UPDATE: A historic piece of baseball memorabilia just shattered records! Lou Gehrig’s final Yankees home jersey has sold for an astonishing $2.712 million at auction, marking the highest price ever paid for an item associated with the legendary player.
This groundbreaking sale took place as part of an auction organized by Christie’s and Hunt Auctions, featuring items from the collection of Dr. G.B. Espy. The jersey, worn during Game 2 of the 1939 World Series, was photo-matched by MeiGray Authenticated to October 5, 1939, the last time Gehrig donned a Yankees uniform at home.
The urgency of this auction resonates deeply with baseball fans and collectors worldwide. Gehrig, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1939—later known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—played only eight games that season before retiring. His iconic streak of 2,130 consecutive games ended, yet he remained with the Yankees, serving as a beloved figure even in his final days.
The jersey’s journey is equally remarkable. Originally preserved by a dry cleaner tasked with cleaning Yankees uniforms for the Newark Bears, the cleaner recognized the significance of Gehrig’s last home jersey and kept it for over 50 years. It was later purchased by Dr. Espy in 1991 for $115,000, a fraction of its current record sale price.
“The jersey had been originally preserved by a dry cleaner who was tasked with cleaning the uniforms for the Yankees’ affiliate Newark Bears,” the lot description reads.
Notably, this is not the same jersey Gehrig wore during his emotional “Luckiest Man” speech on July 4, 1939. The current whereabouts of that iconic jersey remain unknown, adding to the mystique surrounding Gehrig’s legacy.
In addition to Gehrig’s jersey, the auction featured other historic memorabilia, including a bat likely used during Gehrig’s final World Series in 1938, which sold for $1.197 million, and Jackie Robinson’s Baseball Hall of Fame ring, fetching $693,000. Both prices included a buyer’s premium, illustrating the fierce competition among collectors for these pieces of history.
The emotional weight of this jersey sale cannot be overstated. It symbolizes not just Gehrig’s extraordinary career but also the impact of his battle with ALS, which continues to resonate today. As fans reflect on his legacy, this auction serves as a poignant reminder of the “Iron Horse” and his indomitable spirit.
The historical significance of this auction is monumental, and it sets a new benchmark for sports memorabilia. Collectors and fans alike will be watching closely for what comes next in the world of sports auctions, as this sale has undoubtedly changed the landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as we track the latest developments in sports history and memorabilia sales!