In an unparalleled event in sports memorabilia, Babe Ruth's 1932 World Series jersey shattered auction records by fetching $24.12 million.
The garment, worn during his legendary "called shot," now stands as the priciest sports collectible ever sold, ESPN reported.
Babe Ruth, an iconic figure in baseball, made history with a gesture in the 1932 World Series that continues to be celebrated nearly a century later. This moment occurred during Game 3, with Ruth allegedly pointing to the center field stands before hitting a critical home run against the Chicago Cubs—a feat that has since been etched in the annals of sports lore as the "called shot."
The jersey associated with this moment recently went under the hammer at Heritage Auctions, marking its first availability to the public in nearly two decades. It last sold in 2005 for $940,000, highlighting a significant appreciation in value over the years. The auctioned price of $24.12 million includes a 20% buyer's premium, overwhelmingly surpassing the previous record of $12.6 million paid for a Mickey Mantle card in 2022.
The authentication of Ruth’s jersey as the one worn during the specific game of the "called shot" significantly boosted its allure and monetary value. Recent advancements in photo-matching techniques have allowed experts to conclusively link the jersey to this pivotal game, thereby solidifying its provenance and unique place in sports history.
The New York Yankees triumphed in that game, winning 7-5 over the Cubs, and completed a series sweep the following day, with Ruth's home run being his last in World Series play. This backdrop adds to the jersey's historical significance, marking a high point in Ruth’s illustrious career.
Chris Ivy, Heritage Auctions' director of sports auctions, commented on the jersey's unique stature in the memorabilia world. "This is essentially the Mona Lisa. It's a very mythical moment that crosses over not only in baseball history but American history, pop culture history," he said. Ivy believes that the jersey's record-breaking sale will attract even more enthusiasts to the hobby of sports collectibles.
Meanwhile, Barry Meisel, president and COO of MeiGray Authenticated, suggested that the Ruth jersey could be considered one of the most important sports relics globally, befitting its high valuation and intense collector interest.
In discussing buyer demographics, Ivy highlighted a diverse group ranging from attorneys to team owners, all drawn to the historical and cultural significance of owning such pieces. “This stuff is a great conversation starter," Ivy explains. This market interest underscores a broader trend where collectors prefer unique, tangible assets over traditional investments like stocks or real estate.
The Ruth jersey outstripped other high-profile sports memorabilia sales, such as a Mickey Mantle World Series jersey fetching $3 million and a Jackie Robinson game-worn ensemble netting $5.52 million. Moreover, a Hank Aaron rookie jersey recently sold for $2.1 million, demonstrating the robust interest in sports history artifacts.
Mike Provenzale, Heritage's sports department production manager, reflects on Ruth's enduring legacy through this memorabilia, noting that the 1932 series was not only pivotal for its "called shot" but also because it marked Ruth’s final World Series appearance and home run. He remarked, "Seeing such a storied artifact change hands is a reminder of the lasting impact of sports on American culture."
The awe-inspiring sale of Babe Ruth’s jersey not only resets financial expectations for sports memorabilia but also reaffirms the deep emotional and historical connections that fans and collectors maintain with the sport of baseball. As this jersey begins its new chapter in a private collection, the story of Ruth’s "called shot" will undoubtedly continue to inspire and evoke awe for generations to come.
