Tucked away for decades, the bat Babe Ruth told a close friend he'd used to hit his 500th home run will be offered at auction beginning next month. The first player to reach the career milestone, Ruth reached 500 on August 11, 1929, establishing the career benchmark by which all power hitters are measured to this day. According to SCP Auctions, which received the bat … [Read more...]
Editor’s Blog: Babe Ruth Auction Like an Archaeological Expedition
When Hunt Auctions first announced that Babe Ruth's grandchildren had consigned items from his life and times late last year, it seemed like a pretty big deal. Most people wouldn't have been surprised to know his descendants owned a few things, most of which were likely one-of-a-kind. What family wouldn't have a few items from a beloved family relative, especially … [Read more...]
Babe Ruth Jersey Could Challenge Record for Highest Priced Piece of Sports Memorabilia
The Babe Ruth Auction at Yankee Stadium just added a big piece of memorabilia--literally and figuratively. Hunt Auctions, which is hosting the June 15 event, says it will be offering one of the Bambino's road jerseys from the 1928-1930 era that is expected to sell for a seven-figure price. The company says the jersey is “one of a scant handful of authentic Ruth New York … [Read more...]
Babe Ruth Family Members Turn Over Memorabilia for Yankee Stadium Auction
Babe Ruth’s surviving family members have consigned hundreds of items related to his life and career to Hunt Auctions, which will offer them in an auction set for Yankee Stadium on June 15. The collection has largely remained unknown to the general public and includes game-worn cleats, two of Ruth's most important contracts and autographed items. High-end Ruth and … [Read more...]
1937 Heisman Trophy, 1932 Ruth Movie Poster Top Auction
The 1937 Heisman Trophy awarded to Yale halfback Clint Frank sold for $312,000 late last week, topping Heritage Auctions' Fall Catalog Auction. The final price included a 20% buyer's premium. Frank was the third winner of what’s now considered one of sports’ most important individual honors, following Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago and Yale’s Larry … [Read more...]
VIDEO: All-Star Auction in DC Includes Ruth, Presidents
The 2018 All-Star FanFest Auction takes place in Washington, D.C., a city with a baseball history that dates back more than a century. That's why Hunt Auctions is excited to see what might walk in the door during the annual appraisal fair that takes place over several days leading up to the sale (July 16-17). Items that are worthy of being offered in the … [Read more...]
Heritage Auctions’ 2017 Sports Tally: Over $100 Million
Heritage Auctions says it sold more than $100 million worth of sports cards and memorabilia in 2017, setting an industry record. The figure includes more than $63 million in auction revenues with the rest coming from private sales. Heritage recorded six of the top 15 selling sports collectibles sold at public auction in 2017. “We are very proud to be the first … [Read more...]
Previously Unknown Handwritten Babe Ruth Letter Heading to Auction
A newly discovered thank you letter Babe Ruth penned to a Chicago sportswriter in 1923 is about to hit the auction block. Mile High Card Company will offer the letter, written on Ruth’s personalized stationery, as the featured item in its December catalog auction. According to the company’s own research, only three other handwritten Babe Ruth letters are known to … [Read more...]
Babe Ruth’s Will Coming to Auction
He was still a solid player and in the prime of life by today’s standards but after the 1933 baseball season, Babe Ruth decided to get his business affairs in order. At age 38, with a wife and family, he decided to draw up his last will and testament. The document, signed with his full given name and dated the day after Christmas, is coming to auction next … [Read more...]
Babe Ruth Leaf Immortals Includes Relic Cards, Cut Auto
The weekend prior to Opening Day, a new product devoted to the game’s biggest icon will hit the market. 2017 Leaf Immortals Babe Ruth Collection will guarantee at least two Ruth bat relic cards in every box. Set for release March 31, the release is entirely devoted to The Babe with six cards per pack. Each box will include two base cards (no Yankee logos as Leaf doesn’t … [Read more...]