'Polo Grounds bat' used by Babe Ruth sells for record price
It's been nearly a century since George Herman Ruth, better known as "The Babe," last picked up a baseball bat in a Major League game. However, artifacts related to the New York Yankees' legend are still in high demand.
This week, a bat used by Ruth during the 1920-21 season sold to a private seller for a record $1.85M, per Hunt Auctions.
Known as the "Polo Grounds bat," this piece of Ruth memorabilia is unique. While plenty of game-used Ruth bats are out there, this one comes with a clear line of ownership and a photo of the "Great Bambino" using it to corroborate its authenticity further.
According to MLB.com, initially, the bat was auctioned off along with others at the Polo Grounds. The original owner received the bat as a gift from their boss many years ago, and it remained in a private collection until now.
Sold for a record price, it tops the previous high of $1.68M, also paid for a Ruth bat.
President of Hunt Auctions, Dave Hunt, said the bat was "as close to a work of art as the medium can allow."
"When holding the 44.6-ounce weapon that Babe once used to pummel baseball into the bleachers at New York's Polo Grounds, it becomes immediately obvious as to the importance of this amazing baseball artifact," Hunt said via MLB.com's Michael Clair. "Equally impressive is the record price established is the enduring legacy that Ruth left for seemingly endless generations of fans who continue to revere his legend — both on and off the baseball field."
Ruth's impact on baseball is immeasurable, but his staying power is perhaps even more impressive. His name is as relevant as ever, and the legend only grows stronger as the years go by.
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