This summer, Heritage Auctions will be hosting a momentous event in the world of sports memorabilia as the iconic jersey worn by Babe Ruth during his legendary “called shot” in the 1932 World Series will take center stage. This gray road flannel holds the potential to break records with an estimated value of $30 million, making it a coveted piece of baseball history that could become the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold.
The roots of this historic jersey can be traced back to a game played nearly 92 years ago at Wrigley Field, where Babe Ruth famously pointed towards the outfield before hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs. This moment has become ingrained in baseball folklore, sparking endless debates and speculation over the years. The authenticity of the jersey has been further solidified through meticulous photo matching by two different companies, adding to its allure and potential value.
Having been previously sold in 2005 by Grey Flannel Auctions for $944,000, the jersey has a rich history. Initially consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s golfing companions, it has undergone careful conservation work by the Textile Conservation Workshop. This restoration aimed to repair a tear in the fabric while maintaining the jersey’s original condition, ensuring that its historical significance remains intact.
Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, emphasized the unparalleled importance of Ruth’s World Series jersey in the realm of sports memorabilia. He stated that, “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.” This accolade is no small feat considering the prestigious items that have passed through the auction house.
The current record for the most expensive sports collectible is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, which fetched $12.6 million in 2022 at Heritage Auctions. For Babe Ruth jerseys specifically, the highest amount ever paid stands at $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, sold through Hunt Auctions at Yankee Stadium in 2019.
The authenticity of Ruth’s “called shot” jersey has been meticulously scrutinized, with experts analyzing its provenance and unique characteristics in detail. Features such as the placement of buttons and specific stains have played a crucial role in authenticating the jersey, likening each game-worn jersey to a distinct fingerprint. This thorough examination ensures that bidders can have full confidence in the jersey’s legacy and historical significance.
Babe Ruth’s home run in the 1932 World Series not only marked a significant moment in baseball history but also contributed to the larger-than-life persona surrounding the legendary player. Despite differing accounts of the event, Ruth’s boldness and performance on that day have only added to his enduring legacy and the aura of the “called shot.” The jersey will be available for public viewing at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer, preceding the highly anticipated auction scheduled for August 23-25.
This auction serves as a celebration of an iconic piece of sports history, showcasing the growing market for high-value sports memorabilia. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to own a tangible piece of baseball folklore, immersing themselves in the magic and allure of one of the sport’s most revered moments.
