In 1948, baseball legend George Herman “Babe” Ruth was gifted a gold pocket watch in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Yankee Stadium. That same watch was put up for auction online mid May.
The 14-karat gold Longines watch is the only significant artifact related to Ruth offered to the public by his family. It was presented to him June 13, 1948 when his uniform was retired. Engraved on the back is: “Babe Ruth – Silver Anniversary – Yankee Stadium 1923-1948 ‘The House that Ruth Built.'” Two months after receiving the watch, Ruth passed away from throat cancer.
Memorabilia from Ruth’s career and personal life was given to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but his wife held on to the watch and a few other items, which she passed along to her grandson.
The pocket watch was sold by SCP Auctions May 19 for $650,108.
Courtesy of NBC News