The iconic home jersey worn by baseball legend Lou Gehrig during his last season unaffected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is set to be auctioned, with expectations of selling for between $3 million and $4 million. The auction, conducted by SCP Auctions, showcases a piece of sports history from 1937, the year Gehrig delivered outstanding performance before his health declined.
Gehrig, known as “The Iron Horse,” had a remarkable season in 1937, hitting 37 home runs and driving in 159 runs, all while maintaining an impressive batting average of .351. Notably, he struck out only 49 times throughout the season, a stark contrast to modern players, exemplified by the league leader in strikeouts last year, who struck out 221 times.
The jersey, featuring the Yankees’ iconic pinstripes and interlocking NY logo, was worn by Gehrig during several home games, including a memorable match on August 5, 1937, where he hit two home runs and had five RBIs against the Chicago White Sox. Additionally, he donned the jersey during Game 2 of the 1937 World Series, contributing to the Yankees’ victory over the New York Giants.
To ensure the authenticity of the jersey, SCP Auctions enlisted the expertise of three leading authentication firms: Resolution Photomatching, Sports Investors Authentication, and MeiGray. These organizations utilized photomatching and other verification methods to confirm the jersey’s provenance. Unlike today’s players, who often wear multiple jerseys in a season, Gehrig’s jersey was worn repeatedly throughout that year, making it a rare collectible.
The jersey also holds sentimental value as it was used in the official 1937 team portrait and featured in the famous image that inspired Gehrig’s plaque in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees triumphed in the 1937 World Series against the Giants, marking another highlight in Gehrig’s illustrious career.
Gehrig returned to play in 1938, but signs of ALS were beginning to affect his performance. He retired in June 1939, just a couple of years after his remarkable season, and passed away in 1941. Even now, more than a century after his debut with the Yankees in 1923, Gehrig remains one of baseball’s most celebrated hitters.
The auction for this historical piece of memorabilia will conclude on Saturday, offering collectors and fans alike a chance to own a significant artifact from the game’s storied past.
