Aaron Judge’s costly error in the 2024 World Series Game 5 has gone down in baseball history, not for its glory but for its infamy. As Judge fumbled Tommy Edman’s fly ball, it unleashed a series of events that ultimately led to the New York Yankees’ defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, for one avid collector, this moment of heartbreak transformed into a prized possession.
At an auction hosted by the Dodgers, the mishandled ball fetched a noteworthy sum of $43,510. Despite the anguish it symbolizes for Yankees supporters, this artifact has now become a cherished relic for a dedicated baseball enthusiast seeking to own a slice of sports lore.
The Yankees had their sights set on ending a lengthy 15-year World Series dry spell, but Judge’s misstep turned their dreams into disappointment. The blunder paved the way for the Dodgers to seize the advantage, capitalizing on the mistakes to score three crucial runs and secure the victory in Game 5, eventually clinching the World Series title.
While most Yankees fans may want to erase this painful memory, there was an individual willing to pay a substantial amount to immortalize this significant moment. The auction witnessed a surge of interest on its final day, with bids starting at $17,000 but escalating dramatically in the closing hours, underscoring the exceptional place this item holds in World Series history.
Whether viewed as a tribute to the Dodgers’ triumph or a solemn reminder of the Yankees’ misfortune, this ball now stands as a tangible symbol of one of the most intense plays of the 2024 baseball season. Locking in the memory for $43,510, the purchaser has ensured that this unforgettable moment will be preserved for the foreseeable future.