Aaron Judge’s infamous dropped fly ball from the 2024 World Series Game 5 has found a new owner after being sold for a whopping $43,510 at an auction held by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The play, etched in the memory of Yankees fans as a nightmarish moment, took center stage in the bidding war, attracting attention from collectors eager to own a piece of baseball history.
As the ball mishandled by Judge during the crucial game changed hands, it carried with it the weight of shattered hopes for the Yankees, who were on the brink of breaking their 15-year World Series drought. Judge’s error in handling Tommy Edman’s fly ball became the catalyst for a series of missteps that allowed the Dodgers to capitalize, scoring three runs and overturning a five-run deficit. The momentum swing proved pivotal as the Dodgers went on to claim victory in Game 5 and ultimately seize the World Series title.
Despite the painful connotations attached to the dropped fly ball for Yankees faithful, the artifact’s sale price soared during the auction’s final stages. Starting at $17,000, bids surged in the closing hours, emphasizing the unique significance of this piece of World Series memorabilia.
Whether viewed as a symbol of the Dodgers’ triumph or a poignant reminder of the Yankees’ misfortune, the sold ball now stands as a tangible representation of one of the most dramatic moments from the 2024 baseball season. For the buyer who spent $43,510, this piece ensures that the unforgettable play involving Aaron Judge will remain embedded in baseball lore for years to come.
