Press Release
For Immediate release!
SIGNED BASEBALL COMMEMORATES JOE DIMAGGIO & MARILYN MONROE'S BRIEF MARRIAGE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COLLECTION SET TO SAIL ON CUNARD’S FLAGSHIP QUEEN MARY 2 – DEPARTS NEW YORK ON SEPTEMBER 15 AND ARRIVES IN SOUTHAMPTON ON SEPTEMBER 22
SPORTS UNIFORMS WITH STORIES TO TELL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Los Angeles, California – (July 25, 2019) – What makes a cotton baseball uniform worth $500,000? The answer is that the Brooklyn Dodgers coaching uniform was worn by Babe Ruth, America’s baseball hero. For baseball fans, this uniform is the equivalent of the Holy Grail.
This Babe Ruth uniform is the top item in a stunning 350 piece private collection amassed over 30 years and it will all be offered by Julien’s Auctions, the world record breaking auction house specializing in Sports, Hollywood, Rock ‘N’ Roll, Contemporary Art, and more.
The Babe Ruth Brooklyn Dodgers coaching uniform was worn by him during the 1938 season and it is without doubt one of the top highlights in the sale. Recently, a Babe Ruth New York Yankees road jersey dating from 1928-30 sold for $5.64 million, breaking the record for the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold. The market for celebrity sports items is one of the fastest growing alternative investment sectors in the auction world.
Babe Ruth was known to many as the “Sultan of Swat” and “The Great Bambino”. Babe Ruth – quite arguably the greatest baseball player of all time – earned himself a plethora of nicknames. Debuting in 1914 for the Boston Red Sox, Ruth was a pitcher more than a hitter early on his career. From 1914 to 1919, as a member of the Red Sox, Babe Ruth started 143 games and compiled a record of 89-46 with an earned run average of 2.19, which ranks 5th all-time in Red Sox history. Ruth joined the Brooklyn Dodgers as a first base coach in June of 1938. It was his final official major league appearance. The uniform for sale with Julien’s is estimated to sell for $300,000-500,000.
Julien’s Auctions has announced its highly anticipated Sports auction event to take place on Thursday, 14th November, 2019 at The Standard Oil Building in Beverly Hills and live online at juliensauctions.com. In the multi-volume catalogue set, you will find a lifetime of fantastical and diverse items: Sports Memorabilia, Hollywood Memorabilia, Marilyn Monroe Memorabilia, and more.
In addition, Julien’s Auctions and luxury ocean liner company Cunard will bring this sports collection to the high seas in an exclusive auction exhibition aboard flagship Queen Mary 2 in a voyage departing New York on September 15 and arriving in Southampton on September 22.
On this Transatlantic Crossing, guests will enjoy:
- A daily, rotating exhibit with highlights from the collection
- Exclusive opportunity to bid on choice items in advance of the November general auction
- Q&A with Brett Hughes of Julien’s Auctions and Collector Dr. Goodman Espy
There are many other exciting and historically significant items in this sale, including a unique baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe, who were briefly married for nine months in 1954-55. 
The marriage was full of unhappiness, tears, and general strife. However, once they divorced, their relationship was far from over, with Joe still trying to win her back. It seems Marilyn was deeply in love with Joe, even though her feelings most likely stemmed from her own tumultuous past and need for a figure like him in her life. The ball that commemorates the brief union of one of sport's brightest stars with Hollywood’s most glamorous actress is estimated to sell for $100,000-$200,000.
The Julien’s sale also features five Babe Ruth single signed baseballs, of which two are in near perfect condition; these are estimated to sell for $40,000 to $60,000 each. Besides celebrity baseball memorabilia the sale also includes many sports trophies from boxing and football to Olympic gold medals.
A pair of Muhammad Ali boxing shorts from 1980 with a handwritten message reads: “Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth” – these are estimated to sell for $20,000-40,000.
