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The Legend of Babe Ruth’s ‘Called Shot’ Jersey Heads to Auction
Babe Ruth, often referred to as “The Great Bambino,” stands as one of the most iconic figures in the history of baseball. His illustrious career is highlighted by seven World Series championships and an impressive total of 714 home runs.
A particularly memorable and debated incident from Ruth’s career occurred during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. In a pivotal moment during the fifth inning, Ruth approached the plate, made a gesture towards the outfield, and subsequently hit a home run on the next pitch. This event has since been immortalized as “The Called Shot.”
Recently, the jersey Ruth donned during that historic game has been identified and will be auctioned starting August 23. Experts anticipate that it could reach a staggering price of $30 million, potentially setting a record for the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold.
“In the realm of sports collectibles, this is the greatest sports collectible of all time,” remarked Chris Ivy from Heritage Auctions.
The jersey’s previous public sale occurred more than two decades ago when it fetched $975,000. At that time, some criticized the buyer for spending such a large sum on an old baseball jersey. However, experts predict that the upcoming auction will prove the investor’s foresight.
“People thought the buyer was crazy for paying that price for an old jersey, but by the end of this auction, he may look quite shrewd,” Ivy stated.
Earlier this July, the jersey made a return to Wrigley Field, allowing fans and players the unique opportunity to view it in person. The jersey is noted for its distinctive stitching patterns and stains – a testament to its storied past. Ruth’s granddaughter, Linda Ruth Tosetti, speculates that the marks could be remnants of mustard, which was a favorite condiment of her grandfather during games.
“I’m sure he enjoyed his hot dogs throughout the game,” Tosetti reminisced.
Decades later, uncertainty still shrouds the veracity of Ruth’s alleged prediction about his home run. Whether he truly called his shot or merely directed his attention towards the Cubs’ dugout remains a topic of debate among fans and historians alike. Nevertheless, this legendary moment continues to inspire young players and collectors who often emulate the gesture Ruth made before his iconic hit.
“I think every kid who’s played baseball has probably taken a swing, pointed towards the bleachers, and said, ‘This next one is going over the wall,'” Ivy reflected.
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Omar Villafranca
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