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This summer, one of baseball's most storied artifacts, the jersey Babe Ruth purportedly wore during his legendary "called shot" in the 1932 World Series, is slated to hit the auction block at Heritage Auctions. With an estimated value of $30 million, this gray road flannel could become the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold.

The jersey's origins trace back to a game nearly 92 years ago at Wrigley Field, where Ruth allegedly predicted his home run against the Chicago Cubs. This moment has since morphed into one of baseball's most enduring tales, shrouded in mystery and debate. The authenticity of Ruth wearing this jersey during that iconic game has been supported by photo matching from two different companies, enhancing its allure and potential value.

Previously sold in 2005 by Grey Flannel Auctions for $944,000, the jersey was initially consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s golfing companions. Since then, it has undergone conservation work by the Textile Conservation Workshop to repair a tear while preserving its original condition. The jersey perfectly matches the style the Yankees wore in 1932, further solidifying its historical significance.

Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, highlighted the jersey's unparalleled significance in sports memorabilia: “Ruth’s World Series jersey is the most significant piece of American sports memorabilia to be offered at auction in decades. It will hold the record as the most expensive sports collectible ever to cross the auction block.”

Currently, the record for the most expensive sports collectible is held by a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, which sold for $12.6 million in 2022, also at Heritage Auctions. The highest amount ever paid for a Ruth jersey is $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, sold through Hunt Auctions at Yankee Stadium in 2019.

The provenance and unique characteristics of Ruth’s "called shot" jersey, such as the placement of buttons and specific stains, have been meticulously analyzed. These details have been crucial for authenticators like MeiGray, who consider each game-worn jersey as distinct as a fingerprint. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that bidders have visual evidence backing the jersey’s claim to fame.

Ruth's home run remains a pivotal moment in baseball history, not just for its dramatic flair but also for the legend it spawned. Despite varying accounts of the event, Ruth's bravado and performance that day only added to his lore. The jersey will be displayed at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer, ahead of the auction set for August 23-25.

This auction not only celebrates a key piece of sports history but also underscores the growing market for high-value sports memorabilia, attracting collectors and enthusiasts eager to own a piece of baseball folklore.