Old—and new—Yankees memorabilia drew the big bids for Steiner Auctions early Sunday morning. Lou Gehrig’s 1925 Yankees contract, signed by the Hall of Fame slugger, was the marquee item, reaching $197,287. A signed Yankees payroll check issued that season to Gehrig sold for $45,353.
The 21-year-old Gehrig was about to start his first full season with the Yankees when he signed the contract “H.L. Gehrig”. It’s stamped on April 16, 1925, the day of the Yankees’ third game of the season. It also included a signature of Jacob Ruppert that was executed by Ed Barrow, Yankees president at the time, a common business practice as it related to contracts in that era.
Gehrig would begin his streak of playing in 2,130 consecutive games on June 1 when he took over at first base for Wally Pipp.
Those who prefer modern day stars chased after the uniform Aaron Judge wore on September 30 when he broke Babe Ruth’s 96-year record for most home runs at Yankee Stadium. When the dust settled, the number 99 pinstripes had soared to $90,677. A second Judge jersey, worn in April during his first multi-homer game, sold for $21,670.
The Hockey Hall of Fame induction ring presented to legendary coach Herb Brooks sold for $18,375.
More than $1.25 million was bid on 952 pieces of memorabilia offered in the auction, which began late last month. Other items sold included:
*Michael Jordan Game-Used Chicago Bulls Home Jersey: $41,230
*2013 Boston Red Sox Championship Ring (Wilton Vera): $41,230
*1940s-90s Yankee Stadium Club Signed Guest Book with Over 1,000 Signatures Including Ruth: $28,888
*Official American League baseball signed by Babe Ruth inscribed to “Troop 6 Larchmont Boy Scouts from Babe Ruth” $9,093.
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