Lou Gehrig's Final Yankees Jersey Sells for $2.7 Million at Christie's Auction

Lou Gehrig's final Yankees jersey, worn during Game 2 of the 1939 World Series as the team's honorary captain after his ALS diagnosis, is set to be auctioned at Christie's in New York with an estimated value of $2 to $4 million. This jersey is part of a larger collection of 174 items from Dr. Goodman Basil 'G.B.' Espy, a prominent collector of American sports and cultural memorabilia who passed away in 2024. Espy acquired the jersey in the early 1990s and it was authenticated through photo analysis, confirming its historical significance as Gehrig's last official Yankees uniform. The auction, named "American Greats," also features other notable items such as Jackie Robinson's Hall of Fame ring, Babe Ruth-signed baseballs, and memorabilia linked to Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, reflecting Espy's lifetime dedication to preserving 20th-century Americana. Experts note that this auction exemplifies the rising prominence and value of sports memorabilia in the collectibles market. Christie’s highlighted the unique story behind the Espy collection, which spans sports, Hollywood, and American history, making it a significant cultural event beyond just the sports world.