This summer, Heritage Auctions is set to showcase one of baseball’s most coveted artifacts – the jersey Babe Ruth allegedly wore during his infamous “called shot” in the 1932 World Series. With an estimated value of $30 million, this gray road flannel piece could potentially shatter records as the most expensive sports memorabilia ever auctioned.
The origins of this iconic jersey date back nearly 92 years to a game at Wrigley Field where Ruth boldly predicted his home run against the Chicago Cubs. The mystique surrounding this moment has woven it into the fabric of baseball folklore, sparking endless debates and speculation. The jersey’s legitimacy as the one worn by Ruth during that historic game has been bolstered by photo matching from two reputable companies, adding to its allure and potential value.
Having previously changed hands in 2005 for $944,000 through Grey Flannel Auctions, the jersey was first consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s golfing companions. Over the years, it has undergone meticulous conservation work by the experts at Textile Conservation Workshop, repairing a tear while maintaining its original integrity. The design of the jersey perfectly aligns with the style the Yankees sported in 1932, further cementing its place in baseball history.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, emphasized the exceptional significance of Ruth’s World Series jersey in the realm of sports memorabilia, stating that it will likely set a new benchmark as the most expensive sports collectible ever to be put up for auction. The current record is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, which sold for $12.6 million in 2022, also at Heritage Auctions. The highest amount paid for a Ruth jersey stands at $5.6 million, achieved in 2019 for a circa 1928-1930 model.
The meticulous examination of the provenance and distinct features of Ruth’s “called shot” jersey, from button placement to specific stains, has been a critical process for authenticators like MeiGray. Each game-used jersey is treated as a unique piece, with attention to detail akin to analyzing a fingerprint. This rigorous scrutiny ensures that potential bidders have concrete visual evidence to substantiate the jersey’s claim to fame.
The enduring legacy of Ruth’s legendary home run goes beyond the sports realm, evolving into a cornerstone of baseball history. Despite differing recollections of the “called shot,” Ruth’s boldness and exceptional performance on that fateful day only served to elevate his mythic status. The jersey will be prominently displayed at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer, ahead of the auction scheduled for August 23-25.
This momentous auction not only honors a pivotal chapter in sports lore but also underscores the escalating demand for high-value sports memorabilia. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to own a piece of baseball history, as the iconic jersey looks poised to make a resounding impact on the sports memorabilia market.
