The only known cap worn by Babe Ruth on his 1934 Tour of Japan has sold with top results at Grey Flannel Auctions' December 18 online sale.
 A unique piece of Babe Ruth memorabilia with strong provenance, the cap saw competitive bids |
The cap held a minimum bid of $50,000, but soared to an impressive $303,277 thanks to its rarity and provenance from the Ruth family, from whom it was sourced more than 30 years ago.
"Nearly half a million Japanese fans lined the streets of Tokyo to view the team motorcade and welcome Babe Ruth, who rode through the Ginza district in an open-top limousine. The tour was a major news event and received press coverage worldwide," said Richard E Russek, president of Grey Flannel Auctions.
Also selling was a game-worn cap from Joe DiMaggio's rookie season in 1937. Given to a fan directly after the game by DiMaggio, it sold for $151,652.
A baseball signed by all members of the 1932 New York Yankees, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and nine future Hall of Famers, sold for $115,242.
1932 saw one of the strongest line-ups for the Yankees, who managed a 107-47 regular season record and swept the Chicago Cubs for another World Championship. It was during Game 3 of the World Series that Babe Ruth famously called his shot.
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