Babe Ruth, the iconic figure in baseball history known for his prowess on the field and larger-than-life persona off it, is once again making waves in the sports memorabilia world. This time, it’s not just any artifact up for grabs; it’s the jersey he supposedly wore during his fabled “called shot” in the 1932 World Series.
The upcoming auction at Heritage Auctions is set to showcase this remarkable piece of baseball history, with experts estimating its value to be a staggering $30 million, potentially making it the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold. The jersey’s gray road flannel fabric holds within its threads the essence of one of the game’s most enduring tales.
The story of Ruth’s “called shot” at Wrigley Field almost a century ago against the Chicago Cubs has become the stuff of legends. The jersey, believed to have adorned Ruth during that historic game, has undergone meticulous scrutiny with photo matching conducted by two different companies. This authentication process has only added to the allure and value of the jersey.
Initially sold in 2005 for a substantial $944,000, the jersey’s provenance dates back to being consigned by the daughter of Ruth’s golfing companion. Following its purchase, the jersey underwent careful conservation work at the Textile Conservation Workshop to repair a tear while maintaining its original form. The style of the jersey perfectly aligns with the Yankees’ attire in 1932, further cementing its historical significance.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, emphasized the unparalleled importance of Ruth’s World Series jersey in sports memorabilia circles. Ivy stated, “Ruth’s World Series jersey is the most significant piece of American sports memorabilia to be offered at auction in decades. It will hold the record as the most expensive sports collectible ever to cross the auction block.”
The current title holder for the most expensive sports collectible is a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, which fetched a whopping $12.6 million in a previous Heritage Auction. Moreover, the highest price ever paid for a Ruth jersey stands at $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, sold at Yankee Stadium in 2019 by Hunt Auctions.
The unique characteristics and specific details of Ruth’s “called shot” jersey have been exhaustively examined and analyzed. Elements such as the placement of buttons and distinctive stains have played a crucial role in the authentication process. Authenticators like MeiGray leave no stone unturned, treating each game-worn jersey as a unique piece with its own distinct fingerprint, ensuring bidders have concrete visual evidence supporting the jersey’s legendary status.
Ruth’s iconic home run and his supposed called shot have left an indelible mark on baseball history, adding to the allure of this extraordinary jersey. Despite differing accounts of the event, Ruth’s fearless prediction and subsequent performance on that memorable day have only added to his mystique. The jersey is set to be showcased at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer, giving fans a chance to get up close to this priceless piece of history before the auction commences on August 23-25.
The upcoming auction not only commemorates a significant moment in sports history but also underlines the ever-growing market for high-value sports memorabilia. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are poised to participate eagerly, each vying for a chance to own a tangible piece of baseball folklore and immerse themselves in the enduring legacy of the legendary Babe Ruth.