Brett Hughes, Managing Director of Global Sports for Julien’s Auctions, says: “This sports celebrity market is one of the fastest growing areas of alternative investment collectibles; their value just keeps on growing. This particular collection from Dr. Goodman Basil Espy is comprised of carefully chosen items not seen on the market for three decades. These items represent the dreams and ambitions of the sportsmen who captured the hearts of millions. To own any of these items will doubtless be a dream come true for the lucky buyers. For true fans, the value of each lot is beyond price and will become a family heirloom.”
More highlights include…
CHARLIE GEHRINGER 1934 U.S. TOUR OF JAPAN JERSEY
A grey flannel jersey worn by Charlie Gehringer during the 1934 U.S. tour of Japan. The Tour was an essential and vital aspect of baseball’s growth in Japan. In November and December of 1934, the “All Americans” – an all-star like team composed of American League players of Major League Baseball – made their way to Japan as part of a 12-city tour. The team included Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Jimmie Foxx, Charlie Gehringer, and Babe Ruth. This was the sixth time that American baseball players had toured Japan, but it was the first time they had the opportunity to face professional Japanese ballplayers. Before heading to Japan, Gehringer had been selected as a member of the MLB All-Star Games for the 1933 and 1934 seasons (Inaugural All-Star Game in 1933), had finished second in Most Valuable Player voting in 1934, and had led the Detroit Tigers to the 1934 World Series.
Estimate: $100,000-200,000
MICKEY MANTLE 1960 GAME WORN NEW YORK YANKEES JERSEY
Mantle, nicknamed "The Commerce Comet", was one of the most illustrious, powerful, and decorated players of all time. Debuting in 1951 for the historic and dynamic New York Yankees, a franchise that had just won back-to-back World Series Championships in 1949 and 1950, Mantle began his career playing right field. 
In Game 2 of the 1951 World Series, Mantle sustained a right knee injury that plagued the rest of his career while chasing a Willie Mays fly ball that was eventually caught by teammate Joe DiMaggio. Touted and tabbed as the next Yankee great, Mantle was promoted full-time starter at center field in 1952, while replacing all-time great Joe DiMaggio. Mantle went on to be a 20-time Major League All-Star, 7-time World Series Champion, 3-time AL Most Valuable Player, 4-time AL home run leader, Triple Crown winner in 1956, and part of baseball’s All-Century Team. Mantle is the all-time World Series leader in a number of categories, including home runs, runs batted in, total bases, and walks.
Upon being called up to the Majors in 1951, Mickey Mantle was assigned the #6 due to the expectation that he would be the next Yankee great. He would be following in the footsteps of Babe Ruth (#3), Lou Gehrig (#4), and Joe DiMaggio (#5). After being sent back down to the Minors and being called back up, he had changed his number to #7.
Estimate: $60,000-80,000
LOU GEHRIG'S 1933 SIGNED MAJOR LEAGUE CONTRACT
A contract agreement between Henry Louis Gehrig and the American League Baseball Club of New York for the 1933 season. The contract is signed by club President Jacob Ruppert and Gehrig with his legal signature Henry Louis Gehrig. Additionally signed as witness to the event, E.G. Barrow, Yankee's General Manager, dated March 10, 1933. The contract states the Yankees will pay Gehrig $23,000 in semi-monthly installments for that year. The contract was approved by the American League President as signed William Harridge and stamped April 12, 1933. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from JSA and certificate of authenticity from Thomas R. Andrews.
Estimate: $80,000-120,000
LOU GEHRIG 1934 SIGNED GOUDEY CARD #61
A 1934 Goudey Lou Gehrig card #61 signed in black ink. This is the second of the two Gehrig entries in the 1934 Goudey issue, both of which are considered the tops in the hobby. Accompanied by a COA.
Estimate: $30,000-60,000
CASEY STENGEL 1962 NEW YORK METS COACHING JERSEY
The pinstriped home jersey features "Mets" arching across the chest in blue and orange lettering, and number "37" to the back. Stengel established himself as a staple of Major League Baseball throughout the latter years of his career as a manager. Stengel’s playing career spanned from 1912 to 1925, as he donned the jersey of five historic franchises, including the Brooklyn Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Giants (San Francisco Giants), and Boston Braves (Atlanta Braves). Hobbled by injuries, his playing career was cut short, but he was able to be part of two World Series Championships with the New York Giants (San Francisco Giants). Stengel became the first man in Major League Baseball to have his jersey retired by two organizations solely based on managerial accomplishments. Stengel’s #37 was retired by the New York Mets in 1967 and by the New York Yankees in 1970. Stengel was voted “Greatest Living Manager” in 1969, which also marked the centennial of Major League Baseball and had a total of 12th all-time in managerial wins.
