The legendary jerseyworn by Babe Ruth during one of baseball's most famous moments is about to hitthe auction block. This gray No. 3 jersey, which Ruth wore while playingagainst the Chicago Cubs in the 1932 World Series, is expected to fetch anastounding $30 million. If it reaches this price, it will become the mostexpensive game-worn jersey ever sold. The auction is organized by HeritageAuctions and will take place from August 23 to 25, showcasing other historicsports memorabilia, including Michael Jordan's jerseys and a bat used by JackieRobinson.
Ruth's jersey isparticularly famous due to the infamous "Called Shot" moment. Duringthe fifth inning of the game, Ruth appeared to gesture toward center field justbefore hitting a home run into the bleachers. This gesture has sparked decadesof debate about what exactly he was pointing at, whether it was the flagpole orthe Cubs pitcher. Chris Ivy, director of Heritage Auctions, noted the enduringfascination with this moment, stating, “The ‘Called Shot’ is something we’restill talking about almost 100 years later, which is incredible.”
The historical contextof the game adds to the jersey's value. At the time, baseball games were nottelevised, so the first reports of Ruth's gesture came from journalists. Sportseditor Joe Williams is credited with coining the term "Called Shot,"likening it to a billiards game, a narrative that Ruth embraced. This story hassince become a key part of baseball lore, adding to the mystique of the jersey.
As of now, opening bidsfor the jersey have already surpassed $14 million, demonstrating its immenseappeal among collectors. The garment has been authenticated twice and can bephoto-matched to images showing Ruth, teammate Lou Gehrig, and manager JoeMcCarthy in the dugout. This level of verification enhances the jersey’sprovenance, making it even more desirable for potential buyers.
Babe Ruth's storiedcareer spanned 22 seasons, during which he hit 714 home runs and secured sevenWorld Series titles. While he is best remembered for his time with the New YorkYankees, he also won three titles with the Boston Red Sox. In 1936, he was oneof the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, solidifyinghis status as one of the sport's greatest legends.
The auction's timing issignificant, as Ruth's memorabilia has consistently broken records. In 2019, ajersey worn by Ruth from 1928 to 1930 sold for $5.64 million, previously makingit the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia. This record was eclipsed byanother Ruth jersey that fetched $4.4 million. With the "Called Shot"jersey, Ivy describes it as “the most significant piece of American sportsmemorabilia to be offered at auction in decades,” highlighting its historicaland cultural importance.
Heritage Auctionsanticipates that this jersey will set a new record for sports collectibles,given its rich history and the myth surrounding the "Called Shot."The auction is sure to attract significant attention, not only from sports fansbut also from collectors looking to own a piece of baseball history thatrepresents a pivotal moment in American sports culture.
