Lou Gehrig’s Final Yankees Jersey Fetches Record $2.7M at Auction

BREAKING NEWS: Lou Gehrig’s iconic jersey from his last appearance at Yankee Stadium has just sold for a staggering $2.712 million at auction, setting a new record for Gehrig memorabilia. The auction, featuring items from Dr. G.B. Espy’s Collection, was conducted by Christie’s and Hunt Auctions.

The jersey, worn during Game 2 of the 1939 World Series, was officially confirmed to be the last home uniform Gehrig donned before his retirement due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This milestone auction reflects the immense value placed on sports history and the emotional connection many fans hold to Gehrig’s legacy.

Gehrig’s health decline began in 1939, where he played only eight games that season before announcing his retirement. His record streak of 2,130 consecutive games was a testament to his remarkable endurance and dedication to the sport. After his diagnosis, Gehrig continued to support the Yankees by delivering lineup cards to umpires, solidifying his legendary status even in his absence from the field.

The jersey was meticulously photo-matched by MeiGray Authenticated to October 5, 1939, marking the final time Gehrig wore a Yankees uniform at home. It was originally preserved by a dry cleaner who recognized its historical significance while cleaning uniforms for the Yankees’ affiliate, the Newark Bears. The cleaner kept the jersey for over 50 years before it was acquired by Espy in 1991 for $115,000.

In this same auction, several other notable items were sold, including a bat likely used by Gehrig during his final World Series in 1938, which fetched $1.197 million, and Jackie Robinson’s Baseball Hall of Fame ring, which sold for $693,000. Both prices include buyer’s premiums.

The sale of Gehrig’s jersey not only highlights his unforgettable impact on baseball but also serves as a poignant reminder of his struggle with ALS, a disease that would later bear his name. Fans and collectors alike are captivated by the emotional weight of such memorabilia, making this auction a historic moment in sports history.

As the auction concludes, the conversation around Gehrig’s legacy continues to flourish. The whereabouts of the jersey worn during his famous “Luckiest Man” speech on July 4, 1939, remain unknown, adding an air of mystery to an already remarkable narrative.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the legacy of Lou Gehrig continues to resonate with fans around the world.