The jersey worn by the legendary Babe Ruth during his famous “called shot” in the 1932 World Series sold for over $24 million at auction. The sale took place on Saturday night in Dallas, with the jersey fetching $24,120,000.
Chris Ivy of Heritage Auctions called it “the greatest sports collectible of all time” in an interview with CBS Mornings before the auction. The jersey had previously been sold publicly over 20 years ago for $975,000. Ivy remarked that while some thought the initial buyer had overpaid, the final sale price suggests otherwise.
Babe Ruth, known as “The Great Bambino,” is celebrated as one of baseball’s greatest players, with seven World Series titles and 714 home runs to his name.
The jersey, which has been verified through photos from the era, was worn by Ruth during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on October 1, 1932. During the fifth inning, Ruth famously gestured toward the outfield and then hit a home run off Cubs pitcher Charlie Root, a moment now referred to as “The Called Shot.”
Michael Gibbons, director emeritus and historian at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, described it as possibly the most dramatic moment in World Series history.
The Yankees won that game 7-5 and completed a sweep of the Cubs the following day to win the series, marking Ruth’s final World Series.
In July, the jersey was displayed at Wrigley Field, allowing fans and players to view it up close. It still shows distinctive stitching and stains that Ruth’s granddaughter, Linda Ruth Tosetti, suspects might be from mustard, as Ruth was known to enjoy hot dogs during games.
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