The only known cap worn by Babe Ruth during his tour of Japan will star as the highlight of Grey Flannel Auctions' December 17 sale.
|
Starting at $50,000, the cap is thought to be a unique example, and was originally sourced from the Ruth family.
In 1934, having left the New York Yankees just a few weeks before, Babe Ruth embarked on his tour of Japan. Almost 500,000 Japanese fans lined the streets as Ruth and his All-American ballplayers rode into Tokyo in the first ever open-top limousine.
The navy blue cap features a US logo on the front, with "Babe Ruth" stitched into the inner lining. It also displays significant wear, suggesting that Ruth wore it for many of the games on the tour.
Also starring is a rare Yankees cap from Joe DiMaggio's days as a rookie with the Murderer's Row. Starting in $25,000, it came "directly off DiMaggio's head", according to the auction house, and has been in the family of the consignor ever since.
November 25 marks the 100th anniversary of Joe DiMaggio's birth. During his career, the Yankees star established an impressive record as he was voted an All-Star in all 13 seasons.
Please sign up to our free newsletter for more exciting news about sports memorabilia auctions.