Babe Ruth’s game jersey—one of the greatest baseball players in American history—has just set an impressive record by being auctioned for $24.12 million. This jersey is not just a sports relic but also a symbol of a glorious era in the sport.
Baseball Legend and the Iconic Homerun
Babe Ruth, who played for the New York Yankees, wore the jersey while executing one of the most famous homeruns of his career. This event attracted attention from collectors and fans around the world. The sale price of $24.12 million has made this jersey one of the most expensive sports collectibles on the planet.
This jersey has become one of the most valuable sports collectibles in the world.Intense Auction
The auction took place on August 24 and lasted over six hours, showcasing fierce competition among bidders. Previously, the most expensive jersey auctioned belonged to basketball legend Michael Jordan, selling for $10.1 million in 2022. Additionally, Babe Ruth’s jersey also broke the record for sports memorabilia, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s baseball card valued at $12.6 million.
The Last Dance jersey of Michael Jordan for $10.1 million (on the right) and the jersey from 1928-1930 of Babe Ruth for $5.64 million.Before the sale, the jersey had an estimated starting price of over $14 million. Auction house Heritage Auctions estimated its value could reach up to $30 million. Notably, in 2019, another Babe Ruth jersey from the 1928-1930 period was auctioned for $5.64 million, at the time also becoming the most expensive sports memorabilia.
“Called Shot” – The Legendary Moment
The newly record-setting jersey is a gray number 3 worn by Babe Ruth during a game against the Chicago Cubs in the 1932 World Series. This game is famous for the moment known as the “Called Shot,” where Ruth seemingly pointed to a spot on the field before hitting a homerun.
An Important Sports Relic
Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage Auctions, stated that the “Called Shot” jersey is the most significant sports memorabilia ever auctioned in America. Over 90 years later, the jersey remains a crucial part of baseball history, with ongoing debates about whether Ruth truly pointed to where he would hit the ball.
Babe Ruth on the baseball field.
Babe Ruth’s illustrious baseball career spanned 22 seasons, during which he hit 714 homeruns and won 7 World Series titles. Notably, while playing for the Boston Red Sox, he won 3 World Series titles and became one of the first five inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
With its record price and enduring impact, Babe Ruth’s game jersey is not just a piece of sports memorabilia but a testament to the power and allure of the sport in the hearts of fans.
