What are Some of the Most Fascinating Baseballs Ever Sold at Auction?

April 1, 2014

Baseballs are a dime a dozen, until they come roaring off the right bat, during the right game. Some of the most expensive items to every go to auction were baseballs. Here are a few very interesting baseballs fetching a high price at auction.

Steve Bartman Baseball – $113,824.16

If you’re not familiar with the name, Steve Bartman, you may be more familiar with the incident. He was the fan that reached over and kept Moises Alou from catching an eighth inning foul ball during the Chicago cubs and Florida Marlins NLCS in 2003. This incident caused the Cubs to lose the series and the ball was auctioned off a year later for over $100K.

Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio Signed Baseball – $191,200

An interesting baseball fetching high dollars, this one has two names, but only one played baseball. Even with Marilyn Monroe’s signature, this ball has captured high prices every single time it was sold. In 2006, it went for nearly $200K.

Bill Buckner Baseball – $418,250

The ball form the 1986 World Series was sold for a high price and not because Bill Buckner was the best player ever. The ball and the name are better known for the incident in game six of the series when Buckner tried to field a ground ball and it went between his legs. This allows the Red Sox to force a game seven and Buckner was playing on an injured ankle.

Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run Ball – $3,000,000

Even with Barry Bonds breaking all the home run records, the ball fetching the largest amount at auction was the Mark McGwire 70th Hume Run Ball. This ball fetched more than any other ball by nearly 3 times the amount. It went for $3,000,000 and Philip Ozersky, the fan catching the ball, became a millionaire that day.

These are just a few of the interesting baseballs sold at auction for a high price. Many others have fetched quite a bit of cash over the years, as well.

Related: Which 2014 Sweet Sixteen NCAA Schools are the Most Expensive?