With a rich history that stretches back to the 19th century, baseball is one of the most popular sports in the country. Memorabilia and artifacts related to the game and its renowned players captivate a lot of fans and collectors. The baseball bat, an indispensable piece of equipment for batters, is one of the most sought-after objects. It often has significant sentimental and historical importance.
There have been baseball bats that have gone up for astronomical prices at auction, setting records and garnering media attention. These bats have a fascinating history and are typically linked to some of the best players of all time, like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Joe DiMaggio.
Babe Ruth’s Polo Grounds Bat – $1.85 Million
A staggering $1.85 million was paid for Babe Ruth’s Polo Grounds bat in 2020, making it the most expensive baseball bat ever to be sold at auction. Ruth used this bat in 1923 to smash the opening home run at the brand-new Yankee Stadium, popularly referred to as “The House That Ruth Built.” Ruth used the bat in several additional games that season, including a memorable game at the Polo Grounds against the rival New York Giants in which he hit three home runs in one contest.
A staggering $1.85 million was paid for Babe Ruth’s Polo Grounds bat in 2020, making it the most expensive baseball bat ever to be sold at auction. Ruth used this bat in 1923 to smash the opening home run at the brand-new Yankee Stadium, popularly referred to as “The House That Ruth Built.” Ruth used the bat in several additional games that season, including a memorable game at the Polo Grounds against the rival New York Giants in which he hit three home runs in one contest.
Babe Ruth’s First Home Run Bat – $1.26 Million
The bat that Babe Ruth used to hit his first home run in the major leagues in 1915 is another item that created history at auction. Ruth was a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox when she was just 20 years old. On May 6, 1915, at the Polo Grounds, he hit his first home run against the New York Yankees. Joe Wood, a teammate, gave him the bat as a gift and wrote, “To Babe Ruth, From Joe Wood,” on the barrel.
The bat weighs 47 ounces and is 36 inches long, manufactured of hickory wood. Ruth’s name, the term “Red Sox,” and the model number “40 BR” are all imprinted on it. The bat received a grade of GU 9.5, the second-highest attainable for a game-used bat, after being verified by PSA/DNA. The private collector who purchased the bat from Sotheby’s in 2004 then sold it to another collector in 2012.
Ty Cobb’s Game-Used Bat – $1.1 Million
As one of the all-time great hitters and runners-up in baseball history, Ty Cobb is highly sought-after in the world of baseball collectibles, and his game-used bat is no exception. In 1919, Cobb led the American League in hits, runs, stolen bases, and hitting average while using this bat. In 1920, he used the same bat and achieved his career-high single-season average of.401.
The bat weighs forty ounces and is 34.5 inches long. It is constructed of ash wood. Cobb’s name, the word Detroit, and the model number “40 TC” are all imprinted on it. The bat features a deep cleat imprint on the barrel, a black finish, and a spiral tape grip. Following PSA/DNA verification, the bat received the highest grade available for a game-used bat, GU 10. An unidentified bidder purchased the bat from SCP Auctions in 2021 and expressed his happiness at “owning such a rare and important piece of baseball history.”
Lou Gehrig’s Bat – $1.025 Million
One of the most adored and revered players in baseball history, Lou Gehrig’s bat serves as a testament to his bravery and brilliance. In 1938, Gehrig utilized this particular bat during his final season before receiving a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a deadly illness that would subsequently bear his name. Despite the illness, he had a.295 batting average that season with 29 home runs and 114 RBIs.
The bat weighs 37 ounces and is 35 inches long. It is constructed of ash wood. It is imprinted with Gehrig’s name, the word “Yankees,” and the model number “40 LG.” Gehrig himself repaired the bat, which has a cracked handle and a natural finish. The bat received a grade of GU 9, which is the third-highest attainable for a bat used in a game, after being verified by PSA/DNA. An unnamed buyer who declared himself “honored to own such a historic and sentimental piece of baseball history” purchased the bat from Heritage Auctions in 2017.
‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson’s Bat – $956,000
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s bat serves as a constant reminder of his talent and legacy. He is among the most contentious and tragic personalities in baseball history. In 1911, Jackson’s first season with the Cleveland Naps, he used this bat. In that season, he had the second-highest batting average ever for a rookie, hitting 408 with seven home runs and 83 RBIs. In 1912, he batted 395 with three home runs and ninety RBIs while using the same bat.
The bat weighs 48 ounces and is 35 inches long, manufactured of hickory wood. It is imprinted with Jackson’s name, the word Cleveland, and the model number “40 JJ.” The bat features a natural finish and a personally fixed, cracked barrel by Jackson. The bat received a grade of GU 9, which is the third-highest attainable for a bat used in a game, after being verified by PSA/DNA. An unidentified bidder who claimed to be “proud to own such a rare and historic piece of baseball history” purchased the bat from Christie’s in 2014.
Jackie Robinson’s Bat – $478,000
Jackie Robinson’s bat is a monument to his bravery and skill. He is one of the most inspirational and important players in baseball history. It was with this bat that Robinson won the 1949 National League MVP award, making him the first African American to do so. That season, he slugged 342 with 16 home runs and 124 RBIs, helping the Brooklyn Dodgers win the pennant. In 1950, he batted 328 with 14 home runs and 81 RBIs while also utilising this bat.
The bat weighs 35 ounces and is 34.5 inches long. It is constructed of ash wood. It is imprinted with Robinson’s name, the phrase “Dodgers,” and the model number “40 JR.” The Dodgers’ equipment manager fixed the bat’s handle and gave it a natural finish. The bat received a grade of GU 9, which is the third-highest attainable for a bat used in a game, after being verified by PSA/DNA. An unidentified buyer who purchased the bat from Heritage Auctions in 2016 expressed his gratitude for being “honored to own such a historic and significant piece of baseball history.”
Conclusion
In addition to being equipment used in play, baseball bats are also relics from the sport’s past and present. Given their scarcity, quality, and importance, several baseball bats have fetched outrageous sums of money when sold at auction. Many of the all-time greats who have made an impact on the game and the fans are typically associated with these bats. The stories and recollections of the legendary people who swung these bats make them not just valuable but also priceless.
FAQs
- Why are game-used bats more expensive? Game-used bats connect directly to a specific player and a particular game or achievement.
- Can I find expensive baseball bats online? Yes, reputable auction houses and memorabilia websites sometimes sell game-used bats, though verification of authenticity is crucial.
- What factors affect the price of a baseball bat? The player who used it, the bat’s condition, and its historical significance all influence the price.
- Are there replicas of these expensive bats available? Yes, replica bats of famous players can be a more affordable option for collectors.
- How can I ensure the authenticity of a baseball bat? Look for bats with certificates of authenticity from reputable organizations specializing in sports memorabilia.
