In March 2019, John Robinson, the owner of Resolution Photomatching, was contacted by a private sports memorabilia collector in New Jersey. The collector wanted Robinson’s company, a leader in using photographs to authenticate memorabilia, to verify a valuable piece in his collection.
The item in question was a road Yankees jersey reportedly worn by Babe Ruth during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series when he made his famous “called shot” against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
After conducting a thorough research process, Resolution Photomatching concluded that the jersey did not match their standards.
This decision created controversy in the collector’s community, especially as the jersey was expected to be sold for close to $20 million at an upcoming Heritage Auction, potentially making it the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia ever sold.
Robinson defended his company’s decision, stating that they were upholding the standards of photomatching. While Resolution did not find a match, other photomatching companies, including MeiGray, declared the jersey to be authentic.
The debate over the jersey’s authenticity highlights the uncertainties that can arise in the high-stakes world of memorabilia auctions, where private companies like Resolution Photomatching play a crucial role in determining an item’s value.
The jersey’s history dates back to the 1932 World Series, where Ruth hit two home runs in Game 3. The details of his famous “called shot” remain a subject of debate, with conflicting reports on what exactly transpired during that iconic moment.
Despite differing opinions on the jersey’s authenticity, private collectors like Andy Imperato have invested heavily in verifying the legitimacy of such prized items, with some relying on various authentication methods beyond photomatching.
The controversy surrounding the Ruth jersey showcases the importance of rigorous authentication processes in the memorabilia industry and raises questions about acceptable levels of uncertainty in determining the authenticity of valuable items.