For die-hard Yankees fans, the 2024 World Series was a rollercoaster of emotions. But one moment stood out amongst all others – Aaron Judge’s dropped fly ball in Game 5. Now, that very ball has fetched a hefty sum at auction, selling for an impressive $43,510.
Hosted by none other than the Los Angeles Dodgers, the auction saw the infamous artifact change hands to a collector willing to pay top dollar for a piece of baseball history. While the memory of Judge’s fumble may still haunt Yankees fans, for the new owner, it’s a unique keepsake and slice of baseball folklore.
The play itself was nothing short of a nightmare for the Yankees, whose dreams of ending their 15-year World Series drought were shattered by Judge’s costly error. Tommy Edman’s fly ball, mishandled by Judge, led to a series of unfortunate events that allowed the Dodgers to score three runs, turning the game around and ultimately clinching the championship title.
Despite the heartbreak associated with the dropped ball, it became the center of attention at the auction, attracting a flurry of bids on the final day. Starting at a modest $17,000, the price quickly escalated as the clock ticked down, underscoring the significance of this piece of memorabilia in the annals of World Series lore.
Whether seen as a memento of the Dodgers’ triumph or a poignant symbol of the Yankees’ misfortune, the ball now holds a tangible connection to one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2024 baseball season. And for the buyer who parted with $43,510, it’s a guarantee that this iconic play will be remembered for years to come.
