The Five Most Expensive St. Louis Cardinals Jerseys Ever Sold
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of Major League Baseball’s most historic franchises, as they were founded as the St. Louis Browns in 1881, and in 1900 they became the St. Louis Cardinals. Â Fun Fact: it wasn’t until 1921 that team management didn’t think of the name “Cardinals” as birds, as then they made their team logo with two Cardinals on a bat, and that logo has pretty much been the same ever since. As of 2021, the St. Louis Cardinals have won the National League East division 3 different times, they have won the National League Central division a total of 11 times, they have won the National League Pennant a total of 23 different times, and the Cardinals have 11 World Series Championships to add to their name, which is the second most World Series titles won by a franchise, as they’re behind the New York Yankees who have the most World Series Championships with 27 won. The history of the franchise is littered with legendary players such as Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Albert Pujols, Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, and countless others. Because of their impact on the game can be measured in numerous ways such as revenue, endorsements, and memorabilia. Recently we’ve discovered that some Cardinals jerseys have been sold for extremely high amounts. Today we will take a look at the five most expensive Cardinals jerseys ever sold:
5. Lou Brock Signed Jersey – $100
Lou Brock was a key component in helping the St. Louis Cardinals winning the 1964 World Series over the New York Yankees and helping them win the 1967 World Series over the Boston Red Sox. The Cardinals basically stole Lou Brock from the Chicago Cubs in one of the most lopsided trades in Major League Baseball history. Brock is the Cardinals franchise leader in total stolen bases with 888, and is second in franchise history in total base hits just behind Stan Musial in that department. Brock is most famously known for breaking Ty Cobb’s stolen base record in a singular season in 1977. Brock also was a National League All-Star a total of 6 times, and led the Major Leagues in stolen bases in 8 different seasons. Brock also led the Major Leagues in doubles and triples in 1968. His jersey was sold for $100 as part of the Pristine Auctions.
4. 1995 Ozzie Smith Game Worn and Signed Jersey – $3,120
Ozzie Smith, also known as the “The Wizard of Oz”, was the greatest shortstop to ever put on a Cardinals uniform. With his trademark backflips, his ability to be a force at the plate, and his ability to make flashy plays with the glove on the defensive side of the ball, Smith quickly became one of the most popular Cardinals players in franchise history. In 1995, he didn’t have the greatest numbers since he was 40 years old, but he did represent the Cardinals in the National League All-Star game, as many thought that would be his last season, but his last season ended up being the 1996 season. Smith won the National Leagues Rookie of the Year Award, and was an All-Star 14 different times while wearing a Cardinals uniform. Smith also won 11 Gold Glove Awards as a Cardinal, and is third on the Cardinals all-time stolen bases list with a total of 433 swipes. His jersey was sold for $3,120 aa part of the Heritage Auctions on October 17th, 2019 as part of the Fall Sports Memorabilia Sports Collectibles Catalog Auction.
3. 2001 Albert Pujols Game Worn Rookie Jersey – $ 4,780
Albert Pujols Major League Baseball career began with a bang, as he used his successful Spring Training to help him have an unforgettable rookie campaign. In 2001, Pujols won the National League’s Rookie of the Year Award, he was named to the National League’s All-Star team to represent the Cardinals, he had an immaculate .329 batting average, he hit a towering 37 home runs, he drove in 130 runs, he hit 47 doubles, and only missed one game his rookie season. Pujols would later go on to be the leader of two Cardinals World Series Championship teams, in 2006 when they defeated the Detroit Tigers, and the 2011 World Series where they defeated the Texas Rangers. Pujols also won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award 3 different times as a Redbird, and hit 445 home runs in 11 seasons with the Cardinals. Pujols announced recently that he is returning to St. Louis to play his final season in 2022 as a Cardinal. His jersey was sold for $4,780 as a part of the Heritage Auctions, as his jersey was sold on November 7th, 2014 as part of the Sports Catalog Auction that took place in Dallas.Â
2. 1964 Game Worn and Signed Bob Gibson Jersey – $ 66,000
Bob Gibson is arguably the greatest pitcher to have ever put on a Cardinals jersey, as he was one of the main reasons the Cardinals won the 1964 and 1967 World Series Championships, as he won there World Series Most Valuable Player Award in both of those series. During Gibson’s time as a Cardinal, he won 251 games and had an ERA of 2.91 for his career. Gibson won the National League’s CY Young Award 2 different times, he won the 1968 National League’s Most Valuable Player Award, he won the Gold Glove Award 9 different times, and he even there a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971. His jersey that he wore during the 1964 season was sold as part of the Robert Edward Auctions for $66,000. Gibson also signed the front of the jersey that was sold writing, ” To the Hatels, Best Wishes, Bob Gibson”.
1. 1943 Stan Musial Game Worn World Series Jersey – $100,000
Stan Musial, also known as “Stan The Man”, is arguably the greatest player to ever play for the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1943, Musial won his first National League Most Valuable Player Award, as he led the league in doubles, triples, batting average, hits, total bases, and represented the Cardinals on the National League All-Star team. Musial played his entire career with the Redbirds, as he won 3 World Series  Championships, 3 National League Most Valuable Player Awards, and represented the Cardinals in the All-Star game as a part of the National League team 24 different times. Musial is the Cardinals franchise leader in home runs, runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, RBI’S, and Walks. Fun Fact: on the left sleeve of the jersey that was sold, you can find the “Stars and Stripes” patch that all Major League Baseball team’s wore during that season in support of the country’s war efforts, and Musial missed the entire 1945 season due to military service. His jersey was sold for $100,000 at auction.
