Babe Ruth, an icon in baseball lore, is once again making headlines with the auctioning of his famous “called shot” jersey. The jersey, which he allegedly wore during his historic home run in the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs, is set to be auctioned by Heritage Auctions this summer with an estimated value of $30 million.
The fascinating backstory of this gray road flannel jersey dates back nearly 92 years to a game at Wrigley Field, where Ruth’s bold prediction of a home run has become the stuff of legend. The authenticity of Ruth wearing this jersey during that game has been further bolstered by photo matching from two reputable companies, adding to its mystique and potential value.
Having previously been sold in 2005 for $944,000, the jersey has a rich history, initially consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s close friends. Subsequently, it underwent meticulous conservation work to repair a tear while maintaining its original condition, ensuring it remains a significant piece of sports memorabilia.
Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, emphasized the unprecedented significance of Ruth’s World Series jersey in the world of sports collectibles. He expressed that this auction represents a groundbreaking moment, likely setting a new record for the most expensive sports collectible to ever be sold at auction.
In the realm of sports memorabilia, the current record for the most expensive item sold is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, which garnered $12.6 million at a Heritage Auction in 2022. The highest amount paid for a Ruth jersey stands at $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, underscoring the enduring popularity and value of Ruth’s memorabilia.
The meticulous analysis of the jersey’s provenance and unique characteristics, such as button placement and specific stains, has been pivotal in authenticating its connection to Ruth’s legendary home run. Authenticators like MeiGray have examined these minute details, treating each game-worn jersey as a distinctive piece akin to a fingerprint, providing concrete evidence to support its historic significance.
Ruth’s “called shot” home run continues to captivate baseball enthusiasts, not only for its on-field drama but also for the enduring legend it has spawned. Despite differing accounts of the event, Ruth’s charisma and performance that day have solidified his iconic status in baseball history. The jersey is slated to be showcased at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland before the highly anticipated auction in August.
This auction serves as a beacon for collectors and fans alike, offering them the chance to own a piece of baseball folklore and be part of a momentous occasion celebrating the legacy of one of baseball’s greatest legends, Babe Ruth.
