A crucial piece of baseball history just got a whole lot more expensive.
According to MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa, the Lou Gehrig Yankees jersey that was worn during his final appearance at Yankee Stadium sold for $2.712 million at auction. That’s a huge number on its own, but this is also the highest price ever paid for a piece of Lou Gehrig memorabilia.
While seeing a piece of baseball history sell for millions of dollars is always a shock to the system, this isn’t overly surprising, right? We’re talking about one of the greatest players ever, who prematurely ended his career in heartbreaking fashion.
Editor’s Note: Looking to Sell Sports Cards? Here’s How to Do It Quickly & Easily
The Lou Gehrig Yankees Jersey That Made History
Gehrig last appeared in uniform at Yankee Stadium on October 5, 1939, during World Series Game 2 against the Cincinnati Reds (New York eventually swept Cincy).
One of The Iron Horse’s most iconic moments is when he proclaimed he was “the luckiest man on the face of the earth” during a speech in the Bronx on July 4, 1939. That’s when he announced his retirement due to having ALS.
While Gehrig didn’t play in a game for the Yankees beyond April 30 that year and his consecutive games streak of 2,130 was long gone, he still at least suited up to be with the squad during another Fall Classic triumph.
This jersey is a tangible connection to one of baseball’s most poignant moments. The fact that it fetched $2.712 million tells you everything you need to know about Gehrig’s legacy and the emotional weight this uniform carries.
Other Gehrig Treasures That Have Commanded Premium Prices
This record-breaking sale puts Gehrig memorabilia in elite territory, but it’s not the first time collectors have opened their wallets wide for items connected to him.
The market for high-quality Gehrig memorabilia has been consistently strong, which isn’t at all surprising given his on-field career and overall legacy within the game. Signed baseballs, game-used bats, and personal items have regularly fetched six-figure sums.
Anything authentically connected to Gehrig’s playing days – especially anything from his final season – carries a ton of value. But this jersey sale sets a completely new benchmark.
What About Lou Gehrig’s Baseball Cards?
Lou Gehrig cards are monster pieces in the hobby, but they don’t quite reach the heights of a T206 Honus Wagner or the rarest Babe Ruth cards.
Gehrig’s most iconic card is his 1933 Goudey #92, which typically sells for anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on condition. Gem mint examples could potentially reach into six figures. His 1933 Goudey #160 (yes, he appears twice in that set) commands similar prices. The 1934 Goudey #37 and his appearances in the 1939 Play Ball set are all considered holy grail cards for serious collectors.
The fact that a single jersey can sell for nearly $3 million while even his best cards top out well below shows us that game-worn items from Gehrig’s career with historical significance are the ultimate collectibles. These pieces rarely come to market, and when they do, serious collectors/investors know they might never get another chance.
Gehrig Is One of Baseball’s Greatest ‘What If’ Scenarios
It’s always worth our time to marvel at just how incredible Lou Gehrig was on the diamond.
The man was a force – across a 17-year career, he hit .340 with 493 home runs and 1995 RBI. He won two MVP Awards, one Triple Crown, and seven World Series titles. Gehrig was also the anchor of arguably the greatest dynasty in baseball history. His record of playing in 2,130 straight games stood for 56 years before Cal Ripken Jr. broke it.
But the most heartbreaking part of his story is also the most obvious. Gehrig died at just 37 years old due to complications with ALS. He was forced to retire at 36 despite being on the cusp of many milestones, like the 500-homer and 2,000-RBI clubs. And more importantly, he was also robbed of enjoying life after his baseball career ended.
That’s what makes this jersey sale so significant. It’s not just about owning a piece of sports history. This is about preserving the memory of a player whose greatness was cut tragically short.
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