The recent auction of the jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth during his iconic “called shot” in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series has made history by selling for an astonishing $24.12 million with Heritage Auctions. This sale has set a new record for the most expensive sports collectible ever sold at an auction. The New York Yankees road Ruth jersey, which had not been available to the public for 19 years, fetched a price that far exceeded all expectations. Prior to this, the record price for any sports collectible sold at auction was held by a rare mint condition Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle card, which sold for $12.6 million in 2022.
The Ruth jersey, which was only linked to the 1932 World Series in its previous auction in 2005, has since been conclusively photo-matched to Game 3 of the World Series at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. This confirmation of its authenticity and historical significance significantly increased its value. Chris Ivy, the director of sports auctions at Heritage Auctions, described the jersey as “essentially the Mona Lisa” of sports memorabilia. He emphasized that the “called shot” moment by Ruth is not only a crucial part of baseball history but also American history and pop culture history. The lasting impact of this moment is evident as people are still talking about it 100 years later, making it one of the most significant pieces of sports memorabilia in the world.
While the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, Ivy mentioned that there were several serious contenders on their mailing list who were willing to pay between $15 and $20 million for the Ruth jersey. This suggests a strong market interest in high-end sports collectibles among a diverse range of individuals, including attorneys and team owners. The appeal of owning such iconic pieces of history transcends simply collecting items; it serves as a conversation starter and an investment in something that holds cultural value beyond monetary worth.
The Legacy of Babe Ruth
The significance of the Ruth jersey is further amplified by the historical context of the 1932 World Series. Ruth’s “called shot” was his last home run in a World Series, marking the end of an era for the legendary player. The Yankees went on to win the game 7-5 and swept the Cubs the following day to clinch the series. This jersey represents a pivotal moment in baseball history and solidifies Babe Ruth’s status as one of the greatest sports figures of all time. The auction of this jersey not only celebrates Ruth’s legacy but also highlights the enduring value of sports memorabilia as a tangible connection to important moments in the past.
Other Notable Sales
In addition to the record-breaking sale of the Babe Ruth jersey, other sports collectibles were sold at the auction for significant amounts. A photo-matched 1952 and 1953 Mickey Mantle World Series jersey fetched $3 million, while a game-worn 1951 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers jersey, despite not being photo-matched, sold for $5.52 million, setting a new record for any Jackie Robinson item. A photo-matched 1954 Hank Aaron rookie season jersey sold for $2.1 million, also setting a record for any Aaron item. Furthermore, a 1911 “Shoeless” Joe Jackson rookie year bat sold for $2.01 million, establishing a new record price paid for a baseball bat.
The sale of Babe Ruth’s “called shot” jersey for $24.12 million has not only set a new benchmark for sports collectibles but has also reignited interest in sports memorabilia as a valuable and culturally significant investment. The enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and the historical moments captured by these items continue to captivate collectors and fans alike, ensuring that the stories of these iconic sports figures live on for generations to come.
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