Babe Ruth’s legendary “called shot” jersey is about to make history once again, as it takes center stage at Heritage Auctions this summer. With a jaw-dropping estimated value of $30 million, this gray road flannel could soon become the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold, adding another chapter to its storied past.
The roots of this iconic jersey trace back nearly 92 years to a memorable game at Wrigley Field, where Ruth famously pointed towards the stands before hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs. This moment has transcended time, becoming one of baseball’s enduring tales, steeped in intrigue and controversy. The jersey’s authenticity as the one worn by Ruth during that historic game has been bolstered by meticulous photo matching work from two reputable companies, elevating its appeal and potential worth.
Initially sold in 2005 for $944,000 by Grey Flannel Auctions, the jersey was originally consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s golfing buddies. The jersey has since undergone careful conservation by the Textile Conservation Workshop, fixing a tear while maintaining its original integrity. A perfect match to the style worn by the Yankees in 1932, this garment cements its place in baseball history.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, emphasized the unparalleled significance of Ruth’s World Series jersey in the realm of sports memorabilia: “Ruth’s World Series jersey stands as the most crucial piece of American sports memorabilia to hit the auction circuit in recent memory. It is poised to set a new record as the priciest sports collectible ever to be auctioned.”
The current record for the most expensive sports collectible is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, which was auctioned for $12.6 million in 2022, also through Heritage Auctions. The highest price ever paid for a Ruth jersey stands at $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, sold by Hunt Auctions at Yankee Stadium in 2019.
The detailed provenance and distinctive features of Ruth’s “called shot” jersey, such as button placement and specific stains, have been meticulously scrutinized. These characteristics are vital for authenticators like MeiGray, who view each game-worn jersey as unique as a fingerprint. This rigorous attention to detail ensures that bidders are presented with concrete visual proof supporting the jersey’s claim to fame.
Ruth’s epic home run continues to hold a significant place in the annals of baseball history, not only for its theatrical flair but also for the enduring legend it has spawned. Despite conflicting recollections of the event, Ruth’s display of confidence and prowess that day only added to his mystique. The jersey will be showcased at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer, ahead of the eagerly anticipated auction scheduled for August 23-25.
This upcoming auction not only commemorates a pivotal moment in sports history but also highlights the escalating demand for top-tier sports memorabilia, attracting avid collectors and enthusiasts eager to possess a tangible piece of baseball folklore. Get ready to witness history in the making as Babe Ruth’s iconic jersey poised to rewrite the record books once more.