Sports memorabilia

Game-used items such as a ball Mark McGwire hit for his 70th home run of the 1998 season, sold for $3 million.

[3] The most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold was a New York Yankees baseball jersey worn by Babe Ruth during his 'called shot' game in the 1932 World Series.

[8] In the sports memorabilia industry, there are two main focuses of collectors: autographed cards and tickets, and used clothing and equipment.

Signed cards and tickets are preferred in pristine condition, while used uniforms are considered to be more desirable when they are unwashed, as stains from dirt, grass, blood, and sweat add value.

The tradition began at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, where cardboard pins were worn by coaches, athletes, and reporters for identification.