Baseball star Ozzie Smith's 13 Gold Gloves have sold in a single lot for $519,203 to lead a major sports memorabilia auction in the US.
The former St Louis Cardinals shortstop is best remembered for his ability to make great defensive plays, winning the Gold Glove award for his position for 13 consecutive years from 1980 to 1992.
 Ozzie with his lifetime’s work |
The December 2 auction also featured two World Series rings that were given to him by the Cardinals following their victories in 2006 and 2011. They sold for $42,448 and $51,364, respectively, alongside 100 other items Smith had consigned.
"Ozzie Smith was one of the most entertaining and charismatic figures ever to play Major League Baseball," commented Dan Imler, the auction house's managing director, helping to explain the strong showing.
In contrast, Jim Palmer's 1976 Gold Glove sold for a comparatively modest $17,000 earlier this year.
The sale also featured Babe Ruth's circa 1922 New York Yankees sweater, which achieved $250,642, providing a timely reminder that when it comes to baseball memorabilia, the Bambino is in a different league.
The double-knit garment is thought by the auction house to have been "a staple in Ruth's suitcase during his pivotal early years with the Bronx Bombers", further adding to its attraction for collectors.
 Babe Ruth’s double knit sweater made $250,642 |
Ruth's earliest known jersey holds the world record for an item of sports memorabilia, following a $4.4m sale in May.
The earliest known pair of pinstripes worn by Babe Ruth will auction on December 12.
The December 2 sale also featured a 1938-39 Louisville Slugger bat used by the Yankees' Lou Gehrig. It sold for $75,205.
View our sports autographs for sale here.
