of Ruth’s connection to this jersey has been meticulously traced and supported by photo matching from two different companies, adding to its mystique and potential value.
Previously auctioned in 2005 for $944,000, this gray road flannel jersey was originally owned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s golfing companions. After undergoing conservation work by the Textile Conservation Workshop to repair a tear while preserving its original form, the jersey continues to bear the markings of the iconic 1932 Yankees’ style, further solidifying its historical significance.
Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, emphasized the unparalleled importance of Ruth’s World Series jersey in sports memorabilia. Calling it the most significant piece of American sports collectible in decades, Ivy anticipates it breaking records as the most expensive sports memorabilia auctioned to date.
The current record for the most expensive sports collectible is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, sold for $12.6 million at Heritage Auctions in 2022. Notably, the highest amount paid for a Ruth jersey stands at $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, auctioned at Yankee Stadium in 2019 by Hunt Auctions.
The meticulous examination of the jersey’s provenance and unique characteristics, such as button placement and specific stains, has been crucial in its authentication process. Companies like MeiGray, known for meticulous authenticity assessments, have scrutinized every detail to ensure bidders have concrete evidence supporting the jersey’s historic link to Ruth’s iconic moment.
Ruth’s legendary home run continues to echo in baseball lore, captivating fans with its dramatic flair and the enduring legend it inspired. Despite differing accounts of the event, Ruth’s sheer boldness and on-field prowess that day only enhanced his mythical status. Enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the jersey at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland before the auction takes place from August 23-25.
Through this auction, a piece of baseball history transcends to the realm of high-value sports memorabilia, attracting collectors and enthusiasts eager to own a tangible slice of baseball’s fabled past.