BREAKING: Lou Gehrig’s iconic jersey from his final Yankees home game has shattered auction records, selling for an astonishing $2.712 million. The auction, conducted by Christie’s and Hunt Auctions, highlights the enduring legacy of the baseball legend, whose memorabilia continues to draw intense interest.
The remarkable jersey, worn during Game 2 of the 1939 World Series, was sold as part of Dr. G.B. Espy’s prestigious collection. This transaction marks the highest price ever paid for a piece of Gehrig memorabilia, showcasing the deep emotional connection fans still hold for the athlete.
Gehrig, diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1939, played only eight games that season before retiring. His streak of 2,130 consecutive games ended, but he remained a beloved figure in the Yankees organization, continuing to engage with the team until his passing on June 2, 1941.
The jersey was confirmed to have been worn by Gehrig on October 5, 1939, the last time he donned a Yankees uniform at home. MeiGray Authenticated provided the photo-match verification, adding to the item’s historical significance.
According to the auction description, the jersey was preserved by a dry cleaner who recognized its importance. The cleaner had been tasked with cleaning uniforms for the Newark Bears, the Yankees’ affiliate. “Noticing that Lou Gehrig’s jersey was among those headed for Minor League use, the cleaner coveted the final home shirt worn by the Iron Horse and retained it for over 50 years,” the description reads.
Dr. Espy, a pioneer in sports memorabilia collection, purchased the jersey in 1991 for just $115,000. This substantial appreciation in value reflects the item’s significance in sports history. Notably, this is not the jersey Gehrig wore during his famous “Luckiest Man” speech on July 4, 1939; the whereabouts of that iconic piece remain unknown.
The auction also featured other notable items, including a bat likely used by Gehrig during his final World Series, which sold for $1.197 million, and Jackie Robinson’s Baseball Hall of Fame ring, which fetched $693,000. Both prices include a buyer’s premium, underscoring the lucrative nature of sports memorabilia.
As collectors and fans continue to seek connections to their favorite athletes, the sale of Gehrig’s jersey not only reflects the nostalgia surrounding his legacy but also serves as a powerful reminder of his impact on the game and the ongoing battle against ALS.
Stay tuned for more updates on this record-breaking auction and what it means for the future of sports memorabilia.
