Babe Ruthknown as “The Great Bambino,” is widely considered baseball’s most famous player. He won seven World Series titles and hit 714 home runs in his career.
One of Ruth’s most famous and controversial moments came in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. In the fifth inning, Ruth stepped up to the plate, gestured toward the outfield, and hit the next pitch over the wall. This moment has become known as “The Called Shot”.
The shirt worn by Ruth during the game, which has been photo-matched with photos from the day, will be auctioned from August 23. Experts believe it could sell for as much as $30 million, which would make it the most expensive piece. of sports memorabilia ever.
“In the realm of sports collectibles, this is the greatest sports collectible of all time,” said Chris Ivy of Heritage Auctions.
The only time the shirt was sold publicly was over 20 years ago – and it cost $975,000.
“People said the buyer was crazy for paying a million dollars for, you know, an old baseball jersey. But at the end of this auction, he’s going to look like a very smart man,” Ivy said.
In July, the shirt was brought back to Wrigley Fieldwhere fans and players got the chance to see it up close. The sweater still has unique stitching and stains, which Ruth’s granddaughter, Linda Ruth Tosetti, believes may be from mustard — a favorite of her grandfather’s.
“I’m sure he had his hot dogs, and he needed them throughout the game,” Tosetti said.
More than 90 years later, there is still no conclusive evidence as to whether Ruth actually predicted his home run or simply pointed to the Cubs’ dugout before hitting it. But that hasn’t stopped children and collectors from recreating the play.
“I think every kid that’s played baseball has, you know, swung the bat, pointed at the stands and said, ‘This next one goes over the wall,'” Ivy said.
