The sports memorabilia world is abuzz following the recent sale of Babe Ruth’s iconic jersey from the 1932 World Series, which fetched an astonishing $24.12 million at auction. The jersey, worn by Ruth during one of the most legendary moments in baseball history—when he famously “called his shot” and hit a home run to center field—became the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold.
The auction, held by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, saw intense bidding over six hours, with the final price shattering previous records for sports collectibles. The identity of the buyer remains unknown, as they have chosen to stay anonymous.
The jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it represents a defining moment in baseball lore. During Game 3 of the 1932 World Series at Wrigley Field, Ruth allegedly pointed to the center field bleachers before launching a home run off Chicago Cubs pitcher Charlie Root. Whether or not Ruth actually “called his shot” has been debated for decades, but the mystique surrounding the moment has only grown, making this jersey one of the most coveted items in sports history.
“The sale of this jersey is a testament to Babe Ruth’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of his larger-than-life persona,” said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage. “It’s a piece of Americana that transcends sports and connects us to a golden era of baseball.”
This sale surpasses the previous record for a piece of sports memorabilia, set in 2022 when another Babe Ruth jersey sold for $10.1 million. The 1932 jersey’s final bid underscores Ruth’s unmatched significance in the world of sports and the deep pockets of collectors eager to own a piece of history.
