The recent sale of Babe Ruth's iconic jersey from the 1932 World Series has garnered attention in the sports memorabilia world. The jersey, worn by Ruth when he famously called his shot and hit a home run to centre field, sold for a record-breaking $24.12 million in a six-hour bidding war at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The buyer has chosen to remain anonymous.
This sale surpasses the previous record set by Mickey Mantle's 1952 rookie card, which sold for $12.6 million in 2022. Chris Ivy, Heritage's director of sports, described the Babe Ruth jersey as "the most significant piece of American sports memorabilia ever offered at auction." He emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the jersey as a representation of Ruth's legendary career and the iconic "called shot" moment.
The debate over whether Ruth truly called his shot during that game has been ongoing for decades. While there is home movie footage showing Ruth making a pointing gesture before hitting the home run, the exact target of his gesture remains unclear. However, Michael Gibbons, director emeritus and historian at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, believes that Ruth did indeed call his shot based on the footage and Ruth's own statements.
The sale of this historic jersey highlights the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth as a baseball icon and a symbol of positivity and inspiration for fans. The jersey's journey from Ruth's possession to a private collection and finally to auction reflects the value that collectors place on items associated with significant figures and moments in sports history.
Overall, the sale of Babe Ruth's "called shot" jersey serves as a reminder of the impact that legendary athletes like Ruth have had on the world of sports and the enduring fascination with their iconic moments.