Lou Gehrig’s 1937 Yankees Jersey Up for Sale for $3.05 Million

A Lou Gehrig game-worn New York Yankees jersey from the 1937 season is up for sale for $3,050,000 at Heritage Auctions, with an unusually extensive series of photo matches tying it to the regular season, World Series and even the following year’s spring training. An earlier report indicated the jersey had sold, but it appear the item is now up as a buy it now item on Heritage Auctions.

The pinstriped Spalding jersey dates to one of the final great seasons of Gehrig’s career. In 1937, the Yankees first baseman hit .351 with 37 home runs and 158 RBI as New York went on to win another World Series championship.

What separates the jersey from many other pieces of prewar baseball memorabilia is the amount of photographic evidence behind it. Researchers matched the garment to an August 5, 1937 game against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Gehrig went 2-for-4 with two home runs, five RBI, three runs scored and a walk as the Yankees won 13-8. Photos taken during ceremonies honoring manager Joe McCarthy that day also show Gehrig wearing the jersey.

Additional matches place it on Gehrig during the Police Athletic League’s “Parade of Stars” at Yankee Stadium on September 7, 1937 as well as in photographs taken during the closing days of the regular season.

Its championship connection came next. Heritage Auctions says the jersey appears in the Yankees’ official 1937 team photograph taken October 4, 1937 and was conclusively matched to Game 2 of the 1937 World Series. Period images show Gehrig wearing it while playing in the field, running the bases and interacting with fans near the Yankees dugout.

One of the most recognizable images connected to the jersey came away from game action. It was also matched to the famous portrait of Gehrig that would later serve as the basis for his Monument Park plaque at Yankee Stadium. The photographic trail continues into March 1938 at Yankees spring training in St. Petersburg, Florida. One matched photograph shows Gehrig shaking hands with McCarthy after his contract negotiations were resolved, while others show him taking part in drills and working at first base.

The jersey itself retains its original Spalding manufacturer’s label, chain-stitched “L. Gehrig” identification in the collar, “37” year designation and original felt No. 4 on the back.

After its Yankees use, the jersey was reassigned to one of the organization’s minor-league affiliates. The original interlocking “NY” chest emblem was removed at that time and replaced with an affiliate insignia, but Gehrig’s No. 4 was left intact. The Yankees chest logo was later restored using an emblem said to have come from another 1937 Yankees jersey.

Heritage said researchers were able to distinguish this jersey from other Gehrig home uniforms through details including its pinstripe alignment, button placement, construction and unusual unhemmed sleeves. The lot is accompanied by photo-matching documentation from MeiGray and SIA Photo Match, along with additional documentation and a Heritage Auctioins letter of authenticity.