The iconic jersey worn by Babe Ruth during the 1932 World Series, when he famously called his shot and hit a home run to center field, has sold at auction for over $24 million. The auction took place in Dallas and saw a bidding war that lasted over six hours, eventually resulting in the record-breaking sale of the jersey for $24.12 million. The buyer has chosen to remain anonymous, according to Heritage Auctions, the auction house that handled the sale.
Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports, described the jersey as “the most significant piece of American sports memorabilia ever offered at auction.” He highlighted the historical importance and impact of Ruth’s jersey, emphasizing its value to collectors. The auction also surpassed the sale of Mickey Mantle’s 1952 rookie card, which sold for $12.6 million in 2022.
The “called shot” moment during the 1932 World Series has been a subject of debate and fascination for baseball fans for decades. Ruth pointed towards center field before hitting the home run off Cubs pitcher Charlie Root, leading to speculation about whether he truly predicted the hit. Despite the ongoing debate, footage from the game shows Ruth making a pointing gesture, adding weight to the argument that he did call his shot.
According to Michael Gibbons, director emeritus and historian at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, the Ruth jersey represents a pivotal moment in baseball history. The home run in the 1932 World Series was Ruth’s last in the championship, further elevating the significance of the jersey to collectors. The auction of such a rare and historically important item garnered significant attention from sports memorabilia enthusiasts.
The journey of Ruth’s jersey from his possession to the recent auction has spanned several decades and involved multiple owners. Originally given to one of Ruth’s golfing buddies in Florida, the jersey changed hands over the years until it was eventually consigned to Heritage for auction. The rarity and historical significance of items like Ruth’s jersey make them highly sought after by collectors looking to own a piece of baseball history.
Despite the ongoing debate over whether Ruth truly called his shot, the sale of his jersey for over $24 million underscores the enduring legacy of the baseball legend. His impact on the sport and his ability to captivate audiences with moments like the called shot have cemented his status as a sports icon. The auction of Ruth’s jersey serves as a reminder of his unparalleled influence on the game of baseball and the enduring appeal of historic sports memorabilia.