Estimate: $40,000-60,000
HANK AARON 1974 ATLANTA BRAVES JERSEY
Hank Aaron began his career playing for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro League in 1952, but he was soon brought into the Braves organization midway through 1952. The greatest home run hitter in the 20th century, and currently ranking second all time, only behind Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron displayed extraordinary power throughout his 23-year professional career. One of the most accomplished athletes in sports, Aaron, also famously known as “Hammerin’ Hank”, holds the record for most seasons as an All-Star and most All-Star Game selections. Aaron ranks first in a variety of Major League Baseball categories, including leading in most career runs batted in with 2,297, extra base hits with 1,447, and total bases with 6,856. He ranks third in most hits all time, third in career games played, and fourth in most runs scored all time. Aaron spent the majority of his career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, from 1954 to 1974. After the 1965 season, the Milwaukee Braves relocated to Atlanta. His #44 jersey was retired by the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Currently, Aaron is serving as the senior Vice President of the Atlanta Braves.
Estimate: $60,000-80,000
HANK AARON 1974 ATLANTA BRAVES JERSEY
Hank Aaron began his career playing for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro League in 1952, but he was soon brought into the Braves organization midway through 1952. The greatest home run hitter in the 20th century, and currently ranking second all time, only behind Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron displayed extraordinary power throughout his 23-year professional career. One of the most accomplished athletes in sports, Aaron, also famously known as “Hammerin’ Hank”, holds the record for most seasons as an All-Star and most All-Star Game selections. Aaron ranks first in a variety of Major League Baseball categories, including leading in most career runs batted in with 2,297, extra base hits with 1,447, and total bases with 6,856. He ranks third in most hits all time, third in career games played, and fourth in most runs scored all time. Aaron spent the majority of his career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, from 1954 to 1974. After the 1965 season, the Milwaukee Braves relocated to Atlanta. His #44 jersey was retired by the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Currently, Aaron is serving as the senior Vice President of the Atlanta Braves.
Estimate: $60,000-80,000
A special exhibition in the U.S. for the public to view highlighted items prior to the auction will be held at The Standard Oil in Beverly Hills November 11th – November 13th, 2019.
For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.
Cunard
Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2 ®, Queen Victoria ® and Queen Elizabeth ®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic services between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2018, 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best Service,' 'Best Onboard Enrichment' and 'Best World Cruise' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2018 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.
Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline/cunard
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline
Media Assets
Cunard photography is available online at
https://cunard.assetbank-server.com
Email: press@cunard.com
Password: Cunard1
For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard, 661-753-1035, jchase@cunard.com
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group,
212-251-1015, maria@mgamediagroup.com
JULIEN'S AUCTIONS PUBLIC EXHIBITION & LIVE AUCTION LOCATION
Julien's Auctions
257 N. Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Monday, November 11th - Wednesday, November 13th
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Free to the public
JULIEN'S AUCTIONS LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION
A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN’S COLLECTION:
THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF GOODMAN BASIL ESPY III, M.D.
Thursday, November 14th, 2019
Session I: 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Session II: 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time
For inquiries, please email
info@juliensauctions.com or call 310-836-1818.
For hi res images at 300 dpi (and above), please email requests to: info@juliensauctions.com
For Inquiries, Please Email info@juliensauctions.com or Call 310-836-1818.
Register to bid
LIVE AUCTIONS
Registration is required to bid in this live auction and can be done online before the sale at the JuliensAuctions.com Registration page to bid by phone, proxy or online at JuliensLive.com/signup/ to bid live online, or by calling (310) 836-1818.
