A Babe Ruth bat, matched by photo to an exhibition game from 1923, sold for $1,323,000 at auction last weekend, Robert Edward Auctions announced. Here’s what you need to know:
The bat, a Babe Ruth Hillerich & Bradsby signature model, was found to have been used in an October 1923 benefit game in which Ruth hit a home run, the description said.
Graded a GU 10 by PSA/DNA, the uncracked bat is nearly 36 inches long and weighs 41.9 ounces. It shows signature signs of use by Ruth, including a left-barrel contact area and a scored handle.
The sale was not a record for a Ruth-used bat; earlier this year, Hunt Auctions announced a private sale for a bat used by the slugger circa 1920-21 for $1.85 million (a record for any player’s bat). Another Ruth bat sold for $1.68 in August 2022.
How was the bat identified?
PSA/DNA found the model to be dated from the 1922 to 1924 manufacturing period. The company was able to determine that the knob, handle and barrel dimensions of the bat are “easily recognized” as “His Model,” which was later assigned the model number R2, despite the fact that H&B did not assign model numbers to bats during the time period, according to the auction description. Records show Ruth ordered this particular model bat six times during the labeling period, the company said.
Why this sale matters
Despite this not being a record for a Babe Ruth bat, it still passed that magic $1 million mark. And the photo matching was really a bonus to the research already done in verifying it was a Ruth bat.
It’s especially poignant because Ruth hit a home run with this bat (albeit in an October exhibition, but still). It’s not just a nondescript “game used bat” — it’s one he used to do what he’s famous for. So you hold this 100-year-old piece of wood and there’s the specter of a Ruthian blast still attached to it. — Di Fino
What it means for the industry
The advances in verifying the bat will help lessen any fears or wonder about what the bat did in game action. It’s an exciting manner of verification that helps erase $150,000 to 200,000 worth of doubt in prices, maybe? I’d guess similar Ruth bats will hover around this price and maybe a future one — where he hit a home run in an actual game — could be the one to set a record. — Di Fino
Required reading
(Photo of Ruth statue: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
A Babe Ruth bat, believed to have been used in an October 1923 benefit game where Ruth hit a home run, was recently sold at auction for an impressive $1,323,000. The bat, a Babe Ruth Hillerich & Bradsby signature model, was graded a GU 10 by PSA/DNA and exhibits clear signs of use by Ruth. This sale, although not a record for a Ruth-used bat, is significant as it surpassed the million-dollar mark and features photo matching to authenticate its connection to the legendary baseball player.
The bat, measuring nearly 36 inches in length and weighing 41.9 ounces, showcases distinctive characteristics of Ruth’s playing style, including a left-barrel contact area and a scored handle. PSA/DNA, the leading authentication company, identified the bat as belonging to the 1922-1924 manufacturing period. Despite Hillerich & Bradsby not assigning model numbers to bats during that time, the dimensions of the knob, handle, and barrel were recognized as belonging to Ruth’s signature model, later designated as R2. Records indicate that Ruth ordered this specific model bat six times during the labeling period, further supporting its authenticity.
While this sale did not break the record for a Babe Ruth bat, it is still a significant achievement in the sports memorabilia market. The inclusion of photo matching adds an extra layer of verification to the research already conducted to establish its connection to Ruth. The fact that Ruth hit a home run with this bat, even in an exhibition game, adds to its historical significance. Holding this 100-year-old piece of wood evokes the memory of Ruth’s powerful hits and contributes to its allure for collectors and fans alike.
The sale of this bat also has implications for the sports memorabilia industry. The advancements in verifying the bat’s authenticity help alleviate any doubts or uncertainties about its use in actual game action. This exciting method of verification can potentially increase the value of similar Ruth bats by eliminating approximately $150,000 to $200,000 worth of doubt in prices. It is reasonable to expect that similar Ruth bats will continue to command high prices in the market, and perhaps a future sale featuring a bat used by Ruth to hit a home run in an official game could set a new record.
In conclusion, the recent sale of a Babe Ruth bat for $1,323,000 showcases the enduring appeal and value of sports memorabilia. The bat’s connection to a specific game and Ruth’s home run adds to its historical significance. The meticulous authentication process, including photo matching and detailed research, ensures its credibility in the market. This sale not only demonstrates the continued demand for Babe Ruth memorabilia but also highlights the importance of thorough verification methods in establishing the value of sports artifacts. As collectors and fans continue to cherish these pieces of history, the market for sports memorabilia remains vibrant and ever-evolving.
(Photo of Ruth statue: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)