The Mystery of the Babe Ruth Jersey: A Photomatching Controversy
In March 2019, John Robinson, the owner of Resolution Photomatching, received a request from a private sports memorabilia collector in New Jersey. The collector wanted Robinson’s company to authenticate a road Yankees jersey believed to be worn by Babe Ruth during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series when he famously made his “called shot” against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
After conducting a meticulous research process, Resolution Photomatching concluded that the jersey did not match their standards. This verdict contradicted claims made by other photomatching companies like MeiGray, stirring controversy in the memorabilia world.
The jersey in question is set to become one of the most expensive pieces of game-worn sports memorabilia, with expectations of fetching close to $20 million at a Heritage Auction. The debate surrounding its authenticity has brought the practice of photomatching into the spotlight.
With Resolution’s ruling causing a stir, questions have arisen about the level of uncertainty that can be tolerated in the high-stakes world of memorabilia auctions. But Robinson stands by his company’s decision as a testament to upholding industry standards.
The story of the elusive Babe Ruth jersey dates back to 1990 when a similar jersey was discovered in Florida, eventually making its way to prominent collectors and attracting high bids at auctions over the years.
The Legend of the “Called Shot”
Babe Ruth’s iconic “called shot” home run during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series against the Cubs is the stuff of baseball legend. The controversial moment, where Ruth seemingly predicted his home run before hitting it, has been debated and embellished over the years, adding to Ruth’s larger-than-life persona.
The discovery of the road Yankees jersey, believed to be worn by Ruth during that historic game, has reignited interest in this tale and sparked a battle of authenticity between photomatching companies.
The Role of Photomatching in Memorabilia Authentication
Resolution Photomatching, known for its stringent authentication process, has faced scrutiny over its ruling on the Ruth jersey. The company’s method involves a comprehensive three-round analysis by an expert team, using more than 35 image databases to compare unique characteristics and validate authenticity.
Despite pressure from industry heavyweights, Resolution has remained firm in its decision, underscoring the importance of maintaining transparency and upholding standards in the memorabilia market.
The controversy surrounding the Babe Ruth jersey has fueled discussions about the subjective nature of photomatching and its role in certifying valuable items. As bidding for the jersey continues to climb, the outcome of this debate may shape the future of the memorabilia industry.
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(Image Source: Bettmann via Getty Images)
