Prometheus 6

With One Swing (of the Gavel), Ruth's Bat Hits $1.26 Million
By Josh Getlin
Times Staff Writer

December 3, 2004

NEW YORK — Minutes after he entered newly built Yankee Stadium in 1923, Babe Ruth shared a dream with reporters gathered around him: "I'd give a year of my life if I can hit a home run in the first game."

The Bambino delivered on opening day, smacking the first home run at the new ballpark. On Thursday, an East Coast collector paid $1.26 million for the bat Ruth used that day. It's one of the most famous pieces of memorabilia in baseball history.