The Top 5 Most Expensive Pieces of Sports Memorabilia Ever Sold at Auction

The world of sports is full of legends and iconic moments that have been etched in the memories of fans forever. From Muhammad Ali's "Thrilla in Manila" to Michael Jordan's "Flu Game," sports have the power to captivate, inspire and even change lives. Sports memorabilia is a way for fans to keep a piece of that history with them forever. Collecting sports memorabilia has become a passion for many people, and some items have fetched enormous sums at auction. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold at auction.

 

1 - Babe Ruth's 1920 Jersey

The Babe Ruth 1920 jersey is considered one of the most significant pieces of sports memorabilia in history. This New York Yankees jersey was worn by Ruth during his first season with the team, in which he hit an astonishing 54 home runs. In 2019, the jersey was sold at auction for a whopping $5.64 million, making it the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold.

 

2 - James Naismith's Founding Rules of Basketball

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and its founding rules are priceless. Dr. James Naismith created the game of basketball in 1891, and the original founding rules were sold at auction in 2010 for $4.3 million. The buyer was David Booth, a former University of Chicago basketball player who had donated $300 million to the school's business school

 

 

3 - Babe Ruth's 1923 Bat

Babe Ruth was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and his bats are highly sought after by collectors. In 2004, one of his bats from 1923 was sold at auction for $1.2 million.

The bat was used by Ruth to hit the first home run at the new Yankee Stadium, making it a significant piece of sports history.

 

4 - Jesse Owens' 1936 Gold Medal

Jesse Owens' performance at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Owens won four gold medals, shattering Hitler's notion of Aryan superiority. In 2013, one of his gold medals was sold at auction for $1.47 million.

 

 

5 - Honus Wagner's T206 Baseball Card

The Honus Wagner T206 baseball card is one of the rarest and most sought-after cards in the world. Honus Wagner was a legendary shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his card was only in circulation for a brief period in 1909-1911. In 2016, one of his cards was sold at auction for $3.12 million.

 

 

Conclusion

Sports memorabilia is a way for fans to connect with their favorite athletes and moments in sports history. The items on this list are a testament to the enduring legacy of sports and the passion that fans have for the games they love. While the prices may seem staggering, they reflect the importance of these pieces and the value that they hold for collectors.