Bidding for a game model Babe Ruth bat dating to the first part of his long career has passed $68,000 in pre-bidding at the annual All-Star Game Auction. Passed down through generations, the bat was originally obtained by a Philadelphia boy who lived directly across the street from Shibe Park in Philadelphia and got to know Ruth and other players.
The live portion of the event takes place the morning of the game, which is being held in Cleveland this year.
Hundreds of historic items are also on the block as well as the collection of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.
It’s a return to Cleveland for Hunt Auctions and some collectors who were there for the National Sports Collectors Convention last summer.
Fox 8 reporter Ed Gallek talked with company president David Hunt, who showed off the Ruth bat and talked about sports memorabilia authenticity.
Bidding is underway here.
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