Babe Ruth Jersey Auction Breaks Records

The past week has certainly been a remarkable time for auction houses! First Christie’s breaks records witht he sale of Mrs. Lilly Safra’s jewels, then Sotheby’s smashes its own world record with its Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva. Now, the sale of Babe Ruth’s earliest known jersey marked the most expensive sale of sports memorabilia ever.

The jersey, auctioned by SCP Auctions, is a road model of the New York Yankees, circa 1920. The jersey was estimated to fetch at least $1 million, but the winning bid made by memorabilia site Lelands.com, came in at $4,415,658.

Lelands.com bid on the jersey with the express purpose of turning around and re-selling it to a collector. Some fans are upset with this turn of events, as they feel that the jersey should be displayed for public viewing. Lelands.com stated:

“Such a spectacular piece will find a home with one of our private clients who truly appreciates its historic significance.”

Other items from the auction included one of Ruth’s game caps from the 1930’s, which sold for $537,278, and one of his mid 1920’sHillerich & Bradsby game bats, which sold for $591,007.

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s choice for buying, selling and trading valuable sports memorabilia, watches, jewelry, gold and diamonds.

Related articles

• Babe Ruth jersey auctioned for $4.4 million, becomes most expensive sports memorabilia ever (sports.yahoo.com)
• Babe Ruth jersey sells for record $4.4 million (nbc29.com)