Sports fans' favorite item of memorabilia is signed baseballs, and when they're doodled by both Hall of Fame member Joe DiMaggio and Hollywood's most adored blonde, it's guaranteed to set new records. It was the most expensive autographed ball ever sold in 2006, but the record was beaten in 2012.
An unsigned ball played in a major league game is worth about $10,000 today because there are so few of them around. In fact, only 20 or so remain unsold at any given time. The first official Major League Baseball game was played on April 15, 1846. There are reports that a ball was used in this game, which took place between two teams representing Boston and New York City, but no proof has ever been found.
In any case, it's safe to say the original ball is long gone. This isn't such a problem since balls are replaced during games so as not to offend players who might want to have some "me time" with their friends on social media.
In 1903, John McGraw of the New York Giants made news when he ordered his team to stop using rubber balls because they didn't bounce enough for him. His complaint was that his players were getting too many looks while waiting for the ball to roll out from behind the pitcher's mound. Rubber balls are now used throughout all levels of baseball to provide better action without hurting players' feelings.
Baseball memorabilia from SportsMemorabilia.com allow fans to connect with their favorite team and take home a piece of the action.
There are signed balls for sale that were made decades ago. Vintage balls in good shape from the 1960s, for example, include one autographed by a group including Mickey Mantle, one signed by Hank Aaron and Stan Musial, and another signed by Dodgers great Sandy Koufax.
A Babe Ruth autographed ball in mint condition (white ball), signed on the sweet spot, single signed alone, and an Official American League Baseball with correct authentication may sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. We can get you up to a million bucks for yours. A signed baseball by any other player generally sells for between $5,000 and $20,000.
The price of a signed baseball has increased dramatically over the past decade - especially one signed by famous players such as Ruth or Joe DiMaggio. In fact, some people say that if you have a chance to buy a signed baseball, do it because they expect the value to keep rising.
Ruth's widow sold his personal belongings after he died in 1948; including his car, house, and even his own baseball shoes. She made about $50,000 from the sale of these items (including the baseball).
Today, collectors pay millions of dollars for rare baseballs signed by all-time greats like Ruth or DiMaggio. Other famous balls worth large amounts include a ball used by Barry Bonds to record his 70th home run game, and a ball hit by Ted Williams to break the 100-mph barrier.
Hall of Fame for Baseball The most expensive signed baseball ever sold at auction for $632,369 in 2018 features the autographs of 11 early baseball greats, including Ruth, Ty Cobb, Connie Mack, and Honus Wagner—the only living members of the Hall of Fame's inaugural 25 entrants when it began in 1939. The signature on the ball is by Babe Ruth.
Babe Ruth's Legacy There are many things associated with the New York Yankees that bear his name today, from stadium seats to beer cans to television shows. But no item or institution is more important than the legend of "Babe" Ruth. From the time he stepped onto a major league field in 1916 through the end of his career in 1935, Ruth dominated both offensively and defensively, setting records that still stand today. He was an eight-time MVP, a three-time Triple Crown winner, and a member of the All-Star team 10 times. In the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs, Ruth helped lead the Yankees to their first world title by hitting three home runs in a single game (which is still a World Series record). After his retirement, Ruth continued to have an impact on baseball through the media he created. Today, he is considered the greatest hitter in baseball history.
Babe Ruth's Life At age 19, Ruth joined the Baltimore Orioles but was traded to the Boston Red Sox after one season.
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