$24,1 millions for a jersey?! Babe Ruth’s legendary uniform sets an all-time high

The sports collectibles world made history in 2024. A jersey once worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth sold for a jaw-dropping $24.1 million in an online auction hosted by Heritage Auctions—making it the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold.

A Historic Milestone in Sports Collecting

Known as “The Bambino” and “The Sultan of Swat,” Babe Ruth is widely considered one of the greatest players in baseball history. He transformed the game with his unmatched power and show-stopping home runs. But it was his time with the New York Yankees that turned him into an American icon. That legendary status is a big reason why this jersey broke all records.

The online auction drew global attention from collectors and fans alike. On August 25, 2024, the jersey sold for $24.1 million—nearly doubling the previous record of $12.6 million, set by a rare Mickey Mantle card in 2022. That same year, a Michael Jordan jersey sold for $10.1 million.

A Piece of Baseball Lore

What makes this jersey even more special is the story behind it. Ruth wore it during the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. It’s believed to be the very jersey he had on when he made his legendary “called shot”—pointing to the stands before launching a home run right where he aimed. That iconic moment is still debated, but it’s etched in American sports history—and it’s part of what gives this jersey its mythic value.

From Golf Gift to Record-Breaker

This wasn’t the first time the jersey changed hands. After retiring, Ruth gifted it to a golfing buddy. It’s been sold three times since, including once in 2005 for $940,000. In just a few decades, its value has skyrocketed—showing just how fast the sports memorabilia market has grown.