A baseball that symbolizes one of the most pivotal moments in the 2024 World Series has just been sold at auction for $43,510. The infamous ball, an error by Yankees captain Aaron Judge in Game 5, helped fuel a stunning comeback by the Los Angeles Dodgers. It ultimately lead to their second World Series title in five seasons.
The magical fifth inning
Game 5 seemed like it was heading in the Yankees’ favor. With a 5-0 lead in the fifth inning and ace Gerrit Cole on the mound, Yankees fans were ready to force the series back to LA. But then came the miscue.
Judge mishandled a routine fly ball hit by Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman. It set off a chain of defensive blunders that allowed the Dodgers to rally with five runs in the inning.
The error that changed everything
The error shifted the momentum completely, and the Dodgers capitalized. As a result, Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernández delivered key hits. They erased the deficit and gave Dodgers fans in Yankee Stadium a reason to roar.
LA sealed their championship win with a 7-6 comeback victory, cementing Judge’s dropped ball as a defining moment in Yankees and Dodgers lore.
The Judge ball error that became a collector’s item for Dodgers fans
MLB auctioned off the ball through the Dodgers’ official site, and its $43,510 final price reflects its historic significance. In conclusion, the ball represents not just a turning point in the World Series but also an enduring symbol of their team’s dominance.
Collectors and Dodgers faithful alike value such pieces of memorabilia for the stories they tell. Also, this auction is just another example of how LA’s baseball culture thrives on unforgettable moments.
This ball isn’t just about a Yankees error, it’s about celebrating the team’s resilience and ability to seize the moment. The ball’s legacy reminds every Angeleno why supporting the Dodgers is more than just fandom, it’s part of LA’s identity.