ONLINE ONLY AUCTIONS
Registration is required to bid in this online exclusive auction and can be done online before the sale at JuliensLive.com/signup/ to bid live online, or by calling (310) 836-1818.
Placing Bids
LIVE AUCTIONS
There are four ways to bid in Live Auctions:
- Bid with Julien's Auctions online and live in real time at JuliensLive.com.
- Bid over the telephone with an auction house representative.
- Bid in person in the room at our auction events.
- Bid in advance by absentee bid. Absentee bid forms are printed in the back of each catalogue, and are also available by calling Julien's Auctions or online by visiting https://www.julienslive.com/login.
ONLINE ONLY AUCTIONS
- Bid in advance by absentee bid online at JuliensLive.com.
- Bid with Julien's Auctions online and live in real time at JuliensLive.com in lot order on the concluding day of the auction.
Media contact
info@juliensauctions.com
For hi res images at 300 dpi (and above), please email requests to: info@juliensauctions.com.
About
Collaborating with the famous and the exclusive, Julien’s Auctions produces high profile auctions in the film, music, art and sports markets.
Julien’s Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovative auction events, which attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from around the world. Julien’s Auctions specializes in sales of iconic artifacts and notable collections including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy, Cher, Michael Jackson, U2, Barbra Streisand, Les Paul, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Hugh Hefner, Pelé and many more.
In 2016, Julien’s realized $5 million in the historic auction of the Brazilian soccer icon, three-time World Cup Champion and FIFA Player of the Century’s collection of memorabilia, personal property and awards, which featured the sale of Pelé’s 3 World Cup Gold medals, sold for a combined total of US $970,992 (£674,300),
including his 1970 World Cup winner’s medal sold for $427,100 (£346,000), which set world records for the most expensive Pelé item and the most expensive soccer medal ever sold at auction. In 2020, Julien’s shattered multiple records of sports jerseys sold at auction in the sale of a trio of historic #23 basketball
jerseys worn by Michael Jordan (his historic 1984 “Signing Day” official Chicago Bulls rookie #23 which sold for $320,000, a new world record sale for a jersey worn by the 14 Time All-Star and five-time MVP legend), Barack Obama (the forty-fourth U.S. President’s 1979 #23 Punahou School jersey which sold for
$192,000, a new world record selling price for a high school jersey) and Lebron James (the NBA legend’s 2003-2004 official Cleveland Cavaliers rookie year NBA jersey rookie season which sold for $128,000) which combined totaled $640,000 as well as Colin Kaepernick’s official San Francisco 49ers rookie jersey which
sold for $128,000, a new world record for most expensive NFL jersey sold at auction. Other notable Sports memorabilia sold by Julien’s Auctions include Babe Ruth’s 1938 Brooklyn Dodgers coaching uniform which sold for $187,500 and NASCAR legend Richard Petty’s 1974 Dodge Charger Daytona race-winning car
which sold for $500,000.
In 2016, Julien’s Auctions received its second placement in the Guinness Book of World Records for the sale of the world’s most expensive dress ever sold at auction, The Marilyn Monroe “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress which sold for $4.8 million. Julien’s Auctions achieved placement in the Guinness Book of World
Records in 2009 for the sale of Michael Jackson’s white glove, which sold for $480,000 making it the most expensive glove ever sold at auction. In 2020, Julien’s Auctions received its third Guinness Book of World Record placement for the sale of Kurt Cobain’s “MTV Unplugged” 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar,
which sold for $6 million making it the world’s most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. In 2022, Julien’s Auctions sold the world’s second most expensive guitar ever sold at auction with Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, which sold for $4.5 million.
Based in Los Angeles, Julien’s Auctions has a global presence bringing their auctions and exhibitions to targeted destinations worldwide including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan and China. Live auctions are presented for bidders on-site and online via live streaming video and mobile technology. For more information on Julien’s Auctions, go to www.juliensauctions.com.
Connect with Julien’s Auctions at www.facebook.com/JuliensAuctions or www.twitter.com/JuliensAuctions
or www.instagram.com/juliens_auctions.
Download Press Release as PDF file