3 Of The Most Expensive Baseball Bats Ever Sold

For the uninitiated, baseball bats may seem like simple pieces of sports equipment. But for true fans of America’s Pastime, they're much more than that. They're symbols of the game's rich history, tokens of unforgettable moments, and in some cases, highly prized collectibles. 

In this article, the Bat Experts at JustBats outline three of the most expensive wood bats ever sold. Which one would you most want to add to your collection? 

Most Expensive Baseball Bats

Ty Cobb’s Bat - Sold for $1.1 Million

Ty Cobb, often referred to as "The Georgia Peach," was one of baseball's most formidable and controversial figures. Ty Cobb rose to prominence as an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers in the early 1900s. Cobb set numerous records during his illustrious career, many of which still stand today. Most notably, his eye-popping .366 lifetime batting average remains the highest in Major League Baseball history (eight points ahead of Rogers Hornsby’s .358 career average.)

Photo Courtesy of Grey Flannel Auctions

Unsurprisingly, the bat he used between 1919-1922 remains one of the most coveted items among all sports memorabilia. Measuring 34.5 inches and 40 ounces (+5.5 bat) Cobb’s bat was one of the biggest baseball bats ever used. And while the buyer and seller remain anonymous, we do know that Cobb’s baseball bat sold in 2021 for $1.1 million.

Lou Gehrig’s Bat - Sold for $1.14 Million

Lou Gehrig, known as the "Iron Horse" of baseball, left an indelible mark on the sport during his remarkable career in the 1920s and 1930s. Gehrig became renowned for his exceptional hitting ability, incredible durability, and humble demeanor. He spent his entire 17-season career with the New York Yankees, forming a legendary partnership with Babe Ruth and helping lead the team to numerous World Series victories. Gehrig's consecutive games played streak of 2,130 stood as a record for decades and earned him the enduring nickname "Iron Horse." 

Photo Courtesy of The Athletic

Gehrig’s larger-than-life performance on and off the field created a legacy that will stand the test of time. There is one Gehrig item in particular that sports collectors have locked their eyes onto; Bat Zero. Swung back in 1922 (before Gehrig joined the Yankees in 1923) Bat Zero weighs 40 ounces and was sold in 2020 at the Heritage Auction for $1.14 million.

Babe Ruth’s Bat - Sold for $1.265 Million

Babe Ruth, often hailed as the "Sultan of Swat" or the " Great Bambino," revolutionized the game of baseball with his jaw-dropping power hitting and larger-than-life personality. His unprecedented ability to launch towering home runs captivated audiences and transformed baseball into America's pastime during the Roaring Twenties. Ruth's most notable records were his single-season home run mark of 60 (1927) and his career home run mark of 714 (3rd most all-time.)

Ruth is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever play baseball. He popularized the sport and powered his way into national and international stardom. Inevitably, Babe Ruth’s baseball bats are among the most expensive pieces of sports memorbilia in history. Particularly, his “Boy Home Run King” ash wood baseball bat is the most sought after baseball bat in the world. Measuring at a ridiculous 36 inches and 46 ounces, Ruth’s bat sold in 2004 for $1.265 million; making it the most expensive baseball bat ever.

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These three bats represent more than just astronomical price tags. They're a testament to the enduring allure of baseball, the long-lasting legacies of its past greats, and the value we place on tangible pieces of its storied history. 

While not everyone can own a million-dollar bat, any fan can appreciate the stories these items tell. After all, the true value of these bats isn't measured in dollars and cents, but in the memories they hold and the legends they represent.

@justbats The most expensive bat EVER?! #baseball #baseballlife #baseballtiktoks #justbats #baseballbats #babe #baseballhistory #history #funfacts #fyp #didyouknow ♬ original sound - JustBats

Questions & Answers

What makes a baseball bat valuable?

Several factors contribute to a bat's value, including its historical significance, the player who used it, and its condition. However, it would appear that the greatness of the player who used it ultimately has the highest correlation to its price tag.

Are all game-used bats valuable?

While all game-used bats have some intrinsic value, not all are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The value greatly depends on the factors mentioned above, specifically the player who swung it and the condition it is still in.

How can I start collecting baseball bats?

We recommend that you start by researching and understanding baseball history. Knowing the players who had an impact on the story of the game will help you ballpark the items which might gain value in the future. You should also attend sports auctions, follow reputable dealers, and always authenticate your purchases.

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We hope you enjoyed this article on the most expensive baseball bats in history. If you are looking to get a new baseball bat (for a much lower price than the aforementioned bats) be sure to swing on over to JustBats. We offer a wide selection of youth bats, wood bats, BBCOR bats and more. Plus, every purchase comes standard with free shipping and free returns. We're JustBats and we'll be here for you from Click To Hit!