This summer, a piece of baseball history is poised to make waves in the world of sports memorabilia as Babe Ruth’s famed “Called Shot” jersey is set to take center stage at Heritage Auctions. With an estimated value reaching a staggering $30 million, this gray road flannel worn by Ruth during the iconic 1932 World Series moment has the potential to become the most expensive sports collectible ever sold.
The origins of this historic jersey date back nearly 92 years to a legendary game at Wrigley Field, where Babe Ruth allegedly pointed to a spot in the stands before smashing a home run against the Chicago Cubs. This unforgettable incident has become deeply entrenched in baseball lore, sparking ongoing debate and fascination. The jersey’s authenticity in relation to that specific game has been authenticated through meticulous photo matching by two reputable companies, further heightening its allure and market value.
Initially sold in 2005 by Grey Flannel Auctions for $944,000, the jersey was originally consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s golfing buddies. Over the years, it has undergone extensive conservation work at the Textile Conservation Workshop to mend a tear while preserving its original essence. The jersey perfectly mirrors the style worn by the Yankees in 1932, solidifying its historical and aesthetic significance.
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. Ivy stated, “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 most expensive sports collectible is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, which fetched a whopping $12.6 million in 2022, also at Heritage Auctions. The highest sum paid for a Ruth jersey 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 lies in its provenance and distinctive features, such as button placement and unique stains, meticulously scrutinized by experts. Authenticators like MeiGray treat each game-worn jersey as unique, akin to a fingerprint, ensuring that visual cues support the jersey’s claim to fame.
Babe Ruth’s legendary home run moment continues to captivate baseball enthusiasts, not only for its theatrical nature but also for the enduring myth it has created. Despite differing accounts of the event, Ruth’s boldness and stellar performance that day cemented his status as a baseball icon. The jersey is set to be showcased at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer, leading up to the auction scheduled for August 23-25.
Beyond celebrating a pivotal piece of sports history, this auction highlights the flourishing market for high-value sports memorabilia, drawing collectors and fans eager to own a tangible connection to baseball’s timeless legends. The allure of capturing a piece of baseball folklore adds a touch of magic to the evolving narrative of this iconic sport.
