A jersey worn by the legendary Lou Gehrig during his last outstanding season with the New York Yankees is up for auction and is projected to sell for between $3 million and $4 million. This significant piece of sports memorabilia represents the final year Gehrig played without the debilitating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that ultimately claimed his life in 1941.
In 1937, Gehrig showcased his extraordinary talent, hitting 37 home runs and driving in 159 runs, all while maintaining a remarkable batting average of .351. Notably, he only struck out 49 times throughout the season, a stark contrast to modern players, with last year’s league leader striking out 221 times. The jersey now on the auction block at SCP Auctions features the iconic Yankees pinstripes and the interlocking “NY.”
Proven Authenticity and Historical Significance
SCP Auctions has taken extensive measures to ensure the jersey’s authenticity. They enlisted the expertise of three prominent authenticators: Resolution Photomatching, Sports Investors Authentication, and MeiGray. These organizations utilized photomatching and various verification techniques to confirm that the jersey was indeed worn by Gehrig during his illustrious career.
Unlike today’s players, who often wear multiple jerseys in a single season, Gehrig wore this jersey in several home games throughout 1937. One of the highlighted performances occurred on August 5, when he hit two home runs and achieved five RBIs against the Chicago White Sox. This jersey was also worn during Game 2 of the 1937 World Series, where Gehrig went 1-for-2 with two walks, contributing to the Yankees’ victory over the New York Giants.
The historical relevance of this jersey extends beyond the field; it was also included in the official team portrait for the Yankees in 1937 and is associated with the iconic image used for Gehrig’s plaque in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.
A Legacy Remembered
Gehrig’s career took a tragic turn when he began to experience the early symptoms of ALS, which would eventually lead to his retirement in June 1939. Despite his decline in health, Gehrig remains one of the most revered and formidable hitters in baseball history, having debuted with the Yankees in 1923.
As the auction draws to a close on Saturday, the anticipation surrounding Gehrig’s jersey remains high. This auction not only commemorates a legendary athlete but also highlights the enduring fascination with sports memorabilia and the stories they tell about the athletes who wore them.
