This summer, all eyes in the sports memorabilia world are on Heritage Auctions as they prepare to showcase and auction off a true gem in baseball history: Babe Ruth’s ‘called shot’ jersey. Valued at an estimated $30 million, this gray road flannel is not just any jersey – it was allegedly worn by the Great Bambino during his iconic moment in the 1932 World Series.
The legendary “called shot” incident took place nearly 92 years ago at Wrigley Field, where the larger-than-life Ruth supposedly pointed to the outfield and then proceeded to smack a home run against the Chicago Cubs. This legendary tale has become an inseparable part of baseball lore, shrouded in mystery and fascination. The authenticity of Ruth donning this very jersey during that historic game has been bolstered by photo matching from two separate companies, adding to its mystique and potential value.
Originally sold in 2005 by Grey Flannel Auctions for $944,000, the jersey’s journey can be traced back to the daughter of one of Ruth’s fellow golfing companions. In the years that followed, it underwent meticulous conservation efforts by the Textile Conservation Workshop to mend a tear while keeping its original integrity intact. The jersey’s design perfectly aligns with the style worn by the Yankees in 1932, further cementing its historical importance.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, reflected on the immense significance of this jersey in the realm of sports memorabilia, stating, “Ruth’s World Series jersey is the most significant piece of American sports memorabilia to be offered at auction in decades. It will hold the record as the most expensive sports collectible ever to cross the auction block.”
The current record for the priciest sports collectible is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, fetching an impressive $12.6 million in 2022 through Heritage Auctions. As for Ruth jerseys, the highest sum paid stands at $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, auctioned by Hunt Auctions at Yankee Stadium in 2019.
The meticulous analysis of the provenance and distinctive features of Ruth’s “called shot” jersey, including button placement and specific stains, has been pivotal. Authenticators like MeiGray scrutinize each game-worn jersey akin to a unique fingerprint, ensuring that the jersey’s historical claim is well-supported by tangible evidence, appealing to potential bidders’ discerning eyes.
Ruth’s memorable home run not only left an indelible mark on baseball history for its dramatic flair but also for the enduring legend it has spawned. Despite differing narratives surrounding that fateful event, Ruth’s courage and performance on that day further elevated his mythos in the world of sports. The jersey will be showcased at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer before the auction takes place from August 23-25.
This upcoming auction is not just a chance to own a pivotal piece of sports history but also a testament to the thriving market for high-value sports memorabilia, drawing in collectors and fans eager to possess a tangible slice of baseball folklore.
