For Yankees fans, the 2024 World Series was a painful chapter, with Aaron Judge’s dropped fly ball in Game 5 standing out as a particularly gut-wrenching moment. However, for one collector, that infamous piece of baseball history was worth a hefty price tag.
The ball Judge mishandled during the pivotal game sold for $43,510 at an auction hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. Despite the heartbreak it represents for Yankees fans, the artifact has found a new home as a keepsake for someone eager to own a slice of baseball lore.
The play itself was a nightmare for the Yankees, who had high hopes of ending their 15-year World Series drought. Judge’s misplay of Tommy Edman’s fly ball sparked a cascade of errors that allowed the Dodgers to score three runs, erasing a five-run deficit. The Dodgers capitalized on the momentum, securing the win in Game 5 and ultimately clinching the World Series title.
While most Yankees fans would prefer to forget the game entirely, someone was willing to pay top dollar to memorialize the moment.
The auction gained significant traction on its final day. Bids for the ball sat at $17,000 entering Thursday but skyrocketed during the closing hours, reflecting its unique place in World Series history.
Whether it’s a celebration of Dodgers triumph or a somber token of Yankees misfortune, the ball now stands as a tangible reminder of one of the most dramatic plays of the 2024 season. For $43,510, the buyer ensured that moment won’t be forgotten anytime soon.