This summer, all eyes in the sports memorabilia world are set on Heritage Auctions as they prepare to showcase one of baseball’s most iconic artifacts – the jersey that Babe Ruth famously wore during his legendary “called shot” in the 1932 World Series. With an astounding estimated value of $30 million, this gray road flannel garment could potentially become the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold, cementing its place in the annals of sports history.
The jersey’s storied origins can be traced back to a fateful game nearly a century ago at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, where the Bambino purportedly pointed towards the outfield fence, signaling his intent to hit a home run against the Chicago Cubs. This momentous event has since been steeped in mystery and controversy, with debates swirling around the authenticity of Ruth actually wearing this particular jersey during that historic game.
To enhance the allure and value of this significant piece, photo matching conducted by two reputable companies has been pivotal in verifying the jersey’s authenticity. This meticulous process has solidified the importance and potential value of the jersey, further fueling the hype surrounding its impending auction.
Having previously changed hands in 2005 for a substantial sum of $944,000 through Grey Flannel Auctions, the jersey was initially consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s companions from a golfing excursion. Following its acquisition, the jersey underwent conservation work at the Textile Conservation Workshop to repair a tear while meticulously preserving its original condition. Its seamless match to the style worn by the Yankees in 1932 serves as a corroborative factor of 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, stating that it would set a new record as the most expensive sports collectible ever to be auctioned. This sentiment underscores the rarity and desirability of the jersey among avid collectors and sports enthusiasts alike.
The current pinnacle in sports memorabilia sales is held by a 1952 Mickey Mantle Topps card, which fetched a staggering $12.6 million at a Heritage Auctions event in 2022. Similarly, Ruth’s jerseys have also commanded substantial prices in the past, with a circa 1928-1930 model bagging $5.6 million at a memorable auction at Yankee Stadium in 2019.
The meticulous scrutiny of the jersey’s provenance and unique features, from button placement to specific stains, has been a focal point for authenticators such as MeiGray. Each detail of the garment has been meticulously analyzed, with every game-worn jersey being considered as unique as a fingerprint. This rigorous attention to detail ensures that bidders have tangible evidence supporting the jersey’s claim to fame and authenticity.
While the legendary “called shot” incident itself remains a topic of ongoing debate and discussion, Ruth’s undeniable prowess and charisma on the baseball diamond that day only added to his mythical status in the world of sports. With the jersey set to be displayed at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland before the auction on August 23-25, anticipation and excitement continue to build among fans and collectors eager to own a piece of baseball folklore.
This upcoming auction not only celebrates a pivotal moment in baseball history but also serves as a testament to the burgeoning market for high-value sports memorabilia. The allure of owning a tangible piece of sports legend like Babe Ruth’s iconic jersey is a testament to the enduring fascination and reverence for the game’s storied past.
